Have You Considered...?

What’s So Special?

Writer’s block. Worse case I’ve had. I was going to write about the over use of the word special but that fizzled out. I was going to write about growing up and that’s fizzled out also. How about I write about a .38 special? Maybe time appropriate with the recent uproar about guns and school shootings? Maybe not. I could write about our government and how our newest president was able to collude with the Russians and how that was possible if our country’s security was at 100% under the previous administration? Maybe not. That would be taboo, right?

Speaking of taboo, why is it taboo to talk about religion or politics? Why is it such a no no at work or in certain settings? Wouldn’t it be easier to expose corruption by speaking about it openly? Wouldn’t it be wiser to keep these subjects fluent in conversation? Why is it that it is not “PC” to talk about these things? Who said, in this supposedly free country, that we couldn’t talk about these subjects openly? Who? I’d like to know. Shame on them for making us look over our shoulders every time the subject of our faith or political opinion comes up! That’s just not American! We should embrace our freedom. These people or forces that want to tighten the lips of the american people are those that want to control the population! Just remember they’re not afraid to openly talk about their opinions and ideas. So what gives? We are not supposed to be living in a country with censorship and book banning…what gives?

We need to take back our freedom to speak openly about our faith and our political views and other subjects. Of course we should do so politely, professionally, and respectfully. Those things that are hidden should be exposed. What is hidden can become evil and dangerous. Our government should be ran openly and transparent, with the exception of national security. And I interpret that to mean the security of our nation and its citizens. It should not mean spying on those citizens!

So that is what is so special…writer’s block…ho hum until another day..be kind and be free!

Curling Anyone?

In keeping with the season of the 2018 Winter Olympics I’ve had a love hate relationship with the sport of Curling. Hate is really too strong of a word to use so maybe just a strong lack of excitement for it. Love it because it intrigues me why anyone would be interested in playing such a sport. Still wondering why it is considered a sport especially in the Olympics!

The first time I watched the sport of Curling it seemed almost comical. I thought, “is this really a sport?”. How do you train for it? Help mom sweep the floors. Practice pushing a stone across some ice, bending, sqauting, or long distance running?

Upon a quick search of the history of this sport I find that it has Scottish origins and is reportedly one of the world’s oldest team sports dating back to the early 16th century. In its earliest record the sport was played on frozen ponds or lochs in the winter. The Curling stones are made of special granite that is found in Scottland and Wales.

The sweeping helps clear the path for the stone to travel towards the target area called the house. Sweeping provides some warmth which helps keep the stone from veering right or left keeping it on a smooth straight path. I observe this as a very strategic sport which requires much patience and calculation.

Now knowing some background on Curling I can see how it could have been created; out of boredom. I still think that it is boring to watch, sorry, can’t quite get that loving feeling for it! I could understand how it could be fun and more challenging played outside on a pond or lake. I could see myself all bundled up from head to toe, trying to keep my glasses defrosted, sweeping the snow and ice so that some lonely stone can travel home to its destination. Then maybe it would be fun, invigorating and exciting!

Curling reminds me of a book a friend of mine mentioned to me a long time ago titled Balcony People by Joyce Landorf Heatherley. I never read it but she explained that it was about the people around you that cheer you on and give you encouragement throughout your life. I can picture myself as the Curling stone put in motion by God at the beginning of my life. The sweepers are the Holy Spirit and the Angels that want to sweep away the bumps and blemishes of life’s road and make it warm so my path stays straight, showing me the way home, the target area. I can picture those Balcony People cheering me on even when the path isn’t so smooth and straight. Cheering and shouting, “you can make it through the rough road!”. Home isn’t far away.

Something to think about.

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but [only] one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” 1 Corinthians 9:24

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” Hebrews 12:1

Treasure Island

Today hope had become obsolete for me. I had remembered my mother describing it as a dark hole that she was sinking into. That gloomy feeling that makes it hard to cope on a day to day basis. A feeling of unworthiness and low self esteem.

As this feeling was coming over me the song by Steven Curtis Chapman titled Treasurer Island came to mind. Part of the chorus is the following.

