Stray Pet Peeve

I really don't know if I have a solution for this or not, but I have beef to pick with folks who "pre-excuse" their behavior. They usually preface a sentence with "I apologize ahead of time for the way I will act." Most women will blame it on PMS. I don't believe that this is a valid reason for acting inappropriately, even if you do apologize for it ahead of time. Doesn't that mean you are planning to act ugly to someone? Is this premeditation? Would this sort of statement get a murderer off at trial? "I am sorry ahead of time for those I will brutally kill today." Apologies before hand are not true apologies, they are plans. Maybe if we spent more time controlling our actions and less on pre-excuses we would not have to apologize at all.

Moral of this story: I am sorry ahead of time if I offended anyone.

Greatness

Tony the Tiger started something when he first muttered the words, "GRRRREAT!" Honestly we all want to be considered great at something. Whether it is a sport, a job, or just looked up to for who we are; it is what drives us to perfection. But is the pursuit of greatness often selfish? I mean really does trying our hardest to get others to notice how good we are serve others or ourselves? What is our motivation for doing our best? Recognition? To be a part of something bigger than ourselves? Better pay? More friends? As I struggle with the perfect balance with confidence and humilty, I often have to choose in situations to either further myself or stand back and let others be furthered.
I must say that I really look up to Jesus who had to watch the stupidity of humanity and resist the urge to blow us all of the map. He instead shows us a way to react to these situations by his example. Philippians 2:6-7 says, "Who, (Jesus) being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness." Perfection chose imperfection. Creator subjects himself to the created. I think another point we can take home from this is that even though Jesus stepped down from Heaven for people, that act of love and grace has given him the title of GREAT!

Moral of this story: Greatness sometimes doesn't come from making it to the top, but holding it all up from the bottom.

Needy People

You may not recognize these people until it is too late. They are not you typical leeches that suck the life our of people at the drop of a hat. No these folks are subtle in their vacuuming process of life. Usually it is the ones you lest expect. Haven't recognized them yet? Let me give you a few clues to watch out for. During conversation do they often relate back to the same short list of issues that usually deal with them not having something? Is it getting clearer? Does alot of what comes out of there mouth have to do with the lack of relationships in their lives? Are they telling you about the latest "Joshua-Harris-how-to-find-spouse-in-30-days-or-less" book they just read? Do they mask their reason for reading it as wanting to get closer to God? It should be pretty clear now, you should have names in mind. These are Needy people. Actually they "needy" to get their head unstuck from their own rear and live life. God never meant for us to pursue marriage with as much time, money and energy as most people are giving it today. He wants us to take advantage of our time with out a spouse to capatalize on the opportunities we will miss when we are married and have different priorities. When was the last time you help a stranger at the grocery store? Or cut your neighbor's grass? Or took a friend out to lunch for no reason? Why have we put so much into our own selfishness that we miss lessons from Jesus' parables. Remember the Good Samaritan? That guy didn't think selfishly but used his time, money and energy to help someone else. I wonder if he was single? I wonder if he had a copy of "Find 'Em and Marry 'Em Jehovah's Way" in his bag? Maybe he just got it and understood that right then he could stop and help someone without a screaming kid in the minivan.

Moral of this story: Don't stare at your left hand ring finger so much that you miss what is going on around you.

Buying the cow

Lately I have been pondering the simple phrase of "Buying the cow." No this isn't a relationship issue it is the high price of milk. I have seen some places go to $3.50 and the nation's average is close to $4. Milk may do a body good but the finances...Ouch. So what about buying the cow? Will it help to just purchase "Bessie" and have milk anytime you want it? What about just cutting milk out of your diet? I am not a milk expert but I think that after all the processes of feeding the cow, caring for it, and cleaning the milk so it is drinkable; I think I will pay the extra dollar to have the milk. Moral of this story: It is cheaper not to buy the cow, But pay for the milk by the gallon. This is the proven theory behind prostitution, so is buying milk like prostitution. No how dare you think so little of milk.

What is this?

Ok this will be a series of posts that will bring out BIG truths but in small "bite size" packaging. It will be straight forward and blunt. Which mean it will be fun. It will be a collection of things that are noticed and learned from others.

#1 Have you ever noticed how many people pick their noses in their cars? It is more than you think. Ramming their fingers so far up there it pulls their lip up revealing a snarl. Why don't they just take care of things before they leave home? Where do they put their findings? Nose picking in places where others can observe is like people who air their problems everywhere. Sometimes things are best taken care of at home. Now some of you are thinking that the "problem" people need help and someone to hear their problems. I agree. Many people are qualified to listen and aid people with their problems, they are called shrinks. Basically this is all I have to say about this at the moment. I may relive this issue again. Moral of this story: Pick it at home, and you will not flick it on a friend.