Dedicating "My Mind" 101

Ok, since we are talking about dedicating the mind, here's a pop-quiz.

1. When was the last time you looked in a dictionary?

2. What is an Atlas?

3. Can you do easy calculation in your head (no 2+2 stuff either)?

4. Do you memorize poems, scripture verses, or quotes from landmark novels?

5. Do you read (And not just magazines, flash-in-the-pan novels, or Internet sites; but solid, fundamental works)?

I am painfully aware that most of us do not use our minds as much as we should, and few of us are overconscientious about not using it enough. But, maybe there is a weightier issue? Do you know what it means to "use your mind". It's not working through logic analysis in conversations (although that would be helpful), or even thinking you have to do "hard work". To "use your mind" is really to engage your life in such a way that you draw immense fulfillment from harvesting, and then utilizing various degrees of knowledge every day. Simply put, its just thinking of the best thing to do or say, and then doing it. Now, you may be asking or thinking, "it's not that easy". Let's see!

Its not that this is easy, its just that most people are too hasty to take the time to invest in something that would pay back full dividends. The hardest part of the initial journey may just be gathering the information. However, after becoming conversant with a few subjects, you will quickly find yourself wanting to gain new information. Now, what seems to be, and probably is the hardest part of the process is relating the information you receive to someone else in a winsome and persuasive manner. Knowing what to say is half the battle, knowing how to say it though will win you the war. Most people struggle with these concepts because they don't know how to communicate. So here is a step-by-step process for using your mind.

1. Read, and take notes on what you read.

2. When in a conversation, ask questions instead of make statements. Asking questions causes the other participant to clarify their statements, while allowing you control of the conversation.

3. Be honest in your assertions. Make a valid case for what you are saying, or just say "I don't know."

4. Keep track of any ideas you were not familiar with.

5. Read, Read, Read, and look up new ideas that you were interested in from previous conversations.

Remember, this is just a rough skeleton. There could be a lot more to each point. Half the battle is just getting motivated enough to use your mind, but when you do start to use it, the world becomes a whole new place. I guarantee it will change your life. Who knows, it might change someone elses life too. So..........., what are you waiting for. Get out there and read!

Think on That!

Reflections

I AM BACK!

After a much extended break, one that really took too long, I am back, hopefully in rare form. It is my goal to rework my blog site in the coming weeks, so hopefully things will look more professional, and not as plain. There are some very promising plans in store, so I hope you visit often if you are a follower or just a passerby.

SEE YOU SOON!

C.L.

Searching the Seat of Suffering III

I still feel compelled to write on this top pic, and yet I am so underqualified (I guess) to feel that I would have something worthy to say about this topic. I mean, not many bad, bad things have happened to me that would give great insight to empathize with those who really suffer. I have never been abused, hungry, or homeless. However, on my mind right now are people who have suffered. One is a professor that teaches at the school I attend. He had twins born to him that died, at birth! He wrote a book about his experience. Its called The Cup Of Glory. Another issue is a girl in one of my classes. Her father was diagnosed with colon cancer, and they found out that he has some in his liver as well. The gave him a 50% chance to live!

So, do you wonder why these terrible things happen. Bad choices you, or they, made? Wht about enviromental influences? Human depravity? Do you think that God really wants to make you suffer for the sins you have committed? The truth is, these things happen because this world is not a pefect place. Bad things happen because of bad decisions we (or others) make, but they also happen because this world is inhabited by harmful influences, whether those be natural or genetic.

Unfortunately, the rise of scientism has left people with a hollow foundation. On the surface, it offers truth and validity. But underneath, it stands upon the styrofaom pillars of deceit. Just add a little heat, and it will conform to whatever you need it to be.

The origin of evil (lack of good) is not because of a heavenly temperment, but of an earthly torment. Depravity breeds sin, and sin breeds suffering.

Think on That?

Consider This?

This is not a usual post that I put up. This is a consider this, which is usually a post that I put up when things in my personal life weigh heavily on my mind. However, this post is not negative in inference or tone. I just feel that I need to share what I perceive around me in relation to the activity of God.
I have seen God, at work, in people's lives. At our church recently, I have seen people respond to God in an attempt to better their lives. What a wonderful decision. Specifically, I have noticed that many of our sermons lately have been centered on worry, perseverance, and hope. Now, these have not been specifically taught on, except for worry, but they have been very evident in each sermon and Sunday School Class meeting. I think it is obvious that God has a real message for our church body. BTW, I got to Wake Cross Roads if anybody is interested.
Also, in the blogosphere of people I know, there has been a great desire for people to have perseverance. Let me be candid, things in this world right now are not great. As a matter of fact, they are scary, burdensome, and downright cumbersome. There is no hope, no future, no money or fame that can make these problems go away, that are provided in the world. If you take a moment to look at how miserable the world is, maybe it will help you to understand how better off you are, if your a Chrsitian. Aren't you glad that in the future, you won't have to worry about that. And, even now, you don't have to worry needlessly. Did not Christ say that he will provide all our needs. Amen or Oh me!
Nevertheless, perseverance is a spiritual character trait, and it isn't built over night. I empathize with your struggles. I know many of you right now who are paddling in the seas of uncertainity. That's ok though, where there is no certainity, there can be faith upon the bedrock of the promises of God. Stay grounded in the Word, and you will weather the storm.
I understand the struggles around us as people of America. The economy is disastrous and a persons lifestyle exceeds their paycheck. Our morality is compromised because every image we see is of tight spandex, 12 pack abs, and dish-towels that became tank tops over night. Our faith is lacking because we just seem to do those things we don't want to do while we continue not doing the things we ought to do! BUT REMEMBER, NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO QUIT. THIS TOO SHALL PASS (as my wife likes to inform me of).
So, in retrospect, all I wanted to do was vent a little here, encourage a little there, and get a laugh or two from whoever may be reading this. Listen to me, brothers and sisters, now is not the time to be idle. Now is not the time to be scared. Now is the time to be thoughtful, wise, discreet, and holy in conduct and conversation. Of course, these things are always to be desired, but with the way the world is right now, especially in our country, people could do with seeing a little genuine Christainity actually lived out, and not just lied about. So, be real today. Persevere. Remember, God is still in control.
Think on That!

