Monday, July 7, 2008
Thanks and God Bless
Well, this past May I graduated from Regent with my Bachelors in Organizational leadership and Management. It has been an amazing journey that I started some three years ago, transferring in with over thirty credits from a local community college. Through the process of earning my Bachelors, I have had many experiences that have provide me opportunities to grow and develop, as well as the opportunity to develop many friendships which I believe will have lasting influence and importance in my life. I am grateful that I responded to the call these few short years ago to attend Regent. I know that coming to his school was a venue through which God has helped me to grow and continue on the path of His calling. Though I have closed the last pages of this chapter of my life, it really is just a chapter in the book of my life. For that matter, it really is just the turning of the next page. This fall I will be returning to Regent to begin my joint degree in Government and Law. Just as I know that Regent was God plan for me then, I know that I am on the path for continued development now. With that, I just wanted to sign off this blog properly by letting you know what I was up to. If you have enjoyed reading this blog, you can follow more of my writings on my personal blog, which can be found at PaulBoller.com. Thank you so much for your readership and I hope this blog has at times has made you laugh, smile, or think. Thanks and God Bless.
Friday, July 4, 2008
What those Fireworks stand for...
Today is the 4th of July. For some, it is just other day. For others, it is a holiday from work. For more, it is a day of picnics, hotdogs, and fireworks. Though the 4th may be all this, it really is so much more. It is a day to remember and to reflect among the tremendous sacrifice that our founders made over two hundred years ago to help secure for a nation yet born the liberties and freedoms that we hold so dear today. Specifically, it is a day we should remember the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence, which rightfully can be viewed as the birth certificate of our great nation.
If asked, few people could probably remember the names of the signers apart from Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Hancock. In addition to these men, many, many more sacrificed their secure lives for an uncertain future which held more promise for others than themselves. As in the concluding words of the declaration itself, they “mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor”. Several of these signers, many the above mentioned, went on to prominence within our history books, yet others went into obscurity as they truly gave their last full measure of devotion. Some lost their earthly fortunes in support of liberties’ cause. Others were separated from and experienced the lost of their families for their involvement. Few gave that and their very lives in support of a cause they believed to be bigger than themselves. They ran themselves ragged, neglecting themselves and their worldly affairs to see their nation succeed. They also had it forcibly taken from them as the British inflicted it’s wrath on the signers for their treasonous deeds.
However much their sacrifice, they gave it willingly because they held to the belief that God had bestowed upon each man rights that no government was allowed to infringe upon. They believed that “All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Right, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
Because all of them were willing to give all and because some did give all, liberty was secured for a birthing nation. We enjoy that freedom today. Not only that, but because they secured freedom for Americans then, their deeds helped formed a nation that has since stood as the guardian of freedom for a world that has known too little of it. Just over the past hundred years when evil threaten to consume the world in the two world wars, Americans, who are the spiritual heirs of the courage and resolve of those signers, stood alongside the other freedom loving peoples of the earth and put evil on the retreat. When million upon millions were enslaved behind the iron curtain of tyranny, Americans again led the charge to tear it down. As of recent, Americans have begun to impart the seeds of freedom to those in the Middle East. Though they may not have seen it then, those 56 men in fighting for the freedoms of their countrymen, helped bring freedom to the world time and time again.
And when you look at it from a spiritual perspective, it is clear to see the implications of Americans fighting for freedom. The Signers help create a nation where Christian principles of liberty and freedom flourish. From there American became John Winthrop’s and later President Ronald Reagan’s “shining city on a hill”. For over two hundred years, the good news of the gospel has proceeded forth from this blood bought shores to peoples throughout the world. In that, God has used America as His tool for reaching a lost and hurting world. I believe that this is why God shed His grace on her. Let us never forget those 56 men, the sacrifice they made, and the spiritual heritage they have entrusted to our care. We must never forget their deeds or take them for granted. As Ronald Reagan so elegantly stated, "Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people. Those who have known freedom and then lost it have never known it again." - Ronald Reagan, 1967.
If asked, few people could probably remember the names of the signers apart from Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Hancock. In addition to these men, many, many more sacrificed their secure lives for an uncertain future which held more promise for others than themselves. As in the concluding words of the declaration itself, they “mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor”. Several of these signers, many the above mentioned, went on to prominence within our history books, yet others went into obscurity as they truly gave their last full measure of devotion. Some lost their earthly fortunes in support of liberties’ cause. Others were separated from and experienced the lost of their families for their involvement. Few gave that and their very lives in support of a cause they believed to be bigger than themselves. They ran themselves ragged, neglecting themselves and their worldly affairs to see their nation succeed. They also had it forcibly taken from them as the British inflicted it’s wrath on the signers for their treasonous deeds.
