I have to admit, I'm a sucker for makeovers. It all started with the Merle Norman advertisements (I know some of you are like, "Who's that?"), then, it (the obsession) moved to before and after pictures, on Oprah, of people who lost lots of weight (and kept if off). From there, it moved to Extreme Makeover-both people and home editions-and now, since we have cable, I have become a fan of Stacy and Clinton, from TLC's What Not to Wear. But more than that, I am most impressed when an "internal makeover" occurs.
Last week, I read in the New York Times about David Tyree of the Super Bowl-winning, New York Giants. I have no idea what position he plays (so don't ask me). As a matter of fact, before last Monday, I didn't even know he existed! Anyway, his story moved me. Although Tyree was a good ball player and was drafted in 2003, he spent much of his pre-NFL life abusing drugs and alcohol. This continued after he began playing for the Giants. Eventually, he took on a second job as a drug dealer; however, that career didn't last long because it landed him in jail. In early 2004, after leaving jail, he decided to make a change. Unfortunately, this is where many of the makeover stories end. . .the people are changed and then run off into the sunset. But, there's more. . .
Tyree rededicated his life to Jesus Christ. As a result, he realized that he was not put on this earth to simply play football and enjoy the lifestyle that a 6 or 7-figure salary can afford. He seems to realize that his greater calling is to use his position as a catalyst for change in others. The writers explain that while Tyree has gained fame from making possibly the greatest catch in the history of the Super Bowl, he remains more concerned with changing lives. Tyree and his wife started Next in Line, a project that counsels teenagers. I don't know about you, but I think that is absolutely wonderful!
At a time, when we are bombarded by political rhetoric, news of economic woes, earthquakes everywhere and tragedy at every turn-home and abroad, it is nice to hear of some good that is taking place in the world. Be encouraged, hearts are still being changed for Him, one at a time!
Notes
Bishop, G. & Thamel, P. (2008, February 11). Spotlight shines on a changed man.
The New York Times, pp. D1, D4.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Friday, February 8, 2008
A Life Lesson. . .Taught by a 4-Year Old
I must admit , while I always wanted to have children, I never had a clue as to how much joy they would bring to my life. My kids are always making me laugh. And you know what they say about laughter. . .it is good for the soul.
Yesterday my 4-year old said (out of the blue) as I was helping her get dressed, "Mommy, I'm brown". I said (while wondering where on earth this was coming from), "Well, yes. . .you are brown". Then referring to her sister, she said, "She's yellow". I giggled because she was just callin' it as she saw it. My husband and I have never talked to her directly about race or ethnicity, so it was interesting that she was just now noticing the differences in skin color. So, then I started asking her about different people we know, "What about Daddy?". "He's brown", she said. I asked about her teachers. "She's yellow. He's brown." Then, I said, "What about Mommy?" She paused, put her hand on my face (turning it both ways as if to get a good look at me), and said, "What is it, Mommy? What is it?". Oh my goodness, I laughed so hard. You see, my skin color is just a bit lighter than hers, but darker than her sister's skin; and I have freckles on my face or "circles" as she calls them. It was a bit difficult for her to figure it all out. Anyway, I said, "Mommy's brown". She said "Yes, Mommy's brown", as if to say, "Yea, that's the ticket!"
The really cool thing (one of many) about my 4-year old is that while she notices the differences in skin color, to her, it's like pointing out the colors of the rainbow-"Hey, there's red, there's purple. . .and isn't that neat?" -and that's it. The differences do not affect who she talks to or with whom she plays. It does not affect who she holds hands with or who she hugs. Her nightly prayer list consists of people from all kinds of different racial backgrounds. She loves everyone!
Perhaps we (including myself) could all take a lesson from my 4-year old. Think about it, what would the world be like if we actually obeyed God and we loved our neighbors (regardless of their skin color) as ourselves? How awesome would that be?!
I am also reminded of a children's book, God Makes Us Different, by Helen Caswell. The last page of the book reads, "So I guess God makes our outsides all different , just for fun. But he makes our insides all alike, and He loves us, every one". Hmmm, unconditional love. . .what a concept!
