Ok, I admit, the titel is not original with me....I read it today and it served as my inspiration for this edition:)
Every news report you see, hear or read reminds us of all the problems our world is facing. Unemployment is above 8%, price of gas is $4.00/gallon, homes are being foreclosed on in record numbers, our government is engaged in grid-lock, wars and rumors of wars, on and on it goes! It is no wonder more Americans are depressed and upset than ever before. But, what if we just have the wrong perspective? What if we quit focusing on ourselves and our problems long enough to focus on the postive? What if, we...you and I, need to stop with all the pessimism and realize there is a certain Optimism of Opportunity? Following are a few areas I believe we have an opportunity to be optimistic.Let me show you what I mean....
Government: At the risk of being Captain Obvious, let me point out we are in an election cycle. It is very easy to complain because our politicians are doing nothing. Easy to think nothing will change and they aren't listening to the people. Easy to believe that "little ole you" can do anything about the stalemate of our government. Here is an area with much Optimism of Opportunity! In an era where every vote counts, if you ever want a politician to listen, you have that chance now! So quit just setting around complaining and get involved! Call them, email them, get to know what they stand for.... campaign for or against them, contribute your time and/or money and watch what happens! Trust me, we have an opportunity to change how things are doing in our States and in Washington DC but we have to be optimistic and make our voices heard. I'm optimistic we recognize we have no right to complain, if we do nothing!
Families: we have too many single-parent homes, too many selfish parents thinking only of themselves, too many willing to just let kids raise themselves while mom and dad go do their own thing. Look at the statistics and it can be depressing! But, let's look at the opportunity for optimism. What if parents refused to let Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Paris Hilton and others be the example for their kids and the parents were roll models instead of worried about being "friends?" As parents we have the greatest opportunity to instill a strong work-ethic, strong morals and demonstrate integrity than anyone else. Let's quit letting "society" shape our kids and the future of this great country and be REAL parents! Think about what would happen, if we spent more time talking to our kids, listening to their challenges and helping them work through their problems. I'm pretty optimistic we have an opportunity to make a difference and would be shocked at the result.
Churches: I may get in trouble on this one but here goes:) How many times to we spend a few hours in church each week hearing about how bad our world is and then leave and do nothing to change it? It's easy to carry our big family bibles (oops I forgot, we all have the a Bible app now so no need for that) and think about how much of a Christian we are and can't believe all the "heathens" in our world:) Can I get an "amen" somebody? I think we can all agree we have a reason to be optimistic about our opportunity here! How about we do more than argue our "religious" beliefs and actually put them into practice? Visit some family who is down on their luck and buy them dinner. Find some teenager from a broken home and show them you care! Don't be so quick to point out how someone doesn't line up to your concept of what a "christian" is and show them the life of a REAL Christian." How about show the love of the God you supposedly worship, instead of acting like you are "God's gift the world?" Remember..."such were some of you...." You see, we have many reasons to be optimistic about our opportunity to show the love of Christ to someone who is hurting!"
I could go on but you have probably quit reading by now anyway and you get the point:) Maybe you don't agree and that's ok. I get upset about many of the same things we all do but just reading that simple phrase today made me think just a little about being more OPTIMISTIC! I say, it can't hurt!
Monday, April 16, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
As I See It
Spend time watching the news on a regular basis and one really has to wonder, what kind of world do we live in? The question we should all be asking ourselves, is how did our world get in this shape? This blog may be a little long, but stick with it as I would like to hear your thoughts.
This may be too plain spoken for some in the political correct crowd, deal with it.....here is how I see it.
Our institutions have failed us miserably; by that I mean our (1) Government, (2) Education system, (3) Religion and (4) Family unit.
Government- this country was founded on the American Dream and that dream was built on equal opportunity for all. There were no guarantees of success, no promises you would drive a nice vehicle or live in a nice home (for that matter, no promise you would survive), no promise you get a college education or have a great job. NO, simply that everyone would have opportunity! What you do with that opportunity is your choice and each of us have to live with the results, of the choices me make. It's called experience.