“I’ll go sailing out to Treasure Island”
“The Treasurer Island that God’s word can be;”

When in the depths of despair. When making comparisons between myself and others. When self pity cuts me like a knife and life itself becomes gray and bleak, I need to take a trip to Treasure Island; God’s word.

It seems like such a hard task just to open up my bible and read it but when I do I find the treasures that God has put there for me. I feel better, am encouraged, and learn something every single time. I sometimes reason in my head that I’ve read that book of the bible over and over again what can I possibly learn from it now? But sure enough when I fight off those waves of doubt then God’s truth comes alive for me.

During these periods of emotional pain I like to submerse myself in the Psalms. I believe that David struggled with many types of emotional distress. Types that we call mental illness now. Depression, anxiety, and panic. He seemed to struggle with doubt in God’s ability to help him. He sinned greatly, yet, repented and found favor with God. So I can relate to David. His writings match the thoughts in my head very often.

The Psalms seem to have a pattern of a problem followed by a solution. Agony then peace. When he speaks of his enemies pursuing him and overcoming him he physically had enemies trying to kill him. Our enemy is Satan. He is continuously pursuing us seeking to kill us; to destroy our lives and to steal our hope and faith in God. When I read the Psalms I realize this reality of the Devil’s plans against me and other believers. I think of those that laugh at me and whisper behind my back. Then I see that God’s plan is to be with me and encourage me. He can protect me from the enemy and those that are used to defeat me and squash my testimony.

“We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him.” 1 John 5:18 NASB

A very good Psalm to demonstrate this truth is Psalm 13. I am going to put it here in its entirety for encouragement and strength in His truth. I want to encourage people out there that are experiencing the same kind of loss of hope that I am speaking of. Please don’t give up hope entirely. David didn’t. Ride through it. It may not be easily quenched but God can be the One that you lean on to get you through. Try very hard to lift your bible and thumb through the treasures that God has in there to encourage and strengthen you. If you can’t read or have the energy to open your bible then listen to it on your phone or a CD or DVD. Have someone read to you. It can’t hurt for sure.

“How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death, And my enemy will say, ‘I have overcome him,’ And my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken. But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.” Psalm 13 NASB

Hold On!

If you’re like me you enjoy a good cup of coffee each morning. I enjoy mine rich, strong, sweet, and creamy. I like to fix my own coffee, adding my preferred amount of sweetener and creamer. Sometimes I find the right formula that just makes me want to close my eyes and say mmm mmm mmm! Even though caffeine is a stimulant a perfect cup can be relaxing.

A good cup of coffee.

A beautiful perfect summer day.

A day spent with a special friend.

A perfect date night.

A snuggle with your pet.

A quiet morning.

A satisfying workout.

A perfect football game.

A special day with your kid(s).

I could go on but I’m sure you get the idea, good things, things and moments that don’t always come easily. We treasure these moments or “hold on” to them and wish for more.

I was reading a devotional recently and the scripture reference really stuck with me. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22. In particular the words, “…hold on to what is good…”. In the KJV it says, “…hold fast…”. At first I didn’t care for the word “fast”, until I looked up the meaning.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary App on Iphone,

Fast

1 a: firmly fixed

b: tightly shut

c: adhering firmly

d: not easily freed

e: stable

All of those things that make us happy or that bring joy to our hearts we hold on to. We don’t want to let go of these memories; we want to duplicate those moments.

Overall the world we live in is not good. It is in defiance against God. Man does not naturally get better in this world yet he naturally is more sinful. So what are the “good” things that this scripture is alluding to?

We are to fasten ourselves to the good that scripture points us to. Good is the Living God, Elohim! Jesus The Savior. He who died and rose again so we can one day be in a perfect world with the perfect Holy King! Hold on to the promises of God that He has made in His word. Promises of being with us through each trial and tribulation here on earth. Promises to come again to restore things to the way they should be. The promise that one day everyday will be even better than that perfect cup of coffee.

We are to fasten ourselves to these good promises and to leave alone the temptations of the world.

