For years I have been experimenting with different ways of presenting the gospel in a way that is both simple and complete enough to be satisfying. James Choung, whose book True Story: A Christianity Worth Believing In, is published by InterVarsity Press, offers this three-minute presentation. I think I have found what I was looking for.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCVcSiUUMhY
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
More on how to not complain
I find that complaining begins in my head. Why do I think complaining thoughts? The truth is, it is because of what the apostle Paul calls "the sin that dwells in my members". In other words, this is a habit that I have developed and tolerated. But because Christ has made me a new person, I don't have to yield to critical or complaining thoughts about others, or myself, or God.
The article cited in our previous post suggested looking for solutions to problems instead of complaining and blaming. In addition to that, the disciple of Jesus can also replace complaining thoughts with thankfulness. "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." So Paul in Philippians 4:8. The work of taking every thought captive to obey Christ (II Cor. 10:5) begins with myself. It's such a better way to live.
The article cited in our previous post suggested looking for solutions to problems instead of complaining and blaming. In addition to that, the disciple of Jesus can also replace complaining thoughts with thankfulness. "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." So Paul in Philippians 4:8. The work of taking every thought captive to obey Christ (II Cor. 10:5) begins with myself. It's such a better way to live.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Complaining
I googled "Why do people complain", and this is by far the most enlightening response I found.People have had to deal with complaining ever since Moses (Exodus 14:21; Numbers 11:1, etc.). "Complaining mode" seems to be the default setting for media coverage of elections and candidates as well as of junior high lunch rooms. And I admit that I complain, too - sometimes about complainers! And I don't like myself so well when I complain. So if you catch me not practicing the wisdom below, call me on it!
From http://supersonicsuccess.com/blog/why-do-you-complain
Why Do You Complain?
March 23rd, 2008
Did you know that complaining is severely damaging to your health, financial success and your entire life?
Studies have shown people who complain frequently tend to have poor health, less satisfying and enduring relationships, and don’t tend to do as well in their jobs or make as much money.
The key to getting what you want in life is focusing your energy and attention on what you do want, rather than what you don’t want. By complaining, the focus is always on what’s wrong, what’s going badly.
So why do people continue to do it?
Well first of all, it’s a habit. Most people have been doing it their entire lives. In fact, the majority don’t even realize they’re doing it half the time. Most people complain much more frequently than they think they do.
Don’t believe me? For the next 24 hours, pay attention to how many people begin a conversation with you by whining about something that didn’t go the way they wanted it to.
The most common reasons why people complain (and why it can be so difficult to stop) are:
- It’s a good conversation starter.
It’s much easier to begin a conversation with someone and find a common ground by complaining. (Can you believe it’s going to rain AGAIN today?…).
To get over this particular hurdle, rather than use a complaint to start talking to someone - complement them. It’s a much more positive way to start a conversation.
- Complaining keeps people from taking action.
This is the #1 reason most people complain. That way they can procrastinate and have plenty of excuses why they aren’t reaching their goals. There’s always a reason why it’s not possible to do what needs to be done. It’s much easier to complain about it than it is to find a solution.
Not only that, but for some crazy reason, we’ve been taught that it’s okay to talk negatively about yourself, but it’s not okay to “brag” about what’s going well!
- Preexcuses failure
Another very common reason people complain is to pre excuse failure. For instance, walking to a meeting late while complaining about how bad the traffic was, how there was a huge line at the dry cleaner, etc.
It takes all the responsibility off of that person, they no longer have to own up to the fact that they should have left earlier or been more prepared.
The first step to stop complaining is to become aware of it, then replace that complaint about what you don’t like, with what you do want.
The goal is not to act like everything is great and pretend you are no longer bothered by anything, but instead to seek out solutions.
Instead of playing the victim and simply stating that the situation is not what you want - figure out what you DO want, and seek to create that.
What can you do about the situation? Don’t look for problems, look for solutions.
From http://supersonicsuccess.com/blog/why-do-you-complain
Why Do You Complain?
March 23rd, 2008
Did you know that complaining is severely damaging to your health, financial success and your entire life?
Studies have shown people who complain frequently tend to have poor health, less satisfying and enduring relationships, and don’t tend to do as well in their jobs or make as much money.
The key to getting what you want in life is focusing your energy and attention on what you do want, rather than what you don’t want. By complaining, the focus is always on what’s wrong, what’s going badly.
So why do people continue to do it?
Well first of all, it’s a habit. Most people have been doing it their entire lives. In fact, the majority don’t even realize they’re doing it half the time. Most people complain much more frequently than they think they do.
Don’t believe me? For the next 24 hours, pay attention to how many people begin a conversation with you by whining about something that didn’t go the way they wanted it to.
The most common reasons why people complain (and why it can be so difficult to stop) are:
- It’s a good conversation starter.
It’s much easier to begin a conversation with someone and find a common ground by complaining. (Can you believe it’s going to rain AGAIN today?…).
To get over this particular hurdle, rather than use a complaint to start talking to someone - complement them. It’s a much more positive way to start a conversation.
- Complaining keeps people from taking action.
This is the #1 reason most people complain. That way they can procrastinate and have plenty of excuses why they aren’t reaching their goals. There’s always a reason why it’s not possible to do what needs to be done. It’s much easier to complain about it than it is to find a solution.