However much their sacrifice, they gave it willingly because they held to the belief that God had bestowed upon each man rights that no government was allowed to infringe upon. They believed that “All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Right, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
Because all of them were willing to give all and because some did give all, liberty was secured for a birthing nation. We enjoy that freedom today. Not only that, but because they secured freedom for Americans then, their deeds helped formed a nation that has since stood as the guardian of freedom for a world that has known too little of it. Just over the past hundred years when evil threaten to consume the world in the two world wars, Americans, who are the spiritual heirs of the courage and resolve of those signers, stood alongside the other freedom loving peoples of the earth and put evil on the retreat. When million upon millions were enslaved behind the iron curtain of tyranny, Americans again led the charge to tear it down. As of recent, Americans have begun to impart the seeds of freedom to those in the Middle East. Though they may not have seen it then, those 56 men in fighting for the freedoms of their countrymen, helped bring freedom to the world time and time again.
And when you look at it from a spiritual perspective, it is clear to see the implications of Americans fighting for freedom. The Signers help create a nation where Christian principles of liberty and freedom flourish. From there American became John Winthrop’s and later President Ronald Reagan’s “shining city on a hill”. For over two hundred years, the good news of the gospel has proceeded forth from this blood bought shores to peoples throughout the world. In that, God has used America as His tool for reaching a lost and hurting world. I believe that this is why God shed His grace on her. Let us never forget those 56 men, the sacrifice they made, and the spiritual heritage they have entrusted to our care. We must never forget their deeds or take them for granted. As Ronald Reagan so elegantly stated, "Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people. Those who have known freedom and then lost it have never known it again." - Ronald Reagan, 1967.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Strong Leaders Arise to the Top
A thought that I have been recently pondering is this: when it comes to leadership, time is either an amazing ally or an incredible enemy. I say this because time has the ability to reveal people for who they really are as leaders. Some people can for a short period of time portray themselves as a strong leader, yet as time passes it becomes harder and harder to maintain that image. When situation continually arise that are outside of their scope of leadership, followers overlook at first, but eventually start taking notice. Time does exactly the opposite for a true leader of what it does for the weak leader. As situations occur around true leaders, they perform and people notice. If the individual is a very strong leader, people slowly begin to realign themselves behind the leader. It is natural that individuals only align themselves behind stronger leaders than themselves. Only for particular purposes do strong leaders align themselves behind weaker leaders, yet for the most part, people with strong leadership abilities emerge as the top leader. This is why positional leadership can only give you a head start; it cannot sustain leadership.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Others
So I was sitting outside Friday enjoying the beautiful weather that complements the beautiful campus we have here at Regent. Part of me just wanted to simply sit here and soak it in. Do nothing but relax and let the warm rays of the sun just fall on my face. Another part of me was and still is bursting at the seems, feeling like I have so much being poured into me that I am about to burst. Part of that is because of the school work I currently have. Specifically I am working on a project that I really am looking forward to seeing the completed presentation. It is and will require a great amount of work, yet I am still excited about it. On a deeper level through, I feel that God is pouring something into me that I must begin to act upon. It all flows around one word that He put into my spirit in the fall of last year: people.
I feel that if somehow people can now see me as a people person, I still have so much to learn. When it comes to being an effective people person I still feel so inadequate at times. I know that there is so much that I can do to build up those around me. There are so many more ways that I can be investing into the lives of others so they can better become all that God has called them to be. I know that if I can spend my life investing into other people that I will have lived a life worth living. We take time to invest into education, working related trainings, and financial ventures, yet when was the last time we took time to intentionally invest into the lives of those around us? Almost a constant question in my mind is now, “How can I better invest my live into others?” I believe God is showing how to do that better.
“A life isn’t significant except for its impact on other lives.” - Jackie Robinson
“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” - Albert Schweitzer
P.S. Tonight Wave is have the senior pastor of Hillsong London speak at 5 and 7 pm. He was AMAZING this morning!! Come tonight!!
I feel that if somehow people can now see me as a people person, I still have so much to learn. When it comes to being an effective people person I still feel so inadequate at times. I know that there is so much that I can do to build up those around me. There are so many more ways that I can be investing into the lives of others so they can better become all that God has called them to be. I know that if I can spend my life investing into other people that I will have lived a life worth living. We take time to invest into education, working related trainings, and financial ventures, yet when was the last time we took time to intentionally invest into the lives of those around us? Almost a constant question in my mind is now, “How can I better invest my live into others?” I believe God is showing how to do that better.