1 Thes. 5:21-22 “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.” NASB

Hold on to the memories of the good things that God has done for you. Hold on to the promise that He will bring you to the other side of your suffering and pain.

Hold tight to these things.

Hold fast to these things.

Hold on to these things.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary App on Iphone

Fasten

1 c: to fix firmly or securely

Fasten yourself because just as a hurricane can whisk away a ship on the shore our enemy will indeed try to whisk us away with seemingly “good” stuff. Fasten, hold fast to what you know is true! God’s word is true; the Holy Spirit testifies with your spirit that it is true. Hide the Word in your heart, fasten it away tightly, adhere to it each day and that “good cup of coffee”, so to speak, is coming soon!

Popcorn Ceiling

“Who likes Popcorn Ceiling?”

“Raise your hands way up high so I can see them!”

“Oh do I see a hand? Oh you’re just scratching your head.”

“Okay last chance, anyone?”

“Oh, yes little one do you like Popcorn Ceiling?”

“No? Then why’d you raise your hand?”

“What is Popcorn Ceiling, you ask? Well, let me tell you.”

“Look up at your ceilings, everyone, no cheating just look up. Is your ceiling smooth or bumpy? Bumpy? Like little bumps? Like gravel on a road bumpy?”

“Yes?”

“Well more than likely that is Popcorn Ceiling!”

Personally, I didn’t notice it when I was a kid but once I began cleaning and actually looking up (especially at the area by the ceiling fan), I have found that no, I do not like Popcorn Ceiling. How in the world do you clean that stuff? One of my friends was talking about removing their Popcorn Ceiling and I thought, I wish I could do that but instead I will write a Blog about it.

I wonder when was the first Popcorn Ceiling done? Like, what year? Who first started doing it? Who “invented” it? Why? Did people really like it? Do people still like it? Are they still using it today? Why?

Popcorn Ceiling also know as “Cottage Cheese Ceiling” or “Stucco Ceiling”, was developed out of necessity instead of creativity. It was formally known as acoustic ceiling (hmm…does it have any thing to do with acoustics?). It basically was a shortcut that was marketed as a new or luxury item. Economical and speedy for the construction industry it consisted of materials such as plaster mixed with asbestos and sprayed on.

This type of ceiling started showing up as early as the 1930’s in the United States. The Clean Air Act of 1978 in the U.S. banned asbestos forcing the industry to seek other resources to use. However, the remaining inventory of the asbestos mixture was allowed to be used and could possibly be found in homes constructed through the 1980’s.

Probably out of economic reasons and convenience or time saving efforts, it is still being used in housing of course without the asbestos.

When you’re looking up pondering how to clean the dust and phantom spider webs clinging to your popcorn ceiling, you can enjoy the plethora of random designs that are naturally unique only to your home. You have a one of a kind just like a snowflake, and while enjoying a bowl of fresh popped corn or some fruit and cottage cheese, you can do so feeling much better about your popcorn ceiling!

Have you considered whether you like popcorn ceilings or not?

The Brain

Who can know the mind of God?

Men have studied the human mind for centuries with stunning results. Science and technology pushes us to reach deep into our minds (brains) to “discover” and invent new things. I have heard that we only use 10% of our brain. Upon further search this percentage is up for discussion. So let’s say theoretically we use 100% of our brain, how does that match up to the mind of God?

100% of the human mind versus 100% of the Creator’s mind. No comparison. Contrary to popular belief we as humans do not “discover” anything. We simply “find” that which God has placed here and knew about before the creation of the universe! “Science” is only the study of what God has created and man thinks he is so smart that he figured it out. You’ll always hear me say that God created science.

Our brains were created by God, therefore, we are not smarter than the Creator. Does a painting control the painter or does the painter control the painting?

Our beautifully designed brains are still never going to be able to comprehend the mind of God. We are not as smart as God! Never will be. Yet man has put their intellect above God; to be their own god so to speak. They have reasoned their way out of needing God.

