Updated on August 19, 2011
Wovon Sollen Wir Träumen – Frida Gold
Wovon Sollen Wir Träumen – Frida Gold
Today, we travel to Germany for “Finnish Friday” and explore the music of Frida Gold. I’m not fluent in German, but I did muddle my way through three years of it in High School. Surprisingly, I do have a somewhat of a decent vocabulary. But when you never use it, it becomes challenging to understand conversation. Clicking on a German video every so often helps me practice and see how much I remember.
Frida Gold is the name of a quartet featuring the vocal talents of Alina Süggeler. This is my favorite song/video, but they have a second I enjoy as well called Zeig Mir Wie Du Tanzt (Show Me How You Dance).
Wovon Sollen Wir Träumen (What Are We To Dream) is visually stunning. The first time I watched this video I was hooked. Even if you speak absolutely no German, you will probably find your toe tapping to the tune.
The song is about the challenges of searching for true love. She sings about going to clubs and meeting new lovers, but not being satisfied. I may be embellishing too much, but I think you understand the point. I think what most people are really searching for is God, who IS love. Its much easier to love yourself and others, when you have experienced God’s love.
I’m not suggesting this is a Christian song or band. I was simply making a point based on my interpretation of the lyrics. But when you read this portion of the lyrics, think about what is the ultimate goal in life and where is our true home.
We can’t breathe anymore and we forget to eat.
We drink too much, it remains a game without goal.
When will this end? When will we get out of here?
What shall we dream of? Where is our home?
Where is our home?
Anyway, enough analysis of the lyrics. I hope you enjoy the song!
Updated on August 19, 2011
Baden-Baden – Chisu
Chisu – Baden-Baden
I once worked for a Finnish company which provided me the opportunity to travel there on four different occasions. The country is beautiful and I got to see it in each season. Finnish history and culture were both very interesting, and the language is quite unique as well. I also enjoyed the music. So on slow days, I search out what is popular in Finland and sometimes share it with friends. I call it Finnish Fridays.
My search has now expanded throughout Europe. I have always wanted to be a polyglot and really do enjoy when I come across a talented artist or good song and/or video that may not be known in the US.
For today, I have chosen Baden-Baden by Chisu. The name refers to a city in Germany. The song of course is in Finnish. There are only about 6 million Finnish speakers in the world, which is less than the entire Dallas-Ft Worth metro area where I live!
The gist of the song starts out talking about the depressing economy. But then she gets the idea to bottle her tears and send them to the Sahara. Then the President (portrayed as the older women in the video) hears the idea and also thinks its a good way to stimulate the economy, but it would be better to sell the bottled tears to Europe.
So the nation cries and gets back on its feet -you get the idea.
Its a great little tune. And I really enjoy the video which just seems perfect for this song. I hope you enjoy it!
Updated on August 19, 2011
Writing For Women
As Per The Experts
Today, I received some training on how to effectively communicate with women. Naturally, this got me thinking. My readers are mostly women, so that must be why there are so few comments on my blogs – I’m not writing for my audience and you ladies just don’t understand me.
With that in mind, I will apply the following suggestions I learned today to all future blogs:
1. I will no longer focus on women’s likes and dislikes. Instead I will speak to your desires, needs and long term goals.
2. Conversation without demonstration is not effective in dealing with women. So from now on, I will endeavor to add pictures, videos, drawings or just very descriptive word-pictures.
3. Women care about things that are “crafted” and “designed” for them. Therefore, from now on, you can be sure that each blog I write will be perfectly handcrafted just for you.
4. According to studies, women seem to be more sensitive to “hedging” words like “probably, maybe and possibly.” Those qualifiers are now forever erased from my blog vocabulary. You can be certain that everything that I write is the absolute truth.
5. Women love a story. From now on, whether the topic is the news of the day, politics or just worthless drivel, every blog will contain an engaging anecdotal story. I will create a visual experience the ladies can relate to.
6. Women want to touch, feel and experience…. Actually I think men do too.
I will also be adding the following words to my blogs. The experts claim that women dig these words:
Luxurious, Unparalleled, Prolific, Superior, Extravagant, Superb, Magnificent, Elegant, Utmost, Marvelous, Spectacular, Impressive
It always makes me laugh to read what the “experts” have to say on a subject. It amazes me that people are paid to write and teach this kind of stuff.
Originally published July 11, 2008.
Posted on June 9, 2011
Battle of Thermopylae
Battle of Thermopylae
I was fortunate to be one of the first to see the movie “300” opening day in Dallas. This was one of the few films scheduled for release in 2007 that I was eager to view. Needless to say, I was very impressed. It is based on a version created by Frank Miller of “Sin City” fame and while the film is quite embellished, it does follow closely the orginal story of the Battle of Thermopylae.
For those that don’t have any interest in history or just didn’t pay attention in school, here is a brief background on this important event.
In the 5th century BC, Persia was the dominant world power. They had conquered most of what we now know as the Middle East and controlled vast amounts of territory and people including many Greek colonists living in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). The Greeks were not the dominant power they would later become under Alexander, but were made up of many feuding, often warring city states with Athens and Sparta always at odds over dominance in the region. Their presence in the eastern Meditteranean would naturally bring them into contact and conflict with the Persian Empire.
During an Ionian (Greek colonists) revolt, the Athenians came to their aid and put Greece (and specifically Athens) right in the cross-hairs of the Persian King Darius. The Persian army attacked and was beaten at the Battle of Marathon. The race of the same name was named after a herald that had run the 20+ miles from the battle to Athens to announce the victory. Although Darius died before returning to Greece, his son Xerxes swore revenge against the Greeks.
Xerxes built an army and navy that has been estimated as large as 2 million men and over 1,000 ships. This force included many Greek allies who decided Persia was a safer bet than the feuding Greek city states. As the Persian army marched down towards Athens, the call went out to the remaining free Greek cities to join the fight against Persia. King Leonidas of Sparta answered the call, but was prevented from taking the entire Spartan army because of a religious festival. Instead, Leonidas assembled 300 Spartans, his personal guard and only those that had adult sons, to accompany him to the pass of Thermopylae – a strong, defensible choke point.
Sparta was the most militarily advanced of Greek city states and their presence, however small, would rally other cities. Every citizen was trained from youth to be a complete soldier. Surrender was never an option.
In all, approximately 7,000 Greeks arrived at Thermopylae to face the Persian horde. The narrow pass prevented the Persians from employing their cavalry, which was their only real tactical advantage other than numbers. The other large contingents included 1,000 Phocians who were tasked with guarding the one known flanking path around the mountains and 700 Thespians that would play a crucial final role in the battle later.
After the usual diplomatic pleas for surrender were rejected, a Persian proclaimed that they would, “…blot out the sun with their arrows.” Dienekes, a Spartan dryly replied, “Then we will fight in the shade.”
