I haven't been political in some time, but the fact that I stayed up until 2 a.m. on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning allowed me to make some random observations. I present these in short list form. So sit back and enjoy!
1- California rejected a proposition allowing for legalization of marijuana. In a related story, a man named Dubie was not elected as governor of Vermont.
2- In spite of the fact that voters in California rejected legal pot, they still reelected Barbara Boxer to the Senate.
3. Maybe it's just me, but methinks something is rotten in the land of Vegas, to quote Macbeth. I think it was Macbeth.
4. This is actually taken from a tweet I saw that was brilliant in its sarcasm: That racist, sexist tea party was so terrible to get Marco Rubio, Nikki Haley, and others elected.
5. All the angry white people on Tuesday night appeared to make up the panel on MSNBC.
6. North Carolina's legislative body, the General Assembly, is Republican controlled for the first time since the late 1800s.
7. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D- NC) was seen earlier this year harassing a college student on video. For the next few weeks, he will be harassing election officials in classic Al Gore fashion.
8. During the Healthcare debate, Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) said the Republican healthcare plan was to die quickly. Tuesday his career died quickly.
9. Speaking of angry people, the AP article hitting papers Thursday called voters "fickle." As the media continues to not get it, they will continue to demean the voters.
10. The President in Wednesday gave the impression of a person that has been humbled. Today he leaves on a trip that will cost taxpayers $2 BILLION. Glad that lasted long.
11. Nancy Pelosi has an 8% approval rating. Apparently those 8% all have Twitter accounts. I could not believe what I read.
That is all I have for now. The intent was to get you to think and make you chuckle.Next time, I promise to be back to the inspiration.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Who Boo Boo Hoo Hub Bub (HUH?)
I am becoming more bold in the territory in which I tread these days. I have a great respect for many of my Christian brothers and sisters that do not participate in Halloween. Personally I do not celebrate it, though I do participate in it. There is a great amount of evil activity that happens on that day, and a large amount of evil that penetrates the TV, the radio, and other places. It becomes difficult for a parent to shelter a child from such images. It helps that without much prodding from his parents these days, our son hides his eyes, or puts his face down, or runs into the other room when commercials come on for those things.
Now that that's out of the way, I have changed my perspective about how to approach Halloween. My verse reference is this: “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house." (Matt. 5:13-15, NJKV)
I know, I will be countered with the verse that says abstain from the appearance of evil, and what fellowship does the believer have with the nonbeliever, so on, so forth. Hear me, though. This is the one day a year more than any other that Christians use the power of darkness as an excuse to hide their light under a bushel and keep to themselves.
Yes, in many places it makes sense to provide a safe place for kids to come out and enjoy the day. Yes, there are perverts and freaks out there that would like to take advantage of the day. Yes, the for the evil of the world this is one of the top days for their practice. But greater is HE that is in you than he that is in the world! (1 John 4:4) I read a couple of blogs yesterday that influenced me in this. Use this day as a day of outreach. Provide a safe place at your house for people to come. Invite them to your church. Spread the love of Christ in a direct (or indirect) way.
Use this day as just another day to show the world that Satan is defeated! The very day is meant to be the prelude to All Saints' Day. Realize in a way that Halloween is symbolic of the Enemy's "last hurrah." In the end, the Lamb has overcome. Think of this day as the enemy's last gasp. Use the day to show the love of God, and let the kiddies have a Hershey bar or two. Make sure they pick up some for me, as well.
Now that that's out of the way, I have changed my perspective about how to approach Halloween. My verse reference is this: “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house." (Matt. 5:13-15, NJKV)
I know, I will be countered with the verse that says abstain from the appearance of evil, and what fellowship does the believer have with the nonbeliever, so on, so forth. Hear me, though. This is the one day a year more than any other that Christians use the power of darkness as an excuse to hide their light under a bushel and keep to themselves.
Yes, in many places it makes sense to provide a safe place for kids to come out and enjoy the day. Yes, there are perverts and freaks out there that would like to take advantage of the day. Yes, the for the evil of the world this is one of the top days for their practice. But greater is HE that is in you than he that is in the world! (1 John 4:4) I read a couple of blogs yesterday that influenced me in this. Use this day as a day of outreach. Provide a safe place at your house for people to come. Invite them to your church. Spread the love of Christ in a direct (or indirect) way.
