Young Man Don't Get "Bogged Down"

Sometimes when we practice common sense we are criticized. But I say unto you: Live the good life. Yes, live the good life. It makes good sense to live the good life. What is the "good" life? The good life is the best life. Go for it. Yes, but what is the "good" life? Some may say that the good life is a life of wealth and pleasure. A Mexican poet once said: "En el placer has poco uso porque no hay placer en el abuso." (Antonio Plazas) Although something is lost in the translation; here is the crux of it: "With pleasure; limit it's use, for there is little pleasure in it's abuse." DO NOT BE SOLD A BILL OF GOODS. What is this "bill of goods"? It is the BOG of life's deceptions that can cause you to sink. One deception after another. Don't get "bogged down." Do not be deceived into thinking that you need to drink liquor. Do not be deceived into thinking that if you obey the law you are weak. Do not be deceived into thinking that you are "free" if you do not believe in some type of moral code. Do not be deceived into thinking that having a rebellious attitude is the same as being creative and free. Do not be deceived into thinking that if you have self-discipline, and are able to say no to those things that can harm or kill you; then you are an unfortunate coward who is unwilling to take risks. Do not be deceived into thinking that only "certain people" can enrich your life and you must not be seen with others. Seek the good life. Seek the life of purpose. "The purpose of life is a life of purpose." (R. Warren)

Give Someone a Present

I am not suggesting this because we are approaching the holidays. Give someone a present. I am suggesting it because it is a great idea. About 5 years ago, in San Marcos, I was filling the gas tank of a van I no longer own. It was late at night, and I had all of the family in the van. As I was doing it, a young man approached me and gave me ten dollars. He left immediately. I was shocked but I thanked him. I have no idea why he did it. Although surprised, I felt blessed. It felt good, to receive a gift so spontaneously. I realize that taking gifts from strangers can, at times, be risky. Many teach their children to never accept a gift from a stranger. It is a good idea. However, I am not talking about that. Nor am I suggesting that you help finance someone's addictions. Give someone you know a present. Surprise someone. Show them your appreciation. Show them that you think about them sometimes. A long time ago, I read this maxim somewhere: " I lose what I keep, I keep what I give, and when I die; the only thing I can take with me, is that which I have given." (Anon.) I know it does not sound logical or mathematically accurate. And the first time I quoted it to a friend, he told me I was sounding ridiculous. Nevertheless, to me it made a great deal of sense. And it still does. One day I surprised that particular friend with a present, you should have been there. He tried to hide his joy, but he was unable to do so. The greatest teacher that ever lived once declared: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." His word lives on.

A Real Hero

This is a true story about an 11 year old boy. I did not know the boy. I don't remember the boy's name. I don't even remember where he lived. I just know he had his last experience of life in Southern California. I do not remember the year it happened. I am fairly sure it happened sometime between 1985 and 1993. This is a true story of a hero. This is the story as I recall it: Several families gathered together for a Thanksgiving dinner celebration. They all enjoyed their meal and dessert. They conversed, they laughed, they enjoyed each other's company. The 11 year old boy and his attractive 14 year old cousin decided to go for a walk in the neighborhood. They walked several blocks from the house. They kept walking, talking and enjoying. Suddenly, a van drove up beside them. The occupants of the vehicle focused their attention on the girl. They said things to her to attempt to entice her into the van. She paid no attention to them. She was scared. Her younger cousin was also scared. The van stopped. Two men got out and tried to physically force the girl into the van. She resisted them. She screamed. Her young cousin tried to defend her. He actually tried to fight these men off by himself, and he actually succeeded. But here lies the tragedy, cowardice, and heroism: someone in the van, (possibly a third passenger) came out with a shotgun and fired it at the boy at very close range. The boy did not have a chance, he died right there, bleeding to death on the street. The men did not stay. They fled speedily. The girl was safe. The boy was dead. As I said; I didn't know the boy. But at times, I think about him. I think about the price he was willing to pay for the safety of someone else. He is a real hero.

Humble Yourself, He Humbled Himself (Pt.2)

Do you want to survive or prevail? Would you rather do both? The greatest example for the human race did both. He survived. He prevailed. He survives. He prevails. He humbled Himself. He has all of the power. He will not relinquish His power, even though He freely gives it. He has all of the wisdom. He has all of the knowledge. He will never lose His wisdom or knowledge. He is perfect. He makes no mistakes, and never will. He humbled Himself. For Him, absolutely nothing is impossible. He is the creator and the owner of the universe. Yet, He humbled Himself. He turned the water into wine. He healed all types of diseases, He opened the eyes of the blind. He calmed the storm. He caused the lame to walk. He raised the dead. He fed 5,000 men with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes. He walked on water. He did much, much more. He humbled Himself, yet He is sovereign. He is the one who said: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 5:3) You must lose to win, sometimes. He is the one who said: "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." (Matt. 23:11,12) He not only said it, He humbled Himself. Let us be like Him. "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Phil.2:3-11) IF HE CAN HUMBLE HIMSELF; WHO ARE WE TO NOT TRY?

Made in the Image of God

Yesterday I witnessed a young man have an accident on his bicycle because the chain broke. The young man was in his early twenties. He fell, hit the pavement and got up. I asked him if he was injured. He said no. I said: "You are not hurt because Jesus did not allow it to happen, let's thank him," I said. "No, I don't believe in God," he said. I backed off. Now, God will be doing something in that young man's life because I will be praying specifically for him. I don't know the young man, and I probably will never see him again. However, I do know this: he is made in God's image. To not believe in God is probably the biggest mistake a person can make. We are made in God's image, and unbelief in God is a deviation; an aberration which substitutes man's pride instead of man's respect for the sovereignty of God. Jesus Christ is God. He works, He moves, He operates. He answers our prayers. "If you shall ask anything in my name, I will do it". (John 14:14)

"Cool" Overcame Him

"Cool" overcame him. His image and his identity as an intelligent, sophisticated and aware person was more important to him than anything else. He forgot to grow up. He forgot to move beyond adolescence. He chose not to listen to certain kinds of music because the music was not cool. He chose not to go to certain places because to be seen there was just not cool. He chose not to involve himself in certain trends because he was too cool for them. He chose to involve himself in many trends because he wanted to express his coolness. He only engaged in conversations that expressed how cool he was. He rejected certain relationships because they were not cool. He lambasted people for not being cool. He covered up his weaknesses with a blanket of "cool." He ate what was cool to eat. Figuratively speaking: "cool" ate him. Cool had it's way with him and overcame him.

Move On

Among the many things the Bible contains is good advice for living. It is the Word of God. Without wasting time; I must tell you first of all that God wants what is best for us. He always has, He always will. His mercy is everlasting. If you are troubled by a real or perceived injustice: move on. If you have been hurt as a result of a broken relationship: move on. If you have lost your job: move on. If you have just experienced a tragic experience: move on. Do not be afraid of anything or anyone. Ask God to give you His Spirit. He will never fail you. "For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Move on.

October, Halloween, Fires, Crime and Graffiti

This is the month. Probably the most beautiful month of the year. Unfortunately, with strings attached. Because of the Halloween celebrations; fire and police departments are very busy this month. Fires started by arsonists favor this month. Assaults increase this month. Graffiti increases this month. Graffiti needs to be removed as soon as possible. Graffiti is a declaration and announcement that a segment of the population is truly delayed. They are either delayed emotionally, intellectually, or socially; or perhaps a combination of two or three of the aforementioned. Graffiti is disrespectful and thoughtless. It is a terrible expense to the public in more ways than one. "Tagging " has only one prerequisite: in order to engage in it; one must be an idiot.