The first couple of days were a complete slaughter. The Spartans and their allies fighting in their typical phalanx formation were too strong for the various Persian attempts to breakthrough. Xerxes even orderd his famous Immortals into the fray only to have them fall back.
A Greek traitor named Ephialtes informed him of a path around Thermopylae and offered to guide the Persian army through the pass for a reward. Xerxes sent the Immortals who surprised the Phocians who had not really expected the Persian army to appear.
Leonidas heard of the flanking move and the retreat of the Phocians. He ordered the bulk of the Greek army to retreat before they were encircled. His 300 Spartans and 700 Thespians agreed to hold the pass until the very end. This time they marched forward to attack and kill as many Persians as possible. When the Persians approached from the rear, they climbed a small hill where they made their last stand. A sky full of arrows finally decimated the remaining soldiers. Archaeologists have confirmed the massive arrow attack from digs at the site.
The delaying action and attrition of the Persians drained the morale and will of Xerxes. A naval defeat at Salamis and a decisive win by the Greeks at Plataea led by the entire Spartan army, would end any further Persian incursions. Alexander the Great would later lead a united Greek expedition that would completely conquer all of the Persian empire.
Historians have noted the importance of this battle for centuries. Greek culture would become the foundation of Western Civilization. If Greece had fallen to Persia, the world as we know it would be radically different.
But more importantly, it showed that a small determined force can play a vital role in delaying an overwhelming attack and play a major role in defeating a determined enemy. The actions at Thermopylae have been compared to futile last stands such as The Alamo or successful ones like Rorke’s Drift.
It has always amazed me how the actions of only a few can change history. God Bless all those people throughout history that have fought and/or died defending freedom against tyranny.
Originally published March 12, 2007
Updated on February 26, 2023
Remember Goliad!
Goliad Massacre – Texas Revolution
For those who hate history, or specifically hate Texas history, read no further. For those who like myself see the benefit of remembering key moments in history, read on…
On Palm Sunday, March 27, 1836, under direct orders from General Santa Anna, nearly 400 Texas prisoners were executed by the Mexican Army.
What was the significance of this atrocity? It was one more egregious act on the part of Santa Anna that included the massacre of the Alamo’s defenders, as well as several smaller incidents throughout the Texas War of Independence. Here is a brief summary of the events surrounding the execution.
Colonel James Fannin, commanding about 300 men at Goliad had been summoned to the Alamo’s defense. He at first attempted to make the journey, but soon gave up trying to move men and cannon to San Antonio. A series of engagements led to his small army’s surrender and they were imprisoned at Goliad. They had surrendered under the assumption they were to be treated as prisoners of war, possibly ransomed back to families in the United States.
Conflicting orders kept the commanding officer, Col. José Nicolás de la Portilla from taking initial action. But direct orders from Santa Anna arrived on March 26, telling Portilla to immediately execute all prisoners. This contradicted previous orders of fair treatment made by junior officers.
At 8 am, all able-bodied prisoners were marched out in three columns in different directions. The men all assumed they would be eventually released. They were told they were going to be put to work gathering wood or some other tasks. A few miles outside of town, the Mexicans aimed their weapons and fired at point blank range killing many men instantly. The survivors were stabbed with bayonets. The bodies were gathered in heaps and burned.
Once they realized their fate, many men took off in various directions but were lanced by Calvary or otherwise hunted down. Approximately 28 men escaped to describe the events at Goliad. Another 20 were assisted by the, “Angel of Goliad”, a beautiful lady by the name of Francita Alavez, who was a Mexican who interceded on behalf of some physicians and orderlies held captive.
On April 21, under the rallying cry of, “Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!”, a small Texas force under General Sam Houston routed the Mexican Army. They later captured Santa Anna dressed as a common soldier. Many Texans wanted to hang Santa Anna for his crimes, but Houston decided to treat him with the dignity that he failed to show fellow Texans.
The Battle of San Jacinto secured independence for Texas and ended the conflict. Texas would remain an independent country for several years before joining the United States.
The bodies of those executed at Goliad were gathered and buried with military honors on June 3, 1836. Many of the survivors attended the ceremonies.
The common grave remained unmarked until about 1858, when a Goliad merchant, George von Dohlen, placed a pile of rocks on what was believed to be the site. In April 1885 a memorial was finally erected, in the city of Goliad rather than on the site, by the Fannin Monument Association, formed by William L. Hunter, a massacre survivor. A massive pink granite monument was dedicated on June 4, 1938 and still stands today.
We owe are freedom to people like these. Men and women who are willing to stand against tyrants and possibly pay the ultimate price should never be forgotten.
Originally published March 27, 2007.
Posted on June 8, 2011
How Sarah Has Changed This Campaign
Over 70 million people tuned in to watch the VP Debate Thursday night. This was the most watched VP debate in history. And of all debates, this was 2nd only to the Reagan/Carter debate in 1980 (80 million).
According to Nielsen Media Research, the event drew 69,989,000 viewers, which the measurement company rounded to an official tally of 69.9. In addition, PBS estimates about 3.5 million watched its coverage.
Final: Palin-Biden the most-watched VP debate ever
Now one could suppose that the huge audience was drawn to the ever exciting career politician Joe Biden’s “extraordinary grasp” of complex issues. Or, we could forget what the mainstream media/Obama supporters say and acknowledge that people like Sarah. Not because she is hot…she is. But because she is not the Washington insider, Ivy league snob or political hack lying her way through another interview/debate trying to be something she is not.
Sarah Palin is a real person who wanted to make a difference. Starting out in the local PTA and then on her city council. From there, she became the Mayor of her town and then to a position on an oil & gas regulatory board. Tired of the corruption in her state, she ran for Governor and won! She cut taxes and actually rebated money back to Alaska taxpayers when the state had a surplus – when has that happened in Washington? Its no wonder that she is incredibly popular in her own state.
She is a Christian, believe it or not this is predominantly a Christian nation so sorry media, this is a positve for most folks. When government is full of corruption, it would be nice to have an honest person in charge to clean things up. She is a mother who has run a business and worked in the real world. In other words, she can identify with the average American in ways that pampered, elitist snobs never will. No matter how many photo ops at bowling alleys and folksy tales about restaurants that they routinely visit, but happened to have been closed for the last 25 years, Biden can’t relate to the majority of Americans.
And best of all, she loves America. She recognizes the greatness of this country. She is not angry and resentful. She sees America for all the good it can and will do in the world. Like most Americans, she is offended by folks, especially pastors, damning this great country. She bristles, like most Americans, when people say that after 40 years of enjoying all of America’s freedoms and prosperity, they are now proud of the US for the first time simply because their husband is a Presidential nominee. In a nutshell, Sarah, like most Americans, is a true patriot.