“A life isn’t significant except for its impact on other lives.” - Jackie Robinson
“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” - Albert Schweitzer
P.S. Tonight Wave is have the senior pastor of Hillsong London speak at 5 and 7 pm. He was AMAZING this morning!! Come tonight!!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
The Call of Gold...or God?
In my life group last night, one of the guys read a quote from a book about the life of C.T. Studd. As it turned at, Studd was a missionary who served Christ for about ten years in China (1885-1894), 6 years in India (1900-1906), and then over twenty years in Africa (1910-1931)! You can read more about his life by clicking on this link. But I just wanted to share what my friend read to us:
“Five hundred millions of heathen have not yet been evangelized, so it is computed! Yet our great Missionary Societies have reached high water-mark, and if they have not already begun to retrench, are seriously thinking of doing so. Meanwhile, the heart of Asia, the heart of Africa, and well nigh the whole continent of south America, are untouched with the Gospel of Christ.”
“Last June at the mouth of the Congo there awaited a thousand prospectors, traders, merchants and gold seekers, waiting to rush into these regions as soon as the government opened the door to them, for rumor declared that there is an abundance of gold. If such men hear so loudly the call of gold and obey it, can it be that the ears of Christ’s soldiers are deaf to the call of God, and the cries of the dying souls of men? Are gamblers for gold so many, and gamblers for God so few?” (p. 139-140)
Oh MAN!! Doesn’t that just resonate deep within you! He went on to say more that was good, but this line stood out to me.
“Believing that further delay would be sinful, some of God’s insignificants and nobodies in particular, but trusting in our Omnipotent God, have decided on certain simple lines, according to the Book of God, to make a definite attempt to render the evangelization of the world an accomplished fact.” (p. 140)
An accomplished fact! When was the last time you and I thought of evangelism as something that could be definitively accomplished worldwide?! I pray we all view the calling God has put on each of us the way Studd viewed his as a missionary!
References
Grubb, N. (1935). C.T. Studd: Cricketer and pioneer. Atlantic City, N.J: The World-Wide Revival Prayer Movement.
“Five hundred millions of heathen have not yet been evangelized, so it is computed! Yet our great Missionary Societies have reached high water-mark, and if they have not already begun to retrench, are seriously thinking of doing so. Meanwhile, the heart of Asia, the heart of Africa, and well nigh the whole continent of south America, are untouched with the Gospel of Christ.”
“Last June at the mouth of the Congo there awaited a thousand prospectors, traders, merchants and gold seekers, waiting to rush into these regions as soon as the government opened the door to them, for rumor declared that there is an abundance of gold. If such men hear so loudly the call of gold and obey it, can it be that the ears of Christ’s soldiers are deaf to the call of God, and the cries of the dying souls of men? Are gamblers for gold so many, and gamblers for God so few?” (p. 139-140)
Oh MAN!! Doesn’t that just resonate deep within you! He went on to say more that was good, but this line stood out to me.
“Believing that further delay would be sinful, some of God’s insignificants and nobodies in particular, but trusting in our Omnipotent God, have decided on certain simple lines, according to the Book of God, to make a definite attempt to render the evangelization of the world an accomplished fact.” (p. 140)
An accomplished fact! When was the last time you and I thought of evangelism as something that could be definitively accomplished worldwide?! I pray we all view the calling God has put on each of us the way Studd viewed his as a missionary!
References
Grubb, N. (1935). C.T. Studd: Cricketer and pioneer. Atlantic City, N.J: The World-Wide Revival Prayer Movement.
Monday, March 10, 2008
I Will Go!
I just found an amazing new song. It is “I Will Go” by Starfield. It is just one of those songs that you want to (and I do) scream out as you drive your car. Actually based on the message of this song and some of their other new songs in their latest album, I think they have been recently influenced by Hillsong United…simply awesome. If you want to hear it, go to myspace.com/starfield
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Drudge and The Prince
So I am angry and disappointed with the Drudge Report. For those of you who have been following the recent news, it was learned and reported that Prince Harry of England was on active duty in Afghanistan. As it has been reported, a small Australian magazine first reported on the story, then to be followed by Drudge. Now without greater information, I can only assume that it would have been a matter of time before others would have picked up on the Australian story, yet by Drudge posting the story his site, the world knew about the story in a matter of hours. It is possible that if he had not posted the story, Prince Harry could have been safely active for another week or so before they would have had to recall him as they have. But as it is, the British government felt that after Drudge had posted the story that they could no longer deny his presence there and or delay his immediate recall. Not only did posting that story endanger the life of Prince Harry by alerting the enemy to his presents, it endangered those serving with him. It also endanger the moral of a country had he been killed after that story’s release. It could have also damaged our relations with England had he died has a result of an American, Drudge’s, broadcasting to the world of Prince Harry’s service. Now I do not know all the circumstances surrounding Drudges release of the information, so I cannot say anything definitively. On its face though, it appears that Drudge put the safety of Prince Harry, his fellow comrades, and the pride on a country behind his “getting the scoop” on the story. It appears to have been a very unprincipled act on Drudges part and I am ashamed of it.