Our government has failed by promising the "right" to an education, the "right" to home ownership, the "right" to have contraception. Look what that has got us. Our divorce rate is increasing, the housing market continues to decline and people of no concept of personal accountability. Yet, politicians keep promising freebies, because we have a generation that is more interested in a hand-out than a hand up! We don't need more government, we need the government to get out of the way and return this country to its original foundations.
Education System- America used to have an educational system where our kids actually learned something that would help them live a fulfilled life. Then along came the Teacher's Union and our education system went down the toilet! How else can you explain the fact that teachers in New York are getting paid over $100,000/year to stay home because they are predators, but the school system can't fire them. I have an idea....you have sex with a child in school and we give you the death penalty! Harsh, I don't think so, because these creeps have messed up the kids for life with their perversion.
Then there is the testing problem which has resulted in teachers merely teaching so kids past some standardized test and we move them through the system, to become unproductive members of society. How about we actually TEACH them reading, writing, math and science, so they have the skills to get a good-paying job? How about we test them on these types of lessons and if they fail, God-forbid, they don't go to the next grade? How about we tell the teacher's unions to either be part of the solution or take a hike, because we refuse to be held hostage by some liberal elites who want nothing more, than to line their pockets with our tax dollars!
Religion- I'm sure this one will get me in trouble with some of you:) Yes, our religious establishments have failed us. Too many churches have become nothing more than entertainment venues handing out hype over substance. This country was founded on freedom of religion, so all you heathen liberals, get over it! Churches need to be teaching biblical truths and save the motivational garbage for some other time. How about we start with the TEN COMMANDMENTS? I know some view them as suggestions but sorry, GOD said they were COMMANDMENTS. Might I even suggest we start with"Thou shalt not bear false witness......" It is a sad time when you can't believe a man or woman's word. There was a time in this country a person's word was their bond. Not so, now-a-days:( It's time we quit quoting the contents of the Bible and started living them! We need preachers that aren't afraid of hurting someone's feelings and tells the folks what THE GOOD BOOK requires of them. BTW....wouldn't hurt if we spent more time praying for this country, our leaders, our children and our families and we could start with "Lord, deliver us from evil."
Family Unit - the family unit has failed. No longer are kids taught right or wrong, but sadly they are taught "situational ethics." No such thing! You either have ethics or you don't and it doesn't matter the situation. It is "do as I say, not as I do." What kind of example is that? A bad one! Too many fathers/mothers have abandoned their spouse/kids simply because they wanted to live out some fantasy and didn't want to accept any responsibility. Say what you want, but a marriage is between a man and a woman and it works best that way. Kids need both parents to direct them through the muck and mire of this society.
We need parents to quit letting athletes and the Kardashians be role models! Reality TV should not be your kid's baby sitter, as the creeps on those shows have no morals and most parents wouldn't want their kids associating with these low-lives anyway! In short, we need parents who are more interested in being parents than friends! My kids know we always lived by The Golden Rule...."he who has the gold, makes the rules." Since mom & dad had the gold, the kids didn't get to make the decisions or tell us what they were going to do. Novel concept, but they actually asked permission. I believe if we returned to the days of "Mayberry" we would see our world improve.
By no means do I claim to be an expert on world problems but I do believe if we followed some fundamentals, we could turn this country around. Maybe I'm too politically incorrect for some but the politically correct way doesn't appear to be working and I just think the TRUTH always works best.
I welcome your thoughts or feedback.
This may be too plain spoken for some in the political correct crowd, deal with it.....here is how I see it.
Our institutions have failed us miserably; by that I mean our (1) Government, (2) Education system, (3) Religion and (4) Family unit.
Government- this country was founded on the American Dream and that dream was built on equal opportunity for all. There were no guarantees of success, no promises you would drive a nice vehicle or live in a nice home (for that matter, no promise you would survive), no promise you get a college education or have a great job. NO, simply that everyone would have opportunity! What you do with that opportunity is your choice and each of us have to live with the results, of the choices me make. It's called experience.
Our government has failed by promising the "right" to an education, the "right" to home ownership, the "right" to have contraception. Look what that has got us. Our divorce rate is increasing, the housing market continues to decline and people of no concept of personal accountability. Yet, politicians keep promising freebies, because we have a generation that is more interested in a hand-out than a hand up! We don't need more government, we need the government to get out of the way and return this country to its original foundations.