The reason her crowds keep growing and funds are flowing to the GOP is that people see the sincerity and the values that are missing from most candidates in her. She is not a manufactured “Manchurian candidate” controlled by a political machine and leftist ideologues. Her positions don’t change with the polls and she doesn’t say one thing in posh California homes and another in a coal mining town in West Virginia. She doesn’t lie because she doesn’t have to. She believes what she says and does what she believes. President Bush was the same way and the left hates him for it the same as Sarah.
Now if only John McCain would let Sarah go out even more and talk directly to the people this election would be over. Although it probably already is if the polls were done honestly and there wasn’t the rampant voter fraud among community organizers supporting their “agitator-in-chief.”
Hey John! Free Sarah!!
Originally published October 2008
Updated on August 6, 2013
Happy Easter
About 2,000 years ago in a lonely, dusty outpost of the Roman Empire, three men were put to death by crucifixion. Two of the men were criminals and earned their punishment. The third, named Jesus, was completely innocent of all charges against him. The Roman Prefect of Judaea, Pontius Pilate, wanted no part of the affair, telling the priests to judge him according to their laws. When they demanded that his crimes were worthy of the death penalty, Pilate confessed, “I find no fault in him.” (John 19:4) He further publicly washed his hands of the matter. Pilate was no saint. When the Jewish leaders suggested that he was no friend of Caesar if he released Jesus, the execution was allowed.
The Roman authorities, always concerned with the threat of insurrection, had given in to the religious authorities and had tortured this man by flogging, humiliation, and forced him to carry his cross until he could go no further. The flogging itself was so traumatic that it would sometimes lead to death.
About 9am, 5″ spikes were driven through his wrists, and another one through his feet, which were stacked on top of each other on the cross. Jesus was lifted up on the cross, and the charge of “King of the Jews” was placed above his head written in the three most common languages of the day. This was Pilate’s not so subtle slap against the Jewish leadership that had demanded the death of Jesus.
Crucifixion is one of the most painful ways to die. It was created specifically to allow for the maximum prolonged suffering, and as a visible warning to anyone willing to challenge the authority of the empire.
The normal cause of death was asphyxiation, brought on by the inability to breathe properly. If the Romans wanted to speed up the process, they would break the kneecaps of the victims preventing them from lifting their bodies and filling their lungs. Death would come quickly after this.
At noon, darkness covered Jerusalem for about 3 hours as Jesus uttered his last words and released his spirit. The religious authorities demanded that the legs be broken to speed the process along, so that the bodies would not remain on the cross for the coming Holy Day. The soldiers dispatched the two criminals. When they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they pierced his side with a spear.
As painful as the flogging and crucifixion were, the most horrible pain came later, a 3-day separation from God. Jesus lived in constant fellowship with his Father throughout his short life on Earth. When he willingly took on the entire curse of disobedience, his spirit endured the full punishment for all sin.
Jesus didn’t have to die if he didn’t want to because there was no disobedience (sin) in him. The devil had tried numerous times to take his life, but he would just go on about his way. Jesus willingly gave his life for you. As an analogy, imagine if you had a friend that had to serve time in jail, but instead you took their place and paid the price for them. That is what Jesus did for us all.
After his death, a wealthy man and secret follower of Jesus named Joseph of Arimethea demanded the body of Jesus from the Roman authorities, and with the help of another follower, wrapped the body and hurriedly placed it in Joseph’s tomb before sundown.
Jesus had told his followers several times that he would die, but on the third day return. The religious authorities were intent on preventing someone from stealing the body and then claiming that Jesus rose from the dead. Of course they still did not believe Jesus was who he said he was. To prevent this possibility, they placed armed guards at the tomb and sealed it shut.
Early on Sunday morning, an angel rolled away the stone. This was not done to release Jesus, instead it allowed people to see for themselves that Jesus had risen. The guards were frozen with fear at the sight of the angelic being sitting on the tomb. At this point, some of the female followers of Jesus approached the tomb. They had brought spices to properly prepare the body. They were the first to confirm that he was alive.
For several days, he appeared to numerous followers and explained the events and the meaning behind his death and resurrection before finally returning to his Father. From these events, Christianity was born and continues to grow.
For 4,000 years, there had been hundreds of prophecies about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus that were perfectly fulfilled during his life. Throughout the Old Testament there are shadows and types of Jesus and his mission.
As an example, God made a covenant with Abraham, and as part of this agreement, requested that Abraham offer his son Isaac. This would prove that Abraham would fulfill his side of their covenant, so God could fulfill His side. In one of the most profound statements of faith, Abraham told his son, “God would provide a sacrifice.” Because of Abraham’s obedience, that is exactly what God did with Abraham, and later with Jesus. He provided a perfect and final sacrifice.
Other types can be seen in Moses putting the brass serpent on a pole, representing judgement of sin and death. Also, in the Temple sacrifices, two animals were brought and one was selected to die, and one became the “scapegoat” and was released into the wilderness after the sins of the people were confessed on it, foreshadowing the two deaths Jesus suffered – physical on the cross, and spiritual separation from his Father. Remember, spirits are eternal, they do not die. Instead they endure a separation from Life Himself, God.
Both Isaiah and David described in graphic detail the death of Jesus hundreds of years before crucifixion was even invented! Prophets described his virgin birth, birthplace, his last words on the cross, and many other facets of his ministry. The probability that any of these would be fulfilled in the life of one man is doubtful. The fact that all were fulfilled in the life of Jesus offers much assurance that he was who he claimed to be.
Easter is what sets Christianity apart from every man-made religion. In all other religions, you are rewarded for what you do, and in some cases, your Salvation can never be a certainty. I define religion as all the ways man attempts to impress some deity, even if they think they are a god. If religion seeks life from any other spiritual source than the God of the Bible, THE Creator and giver of LIFE, they have the wrong spiritual father. You have a choice between LIFE and death, choose wisely. There are no unbelievers after death.
With Christ, he has done everything for you. All you have to do is receive the free gift of Salvation by faith. Or in even more simple terms, God has declared you forgiven, and desires a relationship with you. But He can’t fellowship with someone who is not righteous (made right or in right standing with God). All He asks is that you trust and believe in what He has done through Jesus and He then declares you righteous (perfect), and wipes away all memory of your past!
Now that is some Good News!
I like chocolate bunnies and I’ll even knock down a marshmallow peep from time to time. But Easter is so much more than hunting eggs and new clothes. As you celebrate this Easter, don’t forget the really wonderful reason behind the season!
If you would like to explore the subject further, visit the following:
Roxie’s Big News – A children’s story about a dove that announces the Resurrection of Jesus. Includes a companion lesson.
A Whispering Pines Easter – A cat named Boris and his friends celebrate Easter. This Easter Sunday story is part of the Boris Kitty series.
Heaven’s Art Gallery – A powerful short story about the transforming power of Jesus in your life.