On another note, I commend Prince Harry for his willing to serve in his country's military on the front lines. I just wished we could have learned about it after he had finished his deployment.
On another note, I commend Prince Harry for his willing to serve in his country's military on the front lines. I just wished we could have learned about it after he had finished his deployment.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Truth
So I have been randomly playing with creating some computer backgrounds that incorporate things that I am passionate about. There are several key words that carry significant value to me. One of those words is Truth. Striving towards truth and understanding it is a driving force in my life. If I must change my perspective in order to better see the truth of a matter, I want to change. If I must dig to find it, pass me a shovel. And if I must humble myself to express it, I desire to have the humility to do so. But in the process of working on this background, I came across these couple of verses which I want to describe me:
I would recommend reading this chapter…it is simply wow.
I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set my heart on your laws.
I hold fast to your statutes, O Lord;
do not let me be put to shame. I run in
the path of your commands, for you have
set my heart free. - Psalms 119:30-32 (NIV).
I have set my heart on your laws.
I hold fast to your statutes, O Lord;
do not let me be put to shame. I run in
the path of your commands, for you have
set my heart free. - Psalms 119:30-32 (NIV).
I would recommend reading this chapter…it is simply wow.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Simply Amazing
This past week has been simply amazing. As I did last year, I went to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC.org). There I was surrounded in a sea of young men and women who want to advance the conservative ideas and principles I so deeply believe in. Though physically exhausting, it was mentally invigorating. I got to hear from Presidential candidates and the President himself. I got to network with people and be exposed to new ideas. But what I believe I enjoyed most about the weekend was that I learned that I have more friends back home who’s heart beats similarly to my own. They see a need to get involved politically and to be a light for justice and truth in an arena that far too often distorts these values. Despite whatever happens in the near elections, I have an optimism that God is at work in the long run and America’s best days are ahead of her. I will never stop fighting to point people to this future and to do ever I can to stand by my nation as it stands as a light of hope in a often dim world.
Here are some photos from the weekend:
Here are some photos from the weekend:
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
A Woman's Heart Hidden in His
So there is the saying, “a woman's heart must be so hidden in God that a man has to seek Him in order to find her.” As I was riding in the car with my brother and his friend to church the other night, I decided to think through this statement. Though these thoughts probably are not original to me, I came up with several.
1. He must find her while pursuing God, not her affections.
This is the most obvious implication from the saying, yet I believe it probably is one of the hardest for men. Though I have never seriously romantically pursued a women, I know just how the feeling liking a girl is intoxicating. It can quickly become the thought that consumes your every waking moment. Yet when this happens, if not careful, we can forget pursuing God in the process and start trying to pursue her. By doing this we subjugate God’s will to our own. God says, “Focus on me and I will take care of you”. But we want to say, “God, if I don’t go after her now, I’m going to miss my opportunity.” Guys, if we cannot trust God to get her to us, we will never be able to trust God when it comes to taking care of her for a lifetime.
2. Our desire should be to please God, not her.
It is easy to start to conform to some we like, doing what we think will make her happy, yet this is not good. We should be concerned with pleasing God in all our actions and through that we will please her. A woman wants to know that a man will tell her no to follow after God. I believe this is because she knows that the moment a man is willing to put her before God, that he will be capable of putting God second to anything else.
3. Side by side, not face to face.
I know this analogy is not original to me, but it works so well. The image most of us have of romance is of a man and women face to face staring into each other’s eyes. It seems to indicate to men that she is our focus, our passion, and our desire. As much as women want to be desired and passionately loved, I do not believe they want to be our focus. This may sound odd, but I believe it is true. More than this image, I believe the godly woman wants to be at the side of a man who is passionately focused towards God. I believe this is because a man who is passionately following God will be able to love her passionately through an entire lifetime.
4. Parallel, not intersecting.
There is the constant notion that we will eventually “cross” paths with our future husband or wife. This seems to indicate that each of us as we are going on our own path will bump into the one meant for us. Rather than the image of a roadside accident, I believe it should be an image of discovery. In our pursuit of God, we should wake up one day to realize that some has been walking beside us towards the same goal.
