H-A-T-E: It Hurts and Never Heals!

We might as well buckle up because it is going to be a long 2020! This year we not only add one more day to the month of February, Leap Day, but we also add the Presidential Election! Yep, get ready! Can anyone say 2016 without cringing? 

If you live long enough you will likely know that 2016 was not the ugliest electoral cycle we have ever faced! I have only voted for 6 presidents, spanning 40-plus years but I have been interested in political history for some time now. I am particularly interested in presidents. 

Synonyms to HATE

I remember Reagan once telling Mondale during a nationally broadcaster debate, “I am not going to exploit for political gain my opponent’s youth and inexperience.”

I read that Jackson carried more lead into the Office of the Presidency than any other because of the many times he challenged his opponents to a physical pistol duel. He challenged more than 100 men to a duel, killing one!

Political slogans through history will make you chuckle today but hard fought campaigns will surprise many! There have been times in history when the battle was not only ugly & personal but also dangerous! Read more here! 

Today I remind us that we have been here before! In 2020, let’s adjust our vision to see the heart of others! We might think that our most recent years are the worst but history tells a different story. Take Adams and Jefferson as an example. Perhaps the first of many negative campaigns contains the following exchange: 

Jefferson's camp accused President Adams of having a "hideous hermaphroditical character, which has neither the force and firmness of a man, nor the gentleness and sensibility of a woman." In return, Adams' men called Vice President Jefferson "a mean-spirited, low-lived fellow, the son of a half-breed Indian squaw, sired by a Virginia mulatto father." Read more.

My point is not the we would accept such rhetoric today. It is so discussing that the hard fought battle can belittle mankind! It is brutal and not for the faint-hearted and weak.

What of the rest of us? Today’s politics seem to find it’s way into our well-being. We don’t need to take everything candidates say so personal. 

We take everything that is said from one candidate to another as if the words spoken are directed personally at us. We seem to be insulted and hurt by what candidate say to each other. 

We seem to act like we are victims when what is said is not even directed personally at us! I have to ask, why do we make it so personal? Read more on Stop Taking Things Personal. 

I have to ask why the bitter exchange of words meant as attacks to their opponent become our fight? Why do we internalize the sharp, hostile words of people we don’t even know. They certainly don’t know me (or you)! 

They (the political candidates) are really not rooting for each other. That is the name of the political game! Yet, they are neither speaking negatively at me (or you)! 

Why do we take those insults, hostile expressions, and negative remarks as word-weapons against each other? 

I am writing this to challenge everyone to take a chill-pill about what candidate say to each other! The comments said are meant to belittle and distract the competition not meant to be taken personally.  

I think that we are so on-edge that we quickly want to add to the slurs and insults with a few of our own! We seem to find reasons to hate!

I think that we are so quick to jump on the parade of insults and emotional reactions and we become offended to the point of hate! 

I think that as candidate exchange childish words and actions that we too find it easy to spread the same insults, jokes, anger, and hate! Yet, we have to be bigger than that!

I think that it is time for the rest of us (outside of Washington) to NOT take it so personal and focus on the values that we hold most important and that includes having a civil discourse through healthy debate!

After all, it is best to debate ideas because it provides the best solutions. It is time for us to stop mimicking the talking points of the media, read a little more, and listen to what people are really saying. Let’s NOT get ticked-off at the headlines and Facebook posts but have real conversations that protect humanity!  

Political campaigns are based on emotional bias, hatred, fear, & anger. As we realize the emotional trap, we can think and feel with objectivity. Once realized how we were made to feel, we can recognize the pre-existing trap that draws us into the fight or what causes us to the opposite flight response. It breeds hate & is used by ALL POLITICAL LEADERS!

H-A-T-E hurts and never heals. I think that too many of us are filled with attitudes and feelings of hate. Political leaders persuade us to be angry, an emotion that wins us to their side that if unchecked can produce bitterness, rage, and hate.

Let’s resist this trap in 2020! Let’s move past the headlines! Let’s stop shooting AT each other and start speaking WITH each other! 

Sure, hold to your position and values but let’s show Washington & our elected officials that WE are able to solve problems; just like we always have done in the past. We can sit around around a table and a cup of coffee, acting like a healthy family, solving problems by debating yet holding to the most important of values, love and respect. I enjoy reading contrasting views on Trump as a person and leader. I know he is not perfect but his policies are consistent to my values. Read more related to this here with the response from Christianity Today’s editorial by Galli.. We will come up with better outcomes and solutions if we are willing to listen! 