Easter Sermons and Stories – Links to additional children’s stories, sermons and other resources.
For additional Easter Sunday resources
HAVE A VERY HAPPY EASTER!!!
Updated on August 6, 2013
Easter Sunday
There are no eggs or Easter bunnies here. This is a post about one of the most exciting events so far on this planet, the resurrection of Jesus!
What happened in Israel 2,000 years ago is the foundation of Christianity. Religions throughout the world have all sorts of rules and dogma telling you how you can earn eternal life or win the favor of their respective deity. Some require you to even murder “infidels” or sacrifice yourself to enter paradise. That is all foolishness in the eyes of God.
God knows that man is incapable of ever being good enough or earning salvation. The reason for this is that he is born spiritually dead, or separated from God (life). God is perfect and man will never be on his own. He needs a mediator, someone to legally bridge that gap.
Enter Jesus, the son of God being born as a man. He would live a perfect, sinless life under the Old Covenant, and then become the eternal sacrifice that would be our means of reconnecting with God.
By simple faith – believing God’s Word above our feelings and man’s opinions, we are spiritually reborn into God’s family. Man gets no glory because God did all the work. But that is exactly what love would do, right?
It seems so perfectly easy that only a theologian could screw it up. God pays the price so that we can be free! How awesome is that?
With salvation comes all the benefits of being “in the family” including fellowship, wisdom, healing, prosperity, joy, peace and of course love. You don’t have to wait until after death. These are all inherited immediately and are received by faith in what God promised you.
Jesus and the Word are one in the same. (John 1). If you really love God, you will spend time in the Word and see all that God has promised and receive everything in abundance by faith in him (the Word). Jesus came to give you life, in abundance, to the full, until it overflows. (John 10:10). That abundance is given so that you can share it with the world so they too can experience it in their lives.
Here are some links to Easter children’s stories, a short story and other resources for your enjoyment:
Roxie’s Big News – A children’s story about a dove that announces the Resurrection of Jesus. Includes a companion lesson.
A Whispering Pines Easter – A cat named Boris and his friends celebrate Easter. This Easter Sunday story is part of the Boris Kitty series.
Heaven’s Art Gallery – A powerful short story about the transforming power of Jesus in your life.
Easter Sermons and Stories – Links to additional children’s stories, sermons and other resources.
For additional Easter Sunday resources
Have A Very Happy Easter!!
Posted on March 30, 2011
Who’s Your Spiritual Daddy?
I recently read an article that challenged its readers with a quiz. Taking violent verses out of the Koran and Bible, the challenge was to name the source for the verse. The object of course was to prove that all religions are inherently evil – at least I think that was the point.
I do agree that individual verses without context can be twisted to mean just about anything. If we are drawing a comparison strictly between Christianity and Islam, there is a much better comparison – look at the founder and the fruit. There is a major difference between the life of Christ and the life of the prophet. Islam was spread almost exclusively by violent attacks and has been at war with civilization for over 1400 years – wiping out Christians, Jews, Hindus and other faiths in their path. For a good chronology of the spread of Islam click here and here. Rape, murder and violence were established as acceptable behavior from the very beginning and have continued into the present day.
Contrast that with the life of Christ (the founder and head of the Christian Church) and the true example of Christianity. I challenge you to find anywhere in his life where he raped or stoned anyone, attacked any villages for financial gain or destroyed any towns – in fact he rebuked his disciples for even suggesting that thought. (Luke 9:51-54) He also said if you have seen him (Jesus) you have seen the Father. (John 14)
Jesus healed the sick, forgave sinners, fed the masses and promptly ended any funeral he came upon by raising the dead! In the end, he willingly gave his life for all mankind – even those that refuse God’s love and forgiveness. If you want an ideal man to imitate, you can’t find anyone more perfect than Jesus Christ.
You will know people by their fruit. There may be some that do terrible things in the name of God, but that does not mean they are doing God’s will. John 10:10 is the dividing line in the Bible. Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. Jesus came to give life (God’s love life) and all its abundance. That is your measuring stick as to what is from God and what is not. By their actions, you will discern their true spiritual father.
By reading and meditating John 10:10, it becomes obvious there is a spiritual battle in this world and there is no such thing as neutrality. While you live on this earth you still have a choice of which team to join. Here’s a hint: One side has already won the war.
Everyone needs to ask – who is my spiritual father? If it is anyone other than Jesus, I would highly recommend an immediate change of heart.
Secularists like to drag out the tired trope that religion is the cause of all evil. And I would agree, if that religion was created and ruled by anyone other than Christ. Secularism is merely a modern form of idolatry that places the state, or even the individual, in place of God. I think I would prefer my chances with God and His morality based on love, rather than someone who thinks they are God.
Updated on August 19, 2022
My Many Nicknames
I made a decision many years ago to only call people by the name they gave me – unless of course I gave them a nickname. This was the result of the many nicknames, some not so nice, I was given through the years. Here is a short list of some of them. It would take an entire book to reproduce them all.
Jolly Green Giant – At 10 lbs 1 oz, I was one of the biggest bundles of joy to ever hit Good Shepherd Medical Center at the time of my birth. The nurses gave me this name and told my parents that all I needed was a social security number and a pair of overalls and I could go right to work.
Harry — Harry Carey — Scary Harry — Harry Monster – And every other word combination that rhymes with Harry. Parents, do not name your children Harry, or any name that is commonly shortened to Harry. My name is Harrison, but there are some from my family and early friends who persist on calling me Harry. If it wasn’t for my dramatic growth in Middle School, it would have been an ongoing source of abuse all the way through High School.
Woody — Woodrow — Woody Woodpecker – and a hundred other variations created from my last name.
Big H — Big Boy — Big Man — Gentle Giant — Andre — Too Tall – and many other derivatives based on basketball/football performance and my size.
Lonesome Stranger – By the coach of my first church basketball team. I would be wide open under the goal, but the older kids wouldn’t pass it to me. They just wanted me for my size.
Harrison Ford? – It wasn’t that funny the 1st time, nor the 10,000th time I heard it — at least now I have the come back line: “Bigger, better, uncut!”
The World’s Tallest Dishwasher! – Given by one of the basketball players at my first college during a horrible semester where the only job I could get was washing dishes in the school cafeteria. He even drew a great picture of me washing dishes — well at least from the chest down.
Big Jello – An elementary school tag that thankfully died quickly with my incredible growth spurt.
Viking King — Thor – Names given to me by my fraternity brothers while tackling and removing street signs for a homecoming prank against a rival school.
Zeta Beau King – As a big brother to a sorority, I received this title for service above and beyond the call of duty — get your mind out of the gutter!
With performances like this, you would think I would be in the Basketball Hall of Fame!
4 Guys With Weed – For a variety show, I performed with this group that featured myself and four friends – one with the last name Weed. This went over really well at the Christian University I attended at the time.