Because of this, I believe that when we find the one, she or he will be heading the same direction we are. Our dreams for the future and what we each feel God has called us to should be the same. If either you need to give up your calling to be together, then I can say with almost complete confidence I do not believe it is God’s will for you to be together. I have a calling on my life to be involved in the political life this nation, yet if I were to give that vision up to be with a women who felt a calling to be a missionary in Africa, I would be placing her before God. And for her to give up her vision for me would be just as wrong.
Ultimately, this and everything else I have mentioned goes back to Matthew 6:33 (NIV), “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”. Or as the Amplified puts it, “But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.”
1. He must find her while pursuing God, not her affections.
This is the most obvious implication from the saying, yet I believe it probably is one of the hardest for men. Though I have never seriously romantically pursued a women, I know just how the feeling liking a girl is intoxicating. It can quickly become the thought that consumes your every waking moment. Yet when this happens, if not careful, we can forget pursuing God in the process and start trying to pursue her. By doing this we subjugate God’s will to our own. God says, “Focus on me and I will take care of you”. But we want to say, “God, if I don’t go after her now, I’m going to miss my opportunity.” Guys, if we cannot trust God to get her to us, we will never be able to trust God when it comes to taking care of her for a lifetime.
2. Our desire should be to please God, not her.
It is easy to start to conform to some we like, doing what we think will make her happy, yet this is not good. We should be concerned with pleasing God in all our actions and through that we will please her. A woman wants to know that a man will tell her no to follow after God. I believe this is because she knows that the moment a man is willing to put her before God, that he will be capable of putting God second to anything else.
3. Side by side, not face to face.
I know this analogy is not original to me, but it works so well. The image most of us have of romance is of a man and women face to face staring into each other’s eyes. It seems to indicate to men that she is our focus, our passion, and our desire. As much as women want to be desired and passionately loved, I do not believe they want to be our focus. This may sound odd, but I believe it is true. More than this image, I believe the godly woman wants to be at the side of a man who is passionately focused towards God. I believe this is because a man who is passionately following God will be able to love her passionately through an entire lifetime.
4. Parallel, not intersecting.
There is the constant notion that we will eventually “cross” paths with our future husband or wife. This seems to indicate that each of us as we are going on our own path will bump into the one meant for us. Rather than the image of a roadside accident, I believe it should be an image of discovery. In our pursuit of God, we should wake up one day to realize that some has been walking beside us towards the same goal.
Because of this, I believe that when we find the one, she or he will be heading the same direction we are. Our dreams for the future and what we each feel God has called us to should be the same. If either you need to give up your calling to be together, then I can say with almost complete confidence I do not believe it is God’s will for you to be together. I have a calling on my life to be involved in the political life this nation, yet if I were to give that vision up to be with a women who felt a calling to be a missionary in Africa, I would be placing her before God. And for her to give up her vision for me would be just as wrong.
Ultimately, this and everything else I have mentioned goes back to Matthew 6:33 (NIV), “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”. Or as the Amplified puts it, “But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.”
Monday, January 21, 2008
Land of Tomorrow
I wish I could adequately express my feeling and passion for my Country. When public and important individuals tear her down as being to prideful and a disgrace on the world stage, I long to set the record straight. America has been a beacon of hope and liberty to a hurting world. She has her faults, but her goodness and generosity far outshines them. Time and time again, history has shone that Americans have been willing at every turn to lay down their lives for not only their fellow American’s freedom, but for their fellow man’s freedom across the world
God created something unique when He formed this great Nation. I truly believe that God created us so that through us He could bless the peoples of the world. Through our material wealth, we have been able to feed the hunger. Through our physical strength, we have freed entire people groups from tyranny and oppression. And through our spiritual heritage, we have sent forth the gospel message of true freedom to every corner of the globe.
Ronald Reagan once said, “America represents something universal in the human spirit. I received a letter not long ago from a man who said, ‘You can go to Japan to live, but you cannot become Japanese. You can go to France and not become a Frenchman. You can go to live in Germany or Turkey, and you won’t become a German or a Turk.” But then he added, ‘Anybody from any corner of the world can come to America to live and become an American.’”
Almost every time I hear these words, I get choked up. We are unique among the nations of the earth. America is a land where everyone who longs for liberty and freedom is welcome. I believe Reagan most succinctly described America’s role in the world when he called us a “Shinning City on a Hill”. My heart’s deep desire is for us to never step back from that role. We are the guardians of liberty and freedom for the peoples of the earth that for too long have known only fear and evil. As long as America is, I will fight to remind her peoples that we hold the key to a world’s better tomorrow.
