I've began to rethink loyalties to any particular Car Rental agency. I for years have been devoted to Enterprise, but they are not 'traveler' friendly. Little things seem to get in the way such as "no one way travel", "limited mileage", and "no crossing over State lines". As I prepare to cross the country with my Daughter to South Carolina, a short visit to see my sister in North Carolina just 4 hours away would be nice. Enterprise sent me a discount and a free upgrade for messing up my last rental so I called them. I was given the same excuses again (no one way and no crossing State lines). I guess my rental rate is jumping from $10.00/day to about $60.00/day.
Enterprise, you are great if I don't need to go anywhere or if I want to go where I am at already, but I will not waste anymore time calling you if I want to travel. I guess this only proves that the least expensive deals are not always the best.
I'm so glad that God doesn't offer us special 'deals' that we can't use. He only offers us eternal life and the cost never changes (though we may at times think the cost is too high for us).
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Papa
Several days ago, Ellenor asked me "can I call you Papa?" I answered that she already has a Papa and he is at his Army work. I told her that I was her Ponka (the name I somehow inherited) and could not be her Papa.
As I pondered upon this event, I began to think about the spiritual parallel. How often are we in situations where we find ourselves separated from our heavenly 'Papa'? In those times of alienation, do we look for a substitute, a surrogate 'Papa'? Are we willing to attach ourselves to another out of loneliness or fear?
Sweet Ellenor, what a trooper at the age of 2. Your papa loves you dearly. You will be with Papa in only 34 more days. Till then, you can share your hugs with me all you want. To everyone else, remember we already have a 'Papa" in God. He loves us unconditionally. When we find ourselves separated from Him, He is still there waiting for us to seek Him.
As I pondered upon this event, I began to think about the spiritual parallel. How often are we in situations where we find ourselves separated from our heavenly 'Papa'? In those times of alienation, do we look for a substitute, a surrogate 'Papa'? Are we willing to attach ourselves to another out of loneliness or fear?
Sweet Ellenor, what a trooper at the age of 2. Your papa loves you dearly. You will be with Papa in only 34 more days. Till then, you can share your hugs with me all you want. To everyone else, remember we already have a 'Papa" in God. He loves us unconditionally. When we find ourselves separated from Him, He is still there waiting for us to seek Him.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Conflict between Islam and Christianity
Islam and Christianity, both lay claim to similar roots through the seed of Abraham of the Jewish faith found in the Old Testament. With such a shared heritage, one would expect the two faiths to have much in common, particularly world views pertaining to God. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many of the basic viewpoints of Christianity are in absolute conflict with those of Islam. Having contrasting teaching and understanding of God’s word, it is inevitable that the key decision-making motivators of each would be in conflict. Following is a brief outline of some of the most prevalent discrepancies between the two.
Islamic teachings center on the worship of one God, Allah. Contrary to Christianity, Muslims do not accept the concept of the Triune nature of that one God. Jesus, whom Christians recognize as God (part of the Trinity), is accepted by Muslims as a ‘good’ prophet, like Mohammed. This denial of Jesus’ divinity by Islam creates the major discrepancy between the two faiths.
Christian (as well as Jewish) teaching tells the reader that Adam sinned against God and could only be restored to God through Atonement. Additionally, Christian doctrine concludes that God sent His son, in human flesh, to die upon the cross to accomplish this Atonement of sins, thereby offering man restoration as an unearned gift. Islam counters that Adam was faultless in his walk before God; Jesus was only a man who did not suffer death on the cross, thus no Atonement was achieved, and that salvation is earned through deeds, not free as a gift.
Another major conflict in beliefs is found in the methodology of an individual’s conversion to the faith. Christianity teaches that each person must enter the faith of their own volition, as a voluntary action. Islam teaches that conversion to the faith must be imposed by forced upon individuals and/or communities.
Based upon today’s world standards, Christianity (in a diluted state) has the appearance of being more ‘tolerant’ of their surroundings. Tolerance, as a human trait, is generally a compromise in application of God’s word. Islam (in the most part) teaches very little tolerance, especially in areas that violate their understanding of God’s word as they understand it. The unfortunate thing about this is that mainline Muslims are in many ways more in line with the scriptural teachings of God on topics such as Homosexuality, Adultery, and Prayer than most ‘mainline’ Christian Churches.