Use this day as just another day to show the world that Satan is defeated! The very day is meant to be the prelude to All Saints' Day. Realize in a way that Halloween is symbolic of the Enemy's "last hurrah." In the end, the Lamb has overcome. Think of this day as the enemy's last gasp. Use the day to show the love of God, and let the kiddies have a Hershey bar or two. Make sure they pick up some for me, as well.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Step on My Toes. Please. I Need the Pain.
Six months of unemployment have not made me a sadist. Having children did that.
I kid, I kid.
This blog has honestly been tough to put together. The difficulty has been figuring out which illustrations I want to put in it. But the basis is this:
Today I had a job interview, only the fourth since my departure from the last place. This may be difficult to comprehend, but the job interview was fabulous. It left me with a good feeling. The strange thing about that is, I will not get the job.
"Yeah. You've stayed at home too long. You have lost your mind."
Stay with me here. The interview was at a luxury car dealership. The interviewer, Brian, was wonderful. He was straightforward with me, and we had an interview full of candor and straight talk. What he told me as a complete stranger many friends would not tell me. My wife would tell me, and has many times. She's good for me like that. She is the sandpaper of my life. In that manner, Brian was an excellent face for his company. He was not trying to sell his business just to get warm bodies in the payroll. He has a vision for the place he works, given to him by his superiors. It is a successful business model, passed down from a very respected name.
Basically, as a stranger, he was able to dispense some truth into my life that he could see as an independent observer. I do not think I would have seen this as a younger person. I don't even believe I would have seen this a year ago. I see it now, and I am thankful for it. I have also been getting this at church in the past six months. Challenging words from the Bible, God's Word being poured into my heart, it is what I have needed for my life.
I guess I have been a victim of the Southern culture, where we don't really say the hard things to someone, we just sugar that person up, then say it behind their back, along with a "Bless their heart" that somehow makes it all okay. It's okay to tell somebody something that will be hard for them to hear. That is how the Gospel gets spread. That is how lives get changed. This is how improvements are made. This is how a person grows mentally and intellectually. A person cannot grow without a little pain. Steel is not forged until it reaches the highest temperatures and is pounded into shape.
The best illustration I can think of is the GEICO ad starring R. Lee Ermey. "Does a former drill sergeant make a terrible therapist?" The truth is, no he doesn't. Maybe the jackwod that needed a little self-confidence needed a little more drill sergeant treatment from him. It would help him to man up a little, and deliver him from "Namby-Pamby" land.
Thanks to my wife, Pastor Steven Furtick, and to Brian from Hendrick Motors in Hickory. Thank you for telling me the things I need to hear, and not just tickling my ears. If this made any sense to you, please comment and let me know.
I kid, I kid.
This blog has honestly been tough to put together. The difficulty has been figuring out which illustrations I want to put in it. But the basis is this:
Today I had a job interview, only the fourth since my departure from the last place. This may be difficult to comprehend, but the job interview was fabulous. It left me with a good feeling. The strange thing about that is, I will not get the job.
"Yeah. You've stayed at home too long. You have lost your mind."
Stay with me here. The interview was at a luxury car dealership. The interviewer, Brian, was wonderful. He was straightforward with me, and we had an interview full of candor and straight talk. What he told me as a complete stranger many friends would not tell me. My wife would tell me, and has many times. She's good for me like that. She is the sandpaper of my life. In that manner, Brian was an excellent face for his company. He was not trying to sell his business just to get warm bodies in the payroll. He has a vision for the place he works, given to him by his superiors. It is a successful business model, passed down from a very respected name.
Basically, as a stranger, he was able to dispense some truth into my life that he could see as an independent observer. I do not think I would have seen this as a younger person. I don't even believe I would have seen this a year ago. I see it now, and I am thankful for it. I have also been getting this at church in the past six months. Challenging words from the Bible, God's Word being poured into my heart, it is what I have needed for my life.
I guess I have been a victim of the Southern culture, where we don't really say the hard things to someone, we just sugar that person up, then say it behind their back, along with a "Bless their heart" that somehow makes it all okay. It's okay to tell somebody something that will be hard for them to hear. That is how the Gospel gets spread. That is how lives get changed. This is how improvements are made. This is how a person grows mentally and intellectually. A person cannot grow without a little pain. Steel is not forged until it reaches the highest temperatures and is pounded into shape.