Not only that, but for some crazy reason, we’ve been taught that it’s okay to talk negatively about yourself, but it’s not okay to “brag” about what’s going well!
- Preexcuses failure
Another very common reason people complain is to pre excuse failure. For instance, walking to a meeting late while complaining about how bad the traffic was, how there was a huge line at the dry cleaner, etc.
It takes all the responsibility off of that person, they no longer have to own up to the fact that they should have left earlier or been more prepared.
The first step to stop complaining is to become aware of it, then replace that complaint about what you don’t like, with what you do want.
The goal is not to act like everything is great and pretend you are no longer bothered by anything, but instead to seek out solutions.
Instead of playing the victim and simply stating that the situation is not what you want - figure out what you DO want, and seek to create that.
What can you do about the situation? Don’t look for problems, look for solutions.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
The times they are a-changin'
A small group of pastors was talking the other day about how many significant and stressful trends and events are in the news now that affect us more or less directly. Here are some of the things we discussed, plus a few more:
- very high gas prices, and still rising
- home foreclosures
- high and increasing costs for health care and insurance, and shrinking coverage
- the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan along with the needs of returning GIs
- food shortages around the world and in U.S. food banks
- repeated attempts to legalize gay marriage
- the quiet but persistent infiltration of Islam in Western societies
- the growing role played by China and India in the world economy
- earthquakes in China and Japan, floods in Iowa (and this is just in the last couple of weeks)
Other items could be added to this list of things that are reshaping the world in which we live.
One person observed that these are all conditions which we sense we cannot control to any great degree. The accumulation of all these pressures might have a paralyzing effect.
How are we as the community of Christians to understand the times in which we live? Let's converse (civilly!) about it in the days to come. The challenge will be to not repeat stock answers we have heard others express, but to think carefully while seeking the mind of Christ...
- very high gas prices, and still rising
- home foreclosures
- high and increasing costs for health care and insurance, and shrinking coverage
- the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan along with the needs of returning GIs
- food shortages around the world and in U.S. food banks
- repeated attempts to legalize gay marriage
- the quiet but persistent infiltration of Islam in Western societies
- the growing role played by China and India in the world economy
- earthquakes in China and Japan, floods in Iowa (and this is just in the last couple of weeks)
Other items could be added to this list of things that are reshaping the world in which we live.
One person observed that these are all conditions which we sense we cannot control to any great degree. The accumulation of all these pressures might have a paralyzing effect.
How are we as the community of Christians to understand the times in which we live? Let's converse (civilly!) about it in the days to come. The challenge will be to not repeat stock answers we have heard others express, but to think carefully while seeking the mind of Christ...
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Dads
At our weekly men's conversation over Saturday breakfast this morning, we talked about our fathers. We talked about the impact they had on who we have become. Yes, for better or for worse.
I miss my dad. He passed away when I was 26. Many have been the times when I have wished he was there to bounce an idea off of, or to ask for advice. I love the memories of walking with him in the woods, and of going to work with him on Saturday mornings on the Ohio State campus. I love the books he gave me - over my head at the time, but now a delight.
And I wish he and I had known how to talk with each other. It's as if we both wanted to connect but didn't know how. And I wish he had told me more about his father than the few tidbits I received. And I wish he had known how to teach me to assemble my short wave radio kit instead of just doing it for me.
But thank you, heavenly Father, for Dean Farmer. Thank you for all you gave me through him. And teach us how to talk about our dads and, if possible, with them.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Cardboard testimonies
One of the best things in life is to hear the story of how Christ has turned a person's life around. In this 8-minute video, a creative approach to testimonies enables a large number of people to testify in a short time. They left me moved and grateful to our Lord.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Edward Hopper
Edward Hopper was the grandson of an American Baptist church planter and pastor in Nyack, New York. As a young man he spent several years (1906-1910) in Paris and elsewhere in Europe. When in Paris, he lived on the fourth floor of the building adjoining the Baptist Church at 48 rue de Lille, just above where Jean and I lived in 2004-2005. The top image above is a painting done by Hopper from his apartment at the church; the one below is a photo taken from ours. Notice the details in the windows, the chimneys, the iron grill.
This geographical coincidence led to my fascination with Hopper and his work. As I look at the print of a Hopper painting of a lighthouse (on of his favorite subjects) on my study wall, I see an empty sky. No clouds, no sun. It might be uniformly overcast, or it could be untouched canvas. And the lighthouse thrusts up into these empty heavens in hope of seeing what might be over the sharp (and empty) horizon.
Hopper's works very often lead the eyes away from the painting itself, as if what was most interesting was there, unseen...
I would be interested in a conversation about artists readers of this blog especially appreciate. Any takers?
Monday, June 2, 2008
Creatures
Last week at a local Barnes and Noble, a large Cecropia moth that had only a sort time before emerged from its cocoon was clinging to a pillar as its larva-body fluids finished fanning out into its wings. It was just beautiful - and so was the spirit of the cluster of people gathered around it and peering through the glass store-front. There was a sort of protective attitude toward this newcomer, and curiosity about what it was and its life-cycle.
Google "cecropia moth" for photos - be sure to check out its amazing caterpillar!
Jean and I also have a nest with three tiny rabbits a few days old by our back door. The neighbor's cat carried one of them away last evening and took it to her unharmed. One shaken tiny bunny was safely deposited back in the nest!
(When I figure out how to paste links and photos, entries like this will be more interesting!)
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