Yesterday my 4-year old said (out of the blue) as I was helping her get dressed, "Mommy, I'm brown". I said (while wondering where on earth this was coming from), "Well, yes. . .you are brown". Then referring to her sister, she said, "She's yellow". I giggled because she was just callin' it as she saw it. My husband and I have never talked to her directly about race or ethnicity, so it was interesting that she was just now noticing the differences in skin color. So, then I started asking her about different people we know, "What about Daddy?". "He's brown", she said. I asked about her teachers. "She's yellow. He's brown." Then, I said, "What about Mommy?" She paused, put her hand on my face (turning it both ways as if to get a good look at me), and said, "What is it, Mommy? What is it?". Oh my goodness, I laughed so hard. You see, my skin color is just a bit lighter than hers, but darker than her sister's skin; and I have freckles on my face or "circles" as she calls them. It was a bit difficult for her to figure it all out. Anyway, I said, "Mommy's brown". She said "Yes, Mommy's brown", as if to say, "Yea, that's the ticket!"
The really cool thing (one of many) about my 4-year old is that while she notices the differences in skin color, to her, it's like pointing out the colors of the rainbow-"Hey, there's red, there's purple. . .and isn't that neat?" -and that's it. The differences do not affect who she talks to or with whom she plays. It does not affect who she holds hands with or who she hugs. Her nightly prayer list consists of people from all kinds of different racial backgrounds. She loves everyone!
Perhaps we (including myself) could all take a lesson from my 4-year old. Think about it, what would the world be like if we actually obeyed God and we loved our neighbors (regardless of their skin color) as ourselves? How awesome would that be?!
I am also reminded of a children's book, God Makes Us Different, by Helen Caswell. The last page of the book reads, "So I guess God makes our outsides all different , just for fun. But he makes our insides all alike, and He loves us, every one". Hmmm, unconditional love. . .what a concept!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Some pre-Super Bowl thoughts. . .after the fact
Let me first preface this by congratulating Eli Manning and the New York Giants on winning the Super Bowl. I'm sorry that the Indianapolis Colts did not have the chance to repeat their 2007 Super Bowl win, but at least the brother of our Quarterback (If you haven't yet read my profile. . .I'm a Hoosier) won his Super Bowl ring instead.
Anyway, as I was alone with my thoughts last weekend, I thought about the millions of people who were preparing to watch the Super Bowl. Some paid upwards of $10, 000-$25,000 (or more) to attend the Super Bowl in Glendale, Arizona. While others spent hundred of dollars (or even thousands) in food and drinks to host parties at their homes to watch the game on their 50"+ flat screen TV's.
Please don't misunderstand me, I'm not hatin' on those who were able to attend the Super Bowl or to host parties. Quite frankly, if I had the opportunity to go, I would have. With all of the snow we have received here lately, in southeastern Washington, some time in the "Valley of the Sun" would have been a welcomed change of atmosphere. But with all of the hype, I can't help but wonder how many of us are ready for the final "Super Bowl"?
What do I mean by the "Final Super Bowl", you ask? While some view it as a game, it isn't. However, there are two teams involved-Jesus vs. Satan-and the most important fact about this "match" is that the winning team has already been decided. Can you guess who is going to win?
Well, I'll just cut to the chase-Jesus is the winner. Folks, believe it or not, Jesus is the Son of God and He is coming back to get those of us who have committed our lives to playing on His team by accepting His free gift of salvation. This group will be going to Heaven upon His return. Those who do not commit to Him or reject His gift, will be going to Hell-plain and simple. Those are not my words (well, it is my paraphrase), but the words of God in the Holy Bible.
With all of the preparations that we go through for the Super Bowl, shouldn't we be even more vigilant about preparing for our eternal home? Just a few thoughts. . .
