Friday, October 24, 2003
Thank You, My Friend
I am a different person
because of you, my friend.
You gave me confidence
I didn't know I had.
You showed me my voice
that I might speak my mind.
How many times did I
bring you my troubles?
How many times did you
listen intently?
I saw in your eyes
how much you cared.
I heard in your voice
heartfelt compassion.
In your mild-mannered way
you gave me what I needed,
a shoulder to cry on,
listening eyes as well as ears.
I want you to know that
you mean so much to me.
Life is too short
to put off telling you.
I am a different person.
Thank you, my friend.
because of you, my friend.
You gave me confidence
I didn't know I had.
You showed me my voice
that I might speak my mind.
How many times did I
bring you my troubles?
How many times did you
listen intently?
I saw in your eyes
how much you cared.
I heard in your voice
heartfelt compassion.
In your mild-mannered way
you gave me what I needed,
a shoulder to cry on,
listening eyes as well as ears.
I want you to know that
you mean so much to me.
Life is too short
to put off telling you.
I am a different person.
Thank you, my friend.
Thursday, October 23, 2003
Memories of Julie
Today I found out that a friend of mine passed away. Her name was Julie. She had a heart attack last night and died unexpectedly.
I can hear her laugh. I can see her smile. I cannot believe that I won't have an opportunity to see her smile and hear her laugh again. I will miss her kindness. I will miss her insight.
The memories I have of Julie will always be with me. She used to come to our work softball games on Friday nights. I could always count on Julie to keep an eye on my kids for me while I was out in the field. She had a certain way about her that made the kids feel at ease. She may not have been a mom herself, but she sure had the talent with the kids like a mom.
She loved her niece dearly. I'm sure her little niece will have a hard time understanding what has happened. I hope she will remember how Julie cared for her when her parents went on vacation. I hope she will remember Julie fondly.
May you be in God's presence today Julie, and may your family and friends take comfort in that.
I can hear her laugh. I can see her smile. I cannot believe that I won't have an opportunity to see her smile and hear her laugh again. I will miss her kindness. I will miss her insight.
The memories I have of Julie will always be with me. She used to come to our work softball games on Friday nights. I could always count on Julie to keep an eye on my kids for me while I was out in the field. She had a certain way about her that made the kids feel at ease. She may not have been a mom herself, but she sure had the talent with the kids like a mom.
She loved her niece dearly. I'm sure her little niece will have a hard time understanding what has happened. I hope she will remember how Julie cared for her when her parents went on vacation. I hope she will remember Julie fondly.
May you be in God's presence today Julie, and may your family and friends take comfort in that.
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Three Cheers for Lawmakers!
Once again lawmakers have passed a bill banning partial-birth abortion. Their perserverance is notable and commendable. This time their bill will be signed by a president with a moral compass pointing in the right direction. It is a step in the direction that I hope will lead to an end of the murder of innocent babies in the U.S.
Although the partial birth abortion ban will be law, it faces an uphill struggle in the courts as to its survival. Those of us who see murder for what it is need to pray to the God who despises killing for the sake of convenience that the law will be upheld in the courts.
Murder is murder no matter how one tries to rationalize it. Our society has standards that hold us to a better treatment of convicted killers and animals than of pre-born children. If you think abortion might be OK in some instances, think again. Look for accounts given by former abortion clinic nurses about the "procedure". I did, and what I found has stengthened my conviction. What I found in those accounts made me cry and hurt for those innocent pre-born babes, torn limb from limb, victims of a world that worships convenience.
Although the partial birth abortion ban will be law, it faces an uphill struggle in the courts as to its survival. Those of us who see murder for what it is need to pray to the God who despises killing for the sake of convenience that the law will be upheld in the courts.
