Periodic Ponderings - 2004
(whatever happens to be on my mind at any given time that I feel like sharing...)
12/26/04
Hope you had a good holiday. When you spend Christmas holidays alone, you tend to notice things you don't ordinarily pay attention to. In my case, it's not so much to combat loneliness, but out of sheer determination to be rebellious and create an atmosphere other than what the media tells you that you're supposed to do on this day: be with family and friends, get lots of gifts, bake foods to bring to those families and friends.
On the drive in to church on Christmas morning, I noticed many things. Gee, those pine trees along the side of the road would make great Christmas trees for anyone with the nerve to cut them down. Look at those folks out jogging in the cold this morning. Wish I had that self-discipline. I really should have gone down to the workout room today but just didn't feel like it. Boy, those two jets about to land at the airport look like they're in a neck and neck race. Wonder which one will make it first.
If you attend my church, if you arrive in a down mood, you aren't in one for long. You quickly get caught up in a joyous celebration. The attendance mirrored the usual 9 am Sunday crowd, same people in the same spots. Thankfully, none of the same media rhetoric from the pulpit. Instead, we are reminded that it is not a completely joyous world out there--including in our own neighborhoods--,as long as people are homeless, hungry and marginalized. But we're also reminded to have hope--and to shine our light toward others, because no one can do it quite like each of us can.
May your light shine brightly in 2005.
10/30/04
Ok, I just have to say something about this blogging craze.
Simply, I was blogging before blogging was cool. My "periodic ponderings" began in May 2001. It was a part spiritual and part life journal. It was, as it is now, made up of things on my mind that I felt like sharing, and some things which I thought others might relate to and might find helpful. I've just been so scattered all over the map lately that I haven't had much I've wanted to pin down to put here. I have, though, reshaped a couple of my online newsletters so that they read more like "blogs".
I have also been reading a lot of blogs. I've been keeping up with the sudden slew of Southern Gospel music blogs (averyfineline.com being the best of the bunch). I've no plans to jump into that arena myself. I've also been reading one or two by folks who have some divergent viewpoints from mine but who write engagingly and intelligently, so they have my respect...and regular readership.
But, I'll try to be a little more regular with comments here.
8/28/04
Wow. Wow. Wow.
You all know how much I love classic top 40 radio. I came across a website called ReelRadio.com which is filled with airchecks (show segments for the uninitiated) of great top 40 radio from just about all over the country. The famous and the not so famous are included, courtesy of the generosity of dozens of collectors. Talk about being the proverbial kid in a candy store. This is pop culture at its ultimate. Never heard Alan Freed? Here's your chance. I get it why he was so popular and beloved. Look around--maybe even the local radio station you grew up with is represented here. I found a clip from mine (WAVZ, New Haven). You can also listen to radio in Dallas the afternoon of the JFK assassination, or hear Imus the way I used to listen to him on WNBC. Incredibly nostalgic, and WAYYY too much fun.
It's a great thing that because so many people cared to preserve these memories, some special times in our lives can live on forever, be healing and comforting at times and remind us who we are and where we came from. Hope you'll check it out.
7/28/04
I think there is a reason why each of us is here. Some people, sadly, never find out what that is. I am one of the lucky ones who knows. I believe that my calling is to recognize gifts and talents, point them out to the person(s), and to anyone who will listen, and encourage them. If you have this kind of call, you do it because it's right beyond a doubt. As natural as breathing. If the person receives the message and is encouraged, the primary goal has been achieved. Whatever else comes to you, in terms of gratitude, friendship, etc. should be considered an unexpected gift of richness.
Listen carefully to what I just said: whatever else comes to you. This means not to give encouragement only because you think you are going to get it back or will find more favor or higher standing with someone. If you make that your goal, it will most likely backfire at some point.
Also realize that, try as you might, not everyone is going to "get" what you do. Others may feel threatened by the impact of what you do if you get your message across powerfully enough to bring forth those unexpected blessings...especially those who have been trying to make certain things happen for themselves. Or, no matter how clear you make your intent, the objects of your encouragement may keep you at arm's length because they remain convinced that you are trying to go through a door they don't want to open, even though you aren't asking for the key. If any of this happens, is it your problem? I say no. We who are committed to encouragement as a means to bring positive change and growth to those lives we desire to touch need to press on. At the same time remaining true to our calling, we must make wise, confident choices on how we support people...and keep confidence in the brightness of the colors we bring to the table.
7/8/04
I have not "pondered" in about 7 months. Possibly because a lot of that past writing came from some dark places. Thus, my silence perhaps stemmed from the fact that I've purged a few of those demons and there's been nothing to kick to the curb these days. I've learned that the relentless quest of being good enough or the best whatever to someone is a road laced with frustration, pain and heartache. So I've gone a different way now. There are still others out there who like to think they've run past me. But they'll have to chase after new competitors. Like Rascal Flatts sings it, "I'm movin' on." If someone can't see my colors, I suggest they get new glasses.
I may let this edition go a couple of different ways. Maybe not quite as spiritual as last time, perhaps opening up to different avenues, thoughts and perspectives. We'll see where it comes. Hop on board if you like.
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