Job 38-41

1 Corinthians 2:11 “For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God.

1 Corinthians 2:13 “which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.”

1 Corinthians 2:16 “FOR WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ.”

1 Corinthians 1:25 “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”

1 Corinthians 3:19 “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, ‘He is THE ONE WHO CATCHES THE WISE IN THEIR CRAFTINESS’;”

Reasoning their way out of needing God is only out of their resistance to authority. Not wanting to give up their sin. Not wanting to be accountable and not wanting to be humble. If there is no God then we can do what we want, not care about others, not have to worry about consequences and believe that in the end you just die and that is that. So no harm done right? Scripture contradicts that belief system.

Have you considered the mind of God? Is your intellect getting in the way of your faith? Something to think about for sure.

Simplicity

“The good old days”, that’s what I would hear my parents say often. I find myself saying the same thing to the younger generations.

The good old days. Whatever happened to that time when things were more innocent; more simple? When, it seemed people were nicer and life was slower, whatever happened to that? Whatever happened to simplicity?

These questions lead me to consider the simplicity of the phrase “Trust and obey”. This phrase really is true. Trust God and obey Him. Trust Him and His word; obey the words that He has given us. I encounter people on a regular basis that are trying to make their walk with God a complicated task. Turning to other teachings or supplementing God’s word with doctrines that contradict scripture is a sure way to fall away from the faith. It could cost you your salvation. Please note that I am not implying that you can’t read anything else other than the bible, just be careful that it’s not leading you away from His truth.

I was talking to an older lady one day and she was struggling with trusting God’s word. I proceeded to ask her about reading the newspaper each day. You believe those words and articles with no hesitation or doubt, why can’t we do that with God’s word? People can write newspaper articles and over glorify news or even report it erroneously. Millions of people read these articles everyday without questioning their validity. In fact they will even give an account of and have deep discussion about them. On the other hand the bible, God’s word, is constantly doubted.

Abraham Lincoln said, “I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from The Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

If scripture is truly the Word of God then we need to simply study it and stay away from false prophets and teachings. God’s Word is enough! Give it a try. Go ahead and pick up that old dusty bible and start reading it and see what God is saying to you.

Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”

*All scripture quoted on this blog is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Updated Edition

Friends

A lady from our church passed away recently. I found myself referring to her as my friend when speaking of her passing and my grief. Then as I thought further about it was she really my friend, or should I say was I her friend. A clear answer came. NO!

Did I call her just to chat every once in a while? Did I write to her? Did I send her messages on social media? Did I have long personal conversations with her? No, no, and no! I did none of these things. In fact when observing her memorial I found that I knew very little about this fine lady. So, no I had not been a friend to her.

So how do you define friend? Miriam Webster dictionary app., friend noun, 1 a: one attached to another by affection or esteem. In scripture it is written, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 Take note that Jesus fulfilled this.

Friendship has a high demand. It demands time, effort, and emotion. Something I should work on. So based on this information how many friends do I have? Tell you the truth I’m challenged by this question.

Have you considered how many friends do you have; or how many people you are a friend to?

First blog.

M. Newberg

First blog. Wow. Here I am a brand new blogger, and I already have writer’s block!

Well first I am a thinker. Think, think, think is what I do all day; 24/7. Here, on this blog I want to put those thoughts on “paper” and share them with others that may be inspired by them.

Here you may find inspirational, political, and personal ideas, opinions, and questions to be considered.

My thoughts are inspired from current events, church, daily life events, work, people, family, and reading. Most of all I strive to be inspired by the God of the Bible. You may be thinking, “oh another religious idiot!” but I implore you to give these musings a chance. What will it hurt? If I am a religious idiot, so be it. Yet, maybe, just maybe I may just be another commoner like yourself seeking the true answers, striving and struggling my way through life like any other human being.

I don’t consider myself a “religious” person. I don’t attend church regularly; although I enjoy doing so when I do. I don’t pray as often as I should. I am not a “member” of a church congregation. I just believe that scripture provides the answer to life’s questions, period. You may ask how does scripture answer all of life’s questions and issues, stay tuned and maybe we will find out together! Welcome to “Have You Considered…?”!

Question Mark, Note, Duplicate, Request, Matter