Education System- America used to have an educational system where our kids actually learned something that would help them live a fulfilled life. Then along came the Teacher's Union and our education system went down the toilet! How else can you explain the fact that teachers in New York are getting paid over $100,000/year to stay home because they are predators, but the school system can't fire them. I have an idea....you have sex with a child in school and we give you the death penalty! Harsh, I don't think so, because these creeps have messed up the kids for life with their perversion.
Then there is the testing problem which has resulted in teachers merely teaching so kids past some standardized test and we move them through the system, to become unproductive members of society. How about we actually TEACH them reading, writing, math and science, so they have the skills to get a good-paying job? How about we test them on these types of lessons and if they fail, God-forbid, they don't go to the next grade? How about we tell the teacher's unions to either be part of the solution or take a hike, because we refuse to be held hostage by some liberal elites who want nothing more, than to line their pockets with our tax dollars!
Religion- I'm sure this one will get me in trouble with some of you:) Yes, our religious establishments have failed us. Too many churches have become nothing more than entertainment venues handing out hype over substance. This country was founded on freedom of religion, so all you heathen liberals, get over it! Churches need to be teaching biblical truths and save the motivational garbage for some other time. How about we start with the TEN COMMANDMENTS? I know some view them as suggestions but sorry, GOD said they were COMMANDMENTS. Might I even suggest we start with"Thou shalt not bear false witness......" It is a sad time when you can't believe a man or woman's word. There was a time in this country a person's word was their bond. Not so, now-a-days:( It's time we quit quoting the contents of the Bible and started living them! We need preachers that aren't afraid of hurting someone's feelings and tells the folks what THE GOOD BOOK requires of them. BTW....wouldn't hurt if we spent more time praying for this country, our leaders, our children and our families and we could start with "Lord, deliver us from evil."
Family Unit - the family unit has failed. No longer are kids taught right or wrong, but sadly they are taught "situational ethics." No such thing! You either have ethics or you don't and it doesn't matter the situation. It is "do as I say, not as I do." What kind of example is that? A bad one! Too many fathers/mothers have abandoned their spouse/kids simply because they wanted to live out some fantasy and didn't want to accept any responsibility. Say what you want, but a marriage is between a man and a woman and it works best that way. Kids need both parents to direct them through the muck and mire of this society.
We need parents to quit letting athletes and the Kardashians be role models! Reality TV should not be your kid's baby sitter, as the creeps on those shows have no morals and most parents wouldn't want their kids associating with these low-lives anyway! In short, we need parents who are more interested in being parents than friends! My kids know we always lived by The Golden Rule...."he who has the gold, makes the rules." Since mom & dad had the gold, the kids didn't get to make the decisions or tell us what they were going to do. Novel concept, but they actually asked permission. I believe if we returned to the days of "Mayberry" we would see our world improve.
By no means do I claim to be an expert on world problems but I do believe if we followed some fundamentals, we could turn this country around. Maybe I'm too politically incorrect for some but the politically correct way doesn't appear to be working and I just think the TRUTH always works best.
I welcome your thoughts or feedback.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Don't Just Complain....Get Involved!
Anyone who knows me, knows I am a political junkie so forgive me if this is too much for you. For as long as I can remember, I have heard people complain about the state of our country and our government. While we all agree, we live in the greatest country in the world, we know, we can do better.
America has more freedoms than any other place in the universe. We have freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion along with many others. You never hear someone talking about living the "Saudi or Iranian" dream. America, since it's birth, has been the country that encouraged innovation and free enterprise, we have spread capitalism to countries across the planet and in doing so, lifted the quality of life for untold millions of people. When dictators get out of line or tragedy occurs, who is expected to deliver aid.....AMERICA. When WWII was raging, who stepped in and brought it to an end....AMERICA. When natural disasters occur, who is the first to step up with all kinds of support.....AMERICA. I could go on but you get the point.
It is precisely, because this country delivers greatness across the planet, that we cannot set back and just assume we will always be a great nation! I'm tired of hearing folks complain about our government, the political process, our leaders and policies but yet, do nothing to improve it. We may dislike and disapprove of the "Occupy Wall Street" crowd's methods or message, but we must give them credit for doing something, (however misguided), to make an impact.