And one of my all time favorites:
I sat through a series of all day interviews where everyone asked the same lame questions such as “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” and “What is your greatest weakness?” etc. etc. I finally reached the top person in the interview chain. When she started in with the same stupid questions, I couldn’t take it any longer. Besides, I had already received a job offer that I had accepted the day before. She asked, “How would your friends describe you?” After a short pause I said,
“6’5″, blond-haired, blue-eyed, Aryan stud.”
Needless to say the interview abruptly ended. But hey, she asked!
Originally published May 2006.
Posted on March 9, 2011
Melissa Mars
I have always enjoyed other cultures and music. Even if I don’t understand the lyrics completely, if it is a good song, or an entertaining video, I like it.
Foreign languages have also been a hobby of mine. I am not fluent in any particular one. Well, I guess I do OK with English. I studied German for three years in high school. I took French one semester in college, as well as a half year of French in 7th grade as part of an advanced studies course. I have also had to work with many translators and foreign coworkers (Finnish, Japanese etc) over the years, so picking up a few words here and there has been pretty common. But mastery has alluded me. But I still like to try and decipher the meanings of songs I like.
Having given that long introduction, its on to the meat of this post. I came across a video by a French artist, Melissa Mars, and really enjoyed it. So I began looking up some of her other work. Some of it was really good, and of course some not so great. But the more I investigated, the more I became a fan. I especially enjoyed her work on a rock opera based on the life of Mozart that is running in French-speaking countries.
If you think you might be interested in this, you can learn more about her and see many of her videos at Melissa Mars. I hope you enjoy.
Updated on January 30, 2022
Thou Shalt Not Wear Short Skirts
When Religion Goes Bad
I was doing some research for a writing project based on Psalm 22. This is the Psalm quoted by Jesus on the cross. In it, David, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, vividly reveals in precise detail some of the events surrounding the crucifixion of Christ. This is centuries before the actual event and hundreds of years before crucifixion was even widely practiced. It is an amazing Psalm, but I digress a bit.
I came across a sermon that was quite good. But then, a third of the way through, the preacher goes off on a tangent on girls wearing short skirts, revealing attire, makeup, dancing etc. I stopped at that point.
Don’t get me wrong, I think modesty in many situations can be a good thing. But let’s look at this through the eyes of Christ. Imagine a stripper or waitress is convicted and is desiring to learn more about this God that gave His life for her redemption. She puts on the best attire she has and heads to the nearest church. Instead of seeing and hearing love (because God is love), she is berated about the way she looks. Do you really think she will ever enter a church again? Don’t scoff, things like this have happened.
One of my favorite stories is from a pastor friend in Louisiana whose church has grown from less than a hundred people to five or ten thousand people. In the early days of the church, the pastor was talking about the event that sort of changed his whole view of people and changed his whole ministry. He’d been, up to that time, what we used to call a “clothesline preacher.” Clothesline preachers were legalists. Their idea was to help the women be as ugly as they possibly could by telling them what all was wrong for them to wear and put on. He was great at that. In the early days of a great work of the Holy Spirit in that church, when the church was packed with people, he noticed an usher ushered down a lady in her early twenties to the front row and she was in short shorts. The pastor was just about to come unglued on the platform, trying to give ushers the body language to get that lady out. They never saw him and he was not going down to make an embarrassment of her and himself so he let her remain. He was thinking to himself, “That gal! The very audacity of that lady being in this church dressed like that!”
When he gave the altar call at the end of the service, the lady responded and gave her life to Christ and wept and wept. The pastor went over and began to talk to her and found out she was a young divorcee. She had two small children. He asked her how she got to the church. She said she was at a bus stop that evening. She’d gotten off work from her shift as a cocktail waitress. She was getting ready to go home and one of the old ladies from First Assembly was there, waiting for a bus to go to church. She began to strike up a conversation with the young woman and said, “You need to come to church. God could help you with your life.” She said, “I couldn’t go to church. I’m not dressed for church.” The woman said, “Honey, at our church we accept people just the way they are.”
God did something through that in his heart about being judgmental toward people.
George Wood Sermon
God does not condemn. He loves. He is also most concerned with the inward person – the spirit that is the real you. Look at the life of Christ. He forgave and loves the prostitute who was caught in the act, and the woman at the well, who was going through men like water. (see John 4 and 8 ) He loved them both. If he can change the inside, get you spiritually reborn, the outside will take care of itself.
Unfortunately, religion wants to change the outside first, and then, maybe, change the inside. And by the way, I define religion as anything man does in a vain attempt to reach or impress God. That is why Jesus was so harsh to the religious leaders of his day. They had hundreds of rules, traditions and laws that violated the most important law of love. If Jesus healed someone on the Sabbath, they were more concerned about their tradition of not working, than delivering someone from satan’s oppression. What brought more glory to God, a person being healed, or everyone not working?
God looks at the heart, as we should. You don’t judge a person by the way they look or what they do – that will bring judgement on you. Love them. Forgive them. Expect the very best from them. If people see the love of God in your life, they are much more likely to want to get to know Jesus, who has given you the power to love others and be a blessing to the world.
This does not mean you have to approve of sin, or a sinful lifestyle. But you need to love the person. We were all sinners before being recreated into the family of God. That is the ultimate goal – to reach the lost and introduce them to Jesus so they can be part of God’s family.
Love is the fulfillment of the Law. And if you have trouble remembering what love, and God is like, Paul spells it out for you:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. — 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 <NIV>
Updated on March 2, 2013
Texas Independence
On March 1, 1836, 59 delegates met at Washington-on-the-Brazos and decided whether to declare their independence from an increasingly hostile Mexican government. By day 2, March 2nd, they had ratified and signed their declaration. The document listed several charges against Mexico including:
It denies us the right of worshipping the Almighty according to the dictates of our own conscience, by the support of a national religion, calculated to promote the temporal interest of its human functionaries, rather than the glory of the true and living God.
It has demanded us to deliver up our arms, which are essential to our defence, the rightful property of freemen, and formidable only to tyrannical governments.
We, therefore, the delegates with plenary powers of the people of Texas, in solemn convention assembled, appealing to a candid world for the necessities of our condition, do hereby resolve and declare, that our political connection with the Mexican nation has forever ended, and that the people of Texas do now constitute a free, Sovereign, and independent republic…
You can read the complete document here. Its a short, but good read.
By the time the delegates began meeting, there had been several skirmishes with Mexican forces and Texans. The Alamo had been under artillery bombardment for 6 days. Santa Ana had brutally put down rebellions throughout Mexico before marching into Texas. His practice of sparing nobody and executing all prisoners was continued most notably at the Alamo and with the prisoners from the Battle of Coleto at Goliad.
After nearly two months of skirmishes and retreats, the Texan army surprised Santa Ana at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21st and thoroughly defeated them. They used as their battle cry, “Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!”
