11th CHAPTERS AND 28TH VERSES

Today is my 50th birthday, and I'm grateful. Last night I was surrounded by family and friends, and I was-- and still am, happy. I have raised the most thoughtful daughter and feel so blessed to have her in my life.

Just out of curiosity this morning I looked for the Bible verses that corresponded with today's date. I admit I laughed at some ("pick up your carcasses...wash your clothes"...I was moving a little slow today, and do have clothes to wash...lolol), but was encouraged and even challenged by others. I love the Lord so much for letting me see this day.I
 don't know how people make it without Him...: )

Here are the passages I found:

"While his father Terah was still alive, Haran died in Ur of the Chaldeans, in the land of his birth." Genesis 11:28
(How ironic)

Anyone who picks up their carcasses must wash their clothes, and they will be unclean till evening. These animals are unclean for you. Leviticus 11:28 (Everything is not for me.)

Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ aide since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!” Numbers 11:28
(I suppose I could speak up more.)

"...the curse if you disobey the commands of the LORD your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known. Deuteronomy 11:28
(I definitely won't take this one lightly.)

"The king of Ammon, however, paid no attention to the message Jephthah sent him. Judges 11:28
(Paying attention is a good thing.)

"Now Jeroboam was a man of standing, and when Solomon saw how well the young man did his work, he put him in charge of the whole labor force of the tribes of Joseph. Kings 11:28
(Doing a good job has benefits.)

"...Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa, Abiezer from Anathoth." 1 Chronicles 11:28
(I'm going to find out who they were.)

"...in Ziklag, in Mekonah and its settlements". Nehemiah 11:28
(I'm going to find out where this is.)

"Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. Proverbs 11:28
(Leafy..love it.)

"The king of the North will return to his own country with great wealth, but his heart will be set against the holy covenant. He will take action against it and then return to his own country. Daniel 11:28
(What's the point in having anything and not acknowledging where it came from?)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
(...and He has done just that.)

"By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you authority to do this?" Mark 11:28
(Wow. I could go all day on this one...lol)

He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." Luke 11:28
(I believe it.)

"After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” John 11:28
(Sisters...gotta love them.)

"One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) " Acts 11:28
(After last night, if a famine breaks out, I have a year's worth of popcorn...maybe more...lol)

"As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs..." Romans 11:28
(Amen)

Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup." 1 Corinthians 11:28
(So true...nothing to play with)

"Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches." 2 Corinthians 11:28
(Lord, bring your churches and leaders back to your Word alone, Amen.)

"By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel." Hebrews 11:28
(I love how God has covered my Lisa!)

It's been a lovely day...: )

THURSDAY THOUGHTS: BOUNDARIES

When you extend an open door to YOUR life, some people will wrongly assume that means they have access to your family members, too. 

If your family members are welcoming of them, and CHOOSE to establish relationships with them, that's a very good thing. 

However, you've got to know, care, and act when your friends deliberately wreak havoc on your family. 

You have to discern a gloomy change in the atmosphere when some people come around. 

There's a reason why. 

Find out. 

You have to sense the discomfort, and even fear that some people bring--especially to children. 

You cannot be oblivious to it, defend your friend's right to be in the midst, but ignore the warning signs your family is frantically waving.

 

You have to notice when people start disappearing or leaving, getting unusually quiet, or hiding their purses and wallets or other valuables, when specific folk drop in. 

Wake up. 

Sometimes, by not offering their opinions, observations and facts, your family is trying to protect your feelings and acknowledge your perfect right to choose your own friends and acquaintances. Don't think for one minute that their stance will be permanent if your friend keeps tripping, and making a nuisance of him or herself. 

If you are so pressed to have someone in your life, that's fine. Enjoy yourself. But if they are relentlessly and regularly pressing on the nerves of your family, you may have to be with them somewhere else. 

Don't muck up yet another holiday trying to force some unsavory character on your family. 

Your family has peeped your friend's hold card. Perhaps you haven't.

If you have foolishly given someone access to your family without alerting them, don't be surprised if your friend is met with mistrust and skepticism. 

If your friend is operating based on your inappropriately given permission, and doesn't get a clue that your family is not interested in another 'play relative', be prepared for problems. 

When you arm people with information about your family, don't be surprised if they use it when you're not around. 

Phone calls, e-mails, text messages, friend requests, invitations, and propositions from people you don't want to know, or do business with are never welcome, so DON'T give your family members' contact information to people without their permission! 

Definitely do not try and manipulate your family's Christianity by expecting them to happily deal with an obvious nut, con artist, scam artist, thief, predator, or familiar spirit. 

Don't allow people to negatively impact your family while you watch. 

Face it. 

Everyone who is a friend to YOU is not a friend to your family. 

Anyone who seeks to harm or destroy the harmony and peace within your family, is not a friend. 

You can want your family to like your friends all day long, but your friends have a lot to do with how smoothly those relationships are formed. 

If your friends have a habit of misspeaking, interfering, causing problems, are slick, imposing, shady, or untrustworthy, then don't count on your family to board the Love Train and come rolling up to greet them.

 

If your so-called friends have a history of mistreating YOU, although YOU may have forgiven and forgotten, your family members have not. They are the ones you ran to, remember? 

All your family knows, sometimes, is what you have told them. If your every word about your friend is a negative one, why on Earth would you suddenly expect your family to embrace them? 

