I love sports. So it only makes sense that God would use a sports tie-in to get me to slow down a little and do some introspection.
I was on a plane headed out to attend The Masters golf classic in the spring of 2009. One of our insurance providers had given my business partner and me some free passes and a free mansion to stay in for being top producers. "Hard work and success sure has its privileges!" I was secretly saying to myself. (Yea, I was a little proud of the moment.)
Normally when I get on a plane I try and chill or stay busy reading, listening to my Ipod or even working via my Iphone, but lately, I have found myself at least attempting to engage conversation with those seated near me. It has lead to some interesting meetings. The kind when you get off the plane you think to yourself, “I will never see him/her ever again in my life more than likely, but that was cool.” They go on their merry way with their own to-do lists and personal objections, while you head out to do yours.
So goes life.
On this particular flight however, God led me to a really neat man in his early 50s. I quickly learned he was a Christian and we instantly had a great connection. Turned out he was a former pastor who had entered the business banking world. Evidently work as a pastor nearly drove him into the grave. He loved the Lord, but his workaholic nature nearly cost him everything he loved outside of the church. Through some prompting, God called him to retire from fulltime ministry and moved him into the business world. As a result his business experience has led him back to help churches financially. Now he gets to reach out to those in the business world as well as those back in the church arena.
I chuckled when he told me that and said, “that’s how God does it!’
After sharing with him some of my similar thoughts and experiences in business and in ministry, he strongly urged me to a read a book called “Halftime” by Robert Buford. I am a big reader so I told him I would look it up especially after he told me some about its premise.
A little while later, we exchanged cards, shook hands and our lives parted ways. I tell myself I am going to email him one day, but something tells me that the only transaction God had in store that day was for me to read that book.
Not more than a few weeks later I did just that and it changed my life and my perspective forever.
I will be turning 40 in just a few months and my mind has already been working on me about it. People say that whoever you are going to be and whatever legacy you leave behind is established between the ages of 40-50. I have been thinking about the things behind me now and the things ahead. The future looks bright but I sure don't want to screw things up.
God is good. A simple book recommend by a simple man sitting next to me has given me some great insight into all God wants from me. The funny thing is, all God asked me to do was be nice to the guy next door.
All just a reminder, that God still works in ways we tend to overlook. Keep an eye out. He just might use the person next to you.
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2
© 2009, J. Brady
”I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."
FOR MORE ABOUT HALFTIME: http://www.halftime.org/
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Online Social Hubbubs All the Rage
As I have reconnected with friends and associates from the past 39 years of my life over the wonderful website Facebook (FB), sometimes it is just incredible just to take a moment and think about the various paths everyone has taken in life.
Though some friends remain close all of our lives most of us have "phases" in life in which we run with different groups of people. Mine include growing up in Houston, high school at DeSoto, attending Howard Payne and Baylor, living in Fort Worth, working with Excel in the mid 90s, the singles department at Fielder Road and finally my current life in Mansfield and working with Equal Health.
In some instances decades have gone by with little or no contact with many of these old friends and it’s a real shock (and mostly pleasure) when those connections are remade through various social hubbubs like FB. Recently I spent some time on a college friends FB page looking at their photos and reading about their lives. Over 18 years ago we hung out nearly every day as irresponsible, fun loving, college kids. Since then adulthood took over and now here we are back in touch; kids, families and professions in tow along with us. He likely has hours full of stories and events he has experienced that I am clueless about and the same with me. Yet, once communications start up, it is as if those years never occurred.
As I near 40 I am already working on my planned mid-life crisis. It’s gonna be a party like 1999 (though more than likely I will be in bed right after Letterman’s monologue if not before). Catching up with all of these people spread out all over the nation and some even further away, it is humbling. Life just goes too fast. Next thing you know we’ll be sharing stories about being grandparents.
Oops…some already can.
Facebook is great. It makes me laugh at the days of old, smile at the good things of today, work towards making tomorrow incredible, and think deeply about how it will all wind down.
Life is good, but God is better. Let’s make this the best day of the rest of our lives.
"Love each other with a warm love that comes from the heart. After all, you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth. As a result you have sincere love for each other." 1 Peter 1:22
(c) 2009, J. Brady Speers
"I say it as I see it and I make no bones about it!"
Though some friends remain close all of our lives most of us have "phases" in life in which we run with different groups of people. Mine include growing up in Houston, high school at DeSoto, attending Howard Payne and Baylor, living in Fort Worth, working with Excel in the mid 90s, the singles department at Fielder Road and finally my current life in Mansfield and working with Equal Health.
In some instances decades have gone by with little or no contact with many of these old friends and it’s a real shock (and mostly pleasure) when those connections are remade through various social hubbubs like FB. Recently I spent some time on a college friends FB page looking at their photos and reading about their lives. Over 18 years ago we hung out nearly every day as irresponsible, fun loving, college kids. Since then adulthood took over and now here we are back in touch; kids, families and professions in tow along with us. He likely has hours full of stories and events he has experienced that I am clueless about and the same with me. Yet, once communications start up, it is as if those years never occurred.
As I near 40 I am already working on my planned mid-life crisis. It’s gonna be a party like 1999 (though more than likely I will be in bed right after Letterman’s monologue if not before). Catching up with all of these people spread out all over the nation and some even further away, it is humbling. Life just goes too fast. Next thing you know we’ll be sharing stories about being grandparents.
Oops…some already can.
Facebook is great. It makes me laugh at the days of old, smile at the good things of today, work towards making tomorrow incredible, and think deeply about how it will all wind down.
Life is good, but God is better. Let’s make this the best day of the rest of our lives.
"Love each other with a warm love that comes from the heart. After all, you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth. As a result you have sincere love for each other." 1 Peter 1:22
(c) 2009, J. Brady Speers
"I say it as I see it and I make no bones about it!"
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Remember When? Easter Should Remind You
Sometimes it's good for us to remember...
Remember when you talked behind the back of someone you really cared about?
Remember when you stretched the truth just a little to make yourself look good?
Remember when you laughed when someone was being made fun of?
Remember when you said those words you wish now you could have back?
Remember the stupid fight you caused to prove a point not worth proving?
Remember when you promised God you'd do this, or that, if He would only....
Remember when you cussed out the car that cut in front of you in rush hour?
Remember when you tore down someone's dreams by telling them they'd never make it?
Remember when you felt so jealous of the things your best friend accomplished?
Remember when you said you pray for them...only to fail to really do it?
Remember when you took credit for something that you didn't do?
Remember when you didn't answer the phone when you knew someone needed your ear?
Remember when you didn't tithe or give more because there was something you really wanted?
Remember when you were so insecure you did things with someone you wish you could forget?
Remember when you felt so helpless and dirty?
Remember when you just wish you could forgive and forget?
Remember when you didn't let go and let God?
Remember when you were in need of someone to save you and He did?
Do you remember when?
Be reminded this Easter Sunday, because I can assure you He didn't forget. He slept in your tomb so all of these things you could forget and never remember again.
You need Him, remember?
"This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
You need Him, remember?
"This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
© 2000, J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Poof! From Babies to Little Kids
I didn’t hear the warnings.
Mom, dad, my sister and many friends around me told me this would happen too.
It was around 5am one morning when it all hit me. Our son was struggling through a stomach virus and woke up early needing some love and attention, and most importantly, a bottle. I headed upstairs to tend to him when it dawned on me that I didn’t get to do this very much anymore with any of my kids. Our twin daughters used to love it when daddy rocked them to sleep. My wife Julie certainly got to do it more than I, but they seemed to soak it in the first few years when it was my turn. Today, they are closing in on 4 years old and the rockings have nearly stopped. Every now and then I can slow them down enough to cuddle with them while watching the latest "Wiggles” or “Elmo”. But it’s still nothing like the days of holding them both as they were wrapped up like little human burritos in a soft blankie.
Our son is approaching 2 years old and he is getting more and more independent by the day. We already missed out on months of being able to rock and comfort him since he was adopted when he was 9 months old. This makes the times in the rocker even more special. He never slows down enough to let me do much rocking at all. It was about the only sliver of joy that came out of him being as sick as he was.
That night was special. The cold air was buzzing around outside and our heaters were humming, working hard to prepare for the annual Texas ice-storm that was about to blow in. I knew it was going to be a long day anyway so I figured before it all got rolling I would enjoy holding my little boy. He snuggled close, wrapped up in his Dallas Cowboys blanket just as I had dreamed the son I would have would years ago. It wasn’t long before his breathing was deep and little snores made their way to my ears. I just kept rocking.
Just a few hours later, the house awoke with a blur of activity; making breakfast, getting kids dressed, checking the news, taking out the trash, taking showers and the likes. I soon headed to work where business consumed me quickly.
Those few moments in the “rock-rock” might have been some of the last for me but that brief time spent with Quinn in my arms in the glider won’t soon be forgotten. God willing, Julie and I are happy with having just three kids. It means the days of the diapers, late night bottle feedings, and sadly, the need for being rocked are slowing fading away. In one sense we are excited to move past it. Yet in another it makes me realize I will never be a parent in that way again.
I’m just amazed at how fast life truly goes by.
Poof! My babies are now all little kids.
And though I’ve heard the warnings today about what is around the corner for tomorrow I am not sure I won’t be just as surprised.
“Children are a blessing from the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.” Psalms 127:3
© 2009, J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."
Mom, dad, my sister and many friends around me told me this would happen too.
It was around 5am one morning when it all hit me. Our son was struggling through a stomach virus and woke up early needing some love and attention, and most importantly, a bottle. I headed upstairs to tend to him when it dawned on me that I didn’t get to do this very much anymore with any of my kids. Our twin daughters used to love it when daddy rocked them to sleep. My wife Julie certainly got to do it more than I, but they seemed to soak it in the first few years when it was my turn. Today, they are closing in on 4 years old and the rockings have nearly stopped. Every now and then I can slow them down enough to cuddle with them while watching the latest "Wiggles” or “Elmo”. But it’s still nothing like the days of holding them both as they were wrapped up like little human burritos in a soft blankie.
Our son is approaching 2 years old and he is getting more and more independent by the day. We already missed out on months of being able to rock and comfort him since he was adopted when he was 9 months old. This makes the times in the rocker even more special. He never slows down enough to let me do much rocking at all. It was about the only sliver of joy that came out of him being as sick as he was.
That night was special. The cold air was buzzing around outside and our heaters were humming, working hard to prepare for the annual Texas ice-storm that was about to blow in. I knew it was going to be a long day anyway so I figured before it all got rolling I would enjoy holding my little boy. He snuggled close, wrapped up in his Dallas Cowboys blanket just as I had dreamed the son I would have would years ago. It wasn’t long before his breathing was deep and little snores made their way to my ears. I just kept rocking.
Just a few hours later, the house awoke with a blur of activity; making breakfast, getting kids dressed, checking the news, taking out the trash, taking showers and the likes. I soon headed to work where business consumed me quickly.
Those few moments in the “rock-rock” might have been some of the last for me but that brief time spent with Quinn in my arms in the glider won’t soon be forgotten. God willing, Julie and I are happy with having just three kids. It means the days of the diapers, late night bottle feedings, and sadly, the need for being rocked are slowing fading away. In one sense we are excited to move past it. Yet in another it makes me realize I will never be a parent in that way again.
I’m just amazed at how fast life truly goes by.
Poof! My babies are now all little kids.
And though I’ve heard the warnings today about what is around the corner for tomorrow I am not sure I won’t be just as surprised.
“Children are a blessing from the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.” Psalms 127:3
© 2009, J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."
Saturday, September 27, 2008
The Books She Never Got to Finish
This one is tough.
This one will test your faith.
Her name means “eternal life”, but little did her mommy and daddy know that such eternality would arrive so soon. She was only two.
My sister told my wife and me about her a few months ago when the little girl was diagnosed with a very aggressive leukemia. Without chemo she had no chance; with it she had a small chance. It wasn’t good. Her parents had the tough decision of letting her die or trying a risky treatment that had a good chance of keeping her alive if she could live through it. The chances of her living through the chemo were slim, but without it her death was certain.
I could sense my sister’s sadness and her own struggle with understanding it all. Even as Christians, these are the toughest of situations to witness. It quickly reminded me that the things I get bogged down with in life are so trivial. Who really cares about the next Cowboys game, or who will win between Obama and McCain, or when the next episode of my favorite TV show comes on? All I could ask myself was, “What if this was Chloe, Sidney or Quinn?”.
Then I would cry.
Her parents were related to a good friend of my sister so there was some emotional distance between us and them as we received the updates. We didn’t know them at all but as parents, Christians and fellow human beings, our hearts and prayers were with them. Since my wife and I have become parents we almost have to plug our ears and cover our eyes when a story about a hurting child comes our way. It’s just too much. We have two girls that are three and baby boy that just turned one. Only a parent can understand the tie that binds the heart of a parent to a child. Nothing is stronger. Nothing.
