Saturday, April 23, 2005
I feel like I do nothing but talk about my pet peeves and things that irk me on here?? I hope you who read don't mind the venting... yeah, this is like one big massive vent-area?!! So, in light of that (sort of) revelation, this post will be about the things I love!!!
A brief vent first... people who think they know more than you even if you have more experience/time in, rude children, thiefs/dishonest people, people who nitpick... I could go into detail, but I won't... on to the positive!!!
I love theatre... I just do. Partly because I like to be entertained, and it's entertainment. Partly because I like to tell stories, and it's essentially just that. Partly because I like to hang out with people/friends, and I make friends that I get to hang out with doing theatre.
I love roses... they're my birthflower. They smell good and are pretty to look at and come in lots of really pretty colors/varieties.
I love to sing.... especially "spiritual songs". I guess the basis for it is wanting to praise God, thank Him, talk to Him, etc. Spread on top of that is how good it feels to sing a song and it sounds really good and is well written and stuff.
I love my family... yes, including my siblings and my parents. They have all at some point gotten on my nerves over something or really hurt me with something they did, but, ya know, I just love them anyway. My parents aren't perfect, but I like them a whole lot better than yours?! I've been in fights with my siblings that included hitting, but my sister is a wonderful woman that I know will do what she can to help me and my brother has such a good heart and I know I can depend on him to help me when he can, too.
I love my job... especially the holidays. I work for a Christian university so I get all the education holidays (for the most part). There are times when I don't like some of the attitudes and ideals exhibited around campus, but I thoroughly enjoy the people I work with.
One thing I'm noticing... in all of these, I'm taking the good with the bad... and throwing the bad out (or at least to the side). People nowadays seem to not want to do that. They just want to focus on the negative, on what went wrong, on what someone did wrong... just flat out be negative. I am of the opinion that there's a part you should focus on (or can focus on) in most anything. "I have a friend that does this" (something negative) but I concentrate on "He/She does this that I really enjoy/appreciate/value" instead. Don't focus on the fact that your friend smokes or drinks... focus on the fact that they are a good friend and work on the smoking/drinking thing by using your "in" with them. People don't do this with religions... they don't want to take the time to understand where the idea/philosophy/tradition came from and it's significance. They don't see what they can learn from it as far as something to be valued or more closely examined or as a way to remember or learn more about something. It's not in their belief system so they don't want to hear it... period... end of story.
Ooohh.... I always say that I hate politics. To quote Jack Nicholson's character in "As Good As It Gets", "I'm using the word 'hate' here, about..." politics... it's that kind of hate and loathing. But what I like is the freedom and abilities we have in our system of governement. People have the right and ability to say most anything they want and to believe most anything they want ("except for Christians... noooo.... they're offense... I might end up a better person if I listen to them...") I like that we all get to vote and that it's becoming more evident that MY votes counts. And I like that we can elect someone who believes like we do... we have that freedom and option... well, if they run...
Anywhoo... one must go... el Dios le bendice siempre...
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A brief vent first... people who think they know more than you even if you have more experience/time in, rude children, thiefs/dishonest people, people who nitpick... I could go into detail, but I won't... on to the positive!!!
I love theatre... I just do. Partly because I like to be entertained, and it's entertainment. Partly because I like to tell stories, and it's essentially just that. Partly because I like to hang out with people/friends, and I make friends that I get to hang out with doing theatre.
I love roses... they're my birthflower. They smell good and are pretty to look at and come in lots of really pretty colors/varieties.
I love to sing.... especially "spiritual songs". I guess the basis for it is wanting to praise God, thank Him, talk to Him, etc. Spread on top of that is how good it feels to sing a song and it sounds really good and is well written and stuff.
I love my family... yes, including my siblings and my parents. They have all at some point gotten on my nerves over something or really hurt me with something they did, but, ya know, I just love them anyway. My parents aren't perfect, but I like them a whole lot better than yours?! I've been in fights with my siblings that included hitting, but my sister is a wonderful woman that I know will do what she can to help me and my brother has such a good heart and I know I can depend on him to help me when he can, too.
I love my job... especially the holidays. I work for a Christian university so I get all the education holidays (for the most part). There are times when I don't like some of the attitudes and ideals exhibited around campus, but I thoroughly enjoy the people I work with.