In 2020, let’s stop listening to the candidates and start listening to one another. Let’s stop mimicking the talking points and headlines and let’s instead start asking questions that allows for good exchange of information that informs!

My Take on #SOTU - A 2-minute Read

Do I dare? You may be asking yourself the very same question. Would you go on the record publicly stating your opinion of the State of the Union speech by Donald J Trump?

Well, I’m no politician and I’m not complete with history but here I go with a few of my takeaways from the speech. What I hope comes through clearly in my attempt here is that when the storm clouds gather, be the light that shines through.

Minute #1. A backdrop. It might be worth noting that I did vote in the 2016 election and that I could not bring myself to voting for Hillary Clinton. There are many reasons that began with my value of life (for the pre-born) and a believer in the message of hope. (Hillary did not convey the same tone and substance as Obama.)

Knowing this about me will mean that you may not read further, thinking that this is just another mindless, conservative rhetoric that is typical. If you dare, read further and it may surprise you.

You see, in 2016 I was not voting for a candidate. I was voting on policies and values that are important to me as well as what I believe to be helpful for this country. I was not casting my ballot on a person, personality, nor politician. At best, I was interested in an outsider. I am thinking that most of Americans are looking at doing the same thing. (Consider why Bernie Sanders is so popular.) I took into consideration my ethical standards and my moral leaning. I considered carefully based on what I understand about the Bible and my personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

It’s likely that you did the same thing. It wasn’t the popularity contest like in high school when you vote for the king and queen or your student council. Casting a ballot is a civic and moral responsibility. It’s something that you take very seriously on a national and local level.

You may be surprised to learn that I’m not a single issue American. I think about those that are impacted by policies at the national level. It might even be surprised to learn that I didn’t like it when President Ronald Reagan took away the social benefits of at-risk Americans in order to balance the budget. You might even be surprised to learn today I’m not in favor of war, nor am I a pacifist. like most of you I am conflicted.  I’m like most Americans after 911 as we took the best information we had available at the time and responded to the attack on our economy and the American people. I will hold to the memory of the thousands who died because of hate filled terrorists set on destroying the American way.

Minute #2: My opinion of the SOTU. I haven’t heard or read the speeches of every president in the past but I listened to Trump carefully for tone and substance. You shouldn’t be surprised that this is one of the rewards and luxuries of winning the presidential election. Both political sides have done similar and both sides use this time to prove that their policies are working.

I listened to the President’s speech for items that appeal to my values. The speech touched on those values including, but not limited to the following; pro life, a strong economy, support for our American soldiers, and policies that help the poor and vulnerable of our communities.

There are questions that are filling the time of every news source that review Donald Trump‘s claims. You might be surprised but fact check what POTUS said in his speech. The opinion makers would have you think that since he lied on some things that he lied about everything else. I would encourage you to think critically and listen carefully to what is fact checked. I would never want you to accept anything at face value. We need to discern and carefully decipher what is being communicated.

The President was not the only one in the room. Two of the biggest players in the room include President Trump and Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. I have a message for both of them.

Mr. President Trump, the American people are watching and integrity matters as a fundamental principle regarding this country. So, telling the truth matters and in the age of fact checking, the truth will be revealed. Madame speaker Pelosi, the American people are watching and disrespect is unacceptable; something I learned in Kindergarten. So, petty acts like tearing up the SOTU speech makes you seen small.

For the rest of us let me say, listen carefully and instead of simply taking sides. Do your best to discern and do your homework on the topics being debated. It is essential and very American to debate because it is in that forum of our republic that we discover better answers and solutions.

As a Christian, I also offer my opinion. I would challenge each of us to be careful not only in our substance on our arguments but also on the tone. Continually love even in your bitter disagreements. I’m not encouraging anyone to compromise but to love no matter our bitter divide. Be respectful. Social media outlets like Facebook allow us to taunt our opponents and share opinions but it never replaces the interpersonal and unfortunately too many people are passive-aggressive in their online communications. Remember, people are watching and making their own judgment on our faith values.

Half-Time & What Could Have Been.