“Some may try to tell us that this is the end of an era. But what they overlook is that in America, everyday is a new beginning, and every sunset is merely the latest milestone on a voyage that never ends. For this is the land that has never become but is always in the act of becoming. Emerson was right: America is the Land of Tomorrow.” – Ronald Reagan
God created something unique when He formed this great Nation. I truly believe that God created us so that through us He could bless the peoples of the world. Through our material wealth, we have been able to feed the hunger. Through our physical strength, we have freed entire people groups from tyranny and oppression. And through our spiritual heritage, we have sent forth the gospel message of true freedom to every corner of the globe.
Ronald Reagan once said, “America represents something universal in the human spirit. I received a letter not long ago from a man who said, ‘You can go to Japan to live, but you cannot become Japanese. You can go to France and not become a Frenchman. You can go to live in Germany or Turkey, and you won’t become a German or a Turk.” But then he added, ‘Anybody from any corner of the world can come to America to live and become an American.’”
Almost every time I hear these words, I get choked up. We are unique among the nations of the earth. America is a land where everyone who longs for liberty and freedom is welcome. I believe Reagan most succinctly described America’s role in the world when he called us a “Shinning City on a Hill”. My heart’s deep desire is for us to never step back from that role. We are the guardians of liberty and freedom for the peoples of the earth that for too long have known only fear and evil. As long as America is, I will fight to remind her peoples that we hold the key to a world’s better tomorrow.
“Some may try to tell us that this is the end of an era. But what they overlook is that in America, everyday is a new beginning, and every sunset is merely the latest milestone on a voyage that never ends. For this is the land that has never become but is always in the act of becoming. Emerson was right: America is the Land of Tomorrow.” – Ronald ReaganSaturday, January 19, 2008
The Other Fellow
This is something I recently read in John Maxwell’s book, Be a People Person, which I thought was worth sharing.
When the other fellow takes a long time, he’s slow
When I take a long time, I’m thorough.
When the other fellow doesn’t do it, he’s lazy.
When I don’t do it, I’m busy.
When the other fellow does something without being told, he’s overstepping his bounds.
But when I do it, that’s initiative.
When the other fellow overlooks a rule of etiquette, he’s rude.
When I skip a few rules, I’m original.
When the other fellow pleases the boss, he’s an apple polisher.
But when I please the boss, that’s cooperation.
When the other fellow gets ahead, he’s getting the breaks.
But when I manage to get ahead, that’s just the reward of hard work.
When the other fellow takes a long time, he’s slow
When I take a long time, I’m thorough.
When the other fellow doesn’t do it, he’s lazy.
When I don’t do it, I’m busy.
When the other fellow does something without being told, he’s overstepping his bounds.
But when I do it, that’s initiative.
When the other fellow overlooks a rule of etiquette, he’s rude.
When I skip a few rules, I’m original.
When the other fellow pleases the boss, he’s an apple polisher.
But when I please the boss, that’s cooperation.
When the other fellow gets ahead, he’s getting the breaks.
But when I manage to get ahead, that’s just the reward of hard work.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Why?
It is amazing to me how many times throughout the day a thought comes to me that I think would be great to expand upon in a post only to not remember it when I go to post. I am going to change that.
We for today, here are some of my random thoughts:
I wonder if we really know the deep passions that drive our friend and inspire them to reach beyond themselves? More specifically, do people know what drives me? I believe that people generally know that I am about. First, I believe people generally know that I want to be a Christian influence in government. As a result, they know I hope to one day serve my fellow American as a public servant. But why? Do they know why I want to do this?
So they know that I have very specific beliefs about what has gone wrong concerning government and things I want to see accomplished to correct these things? Do they know what these beliefs or principles are? Do they know why I believe in specific principles concerning government?
In all reality, I am somewhat at fault here because up to this point, I have not been specifically vocal about these beliefs and why. Typically this is because I know that political matters are particularly controversial and can divide people faster than most disagreements. This does not mean that in conversations about politics I reframe from expressing my views (it’s much the opposition many times), but I do not bring it up in typical conversations. I know not everyone is called into government, so any talk about it can be tiring and de-motivating. Yet that is exactly the opposite for me! I thrive on discussing principles of government and liberty!! For me, it is a source of strength and invigoration, yet so much of the time it feels like it lays dormant in my social life.
Maybe the answer is to write more about it. In that way, people can read it, and maybe even ask me questions concerning my views. What I know for sure is, I must begin incorporating it more and more into my life. And it is not because I thrive per se on political matter, but because I value people whom are effected everyday by those political matters.
