The Road Less Traveled

10 Year Old Boy Say's "Farewell" to Dream

Yes, that ten year old boy was me. When I was ten I watched the Space Shuttle go up from my home in Florida. Each launch we watched the shuttle shoot into the sky and with it my dreams of traveling to new worlds, to boldly go where no man had gone before... Yep, I was, and still am, a Sci-Fi nerd. Traveling to other worlds was a dream I thought could come true in my lifetime. It all seemed so possible. My parents saw men land on the moon and I watched as astronauts regularly "shuttled" into space. Unless you have experienced it, you can't image what being exposed to that type of excitement does to a young boy.

As a Gen-X'er growing up in Florida near Cape Canaveral in the age of Star Wars and Star Trek, the dream seemed like it could be a reality. Now at forty, while on vacation to my parents home in Florida, I watched a piece of my childhood launch into space, never to return again. Each time that shuttle launched I felt a piece of my childhood ride on that space ship. Unfortunately, I also got a first hand view of the tragedy on that day the Challenger exploded. (Our entire high school was outside on a bomb threat. We listened to the radio from someones car. I have never heard that kind of silence from 800 high school students.)

I knew it was significant as I watched a single tear fall from my mother, for she knew as well that it marked the end of an era, not only for our space program, but for her son as she watched him thirty years ago with such wonder in his eyes. As we watched together, three generations, as I also watched with my daughter (12) and son (3), there was something different in this launch than that one.

As one generation watched us launch into space and another watched us shuttle into space, I wonder what my children will watch. Hopefully something more than a nation dying under the weight of its own debt, or fear of terror from an unknown bomber. For there was something more as we looked up into the sky and watched the space program. The space program held dreams and a reality that there was more out there than our navel gazing, more than our arguments on Capital Hill, or trying to pay our bills. It helped us to recognize that we are not alone. That from up there we all look the same, no race, no colors. The sin and evil seem to drift away as the beauty of the our planet, the moon and stars reminds us that God is still holding it all together. That the God of the universe would love the people on that little round ball so much that he would send his son to an insignificant little town in the middle east.

So thank you NASA and so many others who help launch a young boys dreams into space. My prayer is that whatever happens in our space program, there might be a new "space ship" out there to launch the dreams of so many other boys and girls to boldly go where no one has gone before.

 

³ When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, ⁴ what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? Psalm 8:2-4

Virginity Auction

Have we truly come to this in our society? Have we sunk to such lows? I saw a story last night, Wed. Jan. 14th, on Fox News, where a young woman is auctioning off her virginity to pay for college. How incredibly sad! Yes, I am a pastor, and you might expect this type of response from a pastor, but I am saddened on a much deeper level, as a Christian, as father. Have we sunk so low in our society that we place a $$$$$ amount on such a precious gift as virginity and sex as it was and still is intended for one person within the bonds of marriage?

(Yes, I realize this event does not represent our entire society and there are many people that are sickened by this as well, but I am praying that this does not become an epidemic. The notoriety that this story is picking up, I pray, does not bring more women and men to do the same.I certainly hope the oldest profession didn't just add a new wrinkle.)

As of this posting, her virginity is worth 3.7 million dollars. Can you truly put a price on something that doesn't belong to you! Yes, this is a gift given to her by God for her future husband as well. Not only is she selling herself out, but him as well. Sex is a wonderful marvelous gift, a union not only physical, but emotional, psychological and even spiritual. A union of the "one flesh" that Scripture speak about.  "Sure, yeah pastor, your old fashioned. Get with the times. Just as well to get some money out of it. Besides it is for a good cause." If I am championing virginity and that is old fashioned, then toss me out with the record player or the 8-track. (Yes, I do own an i-pod.) 

There is another side to this story; those that are doing the bidding. And here I thought the premise behind the movie "Indecent Proposal" was a sad commentary on the sanctity of marriage. That was Hollywood, this is reality. This is my hope: The person that wins this pays all of that money to keep this young woman's virginity intact. Now wouldn't that be a kicker!

I do find it ironic however that we wants to use the money to support her post grad education studies to become a Marriage and Family Counselor.