One thing I'm noticing... in all of these, I'm taking the good with the bad... and throwing the bad out (or at least to the side). People nowadays seem to not want to do that. They just want to focus on the negative, on what went wrong, on what someone did wrong... just flat out be negative. I am of the opinion that there's a part you should focus on (or can focus on) in most anything. "I have a friend that does this" (something negative) but I concentrate on "He/She does this that I really enjoy/appreciate/value" instead. Don't focus on the fact that your friend smokes or drinks... focus on the fact that they are a good friend and work on the smoking/drinking thing by using your "in" with them. People don't do this with religions... they don't want to take the time to understand where the idea/philosophy/tradition came from and it's significance. They don't see what they can learn from it as far as something to be valued or more closely examined or as a way to remember or learn more about something. It's not in their belief system so they don't want to hear it... period... end of story.
Ooohh.... I always say that I hate politics. To quote Jack Nicholson's character in "As Good As It Gets", "I'm using the word 'hate' here, about..." politics... it's that kind of hate and loathing. But what I like is the freedom and abilities we have in our system of governement. People have the right and ability to say most anything they want and to believe most anything they want ("except for Christians... noooo.... they're offense... I might end up a better person if I listen to them...") I like that we all get to vote and that it's becoming more evident that MY votes counts. And I like that we can elect someone who believes like we do... we have that freedom and option... well, if they run...
Anywhoo... one must go... el Dios le bendice siempre...
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Wednesday, April 06, 2005
"Why ya' gotta hate?!"
Why ya' gotta act like a punk?
Okay, really, this is my soapbox digest on people who just outrageously hate. I'm talking the kind of hate where everyone looks at you an goes, "that much hate over that is absurd" and may even start avoiding you because you have now caused a scene or been rude/ upsetting. There are things that I hate (broccolli, being overcharged, long lines), but I don't make a scene and pitch a fit when I encounter these things. Reacting inappropriately will get you no where. If had acted this way when I was younger, my backside would have been tanned by a certain leather belt or popped appropriately by the attending parent. I sort of have to wonder if the reason we have so many people who feel that it's okay to behave rudely to others (other patrons/customers, the customer service agents, the cashiers, the managers) is that their backsides didn't feel the consequence of "showing out" like that. If I'm ever in a store and the person in front of me starts getting irrate with an employee who's doing their level best to help, I really feel sorry and embarrassed for the customer AND the employee. The customer because, at the instant, they represent the patrons of the store and I'm embarrassed at how they're representing "the public" to the employee. The employee because I can't do anything to help or "get rid of" this person... at least usually I can't.
I bring that up to say this, too... stay in control of your emotions and actions. Stop and think BEFORE you say something. Try to understand their position. Take some deep breaths if you need to. (That's for everyone...)
el Dios le bendice siempre...
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Why ya' gotta act like a punk?
Okay, really, this is my soapbox digest on people who just outrageously hate. I'm talking the kind of hate where everyone looks at you an goes, "that much hate over that is absurd" and may even start avoiding you because you have now caused a scene or been rude/ upsetting. There are things that I hate (broccolli, being overcharged, long lines), but I don't make a scene and pitch a fit when I encounter these things. Reacting inappropriately will get you no where. If had acted this way when I was younger, my backside would have been tanned by a certain leather belt or popped appropriately by the attending parent. I sort of have to wonder if the reason we have so many people who feel that it's okay to behave rudely to others (other patrons/customers, the customer service agents, the cashiers, the managers) is that their backsides didn't feel the consequence of "showing out" like that. If I'm ever in a store and the person in front of me starts getting irrate with an employee who's doing their level best to help, I really feel sorry and embarrassed for the customer AND the employee. The customer because, at the instant, they represent the patrons of the store and I'm embarrassed at how they're representing "the public" to the employee. The employee because I can't do anything to help or "get rid of" this person... at least usually I can't.
I bring that up to say this, too... stay in control of your emotions and actions. Stop and think BEFORE you say something. Try to understand their position. Take some deep breaths if you need to. (That's for everyone...)
el Dios le bendice siempre...
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How can we make our worship assemblies more contemporary, relevant, and appealing to unbelievers?
Ooooo.... ouch.... that's implying that we are not contemporary, are irrelevant, and unappealing to people who aren't believers. And that sort of hurts?!
Not being comtemporary is bad in that it means that you're stuck in the past. That's just not a healthy thing. One should learn from their past and improve on the future, striving to be the people God wants us to. I think there needs to be a bit of "tradition" in that what we do and how we do it needs to be meaningful. That's what you remember and what has the most impact on you is the things that are most meaningful to you.