The next day Santa Ana was captured posing as an enlisted soldier. The Treaties of Velasco ended hostilities, but it would be the middle of June before all Mexican forces would be gone from Texas for good. The Mexican government never recognized these treaties and it would take another war, after the US annexed Texas, to settle the dispute for good.
The Battle of Gonzales is considered as the start of the Texas Revolution on October 2nd. Well, it was really just a skirmish. The Mexican commander had been ordered to avoid conflict if possible. The battle has been named the “Lexington of Texas”.
The Texans created a flag with a black star, a cannon, and the words “Come and Take It.” 
As an aside, at a meeting with executives from a very large gun rights group, I commented on the replica of this flag that was hanging in their conference room. They didn’t even know the history behind it! I was flabbergasted to say the least. But I guess Texas history is a wee bit more important to me than most folks.
The flag represented exactly what they were fighting against: Government confiscation of weapons designed to protect citizens. The cannon had been provided to the city to protect them from Indian raids. When tensions heated up, the Mexican government took steps to gather all weapons that might be used against them. Their very actions ignited open rebellion.
Happy Texas Independence Day!!
Posted on February 27, 2011
Writing Is Therapy
Writing for me is therapy. I’m a bit of a loner, in case you did not already figure that out. I have lots of friends and family, but I seem to keep most things to myself.
Men are taught to not show any weakness, as if emotions or honesty would be perceived as being weak. Conversations with other men tend to be about women, sports, women, cars, women, career, women, hunting and of course women. This would explain why I tend to prefer the company of women when it comes time to “talk.”
My mother was a great listener. I could tell her anything without any fear. She was the most loving and forgiving person I have ever known. Because of her, I understood God so much better. I literally could go on a murdering and raping rampage and she would still throw her arms around me and tell me that she loved me. Our relationship was always fun, honest and completely uninhibited.
My ex entered my life about the time I lost my mother. In a similar way we had a very honest relationship. She knew things about me that nobody else will ever know. It was actually a pretty smooth transition from my mother to her.
When I was single again, my Father did his best to fill that void. I have always had tremendous love and respect for my Father. But we never quite had that connection that I had with my Mother. Maybe because we were both men, or something else, but I kept many things from him and I’m not sure why.
He was a very perceptive man. He knew when I was happy or when something was wrong. I think I’m a pretty good actor, but he could see through my performances. Our relationship improved over the years and I am at peace about where we were when he left.
For the first time though, I found myself really missing him. You see I received some news yesterday that really hurt. It was nothing malicious and what it was really does not matter, but it opened a wound that I thought was healed long ago.
You may not believe in God or the devil. But let me assure you, they are both real. Satan is a mean SOB. He knows exactly where to attack to cause the most pain and destruction. His preferred battlefield is your mind and emotions, and he will use other people sometimes as proxies. That was the case yesterday.
I forgave my ex years ago and have forgotten everything. We must forgive if we expect to receive forgiveness ourselves. And if you claim you have forgiven someone, but say you will never forget, you really haven’t forgiven them. To forgive means to wipe the slate clean. It is an act of will, a decision that is made for good. If you are expecting some form of restitution, or for the offender to do something for you, your forgiveness is actually for sale. And that will not cut it.
So Sunday afternoon, after a fantastic Saturday and a very productive Sunday, I was on top of the world. And then the devil tried to bring me down. I was going to share what happened, but it is so ridiculously stupid I am ashamed to even admit that I took offense. But I wrestled with it for a couple of hours before finally letting it go.
I’m not sure where this blog is going. It seems now I’m just rambling. Hopefully someone out there is getting a chuckle or is being helped in some way by my words. If not, thanks for listening anyway.
In a totally unrelated train of thought, I have always enjoyed a good hug. My mother was a hugger, but my Father was more “dignified.” I was somewhat conflicted, but then decided I prefer the hugging.
The touch of another human can sometimes mean so much more than words. During my Father’s final days, I got to spend a whole lot of time with my 4 year old niece Rebekah (or Bekah). Now just so you know, my two nieces are the most beautiful nieces in the world. And Rebekah is at that adorable age where she thinks her uncle is the greatest thing ever.
Most kids have a fear of strangers or bigger people. Fear can be a bad thing, but caution can save your life. We don’t see each other often, so she was hesitant at first, but before long she was on my lap, with her hands around my neck and fast asleep on her big “teddy bear.” My other niece used to do that, but now that she is in her 20s, some people might find that creepy.
My uncles were all kind of “dignified” or just plain scary. Children are very perceptive, so its good that she felt safe and loved around me. Most people seem to be intimidated by my size – which in some situations is a good thing. But thankfully, I’m a hit with the kids. So I got that going for me!
Originally published March 2009.
Updated on October 10, 2011
Mothers
I do not think there is any job more important than being a mom. Yes, fathers are important too, but your mother is constantly there, nurturing and teaching in ways that men usually can’t.
I lost my Mother in 1991. I miss her so much. I have blogged about her before and so some of this may be repeated. She was a woman ahead of her time. She worked for the military during World War 2, graduated from Southern Methodist University and was a career woman when that just wasn’t popular.
She worked for the 4H organizing activities and then later as what is now called a welfare case worker. She was a compassionate Christian and did her best to improve the lives of her clients. This was back when the actual goal was to get people OFF of government assistance instead of keeping them in poverty forever.
She worked at Lone Star Steel in administration where she met my Father. Stopping briefly to knock out a few kids, she would always return to work once we kids were “weaned.” We even had a maid for a short time which is kind of funny – that lady was tough from what I can remember.
Before I started school, she was a stay-at-home mom. After my sisters left on the bus, I would sit on her lap and just talk for hours. No matter what off the wall question I asked, and I asked a few, she would have the perfect explanation. She had me reading and using math skills that would have embarrassed most kids three years my senior – which would prove problematic since I was bored for the first several years at school.
But what I liked most was the unconditional love. I never doubted that she loved me – I was told often. And even though I had a few rebellious episodes, she still loved me and prayed me out of several life threatening moments. Let’s just say after living with her, there was no doubt that God was real and He definitely answered faith-filled prayers.
I was completely honest with her without fear. And she had a great sense of humor – which is good because she “got me,” a rarity indeed. As an example, at my first real job – an advertising agency – we used to have Friday happy hours in our parking lot. We grilled and vendors, radio reps etc would bring bands or radio remotes and adult beverages. My mother called me and she could tell I had been drinking – she tolerated it, but she would never condemn me.
I jokingly told her I had consumed 96 beers that day. Which I guess she actually believed me – I have come close to that number. But she made a call to my sister and instructed her to go rescue me. We still laugh about that.
During my last semester in college, I got behind on some papers. She drove to Dallas and typed two papers for me. She could type like a gazillion words a minute. She was always happy to help her kids out of a difficult situations. But that is just what a mom does, right?