Searching the Seat of Suffering II

I have been thinking lately about the various forms of suffering. Now, the idea of suffering seems to infer great anguish or pain. It appears, though, that many people suffer from psychological pain and turmoil. Now, I do not mean to suggest these people are clinically insane, but they are mentally and spiritually in distress.
It is my purpose just to think through his issue. Suffering seems to me to be something that is like a weight that drags you to the bottom of the ocean. It is an anchor that is tied to your leg, pulling you down. However, it also connects greatly with your perspective. If you keep focusing on the anchor, you will probably never see or hear the helicopters and rescue boats that are searching the waterways looking for you. Because, most people who suffer have someone there to help them, albeit they just need to be looking in the right direction. However, this would really relate to those people who are dealing with usual stress symptoms from places like work, school, home, etc.... I would never dream of Saying that someone truly suffering through raw physical abuse, torture, or cruel disease would always have a form of help. To seem to say so would seem to be cruel to me.
I guess what burdens me the most is seeing people who suffer and knowing that they can overcome their pain, but with plenty of time, hard work, and commitment. Unfortunately, most people would opt for psychiatric therapy and happy pills from the bottle. How sad, it seems, to enslave yourself to a false form of happiness instead of feeling the true joys of deliverance. I guess some people feel that honest request fro help infers individual weakness. To that idea, I say how sad.
Think on That!

Quick note on the Poll

Just some instruction.

When I ask if you would rather suffer by choice or incident, I am referring to voluntary choice or involuntary. Some people choose to suffer pain or discomfort to reach a goal (diet, exercise, spiritual instruction, or personal sacrifice). Others, however, suffer involuntarily by being hit by a car, being robbed, facing natural disaster, or finding out they have cancer.

The design of the poll is to measure your view of suffering, not your experience. And, by default, knowing that all of you will suffer, would you rather put yourself into a position of suffering or would you rather experience suffering without personally instigating it. Hopefully, I asked the right question and this brings some clarity. If not, then give me a suggestion.

Thanks!

Searching the seat of suffering I

It is with somber, and somewhat eager anticipation, that I begin this series. I will give credence at the beginning that this issue, at least in my mind, is serious and thought-provoking. Over the last month, I have seen and experienced pain in different forms and fashions. From a young couple who lost their new born baby (only a few minutes old), to hurricane victims who have lost their homes, and some, their lives. To a family who lost their adopted daughter to accident. I have seen people choked by financial struggle, teenagers gripped by a confusion of purpose and family dysfunction. I have heard of young girls, forced into prostitution, young men forced into violence. I have considered the loss of close family and friends. I have seen anguish, frustration, anger, disposition, violence, pain, and death. I have reflected on the way of life, the way of wisdom, the way of confusion. Religious strife, political ignorance, media frenzy, human injustice and indecency, are just some factors of this overwhelming experience.

Needless to say, this is an inexhaustible subject in which everyone is its object. Next to death and taxes, it is an inevitable problem. However, for most people, existence consist of life, suffering, and death. There is no opportunity, no hope, no peace. For someone, somewhere, this has to be their reality. For everyone, everywhere, suffering and pain are their reality. Rich or poor, ignorant or educated, Christian or Atheist, Republican or Democrat, Prostitute or beauty queen, football star or Foosball star, man or women, children of America or Africa, every person in every class, faces pain and suffering.

Now, I know that philosophically this would deal with the problem of evil. However, as I am always inclined to discuss those matters that are relevant to philosophy (which is usually everything), I am not as interested in the philosophical argument (Problem of evil) as I am in the empathetic attempt to relate to you as a human being. I am not going to argue for the need for suffering, but only for the capacity to discuss its effect on you and I. So, please comment for me. Talk to me. Let me know your views. This series is more about the experience of suffering as opposed to the existence of it. Oh, and on another note, please answer my poll. It would be greatly appreciated.
And remember, life is never as exciting as when you are discussing a new idea. And in this case, life may never be more important.

Think on That!