If you are interested in knowing how to start a relationship with Jesus, take a look (below) at the "Road to Salvation":
The Road to Salvation. . .
a) Know that the Triune God (Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit) exists and is perfect. (Genesis 1:26; Leviticus 11:44; 2 Samuel 22:31; 1 Peter 1:16)
b) Understand that as descendents of Adam and Eve, we were born sinful people. Our sin was inherited. (Genesis 3: 2-3, 6, 16-20)
c) Understand that in and of ourselves, we do not have the ability to get rid of our sin. (Romans 3:23' Ephesians 2:8,9)
d) Jesus, the perfect, sinless Son of God, was sacrificed (died) on the cross, so that all of our sins would no longer exist in the sight of God. (Acts 10:43; Hebrews 9:22)
e) Understand that the pentalty of our sin is death-eternal punishment in Hell which was created for Satan and his angels. (Romans 6:23; Isaiah 14:12-15)
f) Know that three days after Jesus died, He rose from the dead, to demonstrate His victory over death. (Acts 2:31)
g) In order to receive salvation, thereby avoiding eternal punishment in Hell, but living forever in Heaven with God; we must believe in our hearts that He did indeed die to take away our sins. (John 3:16; John 11:25-27; John 14:6)
h) By believing or accepting Jesus' sacrifice as a personal gift, He becomes our Savior. Out of our love and appreciation, we choose to live our lives to please Him, rather than ourselves. (Mark 12:29-31; Romans 12:1, 2, 9-21; Matthew 16:24-27)
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I can be reached at bloggermomof2@gmail.com. Until next time. . .
Anyway, as I was alone with my thoughts last weekend, I thought about the millions of people who were preparing to watch the Super Bowl. Some paid upwards of $10, 000-$25,000 (or more) to attend the Super Bowl in Glendale, Arizona. While others spent hundred of dollars (or even thousands) in food and drinks to host parties at their homes to watch the game on their 50"+ flat screen TV's.
Please don't misunderstand me, I'm not hatin' on those who were able to attend the Super Bowl or to host parties. Quite frankly, if I had the opportunity to go, I would have. With all of the snow we have received here lately, in southeastern Washington, some time in the "Valley of the Sun" would have been a welcomed change of atmosphere. But with all of the hype, I can't help but wonder how many of us are ready for the final "Super Bowl"?
What do I mean by the "Final Super Bowl", you ask? While some view it as a game, it isn't. However, there are two teams involved-Jesus vs. Satan-and the most important fact about this "match" is that the winning team has already been decided. Can you guess who is going to win?
Well, I'll just cut to the chase-Jesus is the winner. Folks, believe it or not, Jesus is the Son of God and He is coming back to get those of us who have committed our lives to playing on His team by accepting His free gift of salvation. This group will be going to Heaven upon His return. Those who do not commit to Him or reject His gift, will be going to Hell-plain and simple. Those are not my words (well, it is my paraphrase), but the words of God in the Holy Bible.
With all of the preparations that we go through for the Super Bowl, shouldn't we be even more vigilant about preparing for our eternal home? Just a few thoughts. . .
If you are interested in knowing how to start a relationship with Jesus, take a look (below) at the "Road to Salvation":
The Road to Salvation. . .
a) Know that the Triune God (Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit) exists and is perfect. (Genesis 1:26; Leviticus 11:44; 2 Samuel 22:31; 1 Peter 1:16)
b) Understand that as descendents of Adam and Eve, we were born sinful people. Our sin was inherited. (Genesis 3: 2-3, 6, 16-20)
c) Understand that in and of ourselves, we do not have the ability to get rid of our sin. (Romans 3:23' Ephesians 2:8,9)
d) Jesus, the perfect, sinless Son of God, was sacrificed (died) on the cross, so that all of our sins would no longer exist in the sight of God. (Acts 10:43; Hebrews 9:22)
e) Understand that the pentalty of our sin is death-eternal punishment in Hell which was created for Satan and his angels. (Romans 6:23; Isaiah 14:12-15)
f) Know that three days after Jesus died, He rose from the dead, to demonstrate His victory over death. (Acts 2:31)
g) In order to receive salvation, thereby avoiding eternal punishment in Hell, but living forever in Heaven with God; we must believe in our hearts that He did indeed die to take away our sins. (John 3:16; John 11:25-27; John 14:6)
h) By believing or accepting Jesus' sacrifice as a personal gift, He becomes our Savior. Out of our love and appreciation, we choose to live our lives to please Him, rather than ourselves. (Mark 12:29-31; Romans 12:1, 2, 9-21; Matthew 16:24-27)
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I can be reached at bloggermomof2@gmail.com. Until next time. . .
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