The best illustration I can think of is the GEICO ad starring R. Lee Ermey. "Does a former drill sergeant make a terrible therapist?" The truth is, no he doesn't. Maybe the jackwod that needed a little self-confidence needed a little more drill sergeant treatment from him. It would help him to man up a little, and deliver him from "Namby-Pamby" land.
Thanks to my wife, Pastor Steven Furtick, and to Brian from Hendrick Motors in Hickory. Thank you for telling me the things I need to hear, and not just tickling my ears. If this made any sense to you, please comment and let me know.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Forced Inspiration (and a tangent)
That's kind of a bleak title.
What does that mean?
It means that I really have nothing else to do at school right now in between classes, so I thought "Why not blog?"
in other words, this could kinda get diluted, so if you want to go to the next blog or to facebook, go right ahead.
Forced inspiration can be really rough. It could cause a preacher to not put his best foot forward for God, trying to make a point when all he is really doing is sticking his foot on his mouth. It could cause a songwriter to put together a really bad song just to meet a deadline, yet the song goes forward. Forced inspiration can make a really bad novel.
Change the connotation. Sometimes forced inspiration can be good. A person in the pit of depression or grief may not want comfort or guidance at that particular time. A board at school today had this message: "Sometimes we miss the silver lining because we were searching for gold." Follow me here:
While dealing with the recent passing of my friend (see last blog), I would look at his wife's facebook profile. She posted a status update that was saddening. To be honest, 'Til death do they part was not supposed to come this early, right? Then I saw numerous comments from people, giving the usual lines. They are trying to help, I know that. But I think these were just "instinct lines." We are programmed to say these things instantaneously in an attempt to comfort someone. Something bad happens? "There must be a reason," or "All things work together for good." Yes, both are true, but SHUT UP!
Think of Job. When his calamity happened, what his friends did for him at the beginning (before they accused him of everything under the sun) was the best thing anyone can do. They sat with him. And they said nothing. Silence can be golden to the hurting and depressed. Save your words for later, when they are trying to pick themselves back up.
This is when forced inspiration can be good. A smile from a stranger. A smile from a child. Just a simple word, like "I love you. I'm here for you. I prayed for you today." (I phrased it like that because most folks say I'm praying for you and never think about you the rest of the day.)
Philippians 4:8 says: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." If you're depressed, think of your blessings given by God. If you've lost someone, yes, think of them. At the same time, if they belong to Christ, think of where they are. Remember the past with joy. I know it hurts. My goodness, it hurts. Depression is not a fun thing. Grief is miserable. Forced inspiration can be tough, but it can also give us what we need while here on Earth.
What does that mean?
It means that I really have nothing else to do at school right now in between classes, so I thought "Why not blog?"
in other words, this could kinda get diluted, so if you want to go to the next blog or to facebook, go right ahead.
Forced inspiration can be really rough. It could cause a preacher to not put his best foot forward for God, trying to make a point when all he is really doing is sticking his foot on his mouth. It could cause a songwriter to put together a really bad song just to meet a deadline, yet the song goes forward. Forced inspiration can make a really bad novel.
Change the connotation. Sometimes forced inspiration can be good. A person in the pit of depression or grief may not want comfort or guidance at that particular time. A board at school today had this message: "Sometimes we miss the silver lining because we were searching for gold." Follow me here:
While dealing with the recent passing of my friend (see last blog), I would look at his wife's facebook profile. She posted a status update that was saddening. To be honest, 'Til death do they part was not supposed to come this early, right? Then I saw numerous comments from people, giving the usual lines. They are trying to help, I know that. But I think these were just "instinct lines." We are programmed to say these things instantaneously in an attempt to comfort someone. Something bad happens? "There must be a reason," or "All things work together for good." Yes, both are true, but SHUT UP!
Think of Job. When his calamity happened, what his friends did for him at the beginning (before they accused him of everything under the sun) was the best thing anyone can do. They sat with him. And they said nothing. Silence can be golden to the hurting and depressed. Save your words for later, when they are trying to pick themselves back up.
This is when forced inspiration can be good. A smile from a stranger. A smile from a child. Just a simple word, like "I love you. I'm here for you. I prayed for you today." (I phrased it like that because most folks say I'm praying for you and never think about you the rest of the day.)