Why do you want your family to sit around the table today as if nothing is wrong, when swirling around in their heads is, "Why is this lying, abusive, cheating, greedy crackhead here? Do I need to call 911?"

Don't let people annoy your family today. 

Don't YOU annoy your family today. 

Open your eyes. 

The reign of terror will soon come to a head if you don't pay attention and establish very necessary boundaries. People only do what they are allowed to do, and some people take WAY too many liberties when it comes to your family. 

If YOU don't say something to the monster YOU have created, and allowed to negatively impact your family, your disgusted family members just might help you. 

Distancing and isolating you from your family is the aim of some people. Don't let it happen with your help.

Now, if YOU'VE been The Annoyed for the last few holidays, go on. Get up, get ready, make your covered dish of whatever, and go. Don't anticipate problems. McDonald's is good, but not exactly Thanksgiving fare. 

Don't let someone's selfishness, greed, inappropriate words, stupidity, ignorance, arrogance, lack of home training, drunken/impaired state, or insensitivity keep you from spending time with your family, or enjoying yourself today. 

Remember your intense desire to see Jesus some day. That should keep you straight. Smile. Keep your cell phone charged. 

Keep your mouth shut--except for eating and affirming words. 

Even saying what you think needs to be said, softly and nicely, can often be considered "cuttage" --for which you will be convicted. 

The evening is for dessert, not sackcloth and ashes.

 

Resist the temptation to cuss out, or call 911 on a crazy, imposing, thoughtless, too-familiar, busybody friend-of-a-family-member, today. 

Stay out of the back of a squad car YOURSELF, today.

Respect your own limitations, though. You can do it.

It's Thanksgiving.

MAKING PICTURES

I remember the time I had no love for computers--until I realized I could use the technology to draw and paint. I still don't have a MAC. I still like using the paint accessory on my PC. From the first time I used the mouse to make a line, I've been hooked. 
I looked at the acrylic and the watercolor paper. I looked at the pencils and drawing paper. I really do love putting pencil or pen on paper, but I decided to work on the computer instead. Perhaps because it's faster. It's definitely less mess. Still, I won't ever put my pencils or crayons down.
I finished the drawings. I had so much fun completing them--even did three different backgrounds, and added designs. I picked Adinkra symbols that I thought best communicated the relationship between the couple I was capturing. I sent the files to shutterfly.com, then ordered one large print, and two small ones. I had them forwarded and was so surprised when I got the e-mail that the prints had been produced and were on their way.
I'm always a little antsy about creating art for others. There's always the possibility that they won't like it, and I'll have to start all over again. If I don't like it, that's just what I do, and I learned a long time ago that there really are no mistakes in Art. It's nice when there's freedom to create, though, and it's nice to hear, "I like what you've done. Thank you." I still think I'll do a pencil drawing, though...just because.
Happy Monday. That's it. That's all. Feeling grateful...: )

CLOSING THOUGHTS OF THE DAY

I've gotten a friend request three times from the same deacon. 

Each time, his name had been changed, but the photo remained the same, and the deacon title was still there-- making a mockery of whatever church he attends. 

Weird.

Last week I got a friend request with the message "Hello gorgeous" attached. 

Today the message read, and I sadly quote: "Hey luv i would like 2 talk 2 u sometime, inbox me yo #...." 

I checked the man's info, and just as I suspected, it was not a kid, but a grown man behaving like one...and he, like the deacon, has a wife...who is also on facebook. 
I don't personally know either of them. 

No. I don't make a habit of rejecting friend requests, even though my daughter has warned me about being so lax about it. I generally accept everyone-- although I have blocked a few crazies--who ALL happen to hold some kind of title or office at somebody's church! Anyway, that's another blog post altogether...

I didn't respond to the guy. I just blocked once more. 

I immediately felt sorry for the wife. Her wall and photos were so family oriented. Yes. I looked. His wall and photos? Not so much. 

To be fair, I imagine there are married women venturing outside of their marriages via social networking sites, too. Did people learn NOTHING from the trials and tribulations of a certain golf pro?

The message section of Facebook, and the DM option on Twitter serve many good purposes, but have, unfortunately, become the places where mischievously motivated, highly inappropriate words and propositions THINK they have a secure hiding place. 

I'd like to think that they're spam, and people just aren't that brazen. What makes people think that you won't rat them out? Do they already have a story concocted to explain their slimy behavior?

You may want to be put on a committee, a panel, a magazine cover, a list of the most influential or wealthy, a cruise ship, even---but do you really want to be put on blast? Anything you post on the internet can be captured and copied...and forwarded to anyone--including your spouse.

If your face and message can't be displayed on the public wall or page, the reason should be discretion, not deceitfulness. 

People must know that their actions are not slick and flattering, but pathetic and insulting. 

Don't they?

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I think people are offended when you seek to handle things in a business-like manner as opposed to a handshake and a smile. 

(Being burned repeatedly is a good incentive to go for the oven mitt the next time.) 

Some people look at it as a sign of mistrust when you seek to protect your interests. Sadly, sometimes the people who have the biggest issue with following proper channels are people who are in business themselves. Why is "under the table", and "on the side" good enough for everyone else?

When the manner in which you handle your own business is excellent in its efficiency, that should also be said of the manner in which you handle the business of others. Not with apathy, carelessness, resentment, sarcasm, deception, or attitude---but with excellence. Contracts wouldn't be needed if the first people on Earth who entered into agreements would have just done the right thing.