Dear Natalie, if you happen to read this, I am praying for you. Some people would tell me not to judge what you are doing. It is not my place to judge you, that job belongs to someone much higher than myself, but as a pastor I am called to speak the truth of God's Word. I do ask you, please don't let the lure of money ruin one of the greatest gifts you have to give your future husband. Please also remember, if there comes a time in your life which you regret this decision, know that there is always forgiveness in Jesus Christ. It doesn't give us license to do want we want, but it does free us from the bondage of sin and the guilt that entangles us.

High Gas Prices Increase Stress, Lower Relief

One of my favorite things to do to unwind is now gone with the high price of gas. I used to love to ride around in the car with the windows down, listening to the music, sometimes classical, sometimes singing with the tunes (depending upon my mood of course). But that is all gone now. It is way to expensive to do that. At the time of this entry gas is $4 a gallon! Who knows where it will be this summer. Good thing I don't have a convertible.

It's bad enough that the wind doesn't blow through my hair anymore, but rushes by my scalp, and now I can't even drive without panicking about how much it costs each time I turn the key. I guess the days of cruising and the freedom of the open road have been replaced by planned routes and bondage in the hands of the sinking economy.

I don't know about economic recessions, but I can tell you this isn't helping my stress level recede.

A Christmas Toast

At Christmas we often find family and friends gathered around the table to raise a glass, or cup, in a toast. We toast people and places, plans and purposes. Raise a toast this year to God's plan for your life.

It often astounds me how God uses what He wills for His purposes, even if it seems in this world like it is counter to what He would want. God can truly use any situation for His glory and for His plan. Take for example the Christmas story from Luke 2. Here we find a census taken and all the people being taxed. Another reminder and quite frankly a slap in the face to those under Roman rule. It was another reminder of the oppression that God's people were living under.

However, God uses this opportunity to fulfill His plan for a Savior. What appears like it is working out to the plan of Caesar Augustus, is actually serving the purpose of the ultimate king, not of the earth, but of all creation. This census forces Mary and Joseph to travel, despite the lateness of her pregnancy, to Bethlehem where prophecies were to be fulfilled about the coming Messiah such as Micah 5:2. So now you have a oppressive ruler forcing traveling and unfair taxes, amongst other things, as well as a pregnant wife, who should not be traveling, and the shame of taking a wife under less than ideal conditions. What was Joseph to think?

He had it pretty bad. God however, had all these things in plan. All these things he put in order at just the right time for the greatest blessing to occur.(I know what your thinking, "Joseph was visited by an angel." True, but  the angel never said how this would play out. I imagine Joseph was as nervous as any expectant father, maybe more so because of the special delivery.)

Things in your life right now, may seem like they are out of order, out of control, or like God is out to lunch. Situations in your life may appear like the weight of the world is hanging down on you. But as God had a plan then, and He constantly demonstrated this time and time again, (see another Joseph in the Old Testament) He has a plan for you now. God is in control.

Maybe this Christmas you might be able to look at your situation in life, see that  God's hand is at work, and pray that He will reveal to you His plan and His purpose. Maybe instead of trying to figure out our purpose in life, we should stop and listen to His purpose for our life right now where He has placed us.Then take it and run with it.

He placed His Son, Jesus Christ, on this earth. He gave Him a purpose. Jesus recognized it was His Father's purpose. It was not always what he wanted, but the cup that was given to him was taken with both hands, hands pierced in love for you, hands given for the plan of salvation. May you grasp the cup that God has given you and may you realize that while it may not be the one you wanted or expected, it is the one that He has planned for you. Rest in the assurance of God's plan of love for you prevailing over anything that this world, or Satan, might throw at you.

So raise your glass, or cup, and toast the creator and sustainer of all, and throw one in for His baby boy.