My sister had started spending time with the toddler at the hospital during her treatments in order to allow her parents a chance to rest. She would call us and sadly tell us about the child’s demise and how the medicine that could save her was destroying her. I will never forget the image that came to my mind when she told us about a doctor who came in to give her treatment that just stood there and cried like a baby over her. “It never gets easier”, the doctor said.
The Bible says faith without works is dead and certainly death without faith is even worse. But sometimes tears are all that faith can muster. There are no words another can say. There are no answers that make sense. And certainly nothing explains how a little girl that was reading books in her mommy’s lap a month ago is now gone. Sometimes the only thing you can do is cry and hold on. You have to depend on family, friends and even strangers for prayer, because words simply won’t come out.
For a long time Julie and I cried deep inside about this little girl. But, tonight we cried out loud.
She is now with a broken hearted Jesus; a Jesus that cried as He watched her suffer and hurt, a Jesus that couldn’t bare it anymore and called her home, and a Jesus that now holds her in His arms and weeps for the suffering of her family.
The questions we have will not be answered here and the pain many have will only slightly dim in time. But faith, even collected as tears, is an incredible guide to the life beyond the here and now. And surely, she has been restored, healed and is happy once again.
Her short but courageous life is a reminder to us to all to focus on love, the beauty of family and the strength of faith.
Though in our minds she went too early, Eternity was always her destinatio
n. And now for years to come she will be a star showing us all how to get there.
In time, she will sing and dance with mommy and daddy once again. But for now, little Skylar plays with Jesus and reads the books she never got to finish.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4
(Skylar – female, English – eternal life, strength, love, beauty)
http://baby-names.adoption.com/search/Skylar.html
© 2008, J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."
This one will test your faith.
Her name means “eternal life”, but little did her mommy and daddy know that such eternality would arrive so soon. She was only two.
My sister told my wife and me about her a few months ago when the little girl was diagnosed with a very aggressive leukemia. Without chemo she had no chance; with it she had a small chance. It wasn’t good. Her parents had the tough decision of letting her die or trying a risky treatment that had a good chance of keeping her alive if she could live through it. The chances of her living through the chemo were slim, but without it her death was certain.
I could sense my sister’s sadness and her own struggle with understanding it all. Even as Christians, these are the toughest of situations to witness. It quickly reminded me that the things I get bogged down with in life are so trivial. Who really cares about the next Cowboys game, or who will win between Obama and McCain, or when the next episode of my favorite TV show comes on? All I could ask myself was, “What if this was Chloe, Sidney or Quinn?”.
Then I would cry.
Her parents were related to a good friend of my sister so there was some emotional distance between us and them as we received the updates. We didn’t know them at all but as parents, Christians and fellow human beings, our hearts and prayers were with them. Since my wife and I have become parents we almost have to plug our ears and cover our eyes when a story about a hurting child comes our way. It’s just too much. We have two girls that are three and baby boy that just turned one. Only a parent can understand the tie that binds the heart of a parent to a child. Nothing is stronger. Nothing.
My sister had started spending time with the toddler at the hospital during her treatments in order to allow her parents a chance to rest. She would call us and sadly tell us about the child’s demise and how the medicine that could save her was destroying her. I will never forget the image that came to my mind when she told us about a doctor who came in to give her treatment that just stood there and cried like a baby over her. “It never gets easier”, the doctor said.
The Bible says faith without works is dead and certainly death without faith is even worse. But sometimes tears are all that faith can muster. There are no words another can say. There are no answers that make sense. And certainly nothing explains how a little girl that was reading books in her mommy’s lap a month ago is now gone. Sometimes the only thing you can do is cry and hold on. You have to depend on family, friends and even strangers for prayer, because words simply won’t come out.
For a long time Julie and I cried deep inside about this little girl. But, tonight we cried out loud.
She is now with a broken hearted Jesus; a Jesus that cried as He watched her suffer and hurt, a Jesus that couldn’t bare it anymore and called her home, and a Jesus that now holds her in His arms and weeps for the suffering of her family.
The questions we have will not be answered here and the pain many have will only slightly dim in time. But faith, even collected as tears, is an incredible guide to the life beyond the here and now. And surely, she has been restored, healed and is happy once again.
Her short but courageous life is a reminder to us to all to focus on love, the beauty of family and the strength of faith.
Though in our minds she went too early, Eternity was always her destinatio
n. And now for years to come she will be a star showing us all how to get there.In time, she will sing and dance with mommy and daddy once again. But for now, little Skylar plays with Jesus and reads the books she never got to finish.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4
(Skylar – female, English – eternal life, strength, love, beauty)
http://baby-names.adoption.com/search/Skylar.html
© 2008, J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Why All the Hate
Election time never brings out the best in people.
Name calling, slander, empty promises, and character badgering are just a few of the actions you will witness on any given day beginning months if not years before election day. Politicians and supporters of those candidates go at it with no regard of the scars that could remain from such behaviors.
Yet only in America can those that once aggressively demeaned another suddenly be best of friends later. Even going as far as becoming running mates none the less.
However, as a conservative voter over the last 20 years, I have watched an unbalanced shift take place that concerns me. What was once political process and banter has turned into hate spewed speeches, lopsided media coverage and personal attacks against various candidates, especially those whose policy platforms are center-right. A line has been crossed and though both parties are to blame, a majority of the evidence lies on the side of those that call themselves liberal.
Somehow it has become acceptable for a liberal to espouse his hate of the conservative platform, getting moral support from celebrities and media outlets all along the way. Yet, how dare a conservative like me stand up, ask a few tough questions or suggest a search for truth regarding one of their own.
They fear the conservatives.
We are called “the religious right” or “Jesus freaks”, violent anti-war protestors (go figure?) show up by the thousands at our conventions, musicians write anger filled songs about us, and certainly we are viewed as intolerant, old-school and out dated. We aren’t cool.
But it makes no sense. What are people afraid of?
Us “right-winged crazies” support most things this nation was founded on. It’s nothing scary. Ideals as simple as:
1. protecting life and the right of the unborn to have a chance
2. acceptance of personal responsibility instead of governmental dependency
3. free enterprise and the ability to “live life to the fullest”
4. lower personal and business taxes so that businesses like mine don’t have to layoff workers (after all I am not going to fire myself when I have to send more to the government)
5. the constitutional right for us to have guns and protect our families from would be rapists and murders
6. privatized healthcare - our doctors are the best in the world and all nationalized systems in other nations are huge failures
7. the right to choose where our own tax dollars and children are educated whether it be public, private, charter or home schooled
8. strong military that evokes fear in our enemies yet earns respect with our allies
9. religious freedom
10. constitutional judges that refuse to legislate from the bench
11. reduce government wasteful spending on unnecessary ear-marked programs and dependency handouts
You could sum all of this up into one overall ideal; LESS government. The bigger the government, the bigger the budget and the greater the failure the nation will become. Our founders came to this land for that very reason and it’s time to empower the people again. We are a nation full of creative, smart, and hard working citizens that have the capacity to solve any problem, tackle any issue and prepare for any future. We the people, not we the government. That is where our hope lies.
Survey 10 random people if they support the listed ideals above without asking for their party affiliation or giving yours away, and you would likely hear 8 of them say that is exactly what they want in their government. It’s a no brainer. If I stood up as a democrat and gave out the same list, I might even get 10 out of 10 to agree!
Yet, because we Republicans stand for such conservative thinking, we are hated.
But it doesn’t end there.
Over the last few presidential elections the liberal left has taken it a step further by claiming that any and all personal investigations of any and all democratic candidates is nothing but personal acts of hate and racism. How dare we ask tough questions about a person running for election who might end up being the most powerful leader in the world. How dare we study and share the truths our discovery leads us to about them.
On the other hand, it is perfectly fine and expected that a liberal would spew hate and blog their anger towards all conservatives in any form or fashion. Apparently the left media now has their right to print what they want, support who they want biasedly, say what they want and interview who they want. But in no shape or form should a conservative even remotely come close to appearing to do the same.
The Obama camp says we cannot talk about his faith, his friends, his upbringing, his admitted drug use, his connections to crooks and unethical people, his wife, his America-hating preacher, his confusing Muslim/Christian past, his education, his forsaken brother in Kenya that earns $1 a month, his black liberation theology church, his easy career and even his ears.
If we do, we are spewing hate, anger, lies and personal attacks.
Yet this is not?
“I hate Republicans and everything they stand for…You know, the Republicans are not very friendly to different kinds of people. They're a pretty monolithic party. It's pretty much a white Christian party…a lot of them have never made an honest living in their lives." Howard Dean, Democratic superstar.
Since Howard Dean made those comments over the course of many months in 2005, much harsher things have been said about conservative leaders by the likes of John Kerry, Hillary Clinton, Jimmy Carter, Senator Edwards, Barbara Boxer, Barack Obama and nearly every other Democratic political figure outside of Joe Liberman. Throw in the nearly every Hollywood celebrity and most news commentators outside of Fox News Channel and it becomes clear why conservative values are not the trendy ideology of our day.
Their recent attacks on Governor Sarah Palin and her teenage daughter are nothing short of some of the most sexist things we have seen done in decades. Feminist should be ecstatic over her sudden rise. Yet, their true colors are coming out as they stand with Oprah refusing to admire, admonish or support her. Sadly, some in America still have a long way to go to get to the level they preach we all should be at as people in 2008.
Don’t be fooled by all of the hate. What’s right, is right.
Even if the left says it’s wrong.
“All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matthew 10:22
© 2008, J. Brady
”I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."
Name calling, slander, empty promises, and character badgering are just a few of the actions you will witness on any given day beginning months if not years before election day. Politicians and supporters of those candidates go at it with no regard of the scars that could remain from such behaviors.
Yet only in America can those that once aggressively demeaned another suddenly be best of friends later. Even going as far as becoming running mates none the less.
However, as a conservative voter over the last 20 years, I have watched an unbalanced shift take place that concerns me. What was once political process and banter has turned into hate spewed speeches, lopsided media coverage and personal attacks against various candidates, especially those whose policy platforms are center-right. A line has been crossed and though both parties are to blame, a majority of the evidence lies on the side of those that call themselves liberal.
Somehow it has become acceptable for a liberal to espouse his hate of the conservative platform, getting moral support from celebrities and media outlets all along the way. Yet, how dare a conservative like me stand up, ask a few tough questions or suggest a search for truth regarding one of their own.
They fear the conservatives.
We are called “the religious right” or “Jesus freaks”, violent anti-war protestors (go figure?) show up by the thousands at our conventions, musicians write anger filled songs about us, and certainly we are viewed as intolerant, old-school and out dated. We aren’t cool.
But it makes no sense. What are people afraid of?
Us “right-winged crazies” support most things this nation was founded on. It’s nothing scary. Ideals as simple as:
1. protecting life and the right of the unborn to have a chance
2. acceptance of personal responsibility instead of governmental dependency
3. free enterprise and the ability to “live life to the fullest”
4. lower personal and business taxes so that businesses like mine don’t have to layoff workers (after all I am not going to fire myself when I have to send more to the government)
5. the constitutional right for us to have guns and protect our families from would be rapists and murders
6. privatized healthcare - our doctors are the best in the world and all nationalized systems in other nations are huge failures
7. the right to choose where our own tax dollars and children are educated whether it be public, private, charter or home schooled
8. strong military that evokes fear in our enemies yet earns respect with our allies
9. religious freedom
10. constitutional judges that refuse to legislate from the bench
11. reduce government wasteful spending on unnecessary ear-marked programs and dependency handouts
You could sum all of this up into one overall ideal; LESS government. The bigger the government, the bigger the budget and the greater the failure the nation will become. Our founders came to this land for that very reason and it’s time to empower the people again. We are a nation full of creative, smart, and hard working citizens that have the capacity to solve any problem, tackle any issue and prepare for any future. We the people, not we the government. That is where our hope lies.
Survey 10 random people if they support the listed ideals above without asking for their party affiliation or giving yours away, and you would likely hear 8 of them say that is exactly what they want in their government. It’s a no brainer. If I stood up as a democrat and gave out the same list, I might even get 10 out of 10 to agree!
Yet, because we Republicans stand for such conservative thinking, we are hated.
But it doesn’t end there.
Over the last few presidential elections the liberal left has taken it a step further by claiming that any and all personal investigations of any and all democratic candidates is nothing but personal acts of hate and racism. How dare we ask tough questions about a person running for election who might end up being the most powerful leader in the world. How dare we study and share the truths our discovery leads us to about them.
On the other hand, it is perfectly fine and expected that a liberal would spew hate and blog their anger towards all conservatives in any form or fashion. Apparently the left media now has their right to print what they want, support who they want biasedly, say what they want and interview who they want. But in no shape or form should a conservative even remotely come close to appearing to do the same.