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Sometimes you wish you didn't know some things. Even when you do, be prepared for people NOT to react to things in the manner in which their previous opinions, conversations, and observations implied that they would. Sometimes people are just venting when they talk to you. Just listen. Don't chime in with your personal take on the matter. Listen. They mean what they say at the time, but you're nowhere around when their feelings change, or apologies are made, or reconciliation and forgiveness take place. 

Beware of taking sides when you've only heard one angle of a story. 

It doesn't mean that someone was lying to you or looking for sympathy. A person's perception of a matter is very real to them. 

Don't be shocked, appalled and confused when you see someone crying and in despair when you would have bet the farm that they would have been laughing and planning a big ol' party. 

Allow people to be human. Be a good listener, not a good recorder.

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No matter what the genre, the music industry is clear about itself. 

It is not a church. It is not a religion. It is a business. 

Even with the name of the Lord being regularly invoked, there is no guarantee that the products or the people making them are even remotely aligned to the Word of God or the cause of Christ. 

Local churches, on the other hand, can't be vague concerning their purpose. Pastors can't just swing open the doors and allow any and everyone to feed the sheep, sight unseen, just because there's a hot new CD to sell. Church folk shouldn't be forced or obligated to support something just because someone says it's gospel, Christian, or religious.
What one feels churches ought to, or COULD do, may not be what they SHOULD do. 
What one church does may not be feasible for another. What one pastor allows may not be prudent for another.

It's true. Every good idea is not a God idea. When sharing one's plan, one has to be careful not to offend or alienate the very people who would be most willing to help. One's attitude has a lot to do with whether one's cause will be embraced or ignored. Manipulative tactics, threats, and harsh talk is no way to get people to jump on board. The passion demonstrated concerning ONE thing, no matter how admirable it may be, can expose one's utter disregard for, and lack of understanding of the true purpose, and primary reason for existence of ANOTHER thing. 

I don't care how fantastic an idea may be. When it seeks to detract attention away from God and toward itself, it is doomed to fail.
No matter what the church experience has become, its focus should still, and forever be God. 

Some things are still sacred, and won't be easily turned into mere networking, self-promotion, or money making opportunities.

Houses of prayer STILL exist where worshiping God is primary---and promoting music, or anything else, takes a distant back seat. Congregations faithfully gather for weekly convocations. They are worshipers-- not convenient test dummies. 

Worship services aren't for the exposure of ANYTHING or anyone, except one's devotion, gratefulness and thankfulness to God. 

The notion that churches HAVE to carve out time during services and invite artists to sing or play, or be maligned if they don't is ridiculous. If they do, fine. If they don't, it's certainly their prerogative. 

It's okay to have something to sell, but no church body should be taken on a guilt trip for not allowing itself to be, essentially, pimped in the name of ministry. 

If you're going to a church, at least consider worshiping. If you're a member, don't ONLY look at your fellow parishioners as clients or cash-carrying consumers.

BEG YOUR PARDON?

I talked to my Dad today. 

Ancestry.com had another offer involving access to war records, and I wanted to look up information about my grandfather. I knew his middle initial was "E", but I never knew what it stood for. "Ernest", Daddy said. "Joseph Ernest Williams". 

He was a minister, and he operated a bulldozer. He was a pretty good hunter and fisherman, too.

Somehow the conversation turned to the elderly people in my Dad's life when he was a youth. "Old folks decided when you were supposed to start or quit doing anything. Never mind if THEY were doing it, you weren't supposed to. Everything to them was considered 'worldly affairs'--playing ball, going to the show, dancing”.

My Dad said Mr. Minor Jones got a bit part driving a mule in the Clark Gable film, "Band of Angels". Mister Minor Jones also told my Dad he had to beg the church's pardon for going to the movies. 

Dad said he asked him, "How come you can be IN the picture show, but I can't go TO the picture show? Mister Minor Jones told him, "I was working". 

I just cracked up laughing. 
Then, he told me how old Rev. Dorsey would preach 30 minutes about Joe Louis, and how proud everyone should be of him--but young boys in the church had to stand in front of the congregation and beg pardon for boxing.

Funny how rules govern our lives, shape our ideas, and catapult, or stop our progress. It's also funny how they change depending on who's playing the game. Sometimes it's malicious. Sometimes it's well meaning. Sometimes it's because people just don't know any better, or are just going by what they were taught. 

Practices and traditions are carried over from generation to generation, until someone is bold enough to question them.

A SNAKE IN THE GRASS

I think that an elderly loved one is allowing himself to be taken for a ride by one of his church members--and not a leisurely ride in the country, either. I think there's a scam going on. 
I said, "elderly"--which means I'm not talking about a child who needs protection, or someone who hasn't had a history of choosing friends. I said "allowing", because I'm not talking about someone with a history of being gullible, naive, or desperate for companionship.

Some of the things I've heard my loved one say make me wonder why there is any interaction with the individual at all. I have, however, kept my mouth shut. People don't take too kindly to interference. No one wants to be the last one to know they've been hoodwinked. No one likes to find out that a friend never really was one, and that they're more interested in your check book balance than your well being. 
I kind of look at it in the light of the way Jesus picked his disciples. He knew they were knuckleheads, but he hung out with them anyway. Maybe my elderly loved one is trying to mentor the person. Maybe there's some pity. Who knows.