Without question we have just surpassed an all-time division as the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs faced-off at Super Bowl - 2020.  Most people agree however that they were glad that we did not see the Patriots. Although Tom Brady did make a cameo appearance during one of the commercials settling the debate on where this free-agent will go in the new football season. It looks like he’s staying with the Patriots. :-)


Never-the-less, this post will likely upset half of the people reading it. The intent behind it is not to be critical but I just state an obvious comparison. It looks as though that half of those watching the halftime show liked it while the other half he did it. Ae seem to be at a crossroads in our country with huge divisions, marked ever so strongly that we are evenly divided, setting the tone both in politics as well as an entertainment.

Just skimming the surface over Facebook I find that there are many who are growing concerned about what the Halftime show calls entertainment. I don’t particularly have a bent to either side yet I am concerned about what is represented by those performing at halftime show. For me the obvious concern has to do with the growing movement but has been known as the, “Me Too Movement.”  It certainly is ironic isn’t it that we raise this concern yet we show off scantily dressed men and women dancing (sexually) at the beat of music. Our society is filled with contradictions, isn’t it?

Well, this is my opinion but I believe that there are growing concerns for our culture as it seems to be shifting further away from traditional norms that had remained for decades. Perhaps the halftime show at the Super Bowl is but just a reflection of our current culture?

Let me pose another question. What could have been represented at this highly popular event?

Contrasted by the competition and the controversial halftime show is a testimony of both owners and players of the Kansas City Chiefs. Well their testimony has not been private, it was elevated to a stage that allows us to engage in yet a different conversation.

What could’ve been?

The commercials certainly or part of the experience at this year‘s Super Bowl. My guess is that most of us found them entertaining and have our favorite. I appreciated that some were just meant to be funny well getting the message across, take for example the man who kept reappearing with the stain on his shirt. I will always remember that one. Also consider the Groundhog’s Day with Bill Murray as he promoted the latest Jeep. That one too will be talked about that water-coolers across America.

What will stick with me the most is how the message and testimony of Christ was real and relevant around the biggest platform of the year. The owners and players communicated their unapologetic witness of Christ both in testimony but also throughout their lives as they clearly communicated.

Aristotle is known for the saying, “We are what we repeatedly do.” I contend with the pattern of one’s life certainly is the best way of knowing or someone is coming from both of their beliefs and their habits.

My take away from this year‘s Super Bowl is the message of a quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, who sincerely prayed with his teammates before the Super Bowl as well as the owners, CEO Clark Hunt who clearly stated that the glory of the game to Christ Jesus. 

What sticks with me or if we are representing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, our actions are would demonstrate clearly and if we ever given a platform like the Super Bowl we would be best to represent a testimony of Christ. It’s more likely, however, that our platform is what we represent daily in our lives and actions that are coworkers, family, and community see every day.

Likely others are watching us already so what we demonstrate by word or action is what is in the heart of each one. Ephesians 1:18 is my reminder as I make every effort to memorize it, “The eyes of your heart being enlightened so that you may know His Calling and the riches of his glorious inheritance in the Saints.“

Ignorance Is Bliss!

Recently I read the biography of President Garfield. In the biography ”Destiny of the Republic” it describes a rather interesting story that has relevance today!

Story goes that President Garfield went to the train station and I would-be assassin made an attempt on his life. The single shot rang out and Garfield was hit. Many rush to his aid including his personal medical doctor who began treatment right away. For weeks Garfield suffered before finally dying but the story is even more compelling.

President Garfield’s physician begin treatment but in the process did serious damage in his efforts to save the president’s life  Using primitive technology and techniques Garfield‘s physician would probe for the bullet. Believing that if the bullet remained it would cause serious problems for the president. Even at one time creating an electrical metal bed that in theory would force the bullet to the surface of the skin. Perhaps that was considered a non-invasive procedure before his time.

Nevertheless, in great agony, President Garfield died! his death was not the result of the gun shot but from infections that we're all throughout his body. Garfield’s own physician caused these terrible infections!

At the same time there was a debate happening by other physicians at the high levels of science and medical information. Top minds debated how to best cure disease and medical practice. One such noted physician found that simply caring for the wound by washing using a new medicine and procedure that was introduced to the market. Though this new idea would provide better cures it was not taken seriously by most physicians of the day. Garfield’s own doctor was known to make fun of the “invisible germ fighter” as voodoo and unnecessary!

Perhaps for our sake we have new technologies but it wasn’t the case for President Garfield. In fact, had the bullet been left alone Garfield would’ve rebound quickly from his injury and back to his oval office within days and on with the business of the presidency.