Murder is murder no matter how one tries to rationalize it. Our society has standards that hold us to a better treatment of convicted killers and animals than of pre-born children. If you think abortion might be OK in some instances, think again. Look for accounts given by former abortion clinic nurses about the "procedure". I did, and what I found has stengthened my conviction. What I found in those accounts made me cry and hurt for those innocent pre-born babes, torn limb from limb, victims of a world that worships convenience.
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
Truth to varying degrees?
Is there such a thing as a varying degree of truth? I suppose that depends on what "is" is.
This thought has loomed in my mind for the last couple of years. There is the truth, and there is falsehood. There are not degrees of truth, but only one truth.
It is a horrendous thing that is happening to General Boykin, being taken to task for his beliefs. Those taking him to task are the ones who believe in degrees of truth, that truth is relative to a person's circumstances. The relativistic truth will lead us much farther from peace and tranquility than the strong moral fiber of a man who believes in one truth.
You are either for Him or against Him.
I am not surprised by the example of General Boykin in current events and won't be surprised to see more examples as the moral fabric of our society erodes. My goal is to be on the lookout for them and not be caught off-guard, mistaking falsehood for truth.
Those who live in the United States have had it easy for many years--not suffering the persecution found in other parts of the world. Are you a believer in truth? If so, are you ready to suffer the inevitable persecution that lies ahead?
This thought has loomed in my mind for the last couple of years. There is the truth, and there is falsehood. There are not degrees of truth, but only one truth.
It is a horrendous thing that is happening to General Boykin, being taken to task for his beliefs. Those taking him to task are the ones who believe in degrees of truth, that truth is relative to a person's circumstances. The relativistic truth will lead us much farther from peace and tranquility than the strong moral fiber of a man who believes in one truth.
You are either for Him or against Him.
I am not surprised by the example of General Boykin in current events and won't be surprised to see more examples as the moral fabric of our society erodes. My goal is to be on the lookout for them and not be caught off-guard, mistaking falsehood for truth.
Those who live in the United States have had it easy for many years--not suffering the persecution found in other parts of the world. Are you a believer in truth? If so, are you ready to suffer the inevitable persecution that lies ahead?
Monday, October 20, 2003
Are you a good person?
Are you a good person? I'd have answered "yes" to that question not many years ago. I would like to tell you why I would answer no to it now.
There is a radio show host in the Twin Cities who does a piece on his talk show where he interviews people "on the street" to find out where they stand in their spiritual walk. One of the first questions he poses to people is "Are you a good person?" I have never heard anyone answer the question no. He follows the question with "Why?" Most say they try to do good things, that they go to church. The talk show host counters with questions about the ten commandments. Have you ever told a lie? Have you ever stolen anything? Even a paper clip? Have you ever been angry with someone? Any christian answering his questions immediately begins to rethink his or her answer to the first question.
I am not a good person. The Bible says that one day we will all stand before God in judgement. God will hold us accountable for everything each of us have done. He will determine if we deserve heaven. By my own merit, I do not deserve heaven. I know of only one way to heaven for me--by the blood shed by Christ on the cross. He has given me a way that is only mine because he gave it to me. He gave me the faith to believe it. I have done nothing to deserve it. I am not a good person.
There is a radio show host in the Twin Cities who does a piece on his talk show where he interviews people "on the street" to find out where they stand in their spiritual walk. One of the first questions he poses to people is "Are you a good person?" I have never heard anyone answer the question no. He follows the question with "Why?" Most say they try to do good things, that they go to church. The talk show host counters with questions about the ten commandments. Have you ever told a lie? Have you ever stolen anything? Even a paper clip? Have you ever been angry with someone? Any christian answering his questions immediately begins to rethink his or her answer to the first question.
I am not a good person. The Bible says that one day we will all stand before God in judgement. God will hold us accountable for everything each of us have done. He will determine if we deserve heaven. By my own merit, I do not deserve heaven. I know of only one way to heaven for me--by the blood shed by Christ on the cross. He has given me a way that is only mine because he gave it to me. He gave me the faith to believe it. I have done nothing to deserve it. I am not a good person.