Fantasy Football Headaches

This is the first time I am trying my hand at this fantasy football thing. My record is 2 - 3 and this is just exasperating. I sat TE Tony Gonzales because I had what the experts said was a TE who would get more points and benched Q Derek Anderson because he was playing against the Dolphins Defense, he is too streaky and Q Philip Rivers had a better week last week. This is where it really stinks... My entire team got me 52 total points against 83 from my opponent. Guess how many points I would have gotten from just these two guys that I benched... 50 points. I would have smoked my opponent. DON'T LISTEN TO THE EXPERTS OR THE NUMBERS.

My wife wonders why I put myself through this. She says, "It's not bad enough that your Dolphins have not won a game this year, but why drive yourself crazy?" She has a point.

Chicago Cubs: They're Done - Put a fork in 'em

Sorry, but I must be a realist here. I tried not to drink the kool-aid about a month ago when they were playing so well, but somehow you just knew they would blow it. Call me what you will, but I don't believe they will make the playoffs again and it will be another "what might have been" season.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals are starting to surge and as a Cubs fan, well you know what I think about that. It is history repeating itself. I would love to hang on but I am saying the Cubs are done. My heart can't take it anymore. I would like to see someone do a study on the life expectancy of Cubs fans versus the rest of Chicago or even the U.S. I bet I could tell you the results.


I would love to eat my words later!!!!!

New Report Lists United States as One of Worst Places for Kids

More fuel to the fire has been in added in the way of hard data that more has to be done in our country, in our schools, and in our churches, as well as our homes for our children. A recent report put out by UNICEF on the condition of children across developed nations listed the U.S. at the bottom of almost every category including health and safety, family and also behaviors and risks. Read the detailed 52 page report here or go to NPR and listen to a report by Rob Gifford.

Does anyone else find this SCARY, UPSETTING and down right sad! And whose fault is it? Government? Homes? Churches? Schools? or are all to blame in some form or another. Now what can we do about it? Our richest commodity is clearly not our highest priority. May God help us, or should I say, our kids.

Pastor Sheds Tear For Latest Extinct Animal

In a story that will probably get no notoriety, will not make the cover page of any major magazine, it is even buried in a web site, Dec. 13, 2006, on CNN's web site is a disturbing report on  the extinction of the White Dolphin in China.  Now I am no expert on such things but according to the report, this appears pretty certain.

Understand that as some may call me a bleeding heart, but I must admit that I do get a little saddened when I set a dead animal in or along side of the road. It bothers me when one of the fish in my daughters fish tank dies because of one reason or another. (We once had a fish that was put in water that was too hot and he died. That one bothered me for a little while.)

This type of situation hurts even more. To understand that God has given us these creatures to take care of, to watch over and protect, a story such as this just shows us how far we have fallen. Sure, it's not an "important" animal like a dog, or a cat or a horse as some might think, but it is certainly one of God's special creatures of which all we now have left are pictures and maybe video footage.

I have to believe that when that day came that the last White Dolphin rested forever upon the waters of the Yangtze River in China, God let out a sigh, a sigh of sadness and a sigh of disappointment.May we be diligent in our duty and our responsibility to care for HIS creatures. I pray that we might be able to prevent this from happening again to any other animal.Scriptures tells us that after the judgment and Christ's return, we shall have a new heaven and new earth. I would like to think that the White Dolphin as well as any other extinct animal will be their also. Until then, goodbye little one and please forgive us. 

Great Day to Be An American

I love this day. I love the opportunity to vote. I love to go to the polls and stand in line and wait my turn with my fellow Americans and exercise not only our right, but our privilege to vote. It doesn't matter if you are Democrat or Republican or whatever, on this day we are Americans. We come to the polls to vote our beliefs and our conscience, to vote our hearts and minds, to vote with our brothers and sisters.

So maybe for a brief moment we stand in line together, next to each other in the booth and take part in the joy that I have been given because of the service of my father, and his father and all those men and women who fight now, freedom. On this day, this is what it means to be free. I proudly stand beside my fellow American and shake his or her hand and say, "You know it really doesn't matter at this moment that we disagree on politics, but at this moment we come together as a people."

Thank you to all the service people who throughout the years have paid the price so that I can vote today and be number 665 at my polling station. (Thankfully not number 666. That was the guy behind me.)

God Bless America