Philippians 4:8 says: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." If you're depressed, think of your blessings given by God. If you've lost someone, yes, think of them. At the same time, if they belong to Christ, think of where they are. Remember the past with joy. I know it hurts. My goodness, it hurts. Depression is not a fun thing. Grief is miserable. Forced inspiration can be tough, but it can also give us what we need while here on Earth.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Of Bubba teeth, "Jingle Bells," and falling up stairs
"The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." (Job 1:21 b, ESV)
I would dare say that except for Jenny Quinn fourteen years ago, I have never truly lost someone that I have considered a friend in my life. I've lost grandparents, an aunt and an uncle. None of those losses have impacted me like the one today.
I am proud to be one of the numerous thousands that could consider Tony Greene a friend. Tony died today at 4:25 p.m. He leaves behind a wife, TaRanda, two daughters, Belle and Josie, and memories too varied and numerous to count for whoever harbors them.
He was an excellent businessman, running his own concert promotion business and managing a singing group. He was a funeral director. He had been a music leader in church. He was an excellent singer. My goodness, he was a comedian. He was a great husband, father, brother, uncle...you name it.
Thanks to my brother, I was able to remember the fun times. On a Wednesday night, he stood to lead the music, and sang the songs WEARING BUBBA TEETH. I remember it as vividly as I see the screen in front of me. The songs, I don't remember: I couldn't sing one of them for laughing so hard. "Jingle Bells" was his all-time classic story about the woman wanting this song sang at her husband's funeral, which he did, only for her to realize she meant "When They Ring Those Golden Bells."
My brother and I were with them at a church south of Hickory, NC, for a concert. As they were introduced, Nic Holland, who was filling in for Tim Greene, went up the stairs, but never made it. Tony laughed, snorted, laughed, snorted, until he could no longer contain his snot. It was classic Tony, and Nic did eventually live it down.
I remember nights at Wendy's, Los Arcos in Boone, and meeting him for a sandwich at Hannah's BBQ here in Lenoir. My brother and I ate with them at Outback in Hickory the night wrestler Owen Hart fell to his death (I have a weird way of combining memories). The man knew a good restaurant.
One of his favorite songs I remember was "I Cannot Find the Way Alone" by Albert E. Brumley. I was looking at the words tonight, and have been singing it to myself. I could not do it with the same feeling he could, but it takes me to that special place, with those special people, back many years ago.
Today, God called a special saint home weeks before his 42nd birthday. That is the sad part. Yet consider this-no more dialysis. No more kidney rejection. No more gout. No more pneumonia. No more bus problems. His quality of life is greatly improved. I pray for his family. TaRanda, Belle, Josie, mother Carolyn, Tim and Kim, everyone.
Tonight, when I got out of class, I went to Hannah's BBQ. I decided to have a Chopped BBQ sandwich and Fries in tribute to my friend. I think my brother did the same. The fries were definitely the best I ever had from there. The sandwich was, as well. Farewell, my friend. I will see you in a little while.
I would dare say that except for Jenny Quinn fourteen years ago, I have never truly lost someone that I have considered a friend in my life. I've lost grandparents, an aunt and an uncle. None of those losses have impacted me like the one today.
I am proud to be one of the numerous thousands that could consider Tony Greene a friend. Tony died today at 4:25 p.m. He leaves behind a wife, TaRanda, two daughters, Belle and Josie, and memories too varied and numerous to count for whoever harbors them.
He was an excellent businessman, running his own concert promotion business and managing a singing group. He was a funeral director. He had been a music leader in church. He was an excellent singer. My goodness, he was a comedian. He was a great husband, father, brother, uncle...you name it.
Thanks to my brother, I was able to remember the fun times. On a Wednesday night, he stood to lead the music, and sang the songs WEARING BUBBA TEETH. I remember it as vividly as I see the screen in front of me. The songs, I don't remember: I couldn't sing one of them for laughing so hard. "Jingle Bells" was his all-time classic story about the woman wanting this song sang at her husband's funeral, which he did, only for her to realize she meant "When They Ring Those Golden Bells."