The new doctor eventually did have his way. Realizing that what ultimately killed the president was his own doctor, germs, and his primitive ways, congress enacted new laws by issuing a new practices for doctors. It was a new invention by Dr. Lister was added to the medical handbook and laws of the land. You see, antisepsis, what we referred today as mouthwash, was used from that point forward to clean instruments and wash hands before every surgery. The new president’s doctor became Dr Lister. Dr. Lister would inspire generations of scientist to research better practices and a daily routine of washing. Today most of use this practice daily including forms of mouthwash, one being named Listerine.

Oh yes, to our surprise the physician who ultimately killed President Garfield was named, Dr. Bliss. A phrase became popular because of this doctor, “ignorance is bliss.“

Isn’t it ironic that somebody of such great stature could fall from grace so quickly because he’s refused to stay up-to-date on knowledge and in particular medical techniques and inventions.

You may have caught what I am trying to say. You may be ahead of me in the application.

I am amazed at this story because it reminds me that ignorance doesn’t let us off the hook. Dr. Bliss was in trouble when the general public found out why their beloved president died. The medical profession turned their backs on the president’s doctor because she refused to accept new inventions and better techniques.

Every day that I read the Word of God, I am reminded that there is tremendous wisdom available to us but if only we would receive it. I often reflect on how different things would be had we chosen wisdom instead of pride and stubborn arrogance. That’s a lesson for us!

In the book of James in the Bible tells us that if we lack wisdom that we can pray for godly wisdom.

James 1:5 — “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”

Top 10 Questions I Have Thought When Doing #FosterCare

For nearly eight years my wife and I did #FosterCare while living in the suburbs of Chicago. During those years I was serving as a pastor and volunteering my time with the local probation department, mentoring at risk youth. Eventually we were invited to host at risk youth in our homes through foster care. What is most important in everything that I am about to share is that we must be people of hope!

Those were amazing days and we look back with fondness of those experiences. We learned so much from the foster teens as well as a variety of experiences that I have highlighted in my blog on several occasions. Today I want to share this article, though it may be lengthy, about the 10 questions that I’ve often thought of when we did Foster care and I believe many foster parents ask even today.

1. What am I doing?

It’s not unusual that we felt overwhelmed and under prepared. It wasn’t anybody’s fault because we had terrific support from our local church in from the probation department and we were licensed with. The experiences we’re just a lot to take in.

Many foster parents feel the same way today. I hear story, after story of feelings of uncertainty and in adequacy. Without a doubt, you’re going to face the 101 questions about how to do things and continually learning and adjusting to expectations. For some this is a challenge that motivates and for others it is frightening. For everyone it is normal.

2. How could things like this happen (to kids)?

When you see and hear the tremendous stories of children and youth who have come from hard places, it can break your heart. For foster parents to hear these stories and see the results of abuse and neglect, it is alarming - every time.

Hidden behind closed doors and often silenced, children and youth have endured much in their young lives. You are managing someone else’s mess that is caused great pain and grief and the lives of foster children. Most people don’t even want to know in so many foster parents feel isolated and alone dealing with the negative feeling of what they have heard and seen in the lives of children they love and want to shelter in their homes.

Several of the young teens that lived with us had been sexually abused before they were even five years old. There’s no question that much of what they we’re dealing with caused them to not trust adults, especially men. I could tell you stories that would saddened you deeply.

3. Is there something more I could’ve done?

Our situation was perhaps unique but not uncommon. Nearly every foster child that comes in to care usually is a plan for them to return home. Home is where they should be but in a safe and loving environment with people who truly care about them.

My wife and I often wondered when our teenagers either aged out of the program were reunified to return home after living with us, did we do enough? Along with the feelings of inadequacy and being overwhelmed, we often felt that we did not do enough to prepare them or to care for them but had to leave those concerns with the Lord and in our prayers.

4. Do I have to let them go (home)?

This brings me to the next question that we often asked about having to “let them go” home. We were never prepared for the day when a foster child left our home. They usually came to our home with very few items and we made every effort to add more to what they took back home with them; extra clothes, notebooks, personal items, and gifts.

It was never really about the items or the gifts but what tore at our hearts was the bond that we attempted to make through the most vulnerable and stressful of circumstances. We lived life and shared deep emotional experiences that we, even today carry with us.

We never got used to it nor should have we. It was important that we felt something target us but knew that we needed to let them go in hopes that what we formed in our relationship will always carry with them. We hoped that what we gave to them emotionally and, at many occasions, spiritually would be with them. we always hoped that what we offered would help them in life!