What is so amazing is that the unscrupulous person has tried relentlessly to befriend ME and others in my family. Relentlessly is an understatement. Why is my approval needed? Some of the behaviors I have witnessed, and the antics performed are simply weird and highly inappropriate. The level of familiarity is appalling. It's annoying to say the least. What I have seen and heard has left me with the most uneasy feeling of severe mistrust. Yep. I wouldn't trust the person as far as I can throw him. 
Ever been around someone who makes you want to run for the holy water, and you're not even Catholic? I can't say that I am frightened for my loved one, or myself, otherwise I would have offered my opinion by now--or called 911. I'm just puzzled as to why it is so important to my loved one that I approve of his friend, when the friend consistently behaves in a manner that ensures I'll keep my distance. Maybe that's the plan. The friend has successfully come between my loved one and a few others. Maybe that's the aim--to alienate everyone. 
I can honestly say that's not going to happen. If your relationship with someone is hampered by their relationship with someone else, perhaps it's YOUR relationship that needs the examination. People think they can drive wedges between you and others, but they can't--unless you allow it to happen. So, when I encounter my loved one and the weirdo, I'm polite but cautious. People know when you have their number, and it makes them do even more bizarre things to try and get you off of the scent. Their biggest problem is that you SEE them--you have their number AND address, which makes you a liability.

People can be deceitful, manipulative and cunning to some--innocence, sweetness and light to others. You'll wear yourself out trying to figure out the why's of other people's personal and business relationships.
You may recognize that something is horribly amiss, but denial is a difficult place to get out of. Some people are fully aware that the people in their lives are up to no good, but for some reason, they need them. They have to have them around. There's a payoff. You wonder if there's mutual misbehaving. You wonder if there's some dirt that one has on the other which necessitates the relationship. There's a lot of things you wonder because the whole thing makes so little sense, but you don't obsess about it. In the back of your mind, though, you know a shoe is going to drop, and what you have suspected all along will come into the shining light.

Watching someone be taken advantage of is difficult. Knowing they are involved in any way with an unsavory individual boggles the mind--especially if they have a history of being discerning, and a decent judge of character. Don't be surprised if a campaign is launched for you to see the good in a situation where none exists. Don't be surprised if you are the object of anger and disappointment because you don't share someone's favorable opinion of the people in their lives. Don't let anyone push you into telling them something they don't really want to know. Sometimes your low opinion of the people in your friend or loved one's life is just the incentive they need to draw them closer. People will reveal themselves eventually. Once they do, reality is difficult to ignore. Mind your business, but keep your eyes open. Your friend or loved one may need you later. Be there--but not waiting to say an enthusiastic "I told you so". Remember, on occasion, you weren't always the brightest bulb in the lamp when it came to choosing friends, either.

WEDNESDAY THOUGHTS: IN THE MORNING

I left the television on last night. 

I woke up and heard Andrew Wommack say, "You can't control what other people do, but you can control how you react to what they do...Be an example...You just keep doing what God told you to do..."

WHOA! 

I admit, I've been a little frustrated lately. 

I wasn't happy about a selfish decision that was made which affected me and others, but I didn't say anything about it. I just let it nip at my insides. 

If it came up in conversation, it seemed as if my sarcasm concerning the situation was heightened. 

I didn't like the way I was feeling. 

I'm not confrontational, but I do need to work on saying what needs to be said--when it needs to be said, and not internalizing things so much. 

It's kind of silly when a situation is over--long over--and you're still smarting about it. 

No sense looking calm on the outside, and boiling on the inside. 

Someone once told me, "You're too nice. You just need to cuss someone out one good time." I laughed, but didn't see the need to take the advice, even though sometimes it seems that people feel free to say whatever they want, but you aren't supposed to respond. If you do, the offense is so devastating to them. 

I've noticed that people who dish out the iciest statements, can't take a dose of their own medicine. Walking away from argumentative, harsh, opinionated people just seems like a stellar idea. But when you do walk away, don't take the residue of the conflict with you. Shake it off.

Mr. Wommack's words couldn't have been more on time. He has quite the delightful southern accent, and the calmness of his voice in no way matched the power of what he had to say. 

I decided I'd better take notes:
"If a person has really offended you, and they are a brother or sister in the Lord, if it's not worth you following the instruction in scripture, it's not worth you talking to someone else about it. Let it go. Forget it...Don't speak with bitterness and anger in your heart. If you always have a chip on your shoulder, it's going to come out. 

Monitor your words. 

They are an indication of the state of your heart. Bitterness is like a cancer. Don't spread hurt and pain among other people. 

When you place value on other people's opinions, and are affected by what they say, you devalue what God says. 

You BLESS people. 

Let God DEAL with them. God will defend you. 

Over the years, people will see your godliness. You can't argue a person into faith--or ANY thing. 

You can't force and convince people, or make them back down. Even if people WANT to argue with you, see the futility of it.
One of the turning points in the ministry of Billy Graham was when God told him that he was not the Holy Spirit. We are just to proclaim the truth. Many of us are limiting what God can do through us because we are not being examples in our words and conversation. We are not giving God credit. We are trying to say things and make things happen, instead of letting our lives speak for us. What you are speaks so loud people can't hear what you say. You'll win over a lot of people when you stop getting off the track, and going into the grandstands to argue with them."

That last line was rich. It's so important to stay on track. Keep your eye on the finish line, and try not to trip, stumble and fall over something minor and small--especially poorly spoken words. Don't let trivia slow you down, or cause you to lose your witness. Watch your words and your thoughts. Watch what you say to others. Be an example.