This year is an election year and everyone can have an impact on determining the path and future of this country. We have had unemployment over 8% for years, gas prices are out of sight, 401Ks are taking a beating, more people on food stamps and other government programs than ever before and a national debt over 15 TRILLION dollars! So what are we going to do about it? Oh, I know many of you will vote....great! THAT IS YOUR DUTY but are you an educated voter? Do you just listen to commercials and make a decision based on the best sound bite or do you really know where each candidate stands?
Here are just a few tips for those that are willing to do more than complain:
1) Know the issues
2) Know the candidate's stand on those issues
3) Don't just listen to main stream media, do your own investigation
4) Get involved in the process....contribute financially, make phone calls, talk to friends and family.
5) Talk to your current political leaders.... call them, send email or letter and let them know you care
There are many other things one can do to get involved and make a difference but one thing we must not do is NOTHING! Our country's future and the future of our kids and grandkids is too serious an issue to just stand idle, while others take action. So the next time you start to complain, ask yourself, are you just talking or are you willing to take action, to make a difference! What a difference we could all make if we quit making excuses and started making a difference!
BTW.....if you want to discuss politics, I'm always ready:)
America has more freedoms than any other place in the universe. We have freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion along with many others. You never hear someone talking about living the "Saudi or Iranian" dream. America, since it's birth, has been the country that encouraged innovation and free enterprise, we have spread capitalism to countries across the planet and in doing so, lifted the quality of life for untold millions of people. When dictators get out of line or tragedy occurs, who is expected to deliver aid.....AMERICA. When WWII was raging, who stepped in and brought it to an end....AMERICA. When natural disasters occur, who is the first to step up with all kinds of support.....AMERICA. I could go on but you get the point.
It is precisely, because this country delivers greatness across the planet, that we cannot set back and just assume we will always be a great nation! I'm tired of hearing folks complain about our government, the political process, our leaders and policies but yet, do nothing to improve it. We may dislike and disapprove of the "Occupy Wall Street" crowd's methods or message, but we must give them credit for doing something, (however misguided), to make an impact.
This year is an election year and everyone can have an impact on determining the path and future of this country. We have had unemployment over 8% for years, gas prices are out of sight, 401Ks are taking a beating, more people on food stamps and other government programs than ever before and a national debt over 15 TRILLION dollars! So what are we going to do about it? Oh, I know many of you will vote....great! THAT IS YOUR DUTY but are you an educated voter? Do you just listen to commercials and make a decision based on the best sound bite or do you really know where each candidate stands?
Here are just a few tips for those that are willing to do more than complain:
1) Know the issues
2) Know the candidate's stand on those issues
3) Don't just listen to main stream media, do your own investigation
4) Get involved in the process....contribute financially, make phone calls, talk to friends and family.
5) Talk to your current political leaders.... call them, send email or letter and let them know you care
There are many other things one can do to get involved and make a difference but one thing we must not do is NOTHING! Our country's future and the future of our kids and grandkids is too serious an issue to just stand idle, while others take action. So the next time you start to complain, ask yourself, are you just talking or are you willing to take action, to make a difference! What a difference we could all make if we quit making excuses and started making a difference!
BTW.....if you want to discuss politics, I'm always ready:)
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Willpower! Do you have what it takes?
As we put Christmas 2011 behind us and look forward to the beginning of 2012, many of us are thinking about what we want to accomplish, what we want to do differently and steps we will take to make a difference. Many will engage in making New Years Resolutions and will start the year with a bang, convinced this is the year they will make a difference. Unfortunately, many of these resolutions will fail from lack of one thing.....WILLPOWER! Too many times, we just don't have the willpower to make a change.
I submit, many of the problems our country is experiencing is due to lack of willpower. Businesses, politicians and citizens simply don't have willpower, to make the tough choices required to achieve better results. Politician's concerns for getting votes, makes it too difficult for them to make the tough choice of refusing to keep spending money. Business leaders are too focused on short-term stock prices to make the tough choices needed for long-term viability. Citizens are too worried about buying the next gadget, to make the tough choices to save their money, instead of spending. The need to have the latest edition of a product; please some constituency, meet some shareholder's demand, cause many problems that could be avoided, if we simply had willpower.