5. When is it ever going to get better (for them)?

Heart ache-after-heart ache and tough times seemed endless. Disappointments and heartaches were common place as we dealt with a foster child and all the many people that invaded their young lives.
Heartache after heartache seemed endless.

Our goal for each foster child/teen was to shelter and care for their physical needs and lovingly provide for their spiritual and emotional needs. We wanted to make life better for them and hoped that the abuse and trauma in the midst of so many disappointments could eventually make for a better life for them.

Even when I did CASA work, Court Appointed Special Advocate, I would do everything within my power to be the voice for an infant or child in court, for those who had no voice of their own. I would advocate as best I could in order to make things better for them.

6. How could “they” have done that to “them”?

I’m using a set of pronouns to describe the complexities in this next question. “They” were not necessarily the parents but the community or the extended family and even the legal system.

Compounded by the grief and disappointments are individuals that should have done a better job of protecting and caring for the needs of “them” (the foster children/teens). I can’t begin to tell you the times that I went to court and walked away stunned by the deliberation and arguments that ensued and sometimes even the decision that was handed down buy those in authority. I’m not trying to blame anyone because sometimes life isn’t about fairness but it’s about coping with injustice, even when it happens to those that you have committed yourself to protect and care for.

We had many experiences where we wondered if those who are positioned to provide the best care really deeply felt concerned enough to do the right thing. We saw The effects on the faces of those who lived in our home and because we cared deeply felt sorrow and grief along with them. We couldn’t help but wonder why they couldn’t make a decision that we thought could benefit them. We often wondered how they could’ve done such a terrible thing to them. Sorry for my vagueness but I think you get the point. Perhaps it was more important that we listened and did not always reason or attempt to justify the actions of others. I can tell you the mini times around the dinner table discussing these outcomes were some of the best memories we have today. Why? It was because in those moments of sacred trust that we could experience along with them!

7. How can I best help?

There were times when we didn’t know the answers to what was happening and were completely confused but when interacting with those in our home, we will try to ask questions like this. We wanted to know how we could best help.

Systems of judicial bureaucracy and state mandated systems do not always go as well as it should have. Delay of needed services, denial of important requests, and daily disruptions were normal life experiences. We didn’t have the answers but we felt that if we asked this simple question we usually get further along and it at least give us direction in the moment we needed it.
We didn’t have the answers but we felt that if we asked this simple question we usually got further along and it at least gave us direction in the moment we needed it.

8. What does it mean when someone says, “I could never do what you are doing”?

People who understood that we were doing foster care to at risk youth and saw the many complexities Gruda understand to never say this phrase. Those who walked along with us on the daily journey who are just as unclear about its destination as we were. Yet, there were some who seem to formulate in their minds the idea that we were something special.

People who were unaware usually elevated our status or somehow thought that what we were doing was beyond their ability. I assure you that we to once thought that of others we took in children and youth through the foster care system. We saw them as superheroes in someway. I confess that I also thought that since someone else was doing foster care that I didn’t have to let myself off the hook.

Since doing foster care in people still use that phrase, I have to challenge it by saying that of course you could do this ministry. I would ask them questions like, do you care about others? Do you bleed red blood? Do you inhale the same error that I do? And if the answer is yes I would tell them that they too are just as capable. Today I challenge people nearly every day that they have the abilities but like the will. I encourage people that they could do foster care and emergency care, short-term basis through respite services. I remind them that they can help a family that is doing foster care. I let them know that they could organize simple task that would bless caregivers. Each of us have God-given abilities to love and care for and care about the needs of others!

9. Am I going crazy?

Don’t worry, you’re not going crazy. These reassuring words often helped us to cope with circumstances they were beyond our control. Others that would reassure us that we indeed were normal helped us to believe in ourselves.

Systems and life experiences were out of our control which often left us with an out of the world experience. Complexities we’re common place. None of our pat answers were never enough. Each situation was unique. I’m certain that others thought we were crazy but in reality it were those experiences that taught us to be flexible and patient. Life was beyond our control so we often found ourselves waiting and learning to trust.

Foster parents to burned out quickly, which is common, needed to learn to not worry over every detail or make every issue about themselves or even two force their own opinions. The system is not meant to be benevolent. The system is intended to provide regulation and structure but it’s in the living and breathing of day today that we can see potential and transformation. It comes through even if we don’t see it because what we are supposed to do is walk alongside and wait patiently. I find a similar illustration is related to the funeral of a loved one. Those that come in with their pat answers and attempts at sympathy or not the most helpful. Get those that just simply come along to sit a while and listen while demonstrating the art of patience are the most vital of gifts we can offer to those whom are confused and hurting!