TUESDAY THOUGHTS: POETRY PROMPT---NEW SLAVERY

I knew Pastor Joel Osteen wasn't going to be able to get a word in edgewise about his new book this morning. 

All I could think was, "Run Forrest! Run!" 

He handled himself as well as could be expected under the estrogen rich circumstances.

When people are itching to get your view on something, they don't care how irrelevant or inappropriate their questions are. 

The objective is to see how closely your view mirrors theirs.

I wonder why people put themselves in situations where they are clearly not welcome, respected, or taken seriously. 

Is publicity of ANY kind really worth it? 

Every seemingly great opportunity isn't designed to elevate you. 

Some are intentionally designed to leave you appearing foolish. 

Don't bite.
Don't be surprised when the theme of the party changes as soon as you arrive. 

Sometimes it's not an invitation, but a SET UP.
Sometimes you're not asked questions purely for information's sake. There's a hope that you successfully put your foot in your mouth--maybe BOTH of them.

When people seek to back you into a corner to amuse themselves, or gain support for their opinion, stick to your guns. 

Don't bend.

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NEW SLAVERY
11/13/2010

They lower their eyes
When their master walks by
Jump and clap when he enters the room
When the master says, "Come"
They take off and run
For fear master will lower the boom

They'll forget the needs
Of their own families
Their own households are going without
Their last dime they will give
'Til they've nowhere to live
But secure, is their master's big house

It's misplaced loyalty
That is so hard to see
Especially among thinking men
How a People oppressed
Could now be in this mess
Except this time
"The boss" looks like them

Under guise of religion
With Bible to back it
A new slave has been born; a new work
Now the gullible think
That the church-work they do
Now eclipses the work of The Church

They are now washing cars
And laying out clothes
And driving, and cooking, and washing
They are grocery shopping
Sweeping and mopping
Repairing, and yard work, and ironing
They are standing on guard
Wiping sweaty brows
Tying shoes, fixing ties, pouring water
And the master's bad kids get more face time from them
Than their own neglected sons and daughters

It's one thing to say, "I appreciate"
It's another to spend one's whole life
Thinking it is okay
To be a new slave
With two masters
Which one does one hate?

From the mouth of the slave
One won't hear, "God said___"
It's always what master says do
If they'd ever just once
Crack a Bible and read it
Their freedom they'd surely pursue

But, until then
In houses 'cross the land
The new slave can be found near and far
If they'd do a bit more
Dance and shuffle galore
Perhaps they, too, might get a new car--
Or a house, or a boat, or a plane
Or more money, more jewelry
A husband or wife
Or just their name mentioned
A little a attention
From the master would be very nice

When you enter a house
You know whose it is
No matter whose name's on the door
And today, shrines to men
Masquerading as churches of God
Are like never before

Service is one thing
Slavery's another
Has the need to be revered gone too far?
Perhaps it's time to recall
God's no respecter of persons
But, we certainly are

Are there new slave masters
That some might call "Pastor"
"Apostle", or "Bishop" or "Elder"?
How will you know?
Just watch how things flow
The next time you see one
If seldom
Will there ever be
Less than twenty-three
Grinning, groveling, and bowing sheeple
Acting as if they forgot
They're supposed to be fed
And worshiping Jesus--not people,
Then you've found the plantation
That looks like a church
Get your keys, coat, and Bible, and run!
Search 'til you find a place
Where Jesus is praised
'Cause a slave is a slave
There just ain't no two ways
And slavery ain't never been fun.

Search 'till shackles are gone
And imposed binds are loosed
Know-- not all leaders oppress
Some do lead
And never, ever forget
The Son has set you free
And, forever, you are free indeed
That God is your portion
He is your provider
It is upon Him you depend
It is Him, and Him alone
That you serve
Perhaps you forgot that
But, never again.

VRWc2010

THURSDAY THOUGHTS: THE RELIGIOUS CARD

It's sad when people have been so badly damaged that they are incapable of trusting others. 

It's another thing when you're FULLY aware that someone should only be trusted as far as you can physically throw them--if even THAT far. 

Folks hate it when you've got their number, especially when it’s all dressed up in religion.

There are days when a spade has to be called a spade: 
"You're not a friend, you're a user." 

"You're not concerned, you're nosy."

 
"You're not contributing, you're looking for a pat on the back."

 "You're not providing a great opportunity, you're expecting something for nothing."

 
"You're not a welcomed visitor, you're a pest." 

"You didn't part your lips to speak to me until you found out who I know.”

"You aren't trying to contribute to the cause, you're using the cause to promote yourself." 

"Your kid didn't want to visit. You want to go out and need a babysitter".

 "You don't want to work, you just want the title and position."

 "You didn't come to help, you came to eat."

 
"You don't love him/her. You love his/her wallet." 

"You're not lending a hand, you're an opportunist." 

"You're not trying to give, you're looking to get."

 
"That's not a business opportunity, it's a get rich quick scheme."

Don't be surprised if your accurate assessment and candor are met with offense, or a religious response like, "I'm going to pray for you". 

Scoundrels should be glad that you don’t send up a nice Davidic-type prayer for them.

People often think that because you own a Bible, that certain tactics and statements will rattle you-- like the very popular, "I thought you were supposed to be a Christian!"
Is that supposed to scare you, and plunge you deeper into the Bamboozled Abyss? 

Don't blink. 