How many gym memberships won't be used by the end of January? How many credit cards will be cut up, only to have new ones replace them? How many will start online education and then quit after one semester? How many will start the year regularly attending church only to quit once a winter storm arrives? How many marriages will fail because involved parties give up? There are many other areas, but you get the point. Our lives don't change, simply because we lack the commitment to follow through and the desire to make needed changes; quite simply we lack WILLPOWER. Too many people's physical, financial, spiritual and relational well being will not be as good as it could, because they don't have the willpower to follow through and make a real difference.
What could we accomplish if we exercised our willpower? What kind of improvement would we see in the lives of our friends, families, communities and our country if we stuck to it? Think about areas in your life that you need to change, make those changes and then have the WILLPOWER to make it happen. I bet your 2012 will be much better than your 2011!
Now, I'm going to have that piece of pie I've been trying to resist:)
Happy New Year!
I submit, many of the problems our country is experiencing is due to lack of willpower. Businesses, politicians and citizens simply don't have willpower, to make the tough choices required to achieve better results. Politician's concerns for getting votes, makes it too difficult for them to make the tough choice of refusing to keep spending money. Business leaders are too focused on short-term stock prices to make the tough choices needed for long-term viability. Citizens are too worried about buying the next gadget, to make the tough choices to save their money, instead of spending. The need to have the latest edition of a product; please some constituency, meet some shareholder's demand, cause many problems that could be avoided, if we simply had willpower.
How many gym memberships won't be used by the end of January? How many credit cards will be cut up, only to have new ones replace them? How many will start online education and then quit after one semester? How many will start the year regularly attending church only to quit once a winter storm arrives? How many marriages will fail because involved parties give up? There are many other areas, but you get the point. Our lives don't change, simply because we lack the commitment to follow through and the desire to make needed changes; quite simply we lack WILLPOWER. Too many people's physical, financial, spiritual and relational well being will not be as good as it could, because they don't have the willpower to follow through and make a real difference.
What could we accomplish if we exercised our willpower? What kind of improvement would we see in the lives of our friends, families, communities and our country if we stuck to it? Think about areas in your life that you need to change, make those changes and then have the WILLPOWER to make it happen. I bet your 2012 will be much better than your 2011!
Now, I'm going to have that piece of pie I've been trying to resist:)
Happy New Year!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
What does it really mean to be a Christian?
Ok.....so we hear so many people these days profess to be a Christian. Now, I'm not saying I have all the answers or I'm always successful but I have been thinking a lot about that word and what it means.
I honestly believe the word has become so common, we no longer really take the time to think about what we are saying, when we say, "I'm a Christian." I won't take the time to go into a biblical discussion about exactly what the word means, but I hope I can at least make us think about it.
In its roots, the word Christian means "Christ-like." Now, I can only speak for myself, but that seems to me to be a very powerful meaning and unfortunately, I fall short more than I would want to admit! My limited understanding of Christ, is that He wasn't interested in fitting into anyone's specific mold. Religious leaders of his day were unapproachable, untouchable and were more interested in hype than substance. If I read my Bible correctly, Jesus hung out the uneducated, ate with sinners and impacted those He met everyday. In fact, the religious leaders of his day are the very ones who wanted to kill him! Now, I wonder why that was.......I'm guessing because he revealed their fraud and in doing so, provided an example for us to follow today.
I could go on, but my point is not to give a Biblical lecture, but rather make us think about how me may be identified in our daily responsibilities and how we might really become a Christian. I'm confident we all recognize a real Christian when we see one. To me, I am identified as a Christian, not but what I profess but how that profession is translated into action. A Christian isn't someone that just shows up to church a couple of times a week, but rather, someone that actually lives what they learn at church! It isn't saying one thing and doing another. It isn't taking advantage of the goodness of others. It isn't using scripture to achieve my own agenda. It isn't just my words, but in fact, how I live those words out every day! Some may have a different opinion as to what a Christian is but I think we all know when we see a real one!