I have a picture of her from college. She was tall and thin – she got heavier later. But she had long brown hair and was wearing a beautiful dress and sitting on the floor like a movie star. It was a professional photographer because this was definitely the “money shot.” It is gorgeous and I like to remember her in that moment and then sitting on her lap later on. Of course I was a wee bit smaller back then.
She was a dedicated Spirit-filled Christian who loved to sing, teach, write and serve the Lord in whatever endeavor He directed. I am still going through a multitude of files of poems, songs and other material she produced. I have posted some of her Christian poems. In time, I hope to get everything she wrote published.
I write this to honor my mother. But also to let current and future mothers know that every single moment you give your child is remembered and cherished. You are shaping their life by everything you say and do in their presence. Make each and every moment special!
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!
Originally published Mother’s Day 2008.
Updated on August 6, 2013
How To Buy A Mattress
If they list the 10 worst things that people hate doing, buying a mattress is probably right between going to the dentist and divorce court. There are few things as dreaded as negotiating the terror that is finding the correct mattress.
I have had the pleasure of selling mattresses for almost a decade. I tell customers that I sell sleep, not mattresses. What I mean by that statement is I sell based on the Golden Rule – treat people the way I wanted to be treated. How does that work in practice?
I do not lie. If there is way to solve their sleeping challenge other than buying a new mattress, I would share that with them in a heartbeat. I always put the customer’s needs first.
I do not play pricing/discounting games. Everyone should pay the same low price. I do not work at the bazaar in some 3rd world country. I am a professional at matching customers with the correct sleeping solution. If there is a comparable mattress for less at a competitor, a will gladly beat the price. That is the only legitimate reason for discounting
I never sold a mattress because it made me more money. This is the most annoying practice in the industry. Some salespeople will push certain models/brands because they earn higher commissions. If my $200 queen set, that earns me nothing, truly is the best solution for you, I will be happy to sell it to you.
Having said all that, let’s examine the most common challenges people face with mattresses:
Poor Alignment – This can be the result of a mattress that is too soft, excessive body impressions, lack of support, or all of the above. If you are waking up with lower back pain, this is most likely the result of poor alignment. The only real solution is a new mattress. You might be able to prolong the life, by flipping it (if it is older than 6 years it might be two-sided) or by rotating. Always rotate a new mattress BTW. This will prolong the life of any innerspring mattress. Simply turn it from head-to-toe about every 3 months.
Pressure Points – If you find yourself tossing and turning throughout the night, or if you have excessive pain in your hip or shoulders, or if you find that an arm or leg gets numb during the night, your mattress is too hard. Adding a foam topper may be a short term fix, but a low quality one may not help.
Body Impressions/Sagging – When comfort layers compress and stay compressed, it is called a body impression. If the “valley” is greater than 1.5″ and the mattress is under warranty, file a warranty claim. This is the least expensive route. Measure from the natural mattress surface into the deepest valley while nobody is in the bed.
If you find you must purchase a new mattress, here are some things to consider.
#1 – Do not shop expecting to pay what you paid 10 years ago – Everything goes up in price over time – mattresses included. What you got for $1,000 in 1990, is probably closer to $2,000 now. Manufacturers have continued to “cut corners” to keep some low price points, but that has naturally lowered the quality of those mattresses. Some examples of cost cutting – no more box springs (they use platform boxes), one-sided mattresses, zoned foam etc.
#2 – Ignore XX% off or WAS pricing– It does not matter what they tell you was the original price or that it is 90% off today only, the only thing that matters is the bottom line price.
#3 – If you find a good salesperson, they are worth every penny of commission they earn– A mattress salesperson that can walk you through the process of fitting you for the right mattress is priceless. If you have to work with Ed the used car salesman turned mattress guy, who “has a coupon” or has to “call my supervisor for approval” you will not get the correct mattress. Find someone who is knowledgeable and milk them for all they have.
#4 – Visit at least two mattress stores – If you find the correct mattress, visit a competitor and have them show you similar products. I would not necessarily start trying new brands or repeat the process. If you are confident you have found the right brand/model, stay focused. The salesperson may be simply trying to confuse you and sow seeds of doubt. However, if you have not found the right mattress at the first stop, you may need to try other brands and go through the process all over.
#5 – If your salesperson is fixated on prices and budget, they are not helping – Price will need to be addressed at some point, but hopefully well after all comfort needs are considered. If the salesperson is “hard closing” you or continuing to bring up prices, discounts and gimmicky sales tactics, it might be best to leave.
#6 – Ignore “Big Sales” – There is always a sale, there will always be a sale. From my experience the price rarely strays throughout the year. Shop when its time to replace your mattress. If you are convinced that a big sale will get you the best savings – shop during Memorial Day or Labor Day. Those are the two biggies. Every other holiday there will be sales events, but those first two are the best. Although again, the prices don’t change that dramatically from week-to-week.
#7 – Discounting is not selling – If a salesperson can magically drop the price $500 dollars “just for you” the mattress is way overpriced. You will never win playing the discounting game. Do some comparison shopping before ever buying from a chain using this sales tactic. A price match of a comparable mattress at a competitor is the only legit discount in my opinion. And there should be a written policy to protect you after the sale.
#8 – Avoid Buying Online – I could write a book of horror stories I have heard over the years on this subject. You MUST lie on mattresses before buying one. And you should have an easy process to return if it does not work. A local merchant will be much easier to work with than a call center that takes your money and drop ships to you.
#9 – Don’t overcompensate – If you have a mattress that is too soft, don’t go out and buy the hardest one you can find. Too hard and too soft can be equally problematic. You need to find the correct support, correct conformance that fits your body, your sleep position, your preference and your budget.
#10 – There are few identical mattresses– It is challenging to compare mattresses, but not impossible. For a manufacturer like Sealy or Simmons, there will be thousands of mattresses that might be similar, but are not exactly alike. There will be many factors that will influence cost – coil count, type of coil, foam layers, depth of mattress etc. Once you find one you like, take as much information with you as you compare other models. Unfortunately, a minor foam layer tweak can create a very different feel and price.
There are certainly many more things I could say. For more advice visit mattress advice for even more details on buying the right mattress.
Updated on January 31, 2013
Why Does God Get the Blame?
Why Blame God?
The following blog post was in response to an article written asking why God allowed the Arizona shootings. No other topic brings out the passion in me than someone ignorantly blaming God for evil. The god of this world must be amused that he is never accused of anything.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. — John 10:10 <NIV> (Jesus speaking)
In the beginning, man was given dominion over the earth, but through sin, he was disconnected from God. If he accepts Jesus as his Savior, he is reborn into God’s family and reconnected to God by the Holy Spirit. If he has not, he is spiritually connected to the thief (satan). There is no middle ground or “lawful neutral” options.
