Friday, March 18, 2011

Commercials

On my daily commute, I listen to Christian talk radio. Between shows, there are always these commercials that have nothing to do with Christianity; they usually sound like someone trying to promote their business to the Christian demographic (whatever that is). I hear these commercials so much, they become ingrained on my brain. The same thing happens when I watch TV.

So recently, a friend needed a ride to the airport and I was unable to accommodate her- but because I had recently viewed many commercials for a shuttle service to the airport at a great price, I suggested it to her, though I had never used the service myself. Turns out, the service was great and it lived up to what was portrayed.

What's my point? If we read the Bible with the same frequency as we listen to and watch commercials, we will be surprised at what comes to our brains and our mouths when we need it. Sometimes we may not even know that what we are saying is coming from the Bible, but because it is in us, it comes out. Because its coming from the Bible, it will be edifying, useful, and make you appear wise. If its spirit breathed it will also be the right application for the situation. This has happened to me many times,and when I take time to reflect, I realize that expression/thought/saying came straight from the Bible.

The most arcane instance of this was when the phrase "This thing was not done in a corner" came in to my mind. I did not ever remember reading this and I pondered where it came from. But this statement was made by Paul in his defense to King Agrippa and Festus about Jesus, in the book of Acts - it was so simple and powerful. The first time I read the book of Acts, I was a freshman in college and I read this book like it was an action adventure on a NYC subway - it was that good and I couldn't stop reading.

Do not only read the Bible as an intellectual pursuit, read it as a spiritual endeavor. Read it to know God; read it because you love God and have a relationship with him; read it because it can provide direction in every area of your life.

Like those commercials on TV and radio, you never know when words from the Bible will come back to you, but unlike commercials, the words from the Bible will not disappoint.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Interesting Times

On Friday 3/11 Japan endured a devastating earthquake and tsunami, killing thousands. This tsunami, spawned a tsunami alert in Southern California and this is what I woke up to on Friday morning. In SoCal it turned out to be a non-event but up North there was some damage.

Ultimately, I decided to stay home since the tsunami alert affected the area where I work. I am of the mindset, better safe than sorry when it comes to natural disasters and their warnings. So I turned the TV on and was struck by the images of devastation on the screen. I was also struck by the nonchalance people exhibited on our side of the world regarding the tsunami warning - some surfed as usual and hoped nothing would happen, and some treated it as a learning activity and took themselves and their young babies out to watch a tsunami if it occurred. One individual was taking pictures when the tsunami struck up north and he was washed away. I don't know if he was ever found. This boggles the mind!

Another reflection of the times we live in is the recession. It has affected everyone in each state. This op-ed article in the LA Times talks about how the writer has become a happier person since the recession. The irony for me is that the lifestyle changes that she mentions is how I have always lived. I take nothing for granted and try to be a good steward with what I've been entrusted. Perhaps for many people, happiness depends on possessions; for me, not so much.

We are living in interesting times, indeed. Matthew 24 provides a great description of events that are likened to our times. I encourage everyone to know where they're going when they die - heaven or hell. Don't just live as if today is your last day - death is inevitable; be wise about your choices; acknowledge that there is a God; the Lord reigns.
You can have eternal life or eternal death - but either way it will be eternal.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Anniversaries & Birthdays

When I die don't cry for me
Waste not your tears I'll be up in glory
Dont cry for me; dont cry for me.


Every time I hear that song, I think of my brother. I know he's in glory because he made that clear through out his life. Some times I have this vision of him smiling down at us, because he has a new body. Some times I think he's shaking his head because of the discord that persists; but more often than not I think he's smiling. When I think of his smile - I remember how many commented that he & I had the same smile. I think I smile more now that he's gone - ironic, isn't it?

As I smile, I think about my life. God has blessed me with a loving husband and four children. Today, my son, who is the oldest also turns twenty one. In the 21 years that have passed, I think about his birth (he had a BIG head), his intellect, his wit, his trials and temptations, his character and I must say I'm proud of him(as only a mother can be!).

In life we go through so many things and when you're going through the time seems magnified. But when you look back, you have new found perspective. Those 21 years seem like a blur right now. One of my last memories of brother involved both of these men (my brother and my son); at the time it did not seem very pleasant. My brother discovered a post on FB where my son used very foul language, which was not in line with the way we as his parents speak or act. He raised the concern to me - initially I was taken back. I reviewed the post and had to agree with my brother. My husband and I spoke to my son about it. Soon after he died. I'd like to think that our conversation and my brother's life had a huge impact on my son's life and his actions. My son said as much at the funeral.