Please understand, none of us are perfect, least of all, yours truly, but it is my hope that we all try to continually live better. We are in the perfect season of the year to reflect on being a Christian and I, for one, hope those I come in contact with, at least recognize my desire to be a real Christian! Maybe, just maybe, if we really thought about what the word means before we use it, we might actually show the world what a real Christian looks like.
Have a Merry Christmas!
I honestly believe the word has become so common, we no longer really take the time to think about what we are saying, when we say, "I'm a Christian." I won't take the time to go into a biblical discussion about exactly what the word means, but I hope I can at least make us think about it.
In its roots, the word Christian means "Christ-like." Now, I can only speak for myself, but that seems to me to be a very powerful meaning and unfortunately, I fall short more than I would want to admit! My limited understanding of Christ, is that He wasn't interested in fitting into anyone's specific mold. Religious leaders of his day were unapproachable, untouchable and were more interested in hype than substance. If I read my Bible correctly, Jesus hung out the uneducated, ate with sinners and impacted those He met everyday. In fact, the religious leaders of his day are the very ones who wanted to kill him! Now, I wonder why that was.......I'm guessing because he revealed their fraud and in doing so, provided an example for us to follow today.
I could go on, but my point is not to give a Biblical lecture, but rather make us think about how me may be identified in our daily responsibilities and how we might really become a Christian. I'm confident we all recognize a real Christian when we see one. To me, I am identified as a Christian, not but what I profess but how that profession is translated into action. A Christian isn't someone that just shows up to church a couple of times a week, but rather, someone that actually lives what they learn at church! It isn't saying one thing and doing another. It isn't taking advantage of the goodness of others. It isn't using scripture to achieve my own agenda. It isn't just my words, but in fact, how I live those words out every day! Some may have a different opinion as to what a Christian is but I think we all know when we see a real one!
Please understand, none of us are perfect, least of all, yours truly, but it is my hope that we all try to continually live better. We are in the perfect season of the year to reflect on being a Christian and I, for one, hope those I come in contact with, at least recognize my desire to be a real Christian! Maybe, just maybe, if we really thought about what the word means before we use it, we might actually show the world what a real Christian looks like.
Have a Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
What Do You Focus On?
I love watching people! Seriously, you should try it some time and I promise you, it will be quiet entertaining. Try this, just watch as people walk by, look at the expressions on their face and try to imagine what they are thinking....shoot, for that matter, make it up in your on head! Ok, maybe I have lost it but I've done this myself and find it quiet humorous!
I also love to find out what makes people tick, why do they act the way they do or what, exactly, are they wanting? To really understand people, I have found I need to figure out what they are focusing on. I'm not talking about what they are looking at literally, but what is it they are trying to accomplish.
Now, I know we are all busy and the world seems to be moving at lightening speed, but if we ever realized what we are focusing on, it would probably reduce our stress level. I suspect, too many times we are focused on things that really don't matter or since I'm grew up in south Louisiana, "it don't amount to a hill of beans." Personally, I can get so worked up about something, that in the big scheme of things don't matter and later realize, I was worried about something that I should have ignored. My wife (Lord, bless that lady) has often brought this to my attention and I admit, I have a long way to go to fixing this issue....NO comment needed from said wife:)
All of this has made me start thinking about "what should I be focused on?" Here is what I have determined:
1) My relationship with God- now I'm not trying to get all spiritual on you but if that relationship isn't right, you will never find fulfillment.
2) My relationship with my family- my wife and kids are the most important people in the world to me. If you don't fall into that group, then you just have to understand. Here is the deal, when all the rest of the world forgets about me or moves on, those 3 folks will always have my back. Outside of my immediate family, I care about my extended family. I know we all have some "weirdos" in the bunch and you folks know who you are, so don't make me start calling names, but yes, I care about you too.
3) My relationship with my friends---I'm not talking about the "friends" that are friends when they need something. I'm talking about those, "died in the wool, I'll walk through hell, kind of friends. Those folks that know you can be just plain ignorant and they don't care. People that time and distance may separate you from but they are still your FRIEND! Yes, I have a few of those and I appreciate all of them.