The Obama camp says we cannot talk about his faith, his friends, his upbringing, his admitted drug use, his connections to crooks and unethical people, his wife, his America-hating preacher, his confusing Muslim/Christian past, his education, his forsaken brother in Kenya that earns $1 a month, his black liberation theology church, his easy career and even his ears.
If we do, we are spewing hate, anger, lies and personal attacks.
Yet this is not?
“I hate Republicans and everything they stand for…You know, the Republicans are not very friendly to different kinds of people. They're a pretty monolithic party. It's pretty much a white Christian party…a lot of them have never made an honest living in their lives." Howard Dean, Democratic superstar.
Since Howard Dean made those comments over the course of many months in 2005, much harsher things have been said about conservative leaders by the likes of John Kerry, Hillary Clinton, Jimmy Carter, Senator Edwards, Barbara Boxer, Barack Obama and nearly every other Democratic political figure outside of Joe Liberman. Throw in the nearly every Hollywood celebrity and most news commentators outside of Fox News Channel and it becomes clear why conservative values are not the trendy ideology of our day.
Their recent attacks on Governor Sarah Palin and her teenage daughter are nothing short of some of the most sexist things we have seen done in decades. Feminist should be ecstatic over her sudden rise. Yet, their true colors are coming out as they stand with Oprah refusing to admire, admonish or support her. Sadly, some in America still have a long way to go to get to the level they preach we all should be at as people in 2008.
Don’t be fooled by all of the hate. What’s right, is right.
Even if the left says it’s wrong.
“All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matthew 10:22
© 2008, J. Brady
”I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Another Stop on the Parenthood Trip
There seems to be pre-determined road stops along the path of parenthood.
First, there is Babyland where diapers abound, bottles reek, and you find your self dreaming of poop, then there is Toddlerville where the preferred language is Engble (babbling and English combined) and your goal is all about preventing an early death (yours or theirs), and other stops are seen in the not too distant future.
Each of these stops consist of various monumental life experiences too, such as getting rid of the 400hp sports car in lieu of the nifty minivan (complete with a sto-away 3rd row bench seat I may add) or trading in many hours of TV time for weeks worth of recorded shows you will never watch neatly arranged and ready on your DVR.
No matter what you do, these stops along the way are required. Those that try and bypass them usually pay a steeper price and spend years trying to repair the damage done. Only fools refuse to comply.
Recently our trip came to a stop known to many as Swingworld and by the looks on people’s faces and the laughter that follows when I explain our current location on this trip, many, many parents have seemingly made this stop, regrettably.
Our girls just turned three and when kids are three they like to swing. And they like to swing a lot. They want to be pushed, they want to be pulled. They want to stop, they want to go. The want to swing standing up, they want to swing sitting down. They want to sing dang it!
The grandparents have swings. From tree swings to huge outdoor wonder gyms complete with multiple swings, they can swing with the best of them. Our nearby parks have swings attached with all kinds of other amazing playground contraptions.
But we don’t have swings.
Until now.
Daddy caved. The word “sucker” that has been etched as a tattoo across my dad’s forehead for decades now has suddenly appeared on mine.
The swingset box arrived a few weeks before their birthday. I knew when it took a crane to lift it off the 18 wheeled delivery truck and 37 Aggies to get it into my garage, that “some assembly” was going to be required. The instructions that unfolded into an “actual size” map of China confirmed my concerns. It didn’t help that someone in China gave it their best English attempt at writing them too. The parts bags (notice the plural) that took a two-wheel dolly to move made the sweat start beading on my forehead.
Suddenly I was willing to buy another minivan. A pink one if necessary and I would drive it. Anything to avoid Swingworld.
Sorry Daddio. Get busy.
After breaking the project up into small daily tasks I got the swingset 90% complete without too many hitches. I slowly and methodically put a bolt here, a nut there, a metal piece here and another over there, and next thing you know, I had a wobbly swingset.
That’s when I realized I was missing parts.
The Joker of the Swingworld laughed in the distance as I spent hours trying to figure out how to complete this stupid thing without many, and I do mean many, important parts that the unclear instructions were very clear I had to have. After a few trips to Home Depot it was obvious a call would have to be made in order to get my parts.
A week later (after the girls birthday party I should add), the parts arrived in one large unmarked baggie. Thanks. That really helps.
After taking half the swingset apart because of realizing B should have been done before A even though the instructions said to do A before B and the highly detailed graphic instruction image clearly showed A should come before B, it was B that had to come before A. I am no engineer, but I am also not an idiot.
The girls were watching me do all of this, so I had to be careful what I said under my breath to the wonderful makers of this incredible device, but the swing had to come apart in order to be put together. Try and explain that one to 3 year old twins who have been waiting weeks now to swing on “their own swing”. They couldn’t compute why daddy was doing B before A.
Finally, a few days later, the swing set and the huge area of yard that had to be prepped for it underneath it was done. I had dug up dirt and grass, laid on my back to put in a bolt that I could swear was ¼ inch too short, struggled with a plastic ladder that appeared to be warped from its travels, prayed for eternal damnation on the inventor of the swing concept, and ended up undoing and redoing way too many steps.
But in the end, our girls now have their own little Swingworld.
The good news is I have heard you only have to stop there once. Regardless, our minivan is gonna hightail it outta here. I will never build another.
Or so I say. Sucker.
“Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them (children). They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.” Psalm 127:5
© 2008, J. Brady
”I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."
First, there is Babyland where diapers abound, bottles reek, and you find your self dreaming of poop, then there is Toddlerville where the preferred language is Engble (babbling and English combined) and your goal is all about preventing an early death (yours or theirs), and other stops are seen in the not too distant future.
Each of these stops consist of various monumental life experiences too, such as getting rid of the 400hp sports car in lieu of the nifty minivan (complete with a sto-away 3rd row bench seat I may add) or trading in many hours of TV time for weeks worth of recorded shows you will never watch neatly arranged and ready on your DVR.
No matter what you do, these stops along the way are required. Those that try and bypass them usually pay a steeper price and spend years trying to repair the damage done. Only fools refuse to comply.
Recently our trip came to a stop known to many as Swingworld and by the looks on people’s faces and the laughter that follows when I explain our current location on this trip, many, many parents have seemingly made this stop, regrettably.
Our girls just turned three and when kids are three they like to swing. And they like to swing a lot. They want to be pushed, they want to be pulled. They want to stop, they want to go. The want to swing standing up, they want to swing sitting down. They want to sing dang it!
The grandparents have swings. From tree swings to huge outdoor wonder gyms complete with multiple swings, they can swing with the best of them. Our nearby parks have swings attached with all kinds of other amazing playground contraptions.
But we don’t have swings.
Until now.
Daddy caved. The word “sucker” that has been etched as a tattoo across my dad’s forehead for decades now has suddenly appeared on mine.
The swingset box arrived a few weeks before their birthday. I knew when it took a crane to lift it off the 18 wheeled delivery truck and 37 Aggies to get it into my garage, that “some assembly” was going to be required. The instructions that unfolded into an “actual size” map of China confirmed my concerns. It didn’t help that someone in China gave it their best English attempt at writing them too. The parts bags (notice the plural) that took a two-wheel dolly to move made the sweat start beading on my forehead.
Suddenly I was willing to buy another minivan. A pink one if necessary and I would drive it. Anything to avoid Swingworld.
Sorry Daddio. Get busy.
After breaking the project up into small daily tasks I got the swingset 90% complete without too many hitches. I slowly and methodically put a bolt here, a nut there, a metal piece here and another over there, and next thing you know, I had a wobbly swingset.
That’s when I realized I was missing parts.
The Joker of the Swingworld laughed in the distance as I spent hours trying to figure out how to complete this stupid thing without many, and I do mean many, important parts that the unclear instructions were very clear I had to have. After a few trips to Home Depot it was obvious a call would have to be made in order to get my parts.
A week later (after the girls birthday party I should add), the parts arrived in one large unmarked baggie. Thanks. That really helps.
After taking half the swingset apart because of realizing B should have been done before A even though the instructions said to do A before B and the highly detailed graphic instruction image clearly showed A should come before B, it was B that had to come before A. I am no engineer, but I am also not an idiot.
The girls were watching me do all of this, so I had to be careful what I said under my breath to the wonderful makers of this incredible device, but the swing had to come apart in order to be put together. Try and explain that one to 3 year old twins who have been waiting weeks now to swing on “their own swing”. They couldn’t compute why daddy was doing B before A.
Finally, a few days later, the swing set and the huge area of yard that had to be prepped for it underneath it was done. I had dug up dirt and grass, laid on my back to put in a bolt that I could swear was ¼ inch too short, struggled with a plastic ladder that appeared to be warped from its travels, prayed for eternal damnation on the inventor of the swing concept, and ended up undoing and redoing way too many steps.
But in the end, our girls now have their own little Swingworld.
The good news is I have heard you only have to stop there once. Regardless, our minivan is gonna hightail it outta here. I will never build another.
Or so I say. Sucker.
“Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them (children). They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.” Psalm 127:5
© 2008, J. Brady
”I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Never Say Never
"I will never own a mini-van!" I boldly proclaimed right after having our twin girls.
Three years later.
"Great doing business with you!" I said to the nice sales rep. "This is exactly the van we wanted!"
Yes, today, we fell into line with the rest of you morons, and became a mini-van clan. Just two years ago I was driving a brand new, fast, hot, 405hp Corvette. The envy of everyone at every red light I stopped at. Plus, I owned a bright red, double cab Toyota Tacoma that made Home Depot visits a breeze.
But life is different now with twins and another child to arrive any day. The Vett was sold last year, and today the truck is on the market. All dignity has been lost. My kids have finally completely taken over. Nothing is sacred.
The mini-van clan is moving forward full-steam ahead and the forecast shows no signs of change. I feel dizzy, lightheaded and confused. My world is going dark....
What's really scary is we both actually got excited about this thing too. Before I knew it, even I was talking non-stop about all we could do with this mini-van. The trips we could take with fewer stops, the openness of the windows, the smooth ride and the family fun to be had! Almost as if I was trying to convince my male psyche that stacking bags of mulch into the back of this thing in the parking lot of Lowes really wasn't gonna be so bad.
From what I heard from numerous car salesmen, I was simply one of many men who eventually succumb to taking the proverbial walk down "Daddy Vehicle Lane". Right past the 300hp sedans, the incredible dual cab trucks, the new hot rod sports cars, all the way straight to "Mini Van Parkway".
And just like many before me, and many who too will follow, my walk ended with me driving a minivan right out of the parking lot. All the while, a timid look of joy on the face of another dad who has no idea when life as he knew it would ever return.
Now I guess I get to start saying I am the husband of one of those hot minivan moms.
Never say never.
“So he made his war-wagon (mini-van) ready and took his people (kids) with him.” Exodus 14:6 NLT
“So he made his war-wagon (mini-van) ready and took his people (kids) with him.” Exodus 14:6 NLT
© 2008, J. Brady
”I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Why We Believe
Christianity is truly set apart from all of the other religious systems the world offers. Here are a few simple reasons that make it easy to believe.1. No other religion promises eternal life based on the works of God alone. All the others are based on the works of man.
2. In other religions one must die to get to God. In Christianity, God died to get to man.
3. Unlike other religious leaders, Jesus could relate to everything we go through - stress, pain, betrayal, injustice, temptation.
4. Only in Christianity did the Savior die for its followers. In all of the others, one must die for its selfish savior.
5. Only Jesus rose again. All of the other supposed "saviors" are all still dead in their graves.
It's really that simple.
That's why we believe.
For more proof: check out this investigative report about Jesus by Lee Strobel, former Legal Editor of the Chicago Tribune. http://www.leestrobel.com/
“For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Romans 1:20
© 2008, J. Brady
”I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."
Monday, February 25, 2008
The Blame America First Crowd
According to Michelle Obama, wife of Democratic hopeful, Barack Obama, America has done nothing she can be proud of her entire adult life.
According to Rev. Jeremiah Wright, pastor of Barack Obama's church of 20 years, America is a country full of hate, and again, has done nothing right. (Listen to his pastor spew rage full of hate and anti-America, anti-white racism and then cuss on during a sermon here. http://www.convervativelight.blogspot.com/)
According to them, and many like them, America needs "change". America is bad. Not good. America is hurtful. America is depressing. America is evil. America is wrong. America just sucks.
Granted, America is not perfect. But change is not the word most American's really want to hear. Improvement? Yes. A return to moralilty? Yes. But full out change?
No. Wrong answer.
The rant a rave that we are at war, that the economy is going down the tubes, that healthcare will sink us, and that poor mother earth must be saved! Therefore, it is the job of our government and the rich to save us.
Again, wrong answer. It is our job to save ourselves.
Reality says our world is full of evil and has been a part of human history for ages. Reality says the economy always has ups and downs and always will. Reality says our healthcare system is still the best in the world (name one better). Reality says we appear to be more concerned about our earth than we do our own children and unborn babies.
Reality says America is great.