Don't be alarmed by someone playing the religious card. Let them pray to the god they think they serve, who is just as lacking in ethics, consideration, and authenticity as they are. 

Don't worry about their prayer. 

Negatively motivated, cheesy and spiteful as it will be, it may reach the ceiling, but that's as far as it will go. 

Stupidity isn't something God wants to bestow upon you, and that's what some people hope--that you become, and remain trusting, stupid, and clueless as they run roughshod over your life, or the lives of your friends and family-- for their own personal gain.

It's kind of funny when a dishonest person, who you KNOW is dishonest, threatens you with prayer. 

I've read about the value of the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man. Not sure what is said about the prayer of an oblivious, arrogant, opportunistic, or conniving  man--or woman.

 

If you have been duped, don't pray for people to become become as gullible as you are. 

Pray that they gain the discernment to identify and avoid the kind of untrustworthy opportunists whose sneaky antics you so fiercely defend. 

Pray that you wake up and get a clue. 

When you open your eyes you'll understand that, sometimes, the problem you have with others, and the reason why you try so hard to make yourself impressive and discredit others, drive wedges between them and their friends and family, and make a veritable pest of yourself, is that they can SEE you. You KNOW they can see you, and that is problematic. 

To cut a con artist any slack would be a huge mistake. 

Mommy used to say, "You've peeped their hold card". 

They know they may be able to run a game on someone else, but they get no rope from you. 

If they could snag your trust, they'd be delirious, but they know they're not going to get it. So they continue to campaign with others in your life to make themselves seem invaluable.

Most people don't like to know they're being used, conned, and manipulated. Some will put up with unsavory people just to say they have a friend.

Keep an eye out for the elderly and vulnerable people in your life--even if from a distance. 

Some people prey upon those who like to brag about who, and how many people they're with, where they go, and how busy they are. 

People prey upon those who like to pick up the tab or boast of their financial security. 

They prey on the lonely, the insecure, and the disabled. 

Pay attention. Trust your instincts. Protect your loved ones. Don't give an opportunist, (even one who sits on a front row in a church near you) any rope. 

Encountering people who have pure motives will never make you feel as if you should open all of the windows, burn sage, and clean off the bottoms of your shoes with a mild abrasive. 

You know a load of crap when you see it. 

Don't doubt your judgment, no matter how fiercely people try to suck up, or dress up their deception in religious lingo.

WAKING THOUGHTS

That punk devil and all of the imps he has spawned are are still liars. The sifting, devouring, seek-kill-and-destroy missions, though threatening and intent on inspiring fear and doubt, will not succeed. Every time he tries to rain on your picnic AND parade, you hate him just a little bit more.
People say timing is everything, and sometimes you can literally see how deliberately things occur with the expressed purpose of knocking the wind out of you, making you quit, or begin questioning God.
You know how you're supposed to feel, but you feel just the opposite. You're supposed to be losing your mind, but you're perfectly calm. You're supposed to be crying, but you're genuinely smiling. You're supposed to be angry and hurt, but you're gracious and forgiving. You're supposed to be in mourning, but you have great peace. You're supposed to be confused, but you are quite clearheaded. You're supposed to be worried, but you don't have a care in the world. No. You haven't become callous, cold and unsympathetic. You haven't become selfish and lacking in empathy. You know God. You have seen him work out the matters in your life and in the lives of others, over and over again. You have come to the place that reconciles what you sing and say with what you do and believe. God will fix it. God is not asleep. God sees all and knows all. God doesn't make mistakes. God is fully aware of the end of the matter. God is trustworthy and faithful. THAT'S why you can look situations in the face and dare your emotions to go haywire. That's why you can remain strong.

My best friend's husband died yesterday. She is one of the most faithful, hard-working, dedicated, people I know. Her relationship with God is to be admired. She has had her share of suffering in this life and God has been consistent in showing her his love and might. We went to comfort her and she was the one to encourage us. Seeing her smile before we left let me know that she will be okay. Was she supposed to be smiling? She could and can, because she doesn't just know about God--she is a friend of his. Knowing that he has a matter under control--even something as seemingly final as the death of a loved one-- is beyond reassuring, and sparks a peace that really is beyond understanding. Hopelessness fades in the face of God who so loves you.

DO NO HARM. TEACH

Sometimes attempts to show people HOW, is really an attempt to show them UP, and what could have been impressive and even helpful is marked by arrogance. 

One does have to demonstrate to teach--one need not show off. Turning a class or group of people into an audience while one uses one's proficiency as a weapon to shame an individual is so unnecessary. 

One can help another person be and do better without being offensive, rude, and resorting to ridicule.

When people are in need of a door to be opened, whomever is in possession of the key would do well to skip any unnecessary preliminaries. No one cares how shiny it is, where it was cut, or how many other keys are on the ring. When people need help, they don't need to be reminded of it. There's no need to discuss how the door got locked, or how other people managed to get on the other side of it. They know the position they're in. Exposing it further, and delaying their entrance is the action of a jerk.

What, and how much one knows can either be embraced or shunned, depending on how one shares the information. How much one knows is not nearly as potentially admirable as how the information is used. "Look at what I can do" sounded funny when "Stuart" said it on Mad TV. It just sounds pathetic as a self-absorbed individual botches a teachable moment.

Humiliation is a very poor teaching tool. 

The student may recall the day and the hour, but the lesson that could have been learned is forever lost in the muck of embarrassment. 

Any level of expertise had to be achieved. It had to start somewhere, and paces vary. 