My brother and I were with them at a church south of Hickory, NC, for a concert. As they were introduced, Nic Holland, who was filling in for Tim Greene, went up the stairs, but never made it. Tony laughed, snorted, laughed, snorted, until he could no longer contain his snot. It was classic Tony, and Nic did eventually live it down.
I remember nights at Wendy's, Los Arcos in Boone, and meeting him for a sandwich at Hannah's BBQ here in Lenoir. My brother and I ate with them at Outback in Hickory the night wrestler Owen Hart fell to his death (I have a weird way of combining memories). The man knew a good restaurant.
One of his favorite songs I remember was "I Cannot Find the Way Alone" by Albert E. Brumley. I was looking at the words tonight, and have been singing it to myself. I could not do it with the same feeling he could, but it takes me to that special place, with those special people, back many years ago.
Today, God called a special saint home weeks before his 42nd birthday. That is the sad part. Yet consider this-no more dialysis. No more kidney rejection. No more gout. No more pneumonia. No more bus problems. His quality of life is greatly improved. I pray for his family. TaRanda, Belle, Josie, mother Carolyn, Tim and Kim, everyone.
Tonight, when I got out of class, I went to Hannah's BBQ. I decided to have a Chopped BBQ sandwich and Fries in tribute to my friend. I think my brother did the same. The fries were definitely the best I ever had from there. The sandwich was, as well. Farewell, my friend. I will see you in a little while.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Seeking, and Finding. The end of the Church Me series
(I will come up front and say that this is not an original idea for a post. This is actually from something I heard Pastor David Jeremiah mention a couple of days ago on his radio program.)
When people ask where I go to church, they would be surprised to hear me say Charlotte. I go to Elevation Church, where Steven Furtick is the lead Pastor. My wife Sheyna went to the same college that Pastor Steven and his wife Holly attended. She has followed blogs for the church for years, and this Easter, we finally attended. We have gone ever sense.
People ask me about my church. What kind of church is it? Well, it's different. The music is louder than I am accustomed to (they pass out earplugs at the door!), the presentation is different, and everything is well put together. The preaching, most importantly, is TOP-NOTCH. Pastor Steven hits you solidly in the face with the Word of God. He once described it is "old school preaching in a new school way." Is my church seeker-sensitive? No, not in that sense.
This is where the David Jeremiah quote comes in. He mentioned that someone asked him (since his church is on the west coast) if his church was seeker-friendly, seeker-sensitive, or seeker-focused. He then quoted this verse: "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10, part b, NKJV)
He expounded: Jesus is the seeker. Therefore, are we seeker-friendly? Yes, we try to be a friend to Jesus. Are we seeker-sensitive? Yes, we strive to be sensitive to Jesus, and to the leading of the Spirit. Are we seeker-focused? The older we get, the more we focus on the seeker of the lost, looking for the day of Blessed Hope. (I'm sorry, Pastor Jeremiah, if I completely butchered your thought in the paraphrase.)
The point is this: I go to a church that acts in audacious faith, So that people far from God will be filled with life in Christ. Yes, they do some things a little bit different. However- he word is preached in an unashamed fashion. This is what is drawing people in. They are treated well by a courteous and incredible staff. God is honoring the church, because the honor Him that came to seek and save, and it is evident to all to see.
When I did my "Church Me" blogs last year, I did not imagine I would be in such a church. Now that I am, I can't picture myself anywhere else.
When people ask where I go to church, they would be surprised to hear me say Charlotte. I go to Elevation Church, where Steven Furtick is the lead Pastor. My wife Sheyna went to the same college that Pastor Steven and his wife Holly attended. She has followed blogs for the church for years, and this Easter, we finally attended. We have gone ever sense.
People ask me about my church. What kind of church is it? Well, it's different. The music is louder than I am accustomed to (they pass out earplugs at the door!), the presentation is different, and everything is well put together. The preaching, most importantly, is TOP-NOTCH. Pastor Steven hits you solidly in the face with the Word of God. He once described it is "old school preaching in a new school way." Is my church seeker-sensitive? No, not in that sense.
