i was going to say the same thing in my last diatribe but forgot. the analogy of what our govt gives in aid to other nations (i understand "some" of the reasoning behind it). but certainly NOT at the expense of our own people. take care of "us" first.
the last place on earth that that should happen is the church but it does. people are selfish by nature and afraid that giving to other people threatens their financial future. little do they realize how "wealthy" a person is in the things that matter in life is the one who gives instead of takes or hoards. but it is a sad commentary on life in america. the richest most resourceful nation on the planet. unfortunately the church often mirrors that as well, choosing to build mega-churches instead of "mega" people. churches are just buildings anyway. God doesn't reside in a building. he resides in the hearts of those who choose to follow him. i have alot of that clickesh stuff going on in the church i go to as well. i have many reasons to NOT go there, but i do because i know i am "called" to. i have to make a difference and that difference cannot be predicated on what people do or don't do around me. a leader leads and is undeterred by those who follow as to whether they respond or not. my reasons for still going is to serve, not to be served.
i like the analogy of funerals and the stories they tell. the people who had their priorities right and "invested" in people (and God if they believe), are the ones whose pews are full and people line up to say great things about them. tears flow aplenty because they no longer can spend time with a person who truly cared about them. conversly the persons that lived for themselves. who invested in "things" and "experiences" rather than God or people. unless they were a celebrity of sorts, the "crowd" is usually sparse. and often when someone is called upon to eulogize the person, they often have to stretch the truth about how "nice" that person was while everyone is thinking in their mind "what? joe was a jerk".... and after a few days, "they" are all but forgotten.
like i said, i am greatful that God has purposefully drug me thru the mud. if he hadn't i am pretty sure that i would have been a FAT HEAD when i do win. it is an insurance policy that he took out on me to make sure that i am not. to make sure that the vision is executed the way it should be. it sure isn't just about "me" and i can't wait to find out what that add's up to. "of much is given, much more will be required".............and i am ready.
i can't remember where i read it but it was the antithesis of the "i am glad that it wasn't me........God" - mantra. it goes something like this and only makes sense to those that really understand how life works....."why not me, God"? man is there ever peace of heart if you can say that. i know i can. gotta be able to take the good, the bad and the very ugly with equal grace knowing there is a purpose filled plan in all those equations. i am sure you wouldn't have chosen the hard road that you had to endure but i am equally sure that you wouldn't change a minute of it for an easier "path". i know that you know that it was a necessity to the person that you have become. the partial sacrifice of your body for the enrichment of your soul and the ability to transfer that onto others.
no novels for me although i once wrote articles in a golf newsletter. got one wife of a friend of mine mad at me when i said that because he was winning tournaments so much that the night before he must have kicked his wife out of bed in favor of sleeping with his clubs. i thought it was hysterical and she thought i was undermining her marriage. i think she was a femi-nazi with zero sense of humor. i guess he was whipped because the couch is where my wife sleeps before i play in a tournament (whose your daddy?). no sex the night before because it weakens the knee's and gives me a wicked slice (i know, too much TMI). i actually had my wife take a picture of me while i was in bed with me "jammies" on, making it look like i was asleep while clutching my golf clubs. it hangs in my den.
whatkindofvisiondoyoureallyhaveifyoucantdventuallyshareitwithothers?
"i am .........."meant to"
P.S., that RJoH is a stand up guy. thanks, vision
until further notice, it's france everyday