If you don't fall into one of those groups, don't get all "hot and bothered." I'll still do my best to treat you right and be a good citizen, but just understand you don't make the Top 3 of my areas of focus. You may come in a close #4 or #5 and you will have to just settle for that... unless you somehow can crack of the other areas and the God slot ain't changing.
So why don't you just give it some thought...."what do you focus on" and is it really important. I bet, it will change your perspective on a lot of things and probably make you a better person.
Now, go do some people watching:)
I also love to find out what makes people tick, why do they act the way they do or what, exactly, are they wanting? To really understand people, I have found I need to figure out what they are focusing on. I'm not talking about what they are looking at literally, but what is it they are trying to accomplish.
Now, I know we are all busy and the world seems to be moving at lightening speed, but if we ever realized what we are focusing on, it would probably reduce our stress level. I suspect, too many times we are focused on things that really don't matter or since I'm grew up in south Louisiana, "it don't amount to a hill of beans." Personally, I can get so worked up about something, that in the big scheme of things don't matter and later realize, I was worried about something that I should have ignored. My wife (Lord, bless that lady) has often brought this to my attention and I admit, I have a long way to go to fixing this issue....NO comment needed from said wife:)
All of this has made me start thinking about "what should I be focused on?" Here is what I have determined:
1) My relationship with God- now I'm not trying to get all spiritual on you but if that relationship isn't right, you will never find fulfillment.
2) My relationship with my family- my wife and kids are the most important people in the world to me. If you don't fall into that group, then you just have to understand. Here is the deal, when all the rest of the world forgets about me or moves on, those 3 folks will always have my back. Outside of my immediate family, I care about my extended family. I know we all have some "weirdos" in the bunch and you folks know who you are, so don't make me start calling names, but yes, I care about you too.
3) My relationship with my friends---I'm not talking about the "friends" that are friends when they need something. I'm talking about those, "died in the wool, I'll walk through hell, kind of friends. Those folks that know you can be just plain ignorant and they don't care. People that time and distance may separate you from but they are still your FRIEND! Yes, I have a few of those and I appreciate all of them.
If you don't fall into one of those groups, don't get all "hot and bothered." I'll still do my best to treat you right and be a good citizen, but just understand you don't make the Top 3 of my areas of focus. You may come in a close #4 or #5 and you will have to just settle for that... unless you somehow can crack of the other areas and the God slot ain't changing.
So why don't you just give it some thought...."what do you focus on" and is it really important. I bet, it will change your perspective on a lot of things and probably make you a better person.
Now, go do some people watching:)
Thursday, December 1, 2011
What is Compassion???
You may think the answer to this question is very obvious, but I would like to explore it a little deeper. Every year, around this time of year, we hear a lot about showing compassion and there are many opportunities to give to others. While we all hope we are compassionate, I sometimes wonder if the actions we take are really that helpful and compassionate.
Over the last several days, I have had numerous opportunities to give to people and in some instances I engaged in those opportunities. However, it has also made me think, if I am really doing what is best for the individual. For instance, traveling like I do, I have had several instances of people approaching me at a gas station or fast food establishment asking for gas, money, food, etc. I have been amazed that if I offer to purchase food or pay for gas directly, I have often been rejected. This made me start thinking.....are the actions we take really compassionate or are we just "kicking the can?"
We have all heard the saying, "give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." I think we need to spend more time, teaching people rather than giving to them! Let me say, I understand in this tough economy, there are many people hurting and with significant needs and I have no problem helping these folks, because I have been there. I just want to make sure I am helping them. For instance, if I give someone money thinking they have a legitimate need only to find out they take some outlandish vacation, have I really helped them? If I give money and they waste it on alcohol or drugs, have I helped them? What if I give them food, without inquiring to the reason for their need or what they are doing to help themselves, am I really helping them? I'm not saying just because I give, I have a right to control how they use it, but I do believe I have a responsibility to make sure I'm a good steward of what I have been given.