To get back to the original question…do I truly know the passion like this that drive each of you? Beyond our normal interactions and school activities, what is it that lies still within. That thing within you which if pinpoint, would unleash a flood of energy and emotion. That thing that keeps you up at night thinking. The thing that you could talk about for hours on end without losing interest in. That thing for which you feel you were specifically created to for. I wonder if I do. I believe I know generally, but do I know why? Why is your heart connected to this passion? Why do you stay up at night thinking about it? Why?
I think like myself, we all hope for that moment when someone will ask us the one question that will allow us to unlock and reveal who we truly are. And more than that, we hope that when that moment comes, the person will be truly interested in listening.
With that, and considering the fast and hectic lives we all live, I hope that the opportunities present themselves that will allow me to answer, “Yes, I know why.” And if I do no know you, I hope that you begin to ask yourself these questions concerning those around you.
Sorry, instead of thoughts, that turned out to be a singular though ☺.
Alrighty, since I have been doing so many other special stuff these past posts, here is a photo of the post:
This is of my brother who is a nationally rank BMX racer (Bycyclemaniac.com). His racing has been a big part of my photographer development and also has contributed to my familiarity to shooting sports photography.
We for today, here are some of my random thoughts:
I wonder if we really know the deep passions that drive our friend and inspire them to reach beyond themselves? More specifically, do people know what drives me? I believe that people generally know that I am about. First, I believe people generally know that I want to be a Christian influence in government. As a result, they know I hope to one day serve my fellow American as a public servant. But why? Do they know why I want to do this?
So they know that I have very specific beliefs about what has gone wrong concerning government and things I want to see accomplished to correct these things? Do they know what these beliefs or principles are? Do they know why I believe in specific principles concerning government?
In all reality, I am somewhat at fault here because up to this point, I have not been specifically vocal about these beliefs and why. Typically this is because I know that political matters are particularly controversial and can divide people faster than most disagreements. This does not mean that in conversations about politics I reframe from expressing my views (it’s much the opposition many times), but I do not bring it up in typical conversations. I know not everyone is called into government, so any talk about it can be tiring and de-motivating. Yet that is exactly the opposite for me! I thrive on discussing principles of government and liberty!! For me, it is a source of strength and invigoration, yet so much of the time it feels like it lays dormant in my social life.
Maybe the answer is to write more about it. In that way, people can read it, and maybe even ask me questions concerning my views. What I know for sure is, I must begin incorporating it more and more into my life. And it is not because I thrive per se on political matter, but because I value people whom are effected everyday by those political matters.
To get back to the original question…do I truly know the passion like this that drive each of you? Beyond our normal interactions and school activities, what is it that lies still within. That thing within you which if pinpoint, would unleash a flood of energy and emotion. That thing that keeps you up at night thinking. The thing that you could talk about for hours on end without losing interest in. That thing for which you feel you were specifically created to for. I wonder if I do. I believe I know generally, but do I know why? Why is your heart connected to this passion? Why do you stay up at night thinking about it? Why?
I think like myself, we all hope for that moment when someone will ask us the one question that will allow us to unlock and reveal who we truly are. And more than that, we hope that when that moment comes, the person will be truly interested in listening.
With that, and considering the fast and hectic lives we all live, I hope that the opportunities present themselves that will allow me to answer, “Yes, I know why.” And if I do no know you, I hope that you begin to ask yourself these questions concerning those around you.
Sorry, instead of thoughts, that turned out to be a singular though ☺.
Alrighty, since I have been doing so many other special stuff these past posts, here is a photo of the post:
This is of my brother who is a nationally rank BMX racer (Bycyclemaniac.com). His racing has been a big part of my photographer development and also has contributed to my familiarity to shooting sports photography.Friday, January 11, 2008
So what do you think?
I took this personality test and this is what it said:
| You Are An ENTJ |
 The Executive You are a natural leader - with confidence and strength that inspires others. Driven to succeed, you are always looking for ways to gain, power, knowledge, and expertise. Sometimes you aren't the most considerate person, especially to those who are a bit slow. You are not easily intimidated - and you have a commanding, awe-inspiring presence. In love, you hold high standards... for yourself, for your relationship, and for your significant other. While it's easy for you to impress others, it's hard for you to find someone who impresses you. At work, you are organized and good at delegating. You understand how to achieve goals. You would make a great CEO, entrepreneur, or consultant. How you see yourself: Rational, calm, and objective When other people don't get you, they see you as: Inflexible, controlling, and overbearing |
Monday, January 7, 2008
Karaoke Night!