Most Americans (white, black, yellow, green, purple, whatever), if they are honest, will have to admit they are happy, have good jobs, enjoy freedom, do what they want when they want, eat out weekly, see good movies, have a good social network, and in general live pretty full lives. Sure, most of us have some debts, few can splurge like Hollywood celebs but all of us can agree that life as an American is still envied by 90% of the world.
Yet for some reason a dark tone continues to run its course in the liberal policital scene day after day, year after year. It's the blame America train and it is coming to a city near you, if not there already.
According to them, you can't be proud of America. Mrs. Obama said these very words just last week in Milwaukee, "For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country. Not just because Barack is doing well, but I think people are hungry for change."
Wow.
Nevermind all that America has done for people. Nevermind all that we have created. Nevermind the handouts America has given other nations. Nevermind the religious freedoms this nation provides. Nevermind the medical and scientific discoveries we have made. Nevermind the nations we have protected and liberated. Nevermind the advances in technology we have ushered in. Nevermind the fact the America is still the most free nation in the world.
And, nevermind the fact that had she said such a thing in North Korea, Cuba, Russia, China, Egypt, Iran or Iraq she would already be silienced forever.
I for one, am still proud to be an American. Unlike her and her husband, I am proud to wear and hold my flags. I am proud to say the pledge or sing the national anthem. I see a glass that is half full, not half empty. I see a nation of a diversified people that rises above them all.
Unlike them, I don't think things are really all that bad and I think most will agree.
Sure, things need to improve. We can always get better.
But change?
Change doesn't always bring about the good in people, and Obama and his clan are showing us already the truth behind their plans.
Don't be fooled by flowery words, neat sayings and big crowds for the road to what is right and what we really need is usually one less traveled.
"A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart he harbors deceit. Though his speech is charming, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly." Proverbs 26:24-26
(c) 2008, J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and make no bones about it!"
According to Rev. Jeremiah Wright, pastor of Barack Obama's church of 20 years, America is a country full of hate, and again, has done nothing right. (Listen to his pastor spew rage full of hate and anti-America, anti-white racism and then cuss on during a sermon here. http://www.convervativelight.blogspot.com/)
According to them, and many like them, America needs "change". America is bad. Not good. America is hurtful. America is depressing. America is evil. America is wrong. America just sucks.
Granted, America is not perfect. But change is not the word most American's really want to hear. Improvement? Yes. A return to moralilty? Yes. But full out change?
No. Wrong answer.
The rant a rave that we are at war, that the economy is going down the tubes, that healthcare will sink us, and that poor mother earth must be saved! Therefore, it is the job of our government and the rich to save us.
Again, wrong answer. It is our job to save ourselves.
Reality says our world is full of evil and has been a part of human history for ages. Reality says the economy always has ups and downs and always will. Reality says our healthcare system is still the best in the world (name one better). Reality says we appear to be more concerned about our earth than we do our own children and unborn babies.
Reality says America is great.
Most Americans (white, black, yellow, green, purple, whatever), if they are honest, will have to admit they are happy, have good jobs, enjoy freedom, do what they want when they want, eat out weekly, see good movies, have a good social network, and in general live pretty full lives. Sure, most of us have some debts, few can splurge like Hollywood celebs but all of us can agree that life as an American is still envied by 90% of the world.
Yet for some reason a dark tone continues to run its course in the liberal policital scene day after day, year after year. It's the blame America train and it is coming to a city near you, if not there already.
According to them, you can't be proud of America. Mrs. Obama said these very words just last week in Milwaukee, "For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country. Not just because Barack is doing well, but I think people are hungry for change."
Wow.
Nevermind all that America has done for people. Nevermind all that we have created. Nevermind the handouts America has given other nations. Nevermind the religious freedoms this nation provides. Nevermind the medical and scientific discoveries we have made. Nevermind the nations we have protected and liberated. Nevermind the advances in technology we have ushered in. Nevermind the fact the America is still the most free nation in the world.
And, nevermind the fact that had she said such a thing in North Korea, Cuba, Russia, China, Egypt, Iran or Iraq she would already be silienced forever.
I for one, am still proud to be an American. Unlike her and her husband, I am proud to wear and hold my flags. I am proud to say the pledge or sing the national anthem. I see a glass that is half full, not half empty. I see a nation of a diversified people that rises above them all.
Unlike them, I don't think things are really all that bad and I think most will agree.
Sure, things need to improve. We can always get better.
But change?
Change doesn't always bring about the good in people, and Obama and his clan are showing us already the truth behind their plans.
Don't be fooled by flowery words, neat sayings and big crowds for the road to what is right and what we really need is usually one less traveled.
"A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart he harbors deceit. Though his speech is charming, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly." Proverbs 26:24-26
(c) 2008, J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and make no bones about it!"
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Why Huck Instead of the Liberal Republican Mac
Five simple reasons why Mac needs to go back and Huck needs to go forward:
1. McCain is a consverative liberal. What I mean by that is he nearly converted to work along side John Kerry in 2004 as his VP. He is a democrat with conservative leanings. Though he has been a Republican all these years, he is not really a true conservative. He is against abortion and for the troops which is great but that is about all. Plus, can he be more boring from the stage?
2. Romney is basically done and over with. You cannot buy the nomination. He has spent millions more than the others and still comes in 2nd or 3rd in nearly every race. He is still a mormon, though I do like his leadership abilities and style. But it has never been proven that a CEO can be an effective President. I would certainly support him more than McCain, but there is bascially no way he can win it now.
3. Huckabee has done all that he has done with God's help and with little to spend compared to the others. McCain has spent $38,000,000. Romney has spent $86,000,000 and Huckabee has barely spent just $7,000,000!!! You tell me who and what has taken him from the bottom of the pile in November to having nearly the same delegates as the $100million dollar man after Super Tuesday?
4. Huckabee is not a perfect conservative. But with Romney basically done, true conservatives can support a man who has these positives on his platform: a man of faith, pro-life, agrees to build a fence and be tougher with immigration (has changed his tune on this some), wants a fair tax system so we ALL get tax breaks -not just the poor, has actually led a true government longer than any of the GOP or DEMS (Mac has only been senator) and most importantly - see below.
5. Huckabee, unlike Mac or Romney, will appoint true conservative judges. McCain will not and who knows who Romney would appoint based on his system of faith. This is the most pressing issue in this election and few are talking about it. This one issue will affect the nation for far longer than a man who might serve for 4 to 8 years as the President. These judges serve for life and could overturn Roe vs. Wade and other liberal interpretations of our Constitution.
If we want God to protect and bless this nation, we cannot remove Him from our schools and society and murder his babies by the millions. Yes, it is murder and you are just clueless if you think it isn't.
It really is as simple as that. Look at the stats since we have taken prayer and the Bible out of our American society and since we made abortion legal and try to argue with me. You will lose. God began removing His hand from this nation in the 60s and we need Him bad.
We could use a man like Huck. Sadly though, it looks like Mac is back.
Pray he asks Huckabee to be his VP. Maybe that is the "window" God will give us to get a man like him in.
1. McCain is a consverative liberal. What I mean by that is he nearly converted to work along side John Kerry in 2004 as his VP. He is a democrat with conservative leanings. Though he has been a Republican all these years, he is not really a true conservative. He is against abortion and for the troops which is great but that is about all. Plus, can he be more boring from the stage?
2. Romney is basically done and over with. You cannot buy the nomination. He has spent millions more than the others and still comes in 2nd or 3rd in nearly every race. He is still a mormon, though I do like his leadership abilities and style. But it has never been proven that a CEO can be an effective President. I would certainly support him more than McCain, but there is bascially no way he can win it now.
3. Huckabee has done all that he has done with God's help and with little to spend compared to the others. McCain has spent $38,000,000. Romney has spent $86,000,000 and Huckabee has barely spent just $7,000,000!!! You tell me who and what has taken him from the bottom of the pile in November to having nearly the same delegates as the $100million dollar man after Super Tuesday?
4. Huckabee is not a perfect conservative. But with Romney basically done, true conservatives can support a man who has these positives on his platform: a man of faith, pro-life, agrees to build a fence and be tougher with immigration (has changed his tune on this some), wants a fair tax system so we ALL get tax breaks -not just the poor, has actually led a true government longer than any of the GOP or DEMS (Mac has only been senator) and most importantly - see below.
5. Huckabee, unlike Mac or Romney, will appoint true conservative judges. McCain will not and who knows who Romney would appoint based on his system of faith. This is the most pressing issue in this election and few are talking about it. This one issue will affect the nation for far longer than a man who might serve for 4 to 8 years as the President. These judges serve for life and could overturn Roe vs. Wade and other liberal interpretations of our Constitution.
If we want God to protect and bless this nation, we cannot remove Him from our schools and society and murder his babies by the millions. Yes, it is murder and you are just clueless if you think it isn't.
It really is as simple as that. Look at the stats since we have taken prayer and the Bible out of our American society and since we made abortion legal and try to argue with me. You will lose. God began removing His hand from this nation in the 60s and we need Him bad.
We could use a man like Huck. Sadly though, it looks like Mac is back.
Pray he asks Huckabee to be his VP. Maybe that is the "window" God will give us to get a man like him in.
"Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14
(c) 2008, J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and make no bones about it!"
Friday, January 25, 2008
Yes, You Have to Be Called to Adopt
Just over 6 months ago, I wrote this article for my first book. http://nobonesaboutit.blogspot.com/2007/06/something-must-be-done.html
Since that day, God has taken my family on an amazing journey of faith, testing, emotion, and anticipation while at the same time putting us through some of the most incredible, life-altering choices to make beyond our imagination.
Having a baby isn't easy. But adoption can be even harder.
Yes, you have to be called to do this.
Being called to do something means that once the emotion settles down a bit, you still feel the desire to move forward. It means, that despite obstacles, tough choices, raw emotions, stress or financial worry, that you believe and press on. It means that when you have doubts, get bored or can't wait, that you still walk in obedience. It means that despite all of the voices of opinion that come your way, the voice you hold to the most is the One that led you down this road to begin with.
When you are called, you know you are.
After 6 months of paperwork, appointments, fingerprinting, medical exams, more paperwork, interviews, paperwork, paying fees, waiting, seeking answers, forum discussions, researching special needs children who we might be willing to accept, paperwork, weekend seminars, losing weight (that would be me), getting emotional, paying more fees, studying the country, learning about another culture and race, paying even more fees, and getting emotional, we KNOW we have been called.
Even so, the full picture God has for us is usually unclear in life, until we stand in "today". For it is "today" and only "today" that we can fully experience and know the current picture called life. Yesterday is over and tomorrow remains behind the sun.
"Today" for us is about a decision we have to make. It is about a little boy all the way around the world whose Korean name means "to shed light on others" and "whose work goes well". A little boy who had a rough start to life, like his potential sisters did. He was born at 34 weeks, had low birth weight, low APGAR scores, and other post-birth trauma just like they did. All of this just to get his little life chugging along.
He has a purpose. He has a place. He has a smile that would eat you alive. He just needs a family to show it to.
That's where we come in.
He popped up a few days ago on a list of kids we check in on that have more special needs than other "more healthy" children. We had even looked into another boy a few months ago on the same list, but God made it clear the answer was "no" when the next day he was adopted by another family. So we moved on.
We are now only 6-7 families from being "next on the list" of getting a "healthy" baby. Yet, Tuesday afternoon when Julie saw this new boy listed, she immediately IM'd me about him. She seemed excited. I logged into the site, and before I could ask her where he was on the list I saw him smiling at me. He literrally looked exaclty like the "word picture" I had kept in my mind's eye this entire time of what my asian boy would look like. It was almost freaky. Most asian babies are full, round and big cause they are fed all day. But this little tike was skinny, small and cuddly like our little Chloe was.
Then I got choked up when I read his notes. A few minutes later our agency sent us his medical report and more details. I cried even more. Julie was teared up too. At the same exact time we were both having the same exact thoughts and feelings. This was how it all began six months ago when I called Julie and told her I thought we needed to switch from China to Korea and from seeking a girl to a boy. She was literally talking to her sister about that very thing before I called her. Yes, God speaks.
The little boy does have issues. His birth trauma could show effects later. He could face challenges later in life and there are some unknowns which means as a family we would have to be willing and ready to accept and deal with it. Doctors have already told us he could be a risk for this or for that. But other's are saying he shows no signs of anything wrong. He is bouncy, cute, funny and very charming.
So here we are. Facing a decision that will affect his life, our lives, our families and much, much more. We literrally have to decide if we are the family for this little baby boy in a land he does not know, from a world we have never seen, who live in opposite ends of the time clock. We could move on, wait for the phone call to come in 6-8 more weeks and pray he finds his forever family in the eyes of another, or we could become his forever family very soon. As in days, not weeks.
We could have a son before the SuperBowl the Cowboys should be in is played next Sunday. It's that real. It's that soon. It's that tough.