Can Christians and Muslims become more unified in their beliefs and teachings? Can commonality be found in their worldviews? This is most likely not possible due to the large chasm between the two. As long as the two can not agree on; the fall of man, the atonement of sin through God (Jesus), and salvation as a gift as opposed to works, the basis for absolute values as truth in a worldview can not be achieved.
Islamic teachings center on the worship of one God, Allah. Contrary to Christianity, Muslims do not accept the concept of the Triune nature of that one God. Jesus, whom Christians recognize as God (part of the Trinity), is accepted by Muslims as a ‘good’ prophet, like Mohammed. This denial of Jesus’ divinity by Islam creates the major discrepancy between the two faiths.
Christian (as well as Jewish) teaching tells the reader that Adam sinned against God and could only be restored to God through Atonement. Additionally, Christian doctrine concludes that God sent His son, in human flesh, to die upon the cross to accomplish this Atonement of sins, thereby offering man restoration as an unearned gift. Islam counters that Adam was faultless in his walk before God; Jesus was only a man who did not suffer death on the cross, thus no Atonement was achieved, and that salvation is earned through deeds, not free as a gift.
Another major conflict in beliefs is found in the methodology of an individual’s conversion to the faith. Christianity teaches that each person must enter the faith of their own volition, as a voluntary action. Islam teaches that conversion to the faith must be imposed by forced upon individuals and/or communities.
Based upon today’s world standards, Christianity (in a diluted state) has the appearance of being more ‘tolerant’ of their surroundings. Tolerance, as a human trait, is generally a compromise in application of God’s word. Islam (in the most part) teaches very little tolerance, especially in areas that violate their understanding of God’s word as they understand it. The unfortunate thing about this is that mainline Muslims are in many ways more in line with the scriptural teachings of God on topics such as Homosexuality, Adultery, and Prayer than most ‘mainline’ Christian Churches.
Can Christians and Muslims become more unified in their beliefs and teachings? Can commonality be found in their worldviews? This is most likely not possible due to the large chasm between the two. As long as the two can not agree on; the fall of man, the atonement of sin through God (Jesus), and salvation as a gift as opposed to works, the basis for absolute values as truth in a worldview can not be achieved.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Shrinking - Round 2
Now that the holiday season (Thanksgiving to National Championship) is over, it's time to come off the holding pattern and kick into the next gear. Through all the gaiety & oft dips into snacks, deserts, and extra meals, I managed to put on about 5 lbs. Starting anew, this should come off fairly quickly. All things considered, I am still 50-55 lbs less than one year ago.
The food packets are ordered and arriving in the next day or two. I must dedicate myself to strict adherence to the diet as I did last May. With this intent, My next goal is to lose another 30-40 lbs this year. This may sound like a new years resolution, but in reality, it is a new life resolution.
To keep myself honest, I invite those who care to challenge me in this venture. I pray that I continue in fulfilling God's plan for me to restore my health. Please pray for me as I strive to complete this task that God has required of me.
The food packets are ordered and arriving in the next day or two. I must dedicate myself to strict adherence to the diet as I did last May. With this intent, My next goal is to lose another 30-40 lbs this year. This may sound like a new years resolution, but in reality, it is a new life resolution.
To keep myself honest, I invite those who care to challenge me in this venture. I pray that I continue in fulfilling God's plan for me to restore my health. Please pray for me as I strive to complete this task that God has required of me.
Ducks were so close
Tie game with 2 seconds left, that close to finishing with a perfect season and a national championship. It was not to be as Auburn kicked a field goal to win it all. The Ducks left points on the field that were missed chances. Auburn in the end set up the winning points off of an unexpected, freak play. Runner pulled down then realizes he never touched a knee or arm ran another 37 yards.
All things happen for a reason. God's plans are bigger than a football game. Regardless of the outcome, the game experience was more memorable. sharing the game with 2 very excited Grandsons, from the pre-game to game food (dinner) to ringing green & yellow cowbells. Mix in the company of a wife & daughter & 2 little grand daughters, it was a wonderful time.
So I must say that I am a bit saddened with the loss but the memories of this night will last much longer than the details of the game itself. For that, I must say 'thank you' to the Oregon Football team and GO DUCKS.