So RUC help the semester start off right with a bit of Karaoke! For those of you who were not there, here is a piece of what you missed out on!!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Iowa Primary Eve and the GOP
So we are on the eve of the Iowa Primary and for me personally it is very exciting! With all the campaigning that has already been going on, we should start to begin to see some results tomorrow as to who the voters as leaning towards. Up to this point, I have yet to officially decided whom I am supporting. I figured that with the way things have been going, the political landscape would change from one day to the next and I have not been disappointed. From what looked like a Fred Thompson movement to a rising Huckabee campaign, it has been one interesting ride, and we haven’t even left the garage yet.
Despite all this, I have been recently been coming to some conclusions about the presidential candidates. First, as much as I honor John McCain as a war veteran, I have not seen him as my conservative candidate. This may just be my perception because recently I read that he has a 83% rating from the American Conservative Union. We will see how does tomorrow.
Second, if the only thing that the President was responsible for was national security, my candidate would be Giuliani in a millisecond. This is not the case, so I have had a hard time seeing myself supporting him during the primaries. His social stances are so far removed from conservatism that, I would feel as if I were sacrificing them for national security.
Third, the charming man from the south Huckabee has been gathering a lot of attention recently. I definitely have taken a hard look at him to see if I could find the conservative torchbearer this country needs. What I found was another “compassionate conservative” in the mold of Bush. As time goes on, I see more and more of his big government “conservatism” philosophy coming out. If the no child left behind act and soft immigration policies is your thing, I believe Huckabee is your man.
That leaves Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson. From everything that I can see, Fred Thompson is the closes thing to a conservative as I can find in this race. If he can overcome the image the media has created as a passive candidate and do well in the coming primaries, he could very well become my candidate. On the face of it, media is painting that as unlikely. And this leaves Mr. Romney. As many conservatives do, we wonder whether his current positions are birthed of a conversion to conservatism or pragmatism. Everyday he becomes more and more an appealing candidate considering the current field.
The saddest thing is that my choice candidate probably has less of a chance of winning than Ron Paul and that is Duncan Hunter.
All in all, this election year I do not see anyone resembling the conservative ideas torchbearer that Reagan was. I see many candidates trying to convince people they are conservatives, yet a true conservative torchbearer would be more concerned about promoting the ideas rather than convincing people they are for the ideas. I am optimistic that one day, maybe not this election, that torchbearer will arise. At the least, I plan to do everything in my power to be that torchbearer in the spheres of influence that God gives me.
P.S. As a conservative who holds to the idea of Reagan, I appreciate Ron Paul’s campaign in the election. Though I believe the libertarian philosophy overlooks the restrains of biblical morality, I believe his devotion to liberty and the Constitution has challenge people to reconsider what a conservative is.
Despite all this, I have been recently been coming to some conclusions about the presidential candidates. First, as much as I honor John McCain as a war veteran, I have not seen him as my conservative candidate. This may just be my perception because recently I read that he has a 83% rating from the American Conservative Union. We will see how does tomorrow.
Second, if the only thing that the President was responsible for was national security, my candidate would be Giuliani in a millisecond. This is not the case, so I have had a hard time seeing myself supporting him during the primaries. His social stances are so far removed from conservatism that, I would feel as if I were sacrificing them for national security.
Third, the charming man from the south Huckabee has been gathering a lot of attention recently. I definitely have taken a hard look at him to see if I could find the conservative torchbearer this country needs. What I found was another “compassionate conservative” in the mold of Bush. As time goes on, I see more and more of his big government “conservatism” philosophy coming out. If the no child left behind act and soft immigration policies is your thing, I believe Huckabee is your man.
That leaves Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson. From everything that I can see, Fred Thompson is the closes thing to a conservative as I can find in this race. If he can overcome the image the media has created as a passive candidate and do well in the coming primaries, he could very well become my candidate. On the face of it, media is painting that as unlikely. And this leaves Mr. Romney. As many conservatives do, we wonder whether his current positions are birthed of a conversion to conservatism or pragmatism. Everyday he becomes more and more an appealing candidate considering the current field.
The saddest thing is that my choice candidate probably has less of a chance of winning than Ron Paul and that is Duncan Hunter.
All in all, this election year I do not see anyone resembling the conservative ideas torchbearer that Reagan was. I see many candidates trying to convince people they are conservatives, yet a true conservative torchbearer would be more concerned about promoting the ideas rather than convincing people they are for the ideas. I am optimistic that one day, maybe not this election, that torchbearer will arise. At the least, I plan to do everything in my power to be that torchbearer in the spheres of influence that God gives me.P.S. As a conservative who holds to the idea of Reagan, I appreciate Ron Paul’s campaign in the election. Though I believe the libertarian philosophy overlooks the restrains of biblical morality, I believe his devotion to liberty and the Constitution has challenge people to reconsider what a conservative is.
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