This is where the David Jeremiah quote comes in. He mentioned that someone asked him (since his church is on the west coast) if his church was seeker-friendly, seeker-sensitive, or seeker-focused. He then quoted this verse: "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10, part b, NKJV)
He expounded: Jesus is the seeker. Therefore, are we seeker-friendly? Yes, we try to be a friend to Jesus. Are we seeker-sensitive? Yes, we strive to be sensitive to Jesus, and to the leading of the Spirit. Are we seeker-focused? The older we get, the more we focus on the seeker of the lost, looking for the day of Blessed Hope. (I'm sorry, Pastor Jeremiah, if I completely butchered your thought in the paraphrase.)
The point is this: I go to a church that acts in audacious faith, So that people far from God will be filled with life in Christ. Yes, they do some things a little bit different. However- he word is preached in an unashamed fashion. This is what is drawing people in. They are treated well by a courteous and incredible staff. God is honoring the church, because the honor Him that came to seek and save, and it is evident to all to see.
When I did my "Church Me" blogs last year, I did not imagine I would be in such a church. Now that I am, I can't picture myself anywhere else.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
The Unfortunate Tale of Leonard Lopart
That's right. A blog involving the Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz, Veggie Tales, and now Handy Manny. What does all this tell me, and what should it tell you?
I NEED TO GET OUT MORE.
But first, a verse from Proverbs: Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall (Prov. 16:18).
It you don't know who I'm talking about, Handy Manny is a show on the Disney Channel. He is a handyman voiced by Wilmer Valderama. He and his talking tools (Pat, Turner, Felipe, Rusty, Turner, Squeeze, Flicker, and Rusty) go around town making repairs, building things, solving problems, and learning lessons along the way. Next door to Manny's repair shop is Lopart's Candy Store, owned by Leonard Lopart. He, and his cat Fluffy are always working on something when Manny goes out on a job. Whenever Manny asks if he needs help, Mr. Lopart refuses. After Manny leaves (and sometimes before), something always happens to him. Mr. Lopart is the comedy relief on the show, it's true. Yet he is a lesson on the human nature and condition.
We all would like to think we are like Manny. We have it all together, we have the tools to do any job, and we rarely get into a situation without panicking. In Manny's world, even when he gets stuck in an elevator, he is calm and collected. He is humble, a good uncle, and a friend to the community of Sheet Rock Hills.
Really, we are more like Mr. Lopart. We always try to do it on our own. We have help right there next to us. Whenever he asks our help, we refuse. Why? We know he can do the job, but we turn him down. We are the result of our own pride, and we allow it to lead to our downfall.
Folks, don't be afraid to ask for help. Our help is right there with us, and He has all the tools to help us succeed. "My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth" Ps. 121:2. The best part of it is, He has given us unlimited access to the tools. All we have to do is ask Him. When pride is out of the way, we succeed in life, and we tend to not find ourselves under a pile on the floor being licked by a cat. "Oh, Fluffy..."
I NEED TO GET OUT MORE.
But first, a verse from Proverbs: Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall (Prov. 16:18).
It you don't know who I'm talking about, Handy Manny is a show on the Disney Channel. He is a handyman voiced by Wilmer Valderama. He and his talking tools (Pat, Turner, Felipe, Rusty, Turner, Squeeze, Flicker, and Rusty) go around town making repairs, building things, solving problems, and learning lessons along the way. Next door to Manny's repair shop is Lopart's Candy Store, owned by Leonard Lopart. He, and his cat Fluffy are always working on something when Manny goes out on a job. Whenever Manny asks if he needs help, Mr. Lopart refuses. After Manny leaves (and sometimes before), something always happens to him. Mr. Lopart is the comedy relief on the show, it's true. Yet he is a lesson on the human nature and condition.
We all would like to think we are like Manny. We have it all together, we have the tools to do any job, and we rarely get into a situation without panicking. In Manny's world, even when he gets stuck in an elevator, he is calm and collected. He is humble, a good uncle, and a friend to the community of Sheet Rock Hills.
Really, we are more like Mr. Lopart. We always try to do it on our own. We have help right there next to us. Whenever he asks our help, we refuse. Why? We know he can do the job, but we turn him down. We are the result of our own pride, and we allow it to lead to our downfall.
Folks, don't be afraid to ask for help. Our help is right there with us, and He has all the tools to help us succeed. "My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth" Ps. 121:2. The best part of it is, He has given us unlimited access to the tools. All we have to do is ask Him. When pride is out of the way, we succeed in life, and we tend to not find ourselves under a pile on the floor being licked by a cat. "Oh, Fluffy..."
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