All things happen for a reason. God's plans are bigger than a football game. Regardless of the outcome, the game experience was more memorable. sharing the game with 2 very excited Grandsons, from the pre-game to game food (dinner) to ringing green & yellow cowbells. Mix in the company of a wife & daughter & 2 little grand daughters, it was a wonderful time.
So I must say that I am a bit saddened with the loss but the memories of this night will last much longer than the details of the game itself. For that, I must say 'thank you' to the Oregon Football team and GO DUCKS.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Death and Dieing
Death is a topic that generally is not talked about by most people. There is always a sense of finality and sorrow associated with it. We are saddened by the mere thought of it. Though we as humans do our best to avoid death, it still happens.
Twelve days ago, My dad lost his Rita. Thirteen and a half years ago my Mother died, leaving my Dad in a world of hurt. God brought Rita into his life the next year. She gave him balance again. We, as a family accepted and loved Rita, as did she of us. Her death came as a sudden shock. She was diagnosed with cancer three weeks prior, had just completed radiation treatments and been told that she could expect 2-7 years before it took her. She didn't get her 2 years, but rather a mere 3 weeks, passing in her sleep - peacefully and now pain free.
The grieving process has set in for her family and my Dad. This has presented opportunities for me to share God's love for us and His plan for our eternity with my Dad. Does this remove the grief? Not really, but it does change the perceived finality of death. As each of us must deal with death at some point of our lives, it is easier to accept knowing that only through death will we see life eternal.
Twelve days ago, My dad lost his Rita. Thirteen and a half years ago my Mother died, leaving my Dad in a world of hurt. God brought Rita into his life the next year. She gave him balance again. We, as a family accepted and loved Rita, as did she of us. Her death came as a sudden shock. She was diagnosed with cancer three weeks prior, had just completed radiation treatments and been told that she could expect 2-7 years before it took her. She didn't get her 2 years, but rather a mere 3 weeks, passing in her sleep - peacefully and now pain free.
The grieving process has set in for her family and my Dad. This has presented opportunities for me to share God's love for us and His plan for our eternity with my Dad. Does this remove the grief? Not really, but it does change the perceived finality of death. As each of us must deal with death at some point of our lives, it is easier to accept knowing that only through death will we see life eternal.
The End of a Year
Why is it that the end of a year brings on a time of reflection of the past year? I have wondered and pondered over this question multiple times - usually at the end of a year. It seems that we do our reflecting at this time of year for several reasons.
1) A new year is ready to begin. As we look ahead, we are determined to try to make it a better year than we have ever had, thus we look back to see where we can improve.
2) We tend to not be satisfied with areas of our lives and we go into recall mode to identify these areas in order to remedy them.
3) We have made it through the Holiday season of hustle bustle from mid November through Christmas, finally able to relax and let our guard down.
4) We anticipate expected changes ahead of us and want to compare the changes to the past and plan ahead.
All this reflection leads us to (again) make a list of 'New Years Resolutions' Do we really plan to make all the changes we resolve to do? Usually, we begin with the full intent but life doesn't always cooperate with our plans.
This year, my resolution is to seek more fully what God desires for me to do. Do I expect a full list to be revealed on January 1st? No, this list will most likely change and be added to quite often. I guess then, reflecting on the past year(s), I can honestly say that my New Years Resolution is to become a better servant, becoming more pliable and available to be used of Him.
That being said, I can now say: HAPPY NEW YEAR - Ed
1) A new year is ready to begin. As we look ahead, we are determined to try to make it a better year than we have ever had, thus we look back to see where we can improve.
2) We tend to not be satisfied with areas of our lives and we go into recall mode to identify these areas in order to remedy them.
3) We have made it through the Holiday season of hustle bustle from mid November through Christmas, finally able to relax and let our guard down.
4) We anticipate expected changes ahead of us and want to compare the changes to the past and plan ahead.
All this reflection leads us to (again) make a list of 'New Years Resolutions' Do we really plan to make all the changes we resolve to do? Usually, we begin with the full intent but life doesn't always cooperate with our plans.
This year, my resolution is to seek more fully what God desires for me to do. Do I expect a full list to be revealed on January 1st? No, this list will most likely change and be added to quite often. I guess then, reflecting on the past year(s), I can honestly say that my New Years Resolution is to become a better servant, becoming more pliable and available to be used of Him.
That being said, I can now say: HAPPY NEW YEAR - Ed
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