Our government has created a large group of society that takes no responsibility for their actions but quickly cashes the government check they receive every month. They take, take, take from the government but do absolutely nothing to help themselves. Yes, unemployment is high but that doesn't mean there are no jobs to be had! Take a look around you and notice how many "help wanted" signs you see. Now, maybe they don't pay what someone would want, but it sure beats NOTHING! I was raised to work hard and not depend on someone else. My dad took jobs nobody else wanted, so he could provide for our family, so excuse me if I have no patience for some "Occupy Wall Street" pansy who whines! Get off of your backside and do something! We have a problem when people make more money mooching off of the government and have no incentive to WORK! Every 26 seconds, a child drops out of high school and most of them end up on the government payroll (there are some that rise up and make something of themselves). If we just continue this trend, we will soon have a country of no innovation, no incentives, no desire and ultimately no responsibility! We must take action to keep kids in school, provide incentives for hard work and give a hand up not a hand out!
I have indeed been blessed and have much to be thankful for, but I have also worked hard to be successful. The road hasn't always been easy and I've had to ask for help from time to time, but it wasn't because I wasn't trying to better myself. I'm proud of how God has blessed me and what the hard work of my wife and I have allowed us to achieve. I'm proud of my two kids, who have learned there is no such thing as a free lunch. I will forever be thankful, but that doesn't mean I'm going to take it for granted. No, I'm going to keep working, keep pushing and keep trying to achieve even more. It's not greed, it is a strong desire to provide the best life I can for my family. I know first hand life isn't easy and that's why I want to make sure that my compassion actually goes to those in need.
If you have a need, I will be compassionate but I will also hold you accountable. Am I wrong????
Over the last several days, I have had numerous opportunities to give to people and in some instances I engaged in those opportunities. However, it has also made me think, if I am really doing what is best for the individual. For instance, traveling like I do, I have had several instances of people approaching me at a gas station or fast food establishment asking for gas, money, food, etc. I have been amazed that if I offer to purchase food or pay for gas directly, I have often been rejected. This made me start thinking.....are the actions we take really compassionate or are we just "kicking the can?"
We have all heard the saying, "give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." I think we need to spend more time, teaching people rather than giving to them! Let me say, I understand in this tough economy, there are many people hurting and with significant needs and I have no problem helping these folks, because I have been there. I just want to make sure I am helping them. For instance, if I give someone money thinking they have a legitimate need only to find out they take some outlandish vacation, have I really helped them? If I give money and they waste it on alcohol or drugs, have I helped them? What if I give them food, without inquiring to the reason for their need or what they are doing to help themselves, am I really helping them? I'm not saying just because I give, I have a right to control how they use it, but I do believe I have a responsibility to make sure I'm a good steward of what I have been given.
Our government has created a large group of society that takes no responsibility for their actions but quickly cashes the government check they receive every month. They take, take, take from the government but do absolutely nothing to help themselves. Yes, unemployment is high but that doesn't mean there are no jobs to be had! Take a look around you and notice how many "help wanted" signs you see. Now, maybe they don't pay what someone would want, but it sure beats NOTHING! I was raised to work hard and not depend on someone else. My dad took jobs nobody else wanted, so he could provide for our family, so excuse me if I have no patience for some "Occupy Wall Street" pansy who whines! Get off of your backside and do something! We have a problem when people make more money mooching off of the government and have no incentive to WORK! Every 26 seconds, a child drops out of high school and most of them end up on the government payroll (there are some that rise up and make something of themselves). If we just continue this trend, we will soon have a country of no innovation, no incentives, no desire and ultimately no responsibility! We must take action to keep kids in school, provide incentives for hard work and give a hand up not a hand out!
I have indeed been blessed and have much to be thankful for, but I have also worked hard to be successful. The road hasn't always been easy and I've had to ask for help from time to time, but it wasn't because I wasn't trying to better myself. I'm proud of how God has blessed me and what the hard work of my wife and I have allowed us to achieve. I'm proud of my two kids, who have learned there is no such thing as a free lunch. I will forever be thankful, but that doesn't mean I'm going to take it for granted. No, I'm going to keep working, keep pushing and keep trying to achieve even more. It's not greed, it is a strong desire to provide the best life I can for my family. I know first hand life isn't easy and that's why I want to make sure that my compassion actually goes to those in need.
If you have a need, I will be compassionate but I will also hold you accountable. Am I wrong????
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