10. How do I build trust?

This question really doesn’t have an answer in an exact manner you might think. It is more about the process of listening and learning while also expressing vulnerabilities and seeking understanding that we find the answer.

One of the initial goals of many foster parents is to build trust but it doesn’t come through authoritarian models nor does it come from rules and acts of obedience. Trust is not established immediately but it does happen slowly eventually.

Trust and a sense of connection usually happened through our children before we experienced it. I believe that our children were the reason that we found success in longevity and doing foster care. It’s amazing what they provided that we could never imitate. For our foster children it was like having a little brother or sister. They were something about that relationship that was easier for them to connect with. Even our pets had a better handle on it than we did.

Maybe we would over think instead of just letting life happen. Maybe if we lightened up and tried not to be overbearing and overly consumed by the problem that it could’ve happened much easier. It’s been said that trust is built over time and it could be taken away in a moment.

The ministry of #FosterCare is never meant to be easy but it must take an investment of time and love in order for anything to be accomplished. It also means that we need to rest in the assurance that we cannot solve every issue and problem. We should be humble and willing to wait because pain and trauma, disappointment and loss should not be unraveled quickly.

Just as in every physical injury takes time to heal and needs constant care, it must heal slowly in its own time. I have learned that if you attempt to peel back the scab of a wound too quickly that you will leave permanent scars on the skin surface.

This is Something You Just Can’t Keep To Yourself -- And Shouldn’t!

What is one think that you know and are dying to tell someone? Is it a rumor? Perhaps a story? Maybe it is a secret? 

No matter, I know something that I am certain you cannot keep to yourself. 

Intrigued?

It may surprise you to learn that lies are spread quicker than truth. Rumors are spread quickly, like a wild fire! Anything negative has the potential of being repeated most often. 

But, it is not any of those things!

It is simply HOPE. 

Doom is contagious and insults are common. It seems that anyone is capable of being negative; It takes only one positive person to change the cultural at home and in community; 

You are just the right person to impact your workplace. 

Rock, Paper, Scissors: Winning at the Game of Life.

In reading the text in Matthew 7:24-29 we find the important understanding of building on a solid foundation.

Read the passage as a back drop:

24 "Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash." 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 for he taught with real authority--quite unlike their teachers of religious law.

A viscous contest of the game, rock, paper, scissors challenges are fun ways to settle disputes. Rock beats scissors... Scissors beats paper... Paper beats rock. (A Child's Game - how to win?)

It seemed that the game is simple yet you are not guaranteed a win! It is a game of pure chance. The outcome is not predictable.

In a most unusual settlements of an American case we find legal precedence.  In 2006, American federal judge Gregory Presnell from the Middle District of Florida ordered opposing sides in a lengthy court case to settle a trivial (but lengthily debated) point over the appropriate place for a deposition using the game of rock-paper-scissors.

The ruling in Avista Management v. Wausau Underwriters stated: Upon consideration of the Motion – the latest in a series of Gordian knots that the parties have been unable to untangle without enlisting the assistance of the federal courts – it is ORDERED that said Motion is DENIED. Instead, the Court will fashion a new form of alternative dispute resolution, to wit: at 4:00 P.M. on Friday, June 30, 2006, counsel shall convene at a neutral site agreeable to both parties.

If counsel cannot agree on a neutral site, they shall meet on the front steps of the Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse, 801 North Florida Ave., Tampa, Florida 33602. Each lawyer shall be entitled to be accompanied by one paralegal who shall act as an attendant and witness.

At that time and location, counsel shall engage in one game of "rock, paper, scissors." The winner of this engagement shall be entitled to select the location for the 30(b)(6) deposition to be held somewhere in Hillsborough County during the period July 11–12, 2006.[26] (Wikipedia)

Guinness Book of World Records On the 9th of July, 2010, over 6500 attendees of the LIFE 2010 Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, participated in the largest tournament of Rock-Paper-Scissors ever.

The game of Rock, Paper, Scissors is a game of chance. You may win and you may lose because it is an uncertain game. However, winning at the game of life isn't simply chance, there is a pattern that is provided in Scripture that helps us make the right choices. Aren't you glad that Jesus provides a simple solution to the game of life? It is rather easy to determine how to win at the game of life.

