I am thinking about the quote from Shakespeare "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." I would disagree with this idea. I think the human mind is suggestable and as such we can talk ourselves out of reality. So much so that we can turn against what we believe and hold dear. "If my enemy agrees with me, I must be wrong." We allow others to define us, we have lost our identity. I am who God made me to be, even if it is similar to someone I don't like.
The key is to identify why is wrong and oust it, while evaluating the positive and grounding it in a firm foundation. Often times we loathe the attributes in others that we see in ourselves, but are unable or unwilling to change. It is easier to hate someone else than it is to change. In football the offensive line is cued by the snapping of the ball. However, sometimes the men are pulled off the line by the movement of the defense. When this happens a penalty is assessed. Likewise we need to wait for the count and respond accordingly. And if the defense intercepts the ball and is running toward our goal...don't tackle him!
17 February, 2011
08 February, 2011
Porcine pleasure
Like a standing ovation, the pan emits the sound I have been waiting to hear. It’s slippery, almost a waxy feeling between my fingers as I lower in piece by piece. The snow white fat begins to turn translucent. The edges curl and the sides pucker as the meat contracts. The smell of a camp fire ensnares my imagination. Even before it has cooled I take a piece from its resting place. It is sweet and savory like meat candy. This is bacon.
The paper towel wicks away the grease while the bacon waits to become the star of the meal. Tonight is about bacon. The options for meals are about as endless as the adjectives to describe this delicacy. Will the meal revolve around the bacon or should it be the foundation upon which the meal is built? The path I take doesn't matter. I know that I will vicariously be great because I chose to side with bacon.
The hallmark crunch of the BLT can stir the heart of any gastronome. The bread that has been transformed into a golden brown platform of greatness. The mayonnaise applied in haste coats the toast and helps the crisp lettuce to adhere. A glistening tomato or two adorns the the sandwich like a ruby temptress. Finally, the bacon takes its rightful place on the throne. It would be blasphemy to place the last piece of toast on top, and so it is served open face.
Bacon isn't just for breakfast, but we shouldn't forget about breakfast either. Bacon and eggs are a classic, but more can be done. A quiche with bacon becomes je ne sais quoi. Lest we stop with cheese when making an omelet or hinder hash browns by withholding the bacon. Breakfast pizza, casserole and scrambled eggs all long for the addition of bacon.
Whether a meatloaf that needs some love or a soup that isn't worth ladling, bacon is the answer. I know that some would worry about the fat and calories in bacon. They would argue that it isn't healthy for you. I am not suggesting you eat it for every meal. We must pace ourselves in order to live a long life of bacon enjoyment. You should eat a salad. In fact a little olive oil, cider vinegar, brown sugar, mustard and bacon drippings with bits make a great vinaigrette. Mmm...bacon.
The paper towel wicks away the grease while the bacon waits to become the star of the meal. Tonight is about bacon. The options for meals are about as endless as the adjectives to describe this delicacy. Will the meal revolve around the bacon or should it be the foundation upon which the meal is built? The path I take doesn't matter. I know that I will vicariously be great because I chose to side with bacon.
The hallmark crunch of the BLT can stir the heart of any gastronome. The bread that has been transformed into a golden brown platform of greatness. The mayonnaise applied in haste coats the toast and helps the crisp lettuce to adhere. A glistening tomato or two adorns the the sandwich like a ruby temptress. Finally, the bacon takes its rightful place on the throne. It would be blasphemy to place the last piece of toast on top, and so it is served open face.
Bacon isn't just for breakfast, but we shouldn't forget about breakfast either. Bacon and eggs are a classic, but more can be done. A quiche with bacon becomes je ne sais quoi. Lest we stop with cheese when making an omelet or hinder hash browns by withholding the bacon. Breakfast pizza, casserole and scrambled eggs all long for the addition of bacon.
Whether a meatloaf that needs some love or a soup that isn't worth ladling, bacon is the answer. I know that some would worry about the fat and calories in bacon. They would argue that it isn't healthy for you. I am not suggesting you eat it for every meal. We must pace ourselves in order to live a long life of bacon enjoyment. You should eat a salad. In fact a little olive oil, cider vinegar, brown sugar, mustard and bacon drippings with bits make a great vinaigrette. Mmm...bacon.
07 February, 2011
Lustification
Yesterday my pastor spoke about lust and the effects it has in our life. It was very well prepared and excellently delivered. Through the entire message I was able to extract changes that I need to make in my life. As usual I was fed by the bread of life. But there has been an echo in my head and I have been thinking about it all day.