When you become proficient at a thing, thank God. 

Patting oneself on the back, or belittling others who have less skill, is so unnecessary. 

There's no need to deliberately expose how inadequate someone is, by exalting our own abilities. 

Good teachers are concerned with the prospect of grooming others to carry on. 

Good teachers revel in the excellence of their students. 

Want to know how to do something worthwhile, well? Show someone else. 

It's good if a student can not only remember and apply a lesson, but maintain respect for the individual who taught it, too.

TRUTH

I watched The Oprah Show yesterday afternoon. It was painful and liberating at the same time. It was living proof of the enemy's aim to "steal, kill and destroy", but an even greater testament to the power of our God, whose Spirit lives inside us, and strengthens us with the knowledge that we can do all things through Him. No matter what has happened to you, it doesn't have to crush you, or become a noose around your neck.

As I watched, I was thinking that her audience of 200 men could be replicated in cities and churches all over the country. There's so much pain, confusion, and dysfunction that people carelessly and callously visit on others, and leave them helpless; struggling to overcome. 
I wondered, as I always do when the topic is "children", "Where were their parents?" Oprah repeated, "You don't know what's worse. The abuse, or not being believed..." 
There was talk about the way dysfunctional people manipulate others to love, trust, and revere them. It was so difficult to watch, yet I sat there feeling respect and admiration for the men who had somehow found a way to rise above the horror, reclaim their dignity and self-worth, throw off the shame, and survive. I even saw two friends in the audience, and wondered how many other friends could have been sitting right there with them.

Too often parental responsibility and culpability are glossed over in discussions about everything from poor academic achievement to abuse. Nothing, and no one-- no opportunity, material thing or person is worth not being aware of, and protecting the well-being of your children, and hearing what they say--verbally and non-verbally. What pained me is that anyone would know that a child was being abused, but stay silent. Whatever a parent is doing, where ever a parent is going, that keeps him or her from being consistently engaged in the life of their child, is one activity too many. Any gains in our lives can't be at the expense of our children.

It is hard to see a grown man cry, but not discouraging. I hoped that each tear shed would be cleansing and healing to them.
Ecclesiastes 7:8 came to mind: "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride."

I sat down and began writing after the show ended. I just wanted to celebrate truth, and the power to confront what one needs to confront in order to be whole and healthy.

TRUTH

People try so hard to bury the truth
Oh, yes
They've tried for years
But what they don't know
Is that truth has the power to shine
Wherever it is

People try so hard to cover their tracks
Crown horrid things with pretty names
And then 
Truth comes along 
And exposes the fact that
This thing, and that
Are exactly the same

Its a frustrating, futile game
To expect Truth to change--
To conform to our ways
To confuse Good and Bad
To explain Evil away
It's not okay
Just not okay

Truth is waiting
Patiently
With righteous might
Will you give Truth a place
To make wrong thoughts, places and spaces right
Will you let it stay?
Or stubbornly say, No!"
And let it walk away?

Will you let truth walk away?
Or will you, too, be brave
Bold; Unafraid
And allow it
And all of its light 
To stay?

IS IT WORTH SHARING?

YOUR friend on facebook, or the person YOU follow on twitter has a horrible potty mouth, so you repost or retweet their uncensored, creative language so the people who friend/follow YOU can be cursed out indirectly>
Nice. 
Someone sends you a joke, photo or video not suitable for kids under 17, and you decide to tag everyone in it so they all can get a look and listen. With all we know about the way an individual's internet use can come back and bite them squarely in the behind, are we becoming more careless, still, each day?

You may not be able to catch what's coming out of your mouth, but you can definitely read as you type, or take a second to think before you click "send", "forward", "enter", "tweet", "retweet" , "share" or "post". Sometimes it might not be a bad idea to ask ourselves, "Will what I am about to share, edify ANYONE? Will it be a reflection of the person who originally wrote it, or an indictment on MY judgment, sense of decency, and respect and regard for the people I call friends? Why be so eager to share and distribute trash? Would it be a stretch to suggest that when you get it, you keep it yo yourself, or immediately delete it? 

I mean, it IS the internet. Even if you wake up one day in the future with a hankering to be hit with F-bombs, private parts, gossip, or garden variety ignorance once more, it'll still be there-- in a nice archive. (Visit the wayback machine when you get a minute. If you don't know it by now, the internet is like a big ol' perpetual sponge.)

So many are unfriended and unfollowed, blocked and ignored, NOT because of what they say themselves, but because of what they choose to share/spread. The information you repeat, think is funny, valuable, or harmless is a reflection of what's inside of you. Even if it's an attempt to expose someone's character, the decision to share information begs the question, "Why?" Do we share what people want to know, what we want them to know, or are we really exposing a side of ourselves that we want people to see? Who are we trying to attract, please, entertain, impress, make aware? Have our capacities for reason become tainted? Have our senses of humor become warped? 

Yeah. We've all had those weird moments when we couldn't figure out why, although we were in a solemn setting, or hearing tragic news, we were unable to control our laughter. We knew inside that our behavior was severely inappropriate, though. Have we lost that filter? Do we care if what may be relevant or humorous to one person, may seem insignificant and immature to another, and just adopt a willy-nilly attitude about the way we communicate?
Sometimes it's a sure sign that we don't know each other. If we knew what each other liked we wouldn't be so eager to offer each other what we don't like. Sometimes, we don't pay attention to the sensibilities of others. We are often more interested in the cleverness and shock value of our words than how they will negatively impact the person(s) with whom we are communicating.