If you are to win at the game of life, you must; Make wise choices & resist foolish actions.

1. Make Wise Choices!

In an article, A New Foundation, author Gary Thomas give commentary on our passage of scripture. Thomas says, "It's only when we put His words into practice that our foundation becomes sure."

Reading Matthew 24 & 25: "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who builds his house on the rock. The rains came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet is did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."

The lesson lies in the comparison; Rock versus Sand.

"The rock foundation represented the Lord Himself and the truths He had been presenting, especially the truth concerning inner transformation. The sand spoke of Pharisaic righteousness which the people knew and on which many were basing their hopes. In storms the first would give stability; the second would result in destruction. Thus hearing and heeding Jesus' words is wise; one who does not is foolish." Bible Knowledge Commentary

In every situation, you have to make a choice. It is at the moment of choices that we risk the greatest. It is where we are the most vulnerable. Choice means that we make a decision to go one way or another. Choice means that we have to abandon one way for the other. Choice is often made without our exploring the ramifications or consequences. Even if we don't choose, we are making a choice...indecision is a choice.

The Bible talks about comparisons in choice and action. Many stories and parables that Jesus told is about making "rock solid" decisions.

We are living in an age of uncertainty and complexity that causes, what I call, “Spiritual Dysphoria”. Read more HERE.

Examples: Only two courses of action are possible.

See a few examples. There are two kinds of roads and gates (Matt. 7:13-14 ), two kinds of trees and fruit (vv. 15-20 ), two kinds of foundations and builders (vv. 24-27 ).

1. The Two Houses - Matthew 7:24-27 (Luke 6:47-49 ) 

2. The New Cloth and New Wineskins - Matthew 9:16-17 

3. The Sower - Matthew 13:5-8 (Mark 4:3-8 ; Luke 8:5-8 ) 

4. The Weeds - Matthew 13:24-30 

5. The Mustard Seed - Matthew 13:31-32 (Mark 4:30-32 ; Luke 13:18-19 ) 

6. The Yeast - Matthew 13:33 (Luke 13:20-21 ) 

7. The Hidden Treasure - Matthew 13:44 

8. The Pearl of Great Price - Matthew 13:45-46 

9. The Fishing Net - Matthew 13:47-50 

10. The Unforgiving Servant - Matthew 18:23-35 

11. The Workers in the Vineyard - Matthew 20:1-16 

12. The Two Sons - Matthew 21:28-32 

13. The Wicked Vine-growers - Matthew 21:33-46 (Mark 12:1-12 ; Luke 20:9-19 ) 

14. The Wedding Banquet - Matthew 22:1-14 

15. The Two Servants - Matthew 24:45-51 (Luke 12:42-48 ) 

16. The 10 Virgins - Matthew 25:1-13 

17. The Talents - Matthew 25:14-30 

18. The Seed Growing Secretly - Mark 4:26-29 

19. The Doorkeeper - Mark 13:34-37 

20. The Rude Children - Luke 7:31-35 

21. The Two Debters - Luke 7:41-43 

22. The Good Samaritan - Luke 10:25-37 

23. The Friend at Midnight - Luke 11:5-8 

24. The Rich Fool - Luke 12:16-21 

25. The Barren Fig Tree - Luke 13:6-9 

26. The Great Banquet - Luke 14:15-24 

27. The Unfinished Tower and the King's Rash War - Luke 14:28-33 

28. The Lost Sheep - Matthew 18:12-14 (Luke 15:4-7 ) 

29. The Lost Coin - Luke 15:8-10 

30. The Prodigal Son - Luke 15:11-32 

31. The Shrewd Manager - Luke 16:1-9 

32. The Servant's Reward - Luke 17:7-10 

33. The Unjust Judge - Luke 18:1-8 

34. The Pharisee and the Tax Collector - Luke 18:9-14 

35. The Pounds - Luke 19:11-27 --Recently reading the story of the empty structure (Gary Thomas, A New Foundation, Decision Magazine, Sept., 2012)

A man set out to repaint his house. When he started to scrape away the paint, he noticed some troubling signs and brought in a specialist to confirm his worst fears: termites. He didn't need to just repaint his house; in a very real way, he needed to rebuild it. On the outside, the house looked great! Even compared to the other houses in the neighborhood (to the left and right of his home), you could not tell there was a problem. But the weather (beatings of the wind and rain) wore away the paint only to reveal the rot within.