My pastor said "Lust will have nothing to do with delay of gratification." He then went on to say that we as a society have been supporting our economy on the basis of consumption of wants rather than needs. If we are to be truly responsible and be good stewards we would change our spending habits. We shouldn't allow the lust of the eyes to drive our purchases. I know I am guilty of this lust.
What does that say about our economy and the system we support? If our economy is lust driven and we must flee from the sin of lust; is our economy evil? Can you condemn lust and promote capitalism in the same breath? I don't think so, I think we as Christians need to examine what we believe. Are we supporting our core values? We have been led to believe for so long that the Christian is the unwavering patriot that votes against abortion. But is this true? Were Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego patriots? We are told that we need to respect the authority above us, but we all would claim the exception not in cases of apostasy. But what about in cases of injustice? When I read Isaiah 58 I see a God who could care less if we are pious if we are allowing social plight. For too long the Christian church has been led on a hook in our mouth over abortion. I agree, the killing of babies is horrible. But when there was a Republican Legislator, President and Supreme Court nothing was changed. No bill was drawn, no law was passed, no case was tried. Utter failure! With this clear message of apathy, why hang our hat on one hook any longer?
My pastor said "Lust will have nothing to do with delay of gratification." He then went on to say that we as a society have been supporting our economy on the basis of consumption of wants rather than needs. If we are to be truly responsible and be good stewards we would change our spending habits. We shouldn't allow the lust of the eyes to drive our purchases. I know I am guilty of this lust.
What does that say about our economy and the system we support? If our economy is lust driven and we must flee from the sin of lust; is our economy evil? Can you condemn lust and promote capitalism in the same breath? I don't think so, I think we as Christians need to examine what we believe. Are we supporting our core values? We have been led to believe for so long that the Christian is the unwavering patriot that votes against abortion. But is this true? Were Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego patriots? We are told that we need to respect the authority above us, but we all would claim the exception not in cases of apostasy. But what about in cases of injustice? When I read Isaiah 58 I see a God who could care less if we are pious if we are allowing social plight. For too long the Christian church has been led on a hook in our mouth over abortion. I agree, the killing of babies is horrible. But when there was a Republican Legislator, President and Supreme Court nothing was changed. No bill was drawn, no law was passed, no case was tried. Utter failure! With this clear message of apathy, why hang our hat on one hook any longer?
04 February, 2011
Duality of plurality
As much as I would like to be an accepting and tolerant person, I admit I live in double standards. When it comes to accepting the world and the secular individuals in it, I am right there. I can have an intellectual conversation with an Atheist or a practical discourse about life with a homosexual. However, I am completely put off by people who belong to Christian Cults. LDS, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Community of Christ or anyone else who acknowledges Jesus, but denies his divinity. People that use Scripture but alter it or add to it with other texts. These people I can’t stand.
How funny is that really? Here are people that are at least spiritually receptive, but I can’t talk to them. Then on the other hand I see someone who is completely opposed to the gospel and I NEED to talk to them. I am trying to decide if it is just how God wired me or if it is an issue in my heart. Perhaps I am resistant toward these cults for a reason. I don’t know, but I don’t like them.
I felt recently that if I had sanctioning that I would love to start a homosexual ministry. I don’t know why it is on my heart, but I feel like a real mission field is right on our doorstep. Here are a people that want God, but are being shunned by the church. The big issue in this type of ministry is what is the denominational stance and how will they be received in the church. I don’t feel that it is prudent to invite people that might get hurt. It is a delicate process that takes much prayer and planning.
I am on the cusp of ministry…I can feel it. I am excited to see what God does with me and where He uses me. Please keep me in your prayers.
How funny is that really? Here are people that are at least spiritually receptive, but I can’t talk to them. Then on the other hand I see someone who is completely opposed to the gospel and I NEED to talk to them. I am trying to decide if it is just how God wired me or if it is an issue in my heart. Perhaps I am resistant toward these cults for a reason. I don’t know, but I don’t like them.
I felt recently that if I had sanctioning that I would love to start a homosexual ministry. I don’t know why it is on my heart, but I feel like a real mission field is right on our doorstep. Here are a people that want God, but are being shunned by the church. The big issue in this type of ministry is what is the denominational stance and how will they be received in the church. I don’t feel that it is prudent to invite people that might get hurt. It is a delicate process that takes much prayer and planning.
I am on the cusp of ministry…I can feel it. I am excited to see what God does with me and where He uses me. Please keep me in your prayers.
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