Are you happy?

Are you happy? A simple three word sentence with huge impact. Many people go through life surviving, doing what they think they should, chasing a dream that turns into a night mare. Very few go after what they really want because they've been programmed to think that's abnormal.

After watching the Hallmark movie, Stranded in Paradise, it got me  thinking. Was I happy? Were all the survival jobs I worked for over three decades really worth it? Did I really step out and taste life?

Oh, I did a few times, but those were rare. Mostly I worked for thankless and disloyal employers, enduring positions I detested, for one reason - Money!

The Bible says that the love of money is the root of all evil. Our government worships it. Many churches worship it. Every person in our society thinks it's important. Is it? It's ink on paper. Pure and simple.

Are you happy? Are you doing what God called you to do, or are you following the dictates of society?

What's Best

Our society has a bad habit of thinking that this person, or that one, knows what is best for everyone.

Really?

I see this in the workplace, in congress and even the highest office of the land.

The only person who truly knows what is best for us is God. He has a plan for our life. He trumps everyone.

Bear that in mind the next time you think, 'If they'd just do what I want, everything would be fine.'

Violating Principle - Sad Results

Something happened at work this week that violated my sense of right and wrong. While I do agree my job helps certain individuals in the aging market, the measures my employer will take to garner their business is troubling. In fact, some of it is border line harassment, and has been called such by many prospects.

Rather than being upfront with them, they put seniors through a process that manipulates them, in order to allow a home rep to visit them. Many of those visits don't actually end in sales, and the few that do, from what I've heard, they're actually grateful to have freedom in this part of their lives.

Still, what right does anyone have to prey on someone's pain? The basic principles being violated make me shudder. I have to change my goal from my employer's agenda to making sure I bless every single person I talk to. I can't say I like their process and I've actually had more success being upfront with people rather than manipulating them.

Unfortunately, this is a symptom of what is wrong with American business. With the Great Recession, anyone else agree it was actually a Depression? Employers have gotten used to using everyone, including employees, to their end. Then when they can't keep good people or business sinks, they can't figure out what they did wrong.

The sad part is, how many people buy in to the deception and blindly follow.

Buttons and Sayings : Part 4

 This is the final week of Buttons and Sayings. Some of these were purchased during a very dark time in the blogger's life, so please, keep that in mind.

Misc.
1. No Whining!
2. You couldn't afford me.
3. Ask me about your free plane tickets.
4. Computers run on smoke; If it leaks out, the don't work.
5. Remember, No matter where you go...there you are!
5. Before anyone passes judgement may I remind you we ARE at a Media Con.
6. Barney, we'd like for you to meet this weeks special guest, Mr. Velociraptor!
(No, still don't like the big purple dinosaur. In fact, spouse offered to teach blogger to shoot by purchasing a stuffed Barney and using it as a target. It never happened though.)
7. You can have the next mutant.
8. We're not exactly proper channels.

Insanity
1. gone crazy back later.
2. Preoccupied with fringe matters.
3. I don't suffer from Insanity. I revel in it!

Men
1. The way to man's heart is between the ribs and slightly downward.
2. If men could get pregnant, abortion would be a sacrament.
3. Rape. Pillage. Burn. Let's see if we can get it right this time.
4. If guns are outlawed, can we use swords?
5. If at first you don't succeed, change the rules!

Toys
1. My toys! Where are my toys?? I can't do this job without my toys!
2. Some people have children to buy toys. I feel it's cheaper and more dignified to cut out the middle man and buy toys for myself.

Religion
1. Crucifiction? Good.
2. If your God is dead, try one of mine.
3. If God hadn't wanted me to be paranoid, He wouldn't have given me such a vivid imagination.
4. Beware of the vampire Jesus. He gave his blood for you and he wants it back Right Now!
5. The only problem with Baptists is they don't hold under water long enough.
(The vendor who sold #5 said this was his best seller. Seems there was a SF con in the same hotel as a Baptist convention. Someone from the BC say a fan wearing the saying and asked the vendor to make enough for all the attendees of the BC.)

Vampires
1. Save the vampires. Help protect an endangering species.

Work
1. Idiot!
2. Stupid people shouldn't breed.
3. You make me very, very angry Earthling!
4. There is intelligent life here, but I'm just visiting.
5. Running around trying to look important.
6. Wage Slave.
7. My job is so SECRET...Even I don't know what I'm doing.
8. Service may vary according to my mood and your attitude.
9. I'll do it tomorrow.
10. Watch your back.


Credit given to various vendors, true stories and purchases at Waldenbooks.

'Why Not Question' - A Day of Rest

In Genesis the Bible tells us that on the seventh day God rested. Old Testament law required rest on the Sabbath with specific instruction on what type of work was allowed or how far someone could travel. With good reason, God's people worked hard the other six. Anyone who is familiar with life on the farm can appreciate the difficulty of this type of life style and the need to rest.

Today - God's people seem to have forgotten the principle and importance of rest. Often on Monday morning one hears stories about running around to various childrens' sporting events, running errands, cleaning the house, attending church for those who do and then it's Sunday evening and time to prepare for work the next morning.

When did they rest? They are as tired on Monday morning as they were on Friday evening.

However, there is a growing movement back toward a day of rest. Some take Saturday off, others Sunday. Many sign off their computer for one day or two. They don't allow their children to play computer/video games. They plan family activities or maybe indulge in hobbies or watch movies, there are those who don't even allow latter, take walks, read, or whatever they need to do in order to relax and 'rest'.

This is a life style change. The difference it makes in the productivity and attitude of those who practice a day of rest is astounding. Is it easy? No. In this culture people are very used to 'doing' all the time and constantly being 'connected' and knowing what is going on in their friends and family's lives or the current football score or whatever.

However, if God rested on the seventh day and had it included in the law, how can we, as modern day Christians, disregard a basic principle that is for our good?

'Why Not Question' - The Changing Church

The Internet, TV and the rush-rush of daily life has changed what 'Church' is today. Most of the more conservative or traditionalists still think of it as gathering in a particular building with other people on Sunday morning and/or evening and Wednesday Bible studies. Not to mention belonging to a certain denomination.

Nowadays however, several factors have changed that concept.

First, TV. Now those who are shut in or who have limited time and can't spend all Sunday morning in one spot, can watch the TV pastor of their choice for maybe thirty minutes or an hour and then move on to other things. Or, if they have time on Thursday evening, or Tuesday, they don't have to wait until Sunday. Church in this manner also allows for different types of teachers so they don't get convinced that only one thought pattern or belief system is the right one.

Second, the Internet. There are numerous sites where Christians can network together and have a 'church' of online believers. Also, many churches are starting to live stream their services so that a member does not have to leave their home to attend. This is a very handy in the event the roads are slick or it's snowing or illness.

Third, there are others who have gotten over the idea that a church building is necessary. Instead of expecting people to come to them, they go to the people and have services in office buildings during lunch breaks, on the street, or in homes. This is a return to the original concept of what was going on in the First Century church when believers met daily and in homes.

Each of these new methods,and the above list is by no means exhaustive, shows progressive thinking and a willingness to move out of traditional ideas into a new century where people have limited time and want more from their church than the same old - same old.

Bravo!