Irrelevant?! Yikes, not good... not good at all. We need to understand ourselves and help make it understood that the love and forgiveness and standards of the Bible that God has given us was for each of us... individually... sort of as a collective whole, but mostly for each and every single one of us. That makes it relevant in my opinion... this whole Bible, religion, Christ on the cross thing... yeah, that was for me... well, and because of me, but that's another post...
Hmm... unappealing, eh? I thought everyone wanted to be loved. I thought that was the main thing people wanted. And to sum the Bible up, that's pretty much what it is... the story of a God who loved us so much he created this world and us, worked with us and gave us the things we needed and asked for, sent his Son to die for us so that he could stand to keep us around, and wants, REALLY WANTS, us to live with him for eternity. That sounds like the kind of man I want to marry... believe me though when I say I'm not going to hold "my guy" up to being perfect, just the best he can be and to love me.
In conclusion, do I think that there are things that can be done to make a church more contemporary, relevant, and appealing? Yep, probably, and it depends on what church as to what can be done and what should be done. Remember don't ignore Bible principles, but be as contemporary, relevant, and appealing as is appropriate. And do I think that churches are already contemporary, relevant, and appealing? At least one if not all three?! I have a feeling that people who would refer to a church or churches as not contemporary, as irrelevant, or as unappealing are probably mostly looking for justification... for what? Who knows... could be anything?
Anywhoo... your thoughts?
el Dios le bendice siempre...
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Ooooo.... ouch.... that's implying that we are not contemporary, are irrelevant, and unappealing to people who aren't believers. And that sort of hurts?!
Not being comtemporary is bad in that it means that you're stuck in the past. That's just not a healthy thing. One should learn from their past and improve on the future, striving to be the people God wants us to. I think there needs to be a bit of "tradition" in that what we do and how we do it needs to be meaningful. That's what you remember and what has the most impact on you is the things that are most meaningful to you.
Irrelevant?! Yikes, not good... not good at all. We need to understand ourselves and help make it understood that the love and forgiveness and standards of the Bible that God has given us was for each of us... individually... sort of as a collective whole, but mostly for each and every single one of us. That makes it relevant in my opinion... this whole Bible, religion, Christ on the cross thing... yeah, that was for me... well, and because of me, but that's another post...
Hmm... unappealing, eh? I thought everyone wanted to be loved. I thought that was the main thing people wanted. And to sum the Bible up, that's pretty much what it is... the story of a God who loved us so much he created this world and us, worked with us and gave us the things we needed and asked for, sent his Son to die for us so that he could stand to keep us around, and wants, REALLY WANTS, us to live with him for eternity. That sounds like the kind of man I want to marry... believe me though when I say I'm not going to hold "my guy" up to being perfect, just the best he can be and to love me.
In conclusion, do I think that there are things that can be done to make a church more contemporary, relevant, and appealing? Yep, probably, and it depends on what church as to what can be done and what should be done. Remember don't ignore Bible principles, but be as contemporary, relevant, and appealing as is appropriate. And do I think that churches are already contemporary, relevant, and appealing? At least one if not all three?! I have a feeling that people who would refer to a church or churches as not contemporary, as irrelevant, or as unappealing are probably mostly looking for justification... for what? Who knows... could be anything?
Anywhoo... your thoughts?
el Dios le bendice siempre...
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Monday, April 04, 2005
Here's an interesting question... Can our worship open doors for a broader, ecumenical fellowship with other believers?
Hmm... my quesion is sort of "what is this asking?"... My idea of the question is that it's asking if we can welcome more people from other "fellowships" into our services... can we make them "want to come"? So the answer is yes... and no. Yes, in that if we are utilizing advances in today's society to further God's kingdom and share our beliefs, people will feel more at ease and have more of a chance to experience our style of worship with no fear of "discomfort" for some reason. The reason I say no as well is that we don't need to compromise our beliefs for the sake of numbers. We shouldn't feel like we need to be like another church (of any belief system at all) just so that they're members will want to come to our church. [FYI/ sidenote: I don't "recruiting" (hard sale) members from other churches and I don't like "my-church-is-better-ing"... a church is not a department store...] Please don't take me wrong... I have no problem with talking to people about what we believe and how we worship and the reasons why. But I don't think that "force feeding" it to someone will get you very far.
el Dios le bendice siempre...