But doesn't the reward of a child outweigh the risk? I do know this, God adopted me as His child, and I wasn't just a risk. I was already diagnosed and still am in many ways a bonafide man of imperfection. Full of issues only He can handle. Thankfully, He does. His love, His grace is extended to us all.
I may have just answered my own questions by writing this. It seems more clear and a few more days and with a little more information I am sure it will be. But either way, in the end I get the blessing and honor of doing something for someone else besides me.
What about you? Have you been called?
If not, you will. And, you will know it.
"How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. " Ephesians 1:3-6
(c) 2008, J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and make no bones about it!"
Since that day, God has taken my family on an amazing journey of faith, testing, emotion, and anticipation while at the same time putting us through some of the most incredible, life-altering choices to make beyond our imagination.
Having a baby isn't easy. But adoption can be even harder.
Yes, you have to be called to do this.
Being called to do something means that once the emotion settles down a bit, you still feel the desire to move forward. It means, that despite obstacles, tough choices, raw emotions, stress or financial worry, that you believe and press on. It means that when you have doubts, get bored or can't wait, that you still walk in obedience. It means that despite all of the voices of opinion that come your way, the voice you hold to the most is the One that led you down this road to begin with.
When you are called, you know you are.
After 6 months of paperwork, appointments, fingerprinting, medical exams, more paperwork, interviews, paperwork, paying fees, waiting, seeking answers, forum discussions, researching special needs children who we might be willing to accept, paperwork, weekend seminars, losing weight (that would be me), getting emotional, paying more fees, studying the country, learning about another culture and race, paying even more fees, and getting emotional, we KNOW we have been called.
Even so, the full picture God has for us is usually unclear in life, until we stand in "today". For it is "today" and only "today" that we can fully experience and know the current picture called life. Yesterday is over and tomorrow remains behind the sun.
"Today" for us is about a decision we have to make. It is about a little boy all the way around the world whose Korean name means "to shed light on others" and "whose work goes well". A little boy who had a rough start to life, like his potential sisters did. He was born at 34 weeks, had low birth weight, low APGAR scores, and other post-birth trauma just like they did. All of this just to get his little life chugging along.
He has a purpose. He has a place. He has a smile that would eat you alive. He just needs a family to show it to.
That's where we come in.
He popped up a few days ago on a list of kids we check in on that have more special needs than other "more healthy" children. We had even looked into another boy a few months ago on the same list, but God made it clear the answer was "no" when the next day he was adopted by another family. So we moved on.
We are now only 6-7 families from being "next on the list" of getting a "healthy" baby. Yet, Tuesday afternoon when Julie saw this new boy listed, she immediately IM'd me about him. She seemed excited. I logged into the site, and before I could ask her where he was on the list I saw him smiling at me. He literrally looked exaclty like the "word picture" I had kept in my mind's eye this entire time of what my asian boy would look like. It was almost freaky. Most asian babies are full, round and big cause they are fed all day. But this little tike was skinny, small and cuddly like our little Chloe was.
Then I got choked up when I read his notes. A few minutes later our agency sent us his medical report and more details. I cried even more. Julie was teared up too. At the same exact time we were both having the same exact thoughts and feelings. This was how it all began six months ago when I called Julie and told her I thought we needed to switch from China to Korea and from seeking a girl to a boy. She was literally talking to her sister about that very thing before I called her. Yes, God speaks.
The little boy does have issues. His birth trauma could show effects later. He could face challenges later in life and there are some unknowns which means as a family we would have to be willing and ready to accept and deal with it. Doctors have already told us he could be a risk for this or for that. But other's are saying he shows no signs of anything wrong. He is bouncy, cute, funny and very charming.
So here we are. Facing a decision that will affect his life, our lives, our families and much, much more. We literrally have to decide if we are the family for this little baby boy in a land he does not know, from a world we have never seen, who live in opposite ends of the time clock. We could move on, wait for the phone call to come in 6-8 more weeks and pray he finds his forever family in the eyes of another, or we could become his forever family very soon. As in days, not weeks.
We could have a son before the SuperBowl the Cowboys should be in is played next Sunday. It's that real. It's that soon. It's that tough.
But doesn't the reward of a child outweigh the risk? I do know this, God adopted me as His child, and I wasn't just a risk. I was already diagnosed and still am in many ways a bonafide man of imperfection. Full of issues only He can handle. Thankfully, He does. His love, His grace is extended to us all.
I may have just answered my own questions by writing this. It seems more clear and a few more days and with a little more information I am sure it will be. But either way, in the end I get the blessing and honor of doing something for someone else besides me.
What about you? Have you been called?
If not, you will. And, you will know it.
"How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. " Ephesians 1:3-6
(c) 2008, J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and make no bones about it!"
Saturday, December 15, 2007
A God-Given Chance at the Presidency?
There have only been 43 men who have led this nation as the President. With the likes of Washington, Roosevelt, Lincoln, Kennedy, and Reagan many of these men have been held in such high esteem throughout history that only Jesus himself seems more solid and sure.
Our country was founded by mostly Christian men. It's a fact and it's a waste of mental energy to argue that point. America was formed to separate the state from the church, not the other way around. Thanks to men who believed in the power of Christ and the guiding light God can provide to a willing soul, this country has remained at the top of the world for nearly 3 centuries.
In the mid 1980s there was a man some believe God raised up for the very purpose of redirecting and saving this nation from further decay. He became one of the most beloved Presidents in our history. Ronald Reagan spent 8 years in office and gave us nearly 2 decades worth of residual beneficiary worth as a country.
But those days are long behind us and yet again we are in need of God to provide us another leader we can support and trust in to take us into tomorrow. Our nation is in moral decay, taxes are at an all time high, our nation is hated, we are at a war we seemingly are not willing to win, and the nation and everyone in it is in incredible debt. Our dollar is now worth less than the euro and the Canadian dollar is now equal. We are filled with apathy like never before, ruled by political correctness and no absolutes, and we are about to enter yet another decade of murdering over 1,000,000 babies a year.
We need a God-given leader as President and I believe you will clearly see one right in front of your eyes. If you are a Christian and desire to have a leader in Washington that will truly seek God and point this nation back in His direction, then you need to read all of this and make the decision God has for you.
Here are the current top candidates and their experience plus a general summary of their spiritual backgrounds and values.
Hillary Clinton - Democrat - experienced as First Lady and New York Senator (6yrs). Supports abortion, liberalism, higher taxes, and national health care system. Big advocate of women's rights and equality. Attends church irregularly but does not promote Christian faith or talk about her faith. Has millions to spend to get elected.
Mitt Romney - Republican - experienced as governor of Massachusetts from 2003-2006 (3yrs). Successful business man with Bain Capital. Some have called him a liberal republican in the past but has since become more conservative during the current election bid. Supports conservatism and governmental stewardship. Is an active Mormon which Christian theologians view as a cult. Changed stance on abortion during recent campaign (claims he is now against it). Has millions to spend to get elected.
Barak Obama - Democrat - experienced as state senator for Illinois from 1996-2004 and then as U.S. Senator for Illinois since 2004 (11yrs). He studied Islam while living with parents in Indonesia and Christianity later. Supports abortion, liberalism and social welfare systems. States he is open and supportive of all faiths. Young, charismatic speaker who charms crowds and has huge minority following including Oprah Winfrey. Has millions to spend to get elected.
Rudy Guliani - Republican - experienced as Mayor of New York City from 1994-2001 (7yrs). Has background as attorney and has worked in various local and national government positions. After 911 went on huge speaking tour earning millions of dollars. Supports conservatism, lower taxes and smaller government. Stance on abortion has changed since his current election bid. Has been pro-choice in past but now claims he is pro-life, in MOST circumstances. Seen as great leader of the people. Has millions to spent to get elected.
Mike Huckabee -Republican - experienced as both lieutenant governor and state governor of Arkansas from 1993-2007 (14yrs). Was 44th governor of that state but one of only four republicans ever to serve as governor. States he was successful in bringing two sides together for over 11 years though his side was mainly just him as Arkansas is highly democratic state. He is an ordained Baptist preacher and has served as the president of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. Abolishing abortion rights is a top priority along with a new federal taxing system, smaller government, a stronger military, stopping illegal immigration and having better foreign relations with other world leaders. Speaks boldly of his Christian faith. Humorous, Clinton-esq speaker. Only top candidate that does not have millions to spend to get elected.
Our nation is at a pivotal point in history and major issues need to be addressed over the next decade. That is why each of these candidates has to be looked at seriously, beyond their charm, wit, popularity and especially their money.
The next generation needs us to choose wisely.
These are the main issues to consider in your choosing:
1. Supreme Court Appointments - These appointments are more important for our future than the President is! However, since the President is the one that chooses these judges, it becomes obvious why the election is so important. There are likely to be two Court seats open in the next 6-10 years due to death or retirement. These two seats can literally change the entire direction of the nation -either more liberally or more conservatively. Roe v. Wade could be overturned as a result, or more liberal interpretations of the Constitution could continue as they did during Clinton's presidency. Conservatives have been waiting decades to return our Supreme Court back to what the founding fathers of this nation desired them to be! They are there to interpret the laws and the constitution, not create new ones based on personal views.
2. Over-taxation - It is time both sides agree that our taxes are outrageous. Our economy is buckling as we continue to punish business owners and entreprenuers for being successful! Everyone needs a break and the current system is not working. Our dollar is no longer the leader it once was and there are better systems to consider.
3. The War on Terror and Foreign Diplomacy - Nearly everyone agrees the war in Iraq needs to come to an end at some point. If we are not going to do all we can to win, we need to do something else. Along with that, our reputation with the world needs to be repaired without minimizing our strength of will. It seems only the democrats and just one of the GOP candidates supports this thinking.
4. Illegal Immigration - We need to make it easier for people to become Americans, but they must be here legally. We have to stop the open-door policy as it is draining our resources and increasing healthcare costs.
5. Morality - Not enough can be said about this issue. Sin and outlandish crimes are at an all time high and we need a leader that has a daily, personal relationship with Christ to help set a new standard in Washington and for the nation. It does not mean that a Christian has to be the President, but if given the choice, how could one select one that isn't, or says they are in title only or believes in a false doctrine? With the current GOP candidates, there is only one that is concerned at heart about our nation's decline in morality.
This is not a time to simply make a "business choice" or decide based on one's looks, how much money they have, their appeal or experience. We need a leader that can boldly trust in God, is not ashamed to admit so, yet can serve as a strong political force that this nation has needed since Ronald Reagan.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
1. Pray for your candidate. If you do not believe God cares about political matters, you do not read the same Bible I do. He does and He will give favor if asked. Jesus was a savior and a huge political player in His day.
2. Give to your candidate! Prayer is good, but money makes the world go around. People need to hear in order to know and if they do not know your candidate won't get the vote.
3. Spread the word! Start now as primaries are days away! Email friends, blog, talk at lunch.
4. Vote in the primary. The primary in your state will help elevate the candidate you have selected as the leader of your party.
The next 10 months are more important than ever. Please do not take the typical "I don't get involved in politics" attitude so many Christians say in these days. We owe it to our future, to our past and to God himself to do all we can to stand up for what is right.
You can make a difference. So start now.
"Appoint judges and administrative officials for all the cities the Lord your God is giving you. They will administer justice in every part of the land." Deuteronomy 16:18-19
Our country was founded by mostly Christian men. It's a fact and it's a waste of mental energy to argue that point. America was formed to separate the state from the church, not the other way around. Thanks to men who believed in the power of Christ and the guiding light God can provide to a willing soul, this country has remained at the top of the world for nearly 3 centuries.
In the mid 1980s there was a man some believe God raised up for the very purpose of redirecting and saving this nation from further decay. He became one of the most beloved Presidents in our history. Ronald Reagan spent 8 years in office and gave us nearly 2 decades worth of residual beneficiary worth as a country.
But those days are long behind us and yet again we are in need of God to provide us another leader we can support and trust in to take us into tomorrow. Our nation is in moral decay, taxes are at an all time high, our nation is hated, we are at a war we seemingly are not willing to win, and the nation and everyone in it is in incredible debt. Our dollar is now worth less than the euro and the Canadian dollar is now equal. We are filled with apathy like never before, ruled by political correctness and no absolutes, and we are about to enter yet another decade of murdering over 1,000,000 babies a year.
We need a God-given leader as President and I believe you will clearly see one right in front of your eyes. If you are a Christian and desire to have a leader in Washington that will truly seek God and point this nation back in His direction, then you need to read all of this and make the decision God has for you.
Here are the current top candidates and their experience plus a general summary of their spiritual backgrounds and values.
Hillary Clinton - Democrat - experienced as First Lady and New York Senator (6yrs). Supports abortion, liberalism, higher taxes, and national health care system. Big advocate of women's rights and equality. Attends church irregularly but does not promote Christian faith or talk about her faith. Has millions to spend to get elected.
