One of the most frustrating things in life has to be when someone causes damage to your car, when you are not around, and doesn't leave a phone number or any follow up information.
A couple of weeks ago I was parked at the radio station. I came out at the end of a snowy day and saw a note on my car. Someone had accidentally bumped into it in the parking lot, apologized, and left a note with contact information.
When I contacted my insurance company, they were shocked. They say only 5% of people ever leave a note when they damage a parked car. Now I was shocked. In fact, they said one person left a note that said, "I hit your car but I wanted to leave a note to say that I won't be leaving my contact information. Go fix it yourself." Can you believe it???
Needless to say, I am very thankful they took responsibility and everything is fixed. There are still very good people in the world!
Last Sunday the Grammy Awards were handed out. I caught a few minutes of the show hoping to hear them present the "Gospel" awards but quickly learned that those were handed out on the pre-show. Every year there seems to be something controversial on the show that has everyone talking the next day. But this year, it felt as though almost everything was controversial, at least from my perspective. The choice of clothes, lyrical content, and individual performances really started to bug me.
The next day I learned that Natalie Grant (nominated for two Grammy Awards that night), walked out of the show for the same reason. She didn't throw any stones, but made it clear she didn't approve of at least some of what she saw. This was her facebook status:
“We left the Grammy’s early. I’ve many thoughts about the show tonight, most of which are probably better left inside my head. But I'll say this: I've never been more honored to sing about Jesus and for Jesus. And I've never been more sure of the path I've chosen.”
Of course, Natalie's status drew comments from Christians everywhere. Some were pleased with what she did. Some frustrated because they think Christian artists like Natalie need to be a light in a dark place. By walking out, she lost that opportunity. Others thought she should have been more specific and list everything she didn't like to expose everything wrong with the show.
I didn't get to speak with Natalie, but I might know where she is coming from. Rather than pick apart everything that we didn't like, maybe we should just put even more energy into presenting what we believe.
When I read about Jesus walking the earth, he did not spend his days talking about everything everyone was doing wrong. Instead, he spent most of his time spreading a message of healing, hope, and forgiveness.
After spending a few days thinking about what I saw on the Grammy telecast, I agree with Natalie and would say something similar:
"I've never been more honored to be a part of a Christian radio station that plays songs about Jesus and for Jesus. And I've never been more sure of the path I've chosen."
As someone who grew up in Western Canada (mostly Saskatchewan), I seem to take pride in how I handle the cold weather. I mean when temperatures drop below -30.
I am not talking about wind chills that make it feel like -30, but actual -30 and colder temperatures.
My claim to fame is my final year at the University of Saskatchewan. The province set a record. The daytime high didn't rise above -30 for 30 days. 30 days!!! As you can imagine, the wind chill made it feel more like -50 during that time. Frost bite can occur in less than a minute. I remember running out to start my car every 2 hours to warm it up. If I left it for the full day, it would not have started.
My point is to give a high five to anyone who understands the importance of ice fog, pavement frost, block heaters, and how it feels to breathe in and feel your nostrils stick together because it is so cold. And another high five to those who don't complain, but just call it winter and go about your day. I am very impressed.
How much do we love Christmas? We love it so much that many churches will spend weeks and sometimes months planning a Christmas event to reach out to their community. My church held one such an event last weekend (Calvary Community Church in Barrie). From an insider's perspective, it is fun to see hidden talents come alive. These are people you stand beside in church every week. Who knew they could play the saxophone, or act, or sing? Our a/v department is also very creative tracking down videos to add some fun to the night. This is just one that has been making the rounds for a few years at Christmas programs, but it is fun to watch each year, enjoy!
We thought we had it all together. The leaves were raked, the flowerbeds were cleaned, lawn furniture put away, and the air conditioner was covered. We were officially ready for winter!
That is until we discovered that someone had stolen our air conditioner cover early last week.
You think you're a patient, relaxed, calm person until you have a crisis on your hands. Ok, I know this isn't exactly a crisis...but it is very annoying.
I don't remember praying and asking for patience, but I must have. My first instinct was to write a scathing post on Facebook (I know that'll scare 'em ;)
Next, I wanted to talk about it on the radio...that'll really teach them.
Finally, I settled on my blog. But the blog I am writing now is much different than the blog I wanted to write when it first happened. Why is it so different, because just a few days earlier I read about what the Bible says about anger and where it can lead. Look at this:
Ephesians 4:26-27 ESV
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
James 1:19-20 ESV
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Proverbs 29:11 ESV
A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
Proverbs 15:18 ESV
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.
Proverbs 15:1 ESV
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
I know some people hate it when Christians pretend that nothing bad ever happens. Sure, bad things do happen, but how do we as Christians react? That is what should be different. Our perspective on everything in life should be different. While we go through struggles we have God to walk with us. When those struggles come, we need to lean on Him. That is the only way He can become real to us and strengthen our faith...even when your air conditioner cover is stolen :)
Do you use a to do list? Some people cannot go through a day without having a personal, work, and play to do list. Simply put, it takes the stress away from remembering to do something.
I am no productivity guru, so I will turn this blog over to the experts. I am a big fan of Michael Hyatt. He always has something interesting to say and I usually learn something too. In this case, Michael posted someone else's blog, Benny Hill Jr.'s.
Even if you normally don't read productivity blogs, this one is worth the read. Enjoy!
