Posts Tagged ‘example’

A Child’s View

September 10th, 2010

I found this video title “One Child’s Most Exciting Day” whilst on my normal search for information and ideas on the World Wide Web earlier this week.  I have spent parts of the last two days thinking about it.  You will need to watch it to get the full picture, but essentially in this German ( I think) video about poverty, a child is asked to describe his most exciting day.  As he describes visiting castles, eating feasts and sailing on boats, the images show he and his mother, at the unemployment office, at the food bank and in the washateria.

I have not been able to rationalize whether the video paints the child and his position in poverty in a positive or negative light.  It seems to suggest that he is hiding the pain by telling a story, but I am not sure.  I wonder if he has become content in his world, oblivious, or at least not dwelling in, his humble position in life.  I can’t help but to think this is a good image of what our Lord says when he tells us to have “faith like a child”, and when he instructs us to be humble and content in all things.

3And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew 18:3-4 (New International Version)

This child took a day that to an adult could be rather humiliating, boring, and mundane and turns it in a day full of adventure, excitement and promise.   hm..

Take one minute today or this weekend to watch this video.  Think about this boy’s perspective on life, and think about your own.

I don’t think I have fully grasped the complete message that is delivered in this 69 second spot, as my sub conscious continues to mull it over.  But I do see that our attitude and viewpoint can make even the hardest day better.   Enjoy Friday, enjoy the weekend, and find adventure and excitement in all your undertakings.

11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.   Philippians 4:11-13 (New International Version)

Do Good

August 17th, 2010

I have several thoughts working around in my brain today, but they are all baby thoughts.  Thoughts that are not ready to be released into the mighty blogosphere. So I will keep incubating those for a few more days.  And since my mind is preoccupied, today’s thought is quite simple, yet quite astute.

It’s a simple message and a reminder to do good.

9-10So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith. (Galatians 6:10, The Message)

Be salty today, don’t back down, and impact people!

Can’t Kick the Habit

June 4th, 2010

I can tell that summer is here.  I was able to sleep in a little ( like 20 minutes) and take my time in the morning and the house is completely quiet.  Where are those people that live with me?

Anyway, yesterday I received an email about a band call Family Force 5.  They are a  Christian crunk rock band. That’s usually not my type of music, but it’s still intriguing to me to see people use so many different ways to spread the message of the Christ.  One of their songs is called “Love Addict” and the music video has over 3.5 million hits on YouTube.  This song contains the following lyric:

Hold Up! Wait a minute! Put a little love in it!

That sort of reminds me of Paul in 1 Corinthians

1 If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. 2If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing. 3-7If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. ( The Message)

I mean really, if I have everything, but I don’t have love what do I have.  And that is the message of the Christ.  Check it in Mark:

35For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:35-37 (New International Version)

So today, whether you like crunk rock or not ( and I think I am starting to!), sing it out:

Hold up, Wait a minute, Put a little love in it!

Can’t kick the habit,

I’ve got to have it,

I’m what is called a

Love Addict

Love Addict