This is a matter of INTERNAL consequence! Yes, INTERNAL. You see, in a perfect sunny day, anyone can be envious of a beach front property! People pay great money to have an ocean side view.... Yet, when the storms of life come, your dream home will collapse.

There are many examples to illustrate this point.  I point you to a story I experienced of a man who build his house on a rock. See Roadside Ramblings (Part 2). Part two story.

The point of this is to realize that every decision has a result... Rock or Sand. We have all that we need to build on eternal values. Ephesians is a favorite book of the Bible for me. Paul admonished is to walk in the light of God’s redemptive message of hope. Ephesians 1:18 reads: "I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those called -- His holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance."

If you are going to win at the game of life, you must make solid choices!

2. Resist Foolish Actions!

Actions follow choices. Choices and actions have consequences! There is more to this! It isn't enough to simply hear the Word of the Lord, you must make application - in essence, internalizing its Truth. In other words, just being able to hear the Word does not change the mind or create a better action or set the right attitude within. A continuation of the story I shared earlier provides the backdrop in Roadside Ramblings, Part 1.

"Two storms. One house stands, one falls." writes Thomas. "They both heard the words of Christ, they both studies Jesus' words, but only one kept practicing what Jesus said."

An age old spiritual battle exist. It is a battle of the head, hands, and heart. I observed over the years that the heart can beat the head... head can beat the hands... hands can beats heart.... the heart, mind, body must be surrendered to God’s Will and plan!

There are very moral church people that don't have a personal relationship with Christ. There are people who really care for those in need who do not have a personal relationship with Christ. There are those that have memorized scripture yet they miss the truth in application. The important quality must be in whether we obey the precepts of God, making them internal to our actions, knowledge that produces wisdom, and motives that reflect an eternal objective.

Thomas says, "Daily, faithful obedience to God's Word shapes our heart, transforms our will, molds our character as surely as a daily jog strengthens our heart and a thrice weekly bout in the gym brings forth muscles." He tells us that just one session isn't enough but "faithfulness, over time, produces amazing results..."

In making truth real in our lives we must not only seek to understand (knowledge) or to simple act (do something) upon what is said, but most important, we must internalize it at the heart (integrate truth into who we become). In fact, it is the three working together - head, hands, and heart - that beats sin!

Once truth converts the heart, you defeat sin.... In essence you build on the firm foundation. Like building a house upon the rock!

We make application to our lives today and take action! The Word of God relates to us in our everyday experience. The Word of God is fresh and living. It requires that we make an application to our lives and situation.

Inge Harding was one of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s students in Germany in the 1930’s, and she said that Bonhoeffer told her class:

“When you read the Bible, you must think that here and now God is speaking with me. … from the very beginning he taught us that we had to read the Bible as it was directed at us, as the word of God directly to us. Not something general, not something generally applicable, but rather with a personal relationship to us. He repeated this to us very early on, that the whole thing comes from that.” (Inge Karding, quoted in METAXAS, p. 129)

I can read the same passage over and over, and discover applications to my current situation. While some doctrinal principles are universal, most principles are the result of applying the Word to my situation. We know that God's Word never returns void, yet, as we apply the Word, we discover incredible lessons that build our testimony!

The Pharisees taught that you needed to only worry about what was external. Rules (numbering 600-plus) were defined to make sure that you were a good church person. Jesus went deeper and repaired the heart from the inside - out!

Matthew 7:28-29 reads: (28) "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, (29) for he taught with real authority--quite unlike their teachers of religious law."

Jesus taught with real authority means that, different from the law makers (Pharisees), His applied message transformed the heart...not just the head.

One of the biggest problems that the Pharisees had was that they loved to create rules that did not relate to the current needs of the day. For example: Jesus healing on the Sabbath. Jesus helping a brother get a ox out of a ditch. (ie: my helping my neighbor rake up his leaves on a Sunday afternoon... Showing him Jesus while breaking the rules.) - Referenced: The foundation is Jesus Christ. New International Version reads: "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ."

To ways to win at the game of life: 1. Make Wise Choices. 2. Resist Foolish Actions.

Let me wrap this up. This article is intended to be a message to each of us individually.

Yet, I want to say a few word related to you as a congregation.

YOU HAVE A HEALTHY FOUNDATION as you keep Christ at the center of what you are doing.

Gary Thomas writes: "We must choose to obey. We must practice putting the words of Jesus Christ into action."

24 "Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash." 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 for he taught with real authority--quite unlike their teachers of religious law.