Sunday, December 16, 2007

Mean People S . . . well, Stink!

In the last couple of weeks both Debbie and I have come across mean people. I'm not saying we met a couple of people that were ornery, I am talking about all-out, full-in-your-face, "I hate the whole world and YOU'RE the one I'm taking it out on" kind of people! Sounds a bit like George Bernard Shaw's quote:

"Do you know what a pessimist is?
A person who thinks everybody is as nasty as himself
and hates them for it."


Both of our instances took place when we were trying to be helpful to a particular person/group and the other person just so happened to be one of those "mean people." So they weren't interested in anything we had to say- in fact, they intentionally ignored any attempt to clear up the apparent misunderstanding and proceeded to jump down our throats- feet first. I guess they thought our motivations were just like theirs and rushed to a conclusion.

The truth of the matter is, being mean is a sin. God is never mean and he desires us to be anything but mean to his children. When we are mean, we offend God (the definition of sin) by hurting those he loves. Making matters worse are those Christians who are known as mean people! "A mean Christian-" talk about an oxymoron!

When confronting mean people it takes everything we've got to not respond in kind. Although there are situations that call for us to stand up to the mean person. Jesus once cleared out the temple because people were being mean to other people (by cheating). His response was not mean, but forceful.

I can recall times when my Dad, who is the most gentle man I know, stood his ground against a mean person and would not back down. I admired his forcefulness and tenacity in the face of glaring meanness.

Mean people are hard to deal with, but we've got to do it, because they're out there and you never know when you're going to find one blocking your path. Don't let them get away with it- call them for their sin and maybe you will help them see the error of their ways.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Merry Tossmas!

I just received an e-video from a friend. I think many of you will appreciate it as much as I did, so click and watch.

Merry Tossmas!

Now that you've seen the video . . .

Merry Christmas too!

Sunday, December 02, 2007

The Teen Connection

Debbie and I have a special place in our hearts for the next generation. God has given us a spiritual connection and we enjoy that interaction. As I sit here at my computer, I am reminded we currently don't really have any particular group of teens (and/or young adults) we can call "our own."

I am really missing that.

Not that there aren't any teens around us- we just don't have much connection with them (and even less opportunity to interact on their level and just have fun with them). There are a few we are beginning to get to know, but those times are few and far between. And it's hard to break down those barriers without a little more constant interaction. Maybe the coming year will include more chances to take advantage of. I hope so.

It's a good thing we still have the Internet! Facebook and email are where they live these days! And we appreciate hearing from them every now and then.
Too bad there are systems we have to live with that would keep us from more easily connecting this way.*

So this blog's dedicated to all my young friends out there- most of you know who you are. We're missing you and all those hanging around times. Missing Halo, Survivor night, volleyball, jokes, long talks, comic books, game nights, etc. You're all very special to us and even more so to God. We cherish knowing you and pray for your continued powerful influence in the world around you.

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* Maybe there'll be more on this thought in the near future . . .