Friday, October 22, 2010

RIP - June & Mr. "C"

For a couple of days now, I’ve meant to acknowledge the passing of Barbara Billingsley (June Cleaver, the “Beaver’s” Mom) and Tom Bosley (Howard Cunningham or Mr. “C” as the Fonz would say).

They were characters I grew up with (along with Ozzie & Harriet and the Andersons of Father Knows Best) that seemed to define what was right about nuclear families of the era and the relationships therein.

I suggest those programs defined my concept of how family relationships could work and in turn determined how I would attempt parent my children. They offered good examples, albeit sometimes sanitized of the true facts of life, and while idealistic, set that benchmark to strive towards. They presented essentially good people, in good and bad times, attempting to live a positive life in relation to those with whom they interacted. Sure, they made mistakes occasionally, but only out of good intent and they called us to do the same.

You characters provided guidance and I hope made me a better person. Thanks for your portrayals and thanks to the writers who had the good sense to offer good positive models.

Rest in peace, y’all.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

The World's Greatest Bargain

Just got back from Target with a few office supplies including a 10 pack of Bic "Stick" Pens, medium, black 99 cents a package. Was talking to wife as I opened the package and came to the realization that I had to have just purchased one of life's greatest bargains.

For under 10 cents I got a pen that writes every time, isn't subject to clogging up and is virtually indestructable. I'm not trying to sound cheap for I have several nice fountain pens I also use but this struck me as a revelation. Hardly anyone wants to use the good old Bic pen anymore, why?

I guess dependability just isn't cool.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

A little song, a little dance, ...

The following is from a newsletter I get and was received in less than a positive manner. Suppose that's because it seems to me a big fault of some contemporary Christians is their desire to impose certain societal rules on others in the name of Christianity while playing down other sins such as greed, pride, etc.

One can "proof text" the Bible for almost any type behavior and find it OK or wrong depending upon the reader's interpretation rather than who any particular book was written to/for, and what was being addressed.

For myself, I'll try and stick with "Love God & Love your Neighbor" and let the Big Kahuna sort out all the other issues we face.

Peace & grace

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

A girl who works where I work says she loves Jesus and wants a close relationship with him. She goes to church every Sunday and is living with her boyfriend.

Can we really say we love the Lord but don't obey him? As Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey what I command." The reality is it's what we do, not what we say, that counts.

The Bible, says, "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." Hebrews 13:4

As the Bible also says, "What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid." Romans 6:15

Pastors and teachers are instructed to rebuke and correct people who are sinning. What so many people fail to realize is that God's instructions are for our good, not to take away the joy of living. Living in harmony with God's will gives us true liberty but it doesn't give us a license to do as we please. Also, when we sin, we not only hurt ourselves, but very often others we are close to as well.
.....Daily Encounter