Mitt Romney - Republican - experienced as governor of Massachusetts from 2003-2006 (3yrs). Successful business man with Bain Capital. Some have called him a liberal republican in the past but has since become more conservative during the current election bid. Supports conservatism and governmental stewardship. Is an active Mormon which Christian theologians view as a cult. Changed stance on abortion during recent campaign (claims he is now against it). Has millions to spend to get elected.
Barak Obama - Democrat - experienced as state senator for Illinois from 1996-2004 and then as U.S. Senator for Illinois since 2004 (11yrs). He studied Islam while living with parents in Indonesia and Christianity later. Supports abortion, liberalism and social welfare systems. States he is open and supportive of all faiths. Young, charismatic speaker who charms crowds and has huge minority following including Oprah Winfrey. Has millions to spend to get elected.
Rudy Guliani - Republican - experienced as Mayor of New York City from 1994-2001 (7yrs). Has background as attorney and has worked in various local and national government positions. After 911 went on huge speaking tour earning millions of dollars. Supports conservatism, lower taxes and smaller government. Stance on abortion has changed since his current election bid. Has been pro-choice in past but now claims he is pro-life, in MOST circumstances. Seen as great leader of the people. Has millions to spent to get elected.
Mike Huckabee -Republican - experienced as both lieutenant governor and state governor of Arkansas from 1993-2007 (14yrs). Was 44th governor of that state but one of only four republicans ever to serve as governor. States he was successful in bringing two sides together for over 11 years though his side was mainly just him as Arkansas is highly democratic state. He is an ordained Baptist preacher and has served as the president of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. Abolishing abortion rights is a top priority along with a new federal taxing system, smaller government, a stronger military, stopping illegal immigration and having better foreign relations with other world leaders. Speaks boldly of his Christian faith. Humorous, Clinton-esq speaker. Only top candidate that does not have millions to spend to get elected.
Our nation is at a pivotal point in history and major issues need to be addressed over the next decade. That is why each of these candidates has to be looked at seriously, beyond their charm, wit, popularity and especially their money.
The next generation needs us to choose wisely.
These are the main issues to consider in your choosing:
1. Supreme Court Appointments - These appointments are more important for our future than the President is! However, since the President is the one that chooses these judges, it becomes obvious why the election is so important. There are likely to be two Court seats open in the next 6-10 years due to death or retirement. These two seats can literally change the entire direction of the nation -either more liberally or more conservatively. Roe v. Wade could be overturned as a result, or more liberal interpretations of the Constitution could continue as they did during Clinton's presidency. Conservatives have been waiting decades to return our Supreme Court back to what the founding fathers of this nation desired them to be! They are there to interpret the laws and the constitution, not create new ones based on personal views.
2. Over-taxation - It is time both sides agree that our taxes are outrageous. Our economy is buckling as we continue to punish business owners and entreprenuers for being successful! Everyone needs a break and the current system is not working. Our dollar is no longer the leader it once was and there are better systems to consider.
3. The War on Terror and Foreign Diplomacy - Nearly everyone agrees the war in Iraq needs to come to an end at some point. If we are not going to do all we can to win, we need to do something else. Along with that, our reputation with the world needs to be repaired without minimizing our strength of will. It seems only the democrats and just one of the GOP candidates supports this thinking.
4. Illegal Immigration - We need to make it easier for people to become Americans, but they must be here legally. We have to stop the open-door policy as it is draining our resources and increasing healthcare costs.
5. Morality - Not enough can be said about this issue. Sin and outlandish crimes are at an all time high and we need a leader that has a daily, personal relationship with Christ to help set a new standard in Washington and for the nation. It does not mean that a Christian has to be the President, but if given the choice, how could one select one that isn't, or says they are in title only or believes in a false doctrine? With the current GOP candidates, there is only one that is concerned at heart about our nation's decline in morality.
This is not a time to simply make a "business choice" or decide based on one's looks, how much money they have, their appeal or experience. We need a leader that can boldly trust in God, is not ashamed to admit so, yet can serve as a strong political force that this nation has needed since Ronald Reagan.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
1. Pray for your candidate. If you do not believe God cares about political matters, you do not read the same Bible I do. He does and He will give favor if asked. Jesus was a savior and a huge political player in His day.
2. Give to your candidate! Prayer is good, but money makes the world go around. People need to hear in order to know and if they do not know your candidate won't get the vote.
3. Spread the word! Start now as primaries are days away! Email friends, blog, talk at lunch.
4. Vote in the primary. The primary in your state will help elevate the candidate you have selected as the leader of your party.
The next 10 months are more important than ever. Please do not take the typical "I don't get involved in politics" attitude so many Christians say in these days. We owe it to our future, to our past and to God himself to do all we can to stand up for what is right.
You can make a difference. So start now.
"Appoint judges and administrative officials for all the cities the Lord your God is giving you. They will administer justice in every part of the land." Deuteronomy 16:18-19
(c) 2007, J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and make no bones about it!"
Thursday, November 29, 2007
The Teddy Bear Was the One Offended
Over the last decade it seems the world has made every effort to accept the Islamic faith as a religious system to be admired, embraced and endorsed by all. Millions of people have converted to the teachings and ways of Muhammad.
Yet in the last two weeks alone, two outrageous stories emerged that take the mind to a place beyond shock, bewilderment and understanding. Last week it was confirmed that a Saudi woman was going to be given 200 lashes and sent to prison after being gang raped by Saudi men! Why? Because the Muslim faith prohibits a woman from being alone with a man that is not her husband. She was sentenced to more punishment for taking her story to the media.
This week, a British woman teaching in Sudan was charged with insulting a teddy bear for allowing a child to name him Muhammad. She could be punished with 40 lashes and up to six months in jail for this horrendous act.
Can you imagine if either of these stories took place under the veil of the Christian faith? Can you imagine the outcry that would occur if a teacher in Mansfield, Texas, was given 20 lashes for allowing a child to name their Build-a-Bear Jesus? What if she was sent to prison for 2 years and given 200 lashes for having lunch alone with her male co-worker?
What is we started arresting and punishing people for using God’s name in vain or saying Jesus H Christ? What if we hunted down those that opposed all things that had to do with Christianity and “let them have it” like the Muslims seem to be able to do?
Can you imagine how quick the world would react to such acts by Christians?
Sounds unreal, but Christians have been murdered over centuries for even smaller things.
Yet, the outcry with both of these stories is under the radar and the noise level is barely above a sympathetic moan. Some care, but most brush it off as just being strange ways of the Islamic faith.
Is part of being tolerant and accepting this religion allowing such stupidity to continue? I mean, what moron would embrace a faith that teaches and promotes such idiotic rules?
And, who would give a teddy bear a false prophet name anyway? That would be like naming your cat Edward. Just doesn’t work.
Our world is a crazy one indeed. After all, the big news in this latest story shouldn’t be how offended Muhammad was.
The teddy bear was the one that was offended.
“A fool's work wearies him; he does not know the way to town.” Ecclesiastes 10;15
© 2007, J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."
Yet in the last two weeks alone, two outrageous stories emerged that take the mind to a place beyond shock, bewilderment and understanding. Last week it was confirmed that a Saudi woman was going to be given 200 lashes and sent to prison after being gang raped by Saudi men! Why? Because the Muslim faith prohibits a woman from being alone with a man that is not her husband. She was sentenced to more punishment for taking her story to the media.
This week, a British woman teaching in Sudan was charged with insulting a teddy bear for allowing a child to name him Muhammad. She could be punished with 40 lashes and up to six months in jail for this horrendous act.
Can you imagine if either of these stories took place under the veil of the Christian faith? Can you imagine the outcry that would occur if a teacher in Mansfield, Texas, was given 20 lashes for allowing a child to name their Build-a-Bear Jesus? What if she was sent to prison for 2 years and given 200 lashes for having lunch alone with her male co-worker?
What is we started arresting and punishing people for using God’s name in vain or saying Jesus H Christ? What if we hunted down those that opposed all things that had to do with Christianity and “let them have it” like the Muslims seem to be able to do?
Can you imagine how quick the world would react to such acts by Christians?
Sounds unreal, but Christians have been murdered over centuries for even smaller things.
Yet, the outcry with both of these stories is under the radar and the noise level is barely above a sympathetic moan. Some care, but most brush it off as just being strange ways of the Islamic faith.
Is part of being tolerant and accepting this religion allowing such stupidity to continue? I mean, what moron would embrace a faith that teaches and promotes such idiotic rules?
And, who would give a teddy bear a false prophet name anyway? That would be like naming your cat Edward. Just doesn’t work.
Our world is a crazy one indeed. After all, the big news in this latest story shouldn’t be how offended Muhammad was.
The teddy bear was the one that was offended.
“A fool's work wearies him; he does not know the way to town.” Ecclesiastes 10;15
© 2007, J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."
Saturday, November 24, 2007
If Only Last Year Would Have Lasted....
(adapted from Doubled-Over blog)
Needless to say, the picture we got of them with Santa in 2006 WAS memorable for sure. Their scream wrenched faces tell it all.
That's when it hit me that them liking this guy was not a good thing for the checking account of a dad of multiples.
Last year our girls had their first conscious meeting of Santa.
It all happened one cool, December evening at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine. It was time to get into the "spirit of the season" so we we figured it would be a great time for us to meet my sister and her family along with my parents there and introduce the girls to Santa for the 1st time that they would be aware of anyway. (You know, year one doesn't really count.)
If you have not visited the Gaylord during the holidays, it is a wonder world of Christmas lights and fun. Trains, decorations, people, music and of course a huge Santa's workshop to boot. Figured it would be a great place to get some memorable family photos and fill the brain full of laughs and gaffs.
Such are the naive thoughts of people who have been parents for all of 15 months.
Things were progressing nicely until the girls caught wind and got in eye-shot of the big old man in the all red suit. I am sure their little brains were confused....
"Take a look at this dude Chloe," I can imagine Sidney saying in her developing twin babble.
"Yea, what is UP with that?" Chloe agrees.
"Is he for real? What is he anyway, a fireman that can't find it in his heart to retire? I mean how old can this man be?" Sidney chides in.
"I don't know Sid," Chloe says, "but I do NOT like the way he is looking at us and I think mom and dad are giving us away to this bearded man. Why is he smiling?....."
"AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!" they screamed in perfect Christmas harmony while kicking Julie and I in every place imaginable.
Needless to say, the picture we got of them with Santa in 2006 WAS memorable for sure. Their scream wrenched faces tell it all. It wasn't until a few weeks ago, when I noticed this sudden affinity for Santa which seemed to come out of nowhere, that I realized how great I could have had it. But now their frightened hearts a year ago suddenly beat with excitement at the sight of the "weird man in red". Call it Christmas magic.
That's when it hit me that them liking this guy was not a good thing for the checking account of a dad of multiples.
Twice the fun, twice the price. 'Tis the season.
If only....
"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. " Luke 2:10-11
(c) 2007, J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and make no bones about it!"
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Not Sure I Will Ever Find It Again
I grew up in Houston.
That should say enough, for those of you who have been there or lived there. Yes, there are huge mesquitoes, you sweat just checking the mail during the summer, and the place stinks thanks to all of the oil, gas and chemical plants located there.
But Houston has its good things too. The beach is a few miles away, the sports teams are pretty good, there is NASA to visit and it's a great place to learn freeway driving! But for me, one thing stands out more than any other during the 12 childhood years I spent in the big city and I am just not sure I will ever find it again.
I am not referring to the Astros, the Oilers, the Rockets, the space center, PipeOrgan Pizza, the Galleria, Baybrook Mall, the beach a quick drive away, the marinas, Kemah, or the former Astroworld. Certainly I have incredible memories and experiences attached to all of those.
No, I am talking about a small place of worship in the middle of it all called Heritage Park Baptist Church. Or, as I have called it for years "Heritage Park". Words simply cannot express well enough the impact this small group of people had on me, my family and many others.
My mom and dad decided our family would join this small group of believers in the early 80s. It was closer to home than our current church and it just felt right. It was where God wanted us to be. The years that followed provided us some of the greatest times we will ever know with God, our family and His people.
The church was the center of everyone's life. Not school, not sports, not jobs, and not other things. The church was where we were on Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night, and usually a few times on the weekend too. It was our life and each family was committed to the same. It wasn't out of tradition or some lame religious obligation either. It was because we wanted to. We loved each other, loved God, and loved doing His work. There was simply no other place we wanted to be.
We experienced everything about life together as a church family too. Potluck dinners, football games, softball teams, making stupid movies, goofy adult class parties, youth events galore, choir events, camping trips, family vacations, vacation Bible school, youth camps, retreats, beach trips, service projects, building projects and much, much more. Heck, we even took rounds mowing the church grass!
