Gimme, Gimme!

Sunday, November 29th, 2009

We’ve all seen it in the grocery store. The demanding child who wants candy or a toy, and is screaming bloody murder because he is not satisfied. If he does get it, he snatches it and holds it close to he chest as though it was his all along. “MINE” he snaps. When a child snatches a bottle without thanking anybody, it is expected, almost cute. But when that demeanor is exhibited in an adult we find it reprehensible. Our culture is taught that if we have it, we must deserve it. We are a people who feel that we are entitled to every benefit. (more…)

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Contrary Oppositional Disorder

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

When my son, Beau was a toddler, he would ride in the front seat of the car with his Grandpa Popo. After a while, Beau would be overcome by boredom and temptation would beset him and he would begin pushing and pulling any and all of the buttons on the dashboard that his little hands could reach. Popo would tug on a little tuft of Beau’s hair and firmly scold, “No, Beau!  Don’t play with the buttons.”  Beau’s big blue eyes would well up with tears.  He would sit back, rub his head, whimper and wait a few minutes until… ONCE AGAIN he would be overcome by temptation.  ONCE AGAIN, Beau would begin pushing and pulling any and all of the buttons on the dashboard that his little hands could reach.  ONCE AGAIN, Popo would tug on a little tuft of Beau’s hair, and firmly scold, “No, Beau.  Don’t play with the buttons.”  ONCE AGAIN, Beau would sit back, rub his head, whimper and wait a few minutes until ONCE AGAIN… (more…)

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Natural Theology

Sunday, November 15th, 2009

What does nature tell us about God? We see from Genesis that God has made all of creation to glorify Himself. Part of the way He is glorified is by being worshipped as Creator of all. In fact, Psalm 97:6 tells us,
“The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples have seen His glory.” (more…)

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Wadda Ya Mean, Be Still?

Sunday, November 8th, 2009

I remember the thrill surrounding me when as a little boy I would plant seeds. I would pull the weeds, dig up the soil, mix in mulch, put in the seed and water it. I just couldn’t wait for those little green leaves to poke their way through to the surface. My temptation was to help that seed along. A pat to the ground, a little more water, and maybe the addition of a little sign would help the little guy grow faster. I remember succumbing to the temptation of looking for the new leaves under the surface, as if I needed to help move the dirt out of the way. It was difficult to just leave those seeds alone and allow them to grow. I just couldn’t be still. (more…)

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What’s So Great About Halloween?

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

Many years ago I was introduced to Halloween by my Primary teacher.  She made it such a fun day.  We learned a fun song and made a mask with a brown paper bag.  A sheet completed my  “costume,” I could hardly wait to get it home and perform for my family (which were my Grandparents).  My Grandmother helped me get dressed in my sheet and brown paper bag mask.  I emerged and preformed for my Granddaddy who responded with proper appreciation.  When I grew old enough to go “Trick or Treating” it was still fun even without a costume.  There were never tricks, in my experience, because people provided a treat – even at the height of the depression. (more…)

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