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Hmm... my quesion is sort of "what is this asking?"... My idea of the question is that it's asking if we can welcome more people from other "fellowships" into our services... can we make them "want to come"? So the answer is yes... and no. Yes, in that if we are utilizing advances in today's society to further God's kingdom and share our beliefs, people will feel more at ease and have more of a chance to experience our style of worship with no fear of "discomfort" for some reason. The reason I say no as well is that we don't need to compromise our beliefs for the sake of numbers. We shouldn't feel like we need to be like another church (of any belief system at all) just so that they're members will want to come to our church. [FYI/ sidenote: I don't "recruiting" (hard sale) members from other churches and I don't like "my-church-is-better-ing"... a church is not a department store...] Please don't take me wrong... I have no problem with talking to people about what we believe and how we worship and the reasons why. But I don't think that "force feeding" it to someone will get you very far.
el Dios le bendice siempre...
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Friday, April 01, 2005
My question for the Catholics who read this and care to answer...
What is the reasoning behind the last rights? On the surface I know and see what it is, but I just don't see the basis for it or where it comes from...
Anyone?? I don't bite... really am curious to know...
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What is the reasoning behind the last rights? On the surface I know and see what it is, but I just don't see the basis for it or where it comes from...
Anyone?? I don't bite... really am curious to know...
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Question of the day... Can churches that severely restrict the freedom of women to contribute in public worship be taken seriously in contemporary culture? Some of you may need to prepare to be upset with me...
They most certainly can and should be taken seriously. the problem is not that women are not capable of contributing to public worship. In fact, I'd dare say that some may be more blessed with that vein of talent than some men are. That's just the way God has created us... each with individual talents to use. Here's my thought though, men are supposed to be the leaders. In a church the size of mine, I'd find it hard to believe that there isn't a man who is fully capable of leading singing or leading a prayer or whatever else is necessary. Men are just supposed to be the leaders. They're stronger, etc., etc., etc. Face it, that's why there hasn't been a woman president as of yet. It's not been because there are no intelligent, thoughtful, compassionate women who could lead our country... look at the executives of the Fortune 500 companies. Aren't there more than just one or two women that have been or are part of this powerhouse group?
Soo... to the women, I say use your talent. Find a way to do all you can for the church and make a difference, but don't ignore Biblical principles in using your talent... and I purpose worded that broadly to encompass ALL talent we're given.
And... to the men, I say step up to the plate and LEAD. Use your talents too. Don't let this be an issue. Don't be afraid of not doing it "just right"... "just right" is pretty much for fairy tales like the three bears... just try your best and be prepared.
To "miniscule" churches... I say use who you have and the talents they have. Take that for what it's worth. Use your heart and MOST IMPORTANTLY prayer to decide what to do. I know life's harder when you barely have any members, but that's where lives are changed the most and the biggest impact/impression is made.
BTW, check out Nehemiah's leadership style and skills... note the first thing he seems to do in every situation... and check out Eric's blog for some other thoughts on this if Nehemiah interests you...
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They most certainly can and should be taken seriously. the problem is not that women are not capable of contributing to public worship. In fact, I'd dare say that some may be more blessed with that vein of talent than some men are. That's just the way God has created us... each with individual talents to use. Here's my thought though, men are supposed to be the leaders. In a church the size of mine, I'd find it hard to believe that there isn't a man who is fully capable of leading singing or leading a prayer or whatever else is necessary. Men are just supposed to be the leaders. They're stronger, etc., etc., etc. Face it, that's why there hasn't been a woman president as of yet. It's not been because there are no intelligent, thoughtful, compassionate women who could lead our country... look at the executives of the Fortune 500 companies. Aren't there more than just one or two women that have been or are part of this powerhouse group?
Soo... to the women, I say use your talent. Find a way to do all you can for the church and make a difference, but don't ignore Biblical principles in using your talent... and I purpose worded that broadly to encompass ALL talent we're given.
And... to the men, I say step up to the plate and LEAD. Use your talents too. Don't let this be an issue. Don't be afraid of not doing it "just right"... "just right" is pretty much for fairy tales like the three bears... just try your best and be prepared.
To "miniscule" churches... I say use who you have and the talents they have. Take that for what it's worth. Use your heart and MOST IMPORTANTLY prayer to decide what to do. I know life's harder when you barely have any members, but that's where lives are changed the most and the biggest impact/impression is made.
BTW, check out Nehemiah's leadership style and skills... note the first thing he seems to do in every situation... and check out Eric's blog for some other thoughts on this if Nehemiah interests you...
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