My parents friends were my "other parents" and many still feel like they are. The McMahons, the Mills, the Hamiltons, the Holloways, the Thompsons, the Kipps, and the Rices to name a few. They all had kids that became my friends. We went to school together, ran the streets of Houston and Galveston together, and drove our parents crazy together. Some I dated. Some we all dated. There was even one I thought I would marry when I was 16!
In 1986 my dad informed us that our family was being relocated to the DFW area. The time came for us to load up and drive away and it was the saddest day of our lives. I'll never forget that weekend. The church family threw a going away party for us. They sang "Friends Are Friends Forever" to us and even put it on tape and I still cannot listen to that song to this day without getting emotional about that weekend. They gave us parting gifts and parting hugs. Tears were flowing everywhere.
The morning we left town our driveway and street was full of people crying and waving by. I choke up writing this and remembering it all. We had two packed cars. I was 16 and had to drive one of them because mom was a wreck. My sister and I rode together and balled our eyes out as we pulled away and said by to a place, a people and a way of living that I have never found since.
That was 21 years ago and I have rarely missed going to church on a Sunday since. But times have changed and people aren't the same. Today Christians attend church when it is convenient and other things like sports, business, jobs and school have become what life evolves around. The world of SELF seems to be the center of it all for many. Few give their time much less their money, many are too busy to remember to pray for you, most don't miss you when you are gone and few truly love His people or His church like Christ calls us to. It's sad, but you know it's true for many of today's believers. And, I hate to admit, have fallen prey to this new way of thinking a few times myself.
Regardless, God has been good and since those days I have made many great Christian friends, have had fellowship with other great groups of believers and attended some good churches. My family attends and serves at a great church now. But, there is still just something missing...
Recently, we made the trip to Houston for the churchs' 30th anniversary reunion. It was a time to remember all that God had done yesterday and help the church prepare for tomorrow. I made fresh contact with many of those people and even a few surprises, like my piano teacher from 30 years ago! I got to hug Brother Jud, the pastor that has most affected my entire life and theology. I got to hear John Turner sing one more song. I got to have a few more hugs from people I feel like I will be connected to for eternity. The same smiles, affection and love filled the new, much larger church facilities that day. It was a warmth I could soak in for days!
Heritage Park is still alive and well and it's certainly much larger. Most of the faces I knew have moved on and some have even taken the final step and joined the Lord, yet some people from then remain. The preaching is good, the music is great and the people still love the Lord. Lives are still being changed and foundations are being laid, just like they were 30 years ago
It's not often you can find a group outside of your own family that you know would lay down their lives for yours. People that you call "family" and truly know and feel they are. People you can count on to shout when life is good or cry when things go wrong. People that really do pray for you when you ask. People that give when you need. People that miss you when you are gone. People that listen when you can't shut up. People that forgive when you cause pain. People that love when you don't love back. People that remember you when you come back.
These were real people of God. His people, who did things His way. A real church. Making a real difference in the lives of those around them and setting the stage for His return.
Why do I love God? Because of what we found He can do through a small group of people in a tiny church I still call Heritage Park.
And, I'm just not sure I will ever find it again.
"...They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers. Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person's need was met. They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved. " Acts 2:42-47.
(c) 2007, J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and make no bones about it!"
That should say enough, for those of you who have been there or lived there. Yes, there are huge mesquitoes, you sweat just checking the mail during the summer, and the place stinks thanks to all of the oil, gas and chemical plants located there.
But Houston has its good things too. The beach is a few miles away, the sports teams are pretty good, there is NASA to visit and it's a great place to learn freeway driving! But for me, one thing stands out more than any other during the 12 childhood years I spent in the big city and I am just not sure I will ever find it again.
I am not referring to the Astros, the Oilers, the Rockets, the space center, PipeOrgan Pizza, the Galleria, Baybrook Mall, the beach a quick drive away, the marinas, Kemah, or the former Astroworld. Certainly I have incredible memories and experiences attached to all of those.
No, I am talking about a small place of worship in the middle of it all called Heritage Park Baptist Church. Or, as I have called it for years "Heritage Park". Words simply cannot express well enough the impact this small group of people had on me, my family and many others.
My mom and dad decided our family would join this small group of believers in the early 80s. It was closer to home than our current church and it just felt right. It was where God wanted us to be. The years that followed provided us some of the greatest times we will ever know with God, our family and His people.
The church was the center of everyone's life. Not school, not sports, not jobs, and not other things. The church was where we were on Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night, and usually a few times on the weekend too. It was our life and each family was committed to the same. It wasn't out of tradition or some lame religious obligation either. It was because we wanted to. We loved each other, loved God, and loved doing His work. There was simply no other place we wanted to be.
We experienced everything about life together as a church family too. Potluck dinners, football games, softball teams, making stupid movies, goofy adult class parties, youth events galore, choir events, camping trips, family vacations, vacation Bible school, youth camps, retreats, beach trips, service projects, building projects and much, much more. Heck, we even took rounds mowing the church grass!
My parents friends were my "other parents" and many still feel like they are. The McMahons, the Mills, the Hamiltons, the Holloways, the Thompsons, the Kipps, and the Rices to name a few. They all had kids that became my friends. We went to school together, ran the streets of Houston and Galveston together, and drove our parents crazy together. Some I dated. Some we all dated. There was even one I thought I would marry when I was 16!
In 1986 my dad informed us that our family was being relocated to the DFW area. The time came for us to load up and drive away and it was the saddest day of our lives. I'll never forget that weekend. The church family threw a going away party for us. They sang "Friends Are Friends Forever" to us and even put it on tape and I still cannot listen to that song to this day without getting emotional about that weekend. They gave us parting gifts and parting hugs. Tears were flowing everywhere.
The morning we left town our driveway and street was full of people crying and waving by. I choke up writing this and remembering it all. We had two packed cars. I was 16 and had to drive one of them because mom was a wreck. My sister and I rode together and balled our eyes out as we pulled away and said by to a place, a people and a way of living that I have never found since.
That was 21 years ago and I have rarely missed going to church on a Sunday since. But times have changed and people aren't the same. Today Christians attend church when it is convenient and other things like sports, business, jobs and school have become what life evolves around. The world of SELF seems to be the center of it all for many. Few give their time much less their money, many are too busy to remember to pray for you, most don't miss you when you are gone and few truly love His people or His church like Christ calls us to. It's sad, but you know it's true for many of today's believers. And, I hate to admit, have fallen prey to this new way of thinking a few times myself.
Regardless, God has been good and since those days I have made many great Christian friends, have had fellowship with other great groups of believers and attended some good churches. My family attends and serves at a great church now. But, there is still just something missing...
Recently, we made the trip to Houston for the churchs' 30th anniversary reunion. It was a time to remember all that God had done yesterday and help the church prepare for tomorrow. I made fresh contact with many of those people and even a few surprises, like my piano teacher from 30 years ago! I got to hug Brother Jud, the pastor that has most affected my entire life and theology. I got to hear John Turner sing one more song. I got to have a few more hugs from people I feel like I will be connected to for eternity. The same smiles, affection and love filled the new, much larger church facilities that day. It was a warmth I could soak in for days!
Heritage Park is still alive and well and it's certainly much larger. Most of the faces I knew have moved on and some have even taken the final step and joined the Lord, yet some people from then remain. The preaching is good, the music is great and the people still love the Lord. Lives are still being changed and foundations are being laid, just like they were 30 years ago
It's not often you can find a group outside of your own family that you know would lay down their lives for yours. People that you call "family" and truly know and feel they are. People you can count on to shout when life is good or cry when things go wrong. People that really do pray for you when you ask. People that give when you need. People that miss you when you are gone. People that listen when you can't shut up. People that forgive when you cause pain. People that love when you don't love back. People that remember you when you come back.
These were real people of God. His people, who did things His way. A real church. Making a real difference in the lives of those around them and setting the stage for His return.
Why do I love God? Because of what we found He can do through a small group of people in a tiny church I still call Heritage Park.
And, I'm just not sure I will ever find it again.
"...They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers. Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person's need was met. They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved. " Acts 2:42-47.
(c) 2007, J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and make no bones about it!"
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
We Hate Hiring Christians
My business partner and I have been employers now for nearly 10 years and one of the keys to owning a successful company is having good, loyal, trustworthy employees. That is not an easy task and after years of experience I can honestly say that for the most part we...
hate hiring Christians.
Our first employee was a Christian college student. She was one of the few "Christian" employees we have ever had we could trust. She was loyal and genuine in how she worked and what she did for us. I wish we could clone her!
Today we have hired hundreds of people over the years and have about 40 that work for us currently. The people that make their faith known to those around them by being outlandish, loud and overbearing are the one's we fear. They usually cover up their lack of character with their obnoxious church-chatter. God this and God that.....church this and church that....believing for this and believing for that. It's really easy to see.
It's a sad truth but my business partner and I would rather have a non-Christian or at least a non-Bible toting believer work for us. It seems the more they profess to be a Christian the worse the behavior they bring to our company.
When it comes to good employees we look for these qualities:
1. Dependable
2. Responsible
3. Good positive attitude (no drama)
4. Does not stir up trouble or gossip
5. Trustworthy
6. Strong work ethic (works 8 hours a day or more and is not late every day)
7. Does not have to be micro-managed
8. Teachable, coachable, flexible attitude
9. Honest and has integrity
10. Goal oriented
Now, one would think these are obvious attributes for a Christian employee to demonstrate. Yet, time after time we see the opposite. Many are tardy daily, many lie and are deceptive, many have stolen from us, many lie and cheat the company work time and materials, most gossip and have poor attitudes, they stir up drama and trouble, and they are only as loyal as their next paycheck. The next time the company makes a mistake they are worse than non-Christians at trying to destroy company reputations and those of the owners.
Funny thing is that these same people expect the company, since it is owned by two Christians, to demonstrate the same qualities they fail to every day! They won't behave that way themselves buy heaven forbid the company makes a mistake. It makes no sense.
We had one "Christian" customer service manager hide work (customer letters and information) in her drawers and made up false reports to make herself look good. (A year later she sent me an email asking for us to donate to her newly formed ministry! lol) We recently had another that had a medical condition she used to take advantage of the company by getting extra time off work so in reality she could sleep in or spend time with her boyfriend that she was also sleeping with. She also used the company apartment to have sleepovers. We have had numerous "Christian" employees that have totally lied to the TWC in order to get illegal unemployment benefits after they quit or were terminated for lack of performance. One just never showed back up to work again (job abandonment) and yet said she was fired. And we have had many "Christians" show no character at all by spreading gossip about the company and giving company materials to competitors after they no longer worked for us. We never expect "Christian" employees to give us a real "two week notice" - those days are long behind us.
Of course, these same "Christian" employees are the ones running to various churches in the area to praise God on Sundays. One used to go to my church! I would expect such actions from those who do not know Christ but not fellow believers. Makes me sick. Really.
Bottom line to me is these people do not really know the Lord. Honest mistakes and failures are the name of game for the normal, true Christian. But habitual actions that show a lack of character or integrity, only to deny so later when confronted, shows me these people never really knew Jesus anyway.
If you are a Christian and you have a job remember these two simple things.
1. You are working for an audience of ONE - Christ Himself. Work as if He was your boss, because in reality He does control your Company, your earthly boss and your paycheck! Give it your all, day after consistent day.
2. Set an example for the others around you. Certainly if you are a believer you should be among the best employees your boss has. Ask yourself, "How would Christ be seen by His fellow workers and His boss if He worked here?" and practice the answers you come up with!
You spend most of time each week at work. If you can't be like Christ at work, what are you saving it for?
Step up to the plate or just make sure you don't apply to work for me.
"Servants (employees), do what you're told by your earthly masters (boss). And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work." Colossians 3:22-25
(c) 2007, J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and make no bones about it!"
hate hiring Christians.
Our first employee was a Christian college student. She was one of the few "Christian" employees we have ever had we could trust. She was loyal and genuine in how she worked and what she did for us. I wish we could clone her!
Today we have hired hundreds of people over the years and have about 40 that work for us currently. The people that make their faith known to those around them by being outlandish, loud and overbearing are the one's we fear. They usually cover up their lack of character with their obnoxious church-chatter. God this and God that.....church this and church that....believing for this and believing for that. It's really easy to see.
It's a sad truth but my business partner and I would rather have a non-Christian or at least a non-Bible toting believer work for us. It seems the more they profess to be a Christian the worse the behavior they bring to our company.
When it comes to good employees we look for these qualities:
1. Dependable
2. Responsible
3. Good positive attitude (no drama)
4. Does not stir up trouble or gossip
5. Trustworthy
6. Strong work ethic (works 8 hours a day or more and is not late every day)
7. Does not have to be micro-managed
8. Teachable, coachable, flexible attitude
9. Honest and has integrity
10. Goal oriented
Now, one would think these are obvious attributes for a Christian employee to demonstrate. Yet, time after time we see the opposite. Many are tardy daily, many lie and are deceptive, many have stolen from us, many lie and cheat the company work time and materials, most gossip and have poor attitudes, they stir up drama and trouble, and they are only as loyal as their next paycheck. The next time the company makes a mistake they are worse than non-Christians at trying to destroy company reputations and those of the owners.