Perhaps our biggest problem with other people is that they aren't more like we are. We criticize people who share differing views and ideas. We lash out when others don't respond the way we would. We become infuriated when others don't agree. We cry "lighten up" when people fail to find the funny in foolishness. We're so sure that others will embrace what we embrace that we don't think before we throw it at them. "Look at this!"; "Did you see that?"; "OMG, you have to hear this!"; "Did you read what so-and-so said?"
Sometimes we just have to stop. Think. Reevaluate our actions as we network each day. Is everything worth knowing? Is nothing sacred? Is tact and discretion on a vacation? Is everything worth sharing?

WAITING

I'm imagining that some people who are now rigid, uncompromising, ruthless, overbearing, and litigious, were probably once very gracious and giving at one time, but got jerked around one time too many, and decided that "nice" just wasn't the way to go.

I was waiting for something, and I admit I was wondering if I should have stopped expecting it. I was tempted to take a poll and see if I was the only one still waiting. I was afraid of the results. I was very close to chalking it up as a lost cause, and deleting a contact. I stopped corresponding because I knew I couldn't handle another obvious lie. Sometimes when you're talking to someone who you KNOW isn't telling the truth, it's more painful for you to listen, than for them to try and come up with ANOTHER whopper to match the last one they told. You just want to stop them mid-sentence and spare them yet one more thing for which to repent. Among my options were to be angry and disappointed, or continue to wait. I chose neither. Lesson learned. The joy is that God will not allow you to remain discouraged--unless you just want to be. He already knows how things are going to play out, so if you just stay focused and don't allow yourself to get distracted, or make things worse by losing your cool or involving others who have no dog in the hunt, you'll see how He turns crappy situations around for the better.

I got what I was waiting for. Better late than never, I suppose.

Sometimes when you're passive, or perceived as a pushover, you become expert at waiting, understanding, making excuses for others, second guessing yourself and your judgment, fighting frustration, doing without, and suffering loss. People have no problem ignoring, giving a sob story, or just flat-out lying to the face of a passive individual. They come to you, Passive Person because they know you won't bite back. They come to you because they know you will deliver. You're easy. You'll smile. You won't be a pest. You'll do the job--heartily as unto the Lord. You'll wait--often indefinitely. No diva drama, no trouble, no demands, no complaints. No wigging out. You're motivated by mercy, you're helpful, and some people play on that fact like it's a fiddle.

The "squeaky wheel", on the other hand, "gets the oil", and is able to immediately roll on to the next thing. No one wants to hear the ear-splitting noise it will surely make if it doesn't get its way. It doesn't even have to perform with any excellence, efficiency, or for a reasonable duration. It will be attended to, compensated and rewarded just to stop the noise it guarantees to make. Squeaky wheels won't let people off the hook; they have long memories, aren't forgiving and can be vindictive. They make trouble. Squeaky wheels are going to get exactly what they seek-- in full, and on time, while the passive continue to wait. The squeaky wheel doesn't care what you think about it as you wait-- and it proceeds to the bank. That alone can be infuriating to an easy-going individual, but you don't have to act a fool, or put circumstances and people on blast. You don't have to be profane, make a scene, and damage your witness in an effort to get people to do right by you, but DO have the courage to speak up for yourself...and if in speaking up, you never get what is due you, an opportunity is lost, or a relationship is severed, then determine not to have to re-learn a valuable lesson. Determine and accept that, no matter how exciting they may appear, some things are not worth your time, talent or effort if, in the end, you are left feeling like an idiot.

Users, cons and manipulators do not enhance you in any way--especially the ones who call themselves friends. Some supposedly great opportunities are in fact another person's attempt to get over on you, use your resources, and make a profit and a name for themselves. Whether you can pay your bills on time is of no consequence to them. It is vitally important that you know the terms of the work you do--before the work begins. Don't think you're employed, only to find out later that you have been a volunteer--or worse a slave.

You hate to think that you've been taken advantage of--that your kindness and willingness to cooperate have been abused. If it's a fact, face it. Make up your mind with whom you will do business, in what you will participate, to what you will lend your support, for what you will exert your energy. Don't allow people who mistreat you to make you feel bad for disallowing their mistreatment. It's amazing when people want to know where the people they've abused have gone, and why they don't want to play any longer! News flash: They are somewhere being treated with respect and regard--hopefully. They have decided to deal with people of integrity--hopefully.

It's true. When people show you who they are, believe, believe, believe them! Did I say BELIEVE them? Some people have so mastered the art of deceit that they believe their own tall tales and schemes. Call them out on their words and don't be surprised if they are highly offended and respond with even taller tales. You can pray and hope that shady, fork-tongued, messy, gossipy, dishonest people will turn over a new leaf, but if they're still on the same old page every time they seek you out, say, "Thanks, but no thanks". If their language, propositions and demeanor STILL make you feel as if you need to immediately clean off the bottoms of your shoes with an industrial strength detergent, and soak your feet and ankles in Clorox, cut the conversation short. If you ignore every bell, whistle and flag and go along with the program, then any suffering you endure as a result of foolishly dealing with them again-- and expecting things to be different-- is your own fault. If things ARE different, thank God for answering your prayer--but don't get suckered again. Your mama may have raised an easy-going individual, but let her be proud that she didn't raise a fool.