Once you get some revelation from John 10:10, everything else in life and the Bible gets much easier to understand. The bottomline is who is your spiritual daddy? Who is the Lord of your life? There are only two possibilities.
Who do you think was the spiritual father of the Tucson shooter? Even if he had been saved at some point in his life, he was obviously greatly under the influence of evil. How do I know this? Because God is love. Love does not kill. Love does not hate people. Love forgives. Love looks for and expects the best out of people.
I know God and His angels are constantly working behind the scenes to warn and protect people because life is precious to Him. I’m sure there were people interceding for loved ones without knowing exactly what was going to happen. – I have experienced this grace firsthand in my life with my mother’s prayers that saved me more than once from danger. But how many people received warnings from the Holy Spirit and ignored them or dismissed them?
What fascinates me is how quick people blame God for violence, and the devil never gets any blame at all.
Originally posted January 2011.
Updated on May 31, 2011
Lord, even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the table.
Lord, even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the table.
I am presently working on a page about Jesus healing the daughter of a Syrophoenician (Matthew 15:21-28 Mark 7:24-30). Part of this requires research to find other sources that might be helpful to my readers. I was so saddened by some of the commentary out there about our Lord and savior Jesus.
One page said that Jesus was tired and annoyed, so as a human, insulted the woman. Really? God is love and Jesus is the Son of God who never sinned, therefore he acted out of love?
Another hinted that Jesus was a racist for seemingly not wanting to heal this Gentile woman. But that did not stop him with the Centurion.
A few others suggested it was the woman’s continual begging that did the trick. But begging does not move God, faith does. Begging comes from fear and that is the complete opposite of faith. How many times does the Bible say “fear not?”
And we wonder why people don’t trust such an uncertain and unpredictable God as portrayed by the above. Who wants to draw near God if they thought He would only insult and reject them?
Let’s do a quick review of the miracle.
There were several lessons to be learned in the exchange. The first lesson was the disciples needed to be taught a lesson on love. They were annoyed by this Gentile mother begging Jesus to heal her daughter. The 2nd was for the mother who needed to learn that begging was not going to connect her to God’s power.
Jesus said that he was sent to the children of Israel first and it was not right to give the bread for the children to the dogs. The disciples probably started nodding and high fiving each other at this response that seemed to comfirm their own biases. But think about the mother who only a few seconds ago was begging. Those words snapped that begging spirit right out. Her answer could only have come from her spirit, which is where faith dwells. She said the dogs get the crumbs. The mother had spoken in faith and received her miracle. We know she had faith because Jesus said, “Great is your faith.”
Faith comes from the heart/spirit hearing God’s Word and is released by speaking it. It is also interesting to note that God’s Word, Jesus, is also referred to as the Bread of Life (John 6:35), which makes their exchange all the more interesting.
I struggled with revelation on this until I more closely studied the water to the wine miracle. Jesus seemed to be rather harsh to his mother when she told him that they had run out wine. But in a similar fashion, she came to him complaining about the problem. Jesus needs faith! It was at this point that Mary said to the servants “Do whatever he says.” With her faith released, Jesus could provide the solution. (John 2:1-12)
Whenever in doubt about a difficult passage, remember some Bible basics:
God does not lie (Numbers 23:19).
God is love (1 John 4:8).
God shows no partiality (Romans 2:11).
Jesus does the work of the Father (John 10:37).
Jesus came to bring abundant life, not sickness and death (John 10:10).
Wherever Jesus found faith, miracles happened, but unbelief blocks miracles (Matthew 13:54-58 Matthew 17:19-20 Mark 6:4-6).
Jesus never sinned (Hebrews 4:15).
Anything that is not faith is a sin (Romans 14:23).
God Bless You This week!
Originally published August 2010.
Updated on February 26, 2011
A Thunderstorm Lesson
A Thunderstorm Lesson
Today, I found myself reading in my bedroom when a late summer storm hit. Boris is usually terrified by storms, but this time he came and crouched on my lap. As the thunder and lightning intensified, he would start to move towards the utility room, his favorite “safe” place during storms. But I would talk to him and get his focus back on me and he would settle back down. Then there would be another clap of thunder, or more intensity in the rain, and he would take his eyes and attention off of me and back on the storm. This went on for almost the entire duration of the storm.
This was such an obvious lesson from God I had to immediately post it here. All Satan has is fear, lies and deception. As long as we have God’s Word in our heart (the Truth) we can overcome his lies. The thunder was scary, but as long as Boris was focused on me, he wasn’t afraid. Likewise, as we keep our focus on Jesus (the Word) we have no reason to be afraid.
How about some examples from the Word:
Numbers 21 – The Israelites were complaining yet again about their journey to the promised land. They claimed that Moses had brought them out into the desert to die. The Bible said that God sent poisonous snakes, but that is a mistranslation. Their own words opened the door for Satan and allowed him to bring destruction. Remember Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10) And even God said that He put before them life or death, Blessing or the curse and then told them to choose life (Deuteronomy 30:15-20). How would they do that? With the words of their mouth.
When they repented and turned back to God, Moses placed a bronze serpent on a pole. All who looked on this type of Christ, were immediately healed. We are in an even better position after the resurrection because we have complete salvation through faith in Jesus.
Matthew 14 – The disciples were on a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee. A big storm threatened to sink them and they were terribly afraid. Jesus came to them walking on the water. Peter said, “Lord if its really you, command me to come to you.” Based on what he said, the only answer Jesus could give was “Come.” Otherwise, he would have been lying.
Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water! But the Bible says that he became distracted by the waves and the storm and took his focus off of Jesus. His fear caused him to start to sink. He cried out for Jesus who lifted him up out of the water and into the boat. Jesus asked him, “Why did you doubt?” Its a question we need to sometimes ask ourselves.
I recently had another experience that will help you understand this note. As we study God’s Word and confess His promises, Satan comes immediately to steal the Word. Why? Because God’s Word brings joy, salvation, deliverance, light and truth. Satan wants you in darkness, stumbling about and falling for his lies.
I was out with a friend when I looked down and saw her IPhone, which has a very large viewing area with the current time. It was after midnight and a thought came to me – its September 5th now. This was my parent’s anniversary and it just happens to have been my anniversary as well. Normally, this date brought about all sorts of satanic attacks and depression. But I’ve gotten better at recognizing his evil ways. A little while later a complete stranger came over and sat near me. The very first words out of her mouth were, “Where’s your wife?” My response was totally from evil inspiration as the devil had used this woman to speak words that might have been an innocent misunderstanding, but were like fiery darts that penetrated my shield of faith.
I repented and moved on from the experience, but it was a lesson well learned. Control your thoughts. Keep Jesus (the Word) in focus and inside you at all times. This will bring joy and peace. Remember the joy of the Lord IS your strength!
Originally published September 2010.