Funny thing is that these same people expect the company, since it is owned by two Christians, to demonstrate the same qualities they fail to every day! They won't behave that way themselves buy heaven forbid the company makes a mistake. It makes no sense.
We had one "Christian" customer service manager hide work (customer letters and information) in her drawers and made up false reports to make herself look good. (A year later she sent me an email asking for us to donate to her newly formed ministry! lol) We recently had another that had a medical condition she used to take advantage of the company by getting extra time off work so in reality she could sleep in or spend time with her boyfriend that she was also sleeping with. She also used the company apartment to have sleepovers. We have had numerous "Christian" employees that have totally lied to the TWC in order to get illegal unemployment benefits after they quit or were terminated for lack of performance. One just never showed back up to work again (job abandonment) and yet said she was fired. And we have had many "Christians" show no character at all by spreading gossip about the company and giving company materials to competitors after they no longer worked for us. We never expect "Christian" employees to give us a real "two week notice" - those days are long behind us.
Of course, these same "Christian" employees are the ones running to various churches in the area to praise God on Sundays. One used to go to my church! I would expect such actions from those who do not know Christ but not fellow believers. Makes me sick. Really.
Bottom line to me is these people do not really know the Lord. Honest mistakes and failures are the name of game for the normal, true Christian. But habitual actions that show a lack of character or integrity, only to deny so later when confronted, shows me these people never really knew Jesus anyway.
If you are a Christian and you have a job remember these two simple things.
1. You are working for an audience of ONE - Christ Himself. Work as if He was your boss, because in reality He does control your Company, your earthly boss and your paycheck! Give it your all, day after consistent day.
2. Set an example for the others around you. Certainly if you are a believer you should be among the best employees your boss has. Ask yourself, "How would Christ be seen by His fellow workers and His boss if He worked here?" and practice the answers you come up with!
You spend most of time each week at work. If you can't be like Christ at work, what are you saving it for?
Step up to the plate or just make sure you don't apply to work for me.
"Servants (employees), do what you're told by your earthly masters (boss). And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work." Colossians 3:22-25
(c) 2007, J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and make no bones about it!"
Friday, October 05, 2007
Are You Y2K Compliant?
(2000) Just less than 330 days ago, everyone wondered if the world was going to end. Doomsayers were saying it was all but over, many technical gurus had us fall for the “Y2K Compliant” retailing heist, and world leaders did their best to proclaim this as a time of unification and opportunity of renewal.
Isn’t it funny how it all really happened? After the fireworks, glamour balls, dances, parties, prayer vigils and much more were over, the world returned to it’s ever spinning state. Here we are once again faced with another Christmas/New Year’s season; with full electricity and all PCs a blazin’!
Yep, the malls are a buz. Money’s being spent like it’s being printed in garages across the county. Scooters are the craze. The Cowboys are having another pitiful holiday season. There’s not enough Play Station2’s to go around, and kids are impatiently staring at the sky for Santa, and adults are the like!
Then again, that’s what makes Christmas the fun that it is. The music, the laughter, the lights and the smells, all bring back those hopes of what’s under the tree! I’m glad to see another come on around.
So, as the year 2000 leaves us for eternity, my challenge to you this Christmas is simple. Just enjoy it.
For once a year, the world really does come to a stop. Once a year, we think about the other person before ourselves. Once a year, we care to reach out to the cold and lonely. Once a year, we promise to make the next one better, more pure, more right.
Just once a year. So, let’s make this one count, because just a few months ago, we all wondered if God would grant us the grace to enjoy another. Thankfully the millennium came and went and we’re still here!
Knowing I’ll see you on the other side! Merry Christmas my friend.
“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
© 2000, J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."
Isn’t it funny how it all really happened? After the fireworks, glamour balls, dances, parties, prayer vigils and much more were over, the world returned to it’s ever spinning state. Here we are once again faced with another Christmas/New Year’s season; with full electricity and all PCs a blazin’!
Yep, the malls are a buz. Money’s being spent like it’s being printed in garages across the county. Scooters are the craze. The Cowboys are having another pitiful holiday season. There’s not enough Play Station2’s to go around, and kids are impatiently staring at the sky for Santa, and adults are the like!
Then again, that’s what makes Christmas the fun that it is. The music, the laughter, the lights and the smells, all bring back those hopes of what’s under the tree! I’m glad to see another come on around.
So, as the year 2000 leaves us for eternity, my challenge to you this Christmas is simple. Just enjoy it.
For once a year, the world really does come to a stop. Once a year, we think about the other person before ourselves. Once a year, we care to reach out to the cold and lonely. Once a year, we promise to make the next one better, more pure, more right.
Just once a year. So, let’s make this one count, because just a few months ago, we all wondered if God would grant us the grace to enjoy another. Thankfully the millennium came and went and we’re still here!
Knowing I’ll see you on the other side! Merry Christmas my friend.
“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
© 2000, J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Is He Coming Back Soon? Let's Hope So...
It’s hard sometimes to not get caught up in the “worries of this world” isn’t it? I mean, who can ignore the pain this world puts itself through?
It’s also hard to argue that the stage is being set for the return of Christ. At least, that’s the hope we all have to cling to. The Bible makes it clear that in the end times two things will be happening at the same time; 1. the world will fall further away from Truth and further into darkness and 2. a revival like never before will sweep through the world.
In terms of the world getting darker I think it is clear that we are full-fledge into that process. Anybody with a brain would say it’s obvious. A recent walk through some recent headlines reveals the sad truth…
- Michigan woman gets 12 to 22 1/2 years for arranging for her boyfriend to rape her underage daughter. (Michigan)
- Cops Investigate Substitute teacher allegedly having sex with daughter’s boyfriend. (Wisconsin)
- Videotape supposedly shows suicide bomber 'graduation' (national)
- Man Molested 3-Year-Old At Grocery, Mom Says (Cincinnati)
- 130 Alleged Deadbeat Dads Arrested On Father's Day (Chicago)
- Trial date set for man who micro-waved baby (Galveston)
- Doctor sentenced to 58 years in prison for molesting stepdaughter (San Francisco)
- Officer left messages for mistress he buried in basement (Toronto)
- Woman charged with manslaughter after running over boyfriend with car (Anchorage)
- Priest sentenced for aiding rape (The UK)
- Woman convicted of taped sex with boy (Orlando)
- Police: Mom Stabbed Son, 2, To 'Kill Demons' (Florida)
- 5-Year-Old Hands Out Heroin At Day Care (Buffalo)
- Michael Moore’s bodyguard arrested on airport gun charge (New York)
- Paris Hilton Is Bored...With 6 Days Left Of Jail (California)
- Bill Clinton: $10 Million Haul for Talks (New York)
And, these were just the headlines from TODAY!
The problem is that event number two seems to be lagging somewhat doesn’t it? In other parts of the world the Gospel is gaining steam and sweeping through the area.
But, in America? Well, we’ve still got people like Michael Moore, Paris Hilton and Hillary Clinton taking center stage. Not a ton of talking going on about Christ and it makes me wonder what we are doing wrong.
Let’s all agree, if those three continue to dominate headlines, we’ve got issues. We need to step it up and take the headlines back. I’m tired of reading stories like above.
Jesus, please…send revival and let it begin with me!
Lord knows we need it!
“When you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” Luke 21:31
© 2007 J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."
It’s also hard to argue that the stage is being set for the return of Christ. At least, that’s the hope we all have to cling to. The Bible makes it clear that in the end times two things will be happening at the same time; 1. the world will fall further away from Truth and further into darkness and 2. a revival like never before will sweep through the world.
In terms of the world getting darker I think it is clear that we are full-fledge into that process. Anybody with a brain would say it’s obvious. A recent walk through some recent headlines reveals the sad truth…
- Michigan woman gets 12 to 22 1/2 years for arranging for her boyfriend to rape her underage daughter. (Michigan)
- Cops Investigate Substitute teacher allegedly having sex with daughter’s boyfriend. (Wisconsin)
- Videotape supposedly shows suicide bomber 'graduation' (national)
- Man Molested 3-Year-Old At Grocery, Mom Says (Cincinnati)
- 130 Alleged Deadbeat Dads Arrested On Father's Day (Chicago)
- Trial date set for man who micro-waved baby (Galveston)
- Doctor sentenced to 58 years in prison for molesting stepdaughter (San Francisco)
- Officer left messages for mistress he buried in basement (Toronto)
- Woman charged with manslaughter after running over boyfriend with car (Anchorage)
- Priest sentenced for aiding rape (The UK)
- Woman convicted of taped sex with boy (Orlando)
- Police: Mom Stabbed Son, 2, To 'Kill Demons' (Florida)
- 5-Year-Old Hands Out Heroin At Day Care (Buffalo)
- Michael Moore’s bodyguard arrested on airport gun charge (New York)
- Paris Hilton Is Bored...With 6 Days Left Of Jail (California)
- Bill Clinton: $10 Million Haul for Talks (New York)
And, these were just the headlines from TODAY!
The problem is that event number two seems to be lagging somewhat doesn’t it? In other parts of the world the Gospel is gaining steam and sweeping through the area.
But, in America? Well, we’ve still got people like Michael Moore, Paris Hilton and Hillary Clinton taking center stage. Not a ton of talking going on about Christ and it makes me wonder what we are doing wrong.
Let’s all agree, if those three continue to dominate headlines, we’ve got issues. We need to step it up and take the headlines back. I’m tired of reading stories like above.
Jesus, please…send revival and let it begin with me!
Lord knows we need it!
“When you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” Luke 21:31
© 2007 J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."
Friday, June 15, 2007
Something Must Be Done
People say that having a child is the most amazing experience in life. It is at that exact moment, as those little feet and hands wiggle their way into this world that love in every sense is felt, understood and embraced. Only then can one comprehend God and His love. Only a fool could say such an experience is simply the logical progression of science, evolution, void of a Creator and Designer.
© 2007 J. Brady
I know for me those 18 seconds, the time it took for both of my little angels to be pulled out of my wife's womb, literally changed my entire realm of understanding and perception. I immediately saw God, friendship, family and my purpose in a new light. I will never forget it.
But experiencing the joy of seeing life begin and the excitement of beginning to direct the journey of that soul does not have to end there. Across the world there are literally millions of unwanted children being tossed to the side. Some handed over to uncaring caretakers, some murdered through abortion, many left in dumpsters, or on the ground alone.
According to a recent story posted on FoxNews.com Asian girls are literally being slaughtered. "There is a little-known battle for survival going in some parts of the world. Those at risk are baby girls, and the casualties are in the millions each year. The weapons being used against them are prenatal sex selection, abortion and female infanticide — the systematic killing of girls soon after they are born. According to a recent UN State of the World Population Report, these practices, combined with neglect, have resulted in at least 60 million "missing" girls in Asia, creating gender imbalances and other serious problems that experts say will have far reaching consequences for years to come."
If your heart aches after reading that like ours does, then you know something has to be done. Imagine a little, helpless baby...in need of a mother's warming arms, in need of someone to help them begin their journey...instead being murdered on the spot or sent away to some home waiting with abuse and pain. This is not some horror movie script. This is really happening in our world.
Jesus calls each of us as believers to certain tasks in terms of reaching out and helping the fallen aspects of our world. Those that are considered the outcasts are those He seemed to connect with. Those who need love the most. He was the master of doing just that and He calls us to do the same.
Reach out to a widow, she is lonely. Reach out to those in prison, he feels worthless. Embrace an orphan, she needs a family.
It is time we all consider doing one if not all of the above. It's one of the marks of our faith. He makes that clear.
There is a world out there of unloved, unembraced, unwanted children. Little boys and little girls who should be laughing, playing, singing songs while being loved on, kissed and told they're the best. Yet, that's not the case by the millions.
Sure, we can wait on the world to fix the problem. But the problem exists because of the world.
In some form or fashion we need to help and here are three main ways we can:
1. Consider changing the destiny of a child by being open to adoption. Many are stepping up and doing so in the last few years. Christian singers and artists, celebrities, pastors and average Joe's. It's a process for sure, but it's not your life that should be the concern.
2. Financially give to someone you know that is adopting or support a good adoption charity. It can be very expensive - to the tune of $15,000 to $30,000 - but this should not be a barrier to reaching out to those kids. Plus, it's a direct way of knowing you made a real difference.
3. Pray for the safety and adoption of those children regularly. Prayer changes things and prayer provides protection and provision. Pray for those adopting and pray for their new child. They will need it. And, above all, pray for those globally that need a home.
My heart was overwhelmed with joy when I first saw Sidney and Chloe. We can't kiss them enough.
Now our hearts break for those little babies never even kissed once.
We're going to do something about it. Will you?
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27 (the Message)
"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)