Remembering Pearl Harbor

Before Sept. 11, 2001, became a transitional date in American history, there was the “date which will live in infamy.” Today marks Pearl Harbor Day, in remembrance of those who lost their lives in Japan’s surprise attack on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

More than 350 Japanese aircraft, launched from several carriers positioned north of Hawaii, sank or damaged 16 ships, destroyed 188 U.S. aircraft, caught on the ground, and killed 2,402 personnel.

Japan’s strike brought the United States fully into World War II and was a formative event in future national defense policy. As Gordon Mueller, president of the National World War II Museum, said in a statement: “You can count on one hand the number of events that changed everyone’s life – everywhere, forever. Dec. 7, 1941, was certainly one such event.”

We pause today to honor those who lost their lives, those who survived and the nation that persevered and vanquished the Axis powers.

(article from ocregister)

Today, without fail, and like any other Pearl Harbor anniversary, I remember.  I wasn’t there.  But I do pride myself on being aware of the rich history of our United States. 

And, I’m disappointed, literally, by the lack of articles and news reports giving recognition of that great “day of infamy.”  What happened to the honoring of those who lived during such treachery and honoring those whose lives were taken in one foul kamikaze swoop?

Am I hoping for too much from the media?  (perhaps yes – seems they don’t have the backbone to enjoy…let alone defend or have pride in America)

Am I being too sensitive?  (not really–just being respectful and grateful)

I salute those men and women who deserve to be recognized today.  I think of our history…and I am remineded yet again of the blessings of freedom we enjoy in this country…

Let us always remember!

Lifewarrior

 

Personally Speaking – I’m Extremely Thankful pt. 1

 

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.                     —1 Thessalonians 5:18—

As this Thanksgiving day comes and goes, I’m reminded of the blessings in my life. 

First, I’m thankful for a God who knew my sinful nature and sent His only begotten son, Jesus,  to live as an example and then to die, in my stead, for my trangressions.  Jesus’ perfect life and perfect sacrifice allows me to be reconciled to God. For that, I will be eternally thankful.  And, I love Jesus.

Next, I’m blessed to have such wonderful parents.  They have been beacons of love, encouragement, and discipline as I’ve needed them over the years.  My mom taught me how to express my opinion.  She taught me how to stand up for myself and instilled a brilliant (vibrant) sense of right and wrong. 

My father taught me discipline, follow through, and doing a job right the first time.  He spoke few words but his work ethic and mannerisms have impacted my life for the better.  And for my parents’ input and guidance in my life…I’m thankful. And, I love them.

I’m blessed to have two wonderful siblings.  My brother and my sister have been in my corner from day one.  Though I’m the oldest, that doesn’t always make me the wisest by any stretch.  I have learned and grown tremendously emulating them.  As children we loved one another deeply.  As adults that love is only stronger and comes with a great measure of respect for the persons they’ve become, both as siblings and fellow believers in Christ.  For my siblings, I’m thankful. And, I love them!

I’m thankful for a few peripherals in my life.  Not peripherally obscure, but rather additions to my life that I never knew would mean so much.  My brothers and sisters-in-law have become part of my life in such a meaningful and special way.  Each one has added his/her own flavor into my life, as if my life were candy and they were the candy maker.  There’s a swirl of one here.  A hint of another here.  A little dash of this one here!  Each has touched me for the better.  I’m thankful for my “add-on” family members.  And, I love them.

What are you thanful for today?

Lifewarrior

Introducing Mr. Lovewell — Is that you?

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. – 1 John 4:10-11

Just this morning, I’ve come across a very special idea.  No — not a new idea!  No — not a foreign idea!  No — not an obscure or obsolete idea!  But, YES! … it’s an idea that is vital although it’s been undervalued at times.

What is this idea?

It’s called Love-Well!

MercyMe, a contemporary Christian band,  has touched upon heavenly manna with its newest album, “The Generous Mr. Lovewell.”  It’s quite the inspiration. MercyMe is one of those groups that I enjoy listening to because its song are lyrically so well-written and the message is clear; Jesus is Lord!

With that, MercyMe has again proven why it remains one of the most well-loved and most well-received Christian vocal bands.  They have a heart for God, a heart for people, and a love of serving others.

The album, “The Generous Mr. Lovewell”, revolves around a fictional character we created who reminds us that we simply need to love others well. For some of us, it means that we need to put hands and feet on our ideology and rhetoric. For others, it means that we need to continue in doing well, but not stop there. We need to let people know why we are called to make a difference. Our prayer is that this album would mobilize the body of Christ to encourage people in word and deed.

It’s almost like a ‘pay-it-forward’ idea that revolves around the Cross. We are called to be servants to our neighbors, but if we don’t share the gospel with them, it’s almost offensive and we have only accomplished a part of what God has called us to do. We need to stop letting the world teach us theology about how to act or speak. We need to encourage one another to provide a helping hand to our neighbor, offer up random acts of kindness and share with others how our lives have been transformed by the power of the Cross. It doesn’t take much action – or even many words – to make a difference both here and forever.

– Bart Millard, MercyMe

 

The only question to answer now is do you love well? 

Are you a Mr. Lovewell?

Do you love Jesus and therefore love on other people with such passion as He did and does? 

Let it be said of us, that we Christians are guilty of loving others…well!

Well? Go love someone!

Lifewarrior

Evolution’s Fatal Flaw?

I’ve been teaching Creation vs. Evolution for Sunday School in our church.  It’s been very rewarding to have ideas from both sides of the coin being expressed.  I find it interesting how many people, Christians as well, that believe in evolution without needing, or rather — demanding, viable proof for the beliefs they espouse.

That said, allow me to share one of the fatal flaws I see with purporting evolution as a viable alternative to creation.  In the evolutionary tract, the fossil remains tell the story, or the lack thereof.  The record should speak volumes, shouldn’t it?

Well, actually it does.  Observe that in the fossil record we should see an abundance, not just one or two “possibilities” (think Archaeopteryx) of transitional fossils.  Transitional fossils are those that would be left behind from a species as it evolves into its next best specimen of self or next species all together.

Think of it this way, with the millions of years necessary for a transformation of species, if we’re honest, we should have more evidence of transitional fossils than we could care to observe and the final product NOT the transitional form should be the rarity.  Rather, the evidence is noticeably and notably absent.  Ouch!

In other words, if we don’t observe mass amounts (meaning an overabundance ad nauseam) of transitional fossil evidence, we can’t even remotely view evolutionary thought as anything more than ignoble ideas from the small, simple, and flawed minds of men.

Lifewarrior