Ok, so I’ve never been into the whole Black Friday thing, partly, because I don’t enjoy shopping in general. I am all about great deals, but I firmly believe it does not require me to be involved in such a ridiculous practice. I have no problem with crowds, I love NYC. I do have issues with determined shopping crowds though. I know my view is not the American norm, thus the existence of Black Friday. However, my view is strengthened when I see the news at the end of Black Friday each year. I understand anything of large scale carries some incidents. I guess in perspective the incidents are a low percentage, but what discount is worth a person being trampled to death in Wal-Mart? What bargain brings value to two dying in a shooting? Both incidents were reported in today’s news. So, I say to the tradition of Black Friday, “No thanks.”
Friday, November 28, 2008
Black Friday
Ok, so I’ve never been into the whole Black Friday thing, partly, because I don’t enjoy shopping in general. I am all about great deals, but I firmly believe it does not require me to be involved in such a ridiculous practice. I have no problem with crowds, I love NYC. I do have issues with determined shopping crowds though. I know my view is not the American norm, thus the existence of Black Friday. However, my view is strengthened when I see the news at the end of Black Friday each year. I understand anything of large scale carries some incidents. I guess in perspective the incidents are a low percentage, but what discount is worth a person being trampled to death in Wal-Mart? What bargain brings value to two dying in a shooting? Both incidents were reported in today’s news. So, I say to the tradition of Black Friday, “No thanks.”
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Worship
"Then the temple of the Lord was filled with a cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the temple of God. (II Chronicles 5:13b-14)"
No service, but I’m sure worship was not lost. We express worship in many ways, but this verse had me wondering when I last was brought to stillness from the overwhelming awe of Who God is. Consider: a loved one delivering a eulogy often pauses to hold back tears or a parent unable to express the grandness of their love for the sleeping newborn they rock. The moments are so real to the heart that a form of expression becomes impossible to find and so we pause. The last moment I recall not being able to find an expression other than my quiet and amazed heart for God was a few months ago when I was sitting on a dock surrounded by the night. Overwhelmed, I sat in silence and just recognized. I knew in my heart it was an amazing moment of worship and words would only cheapen my heart’s cry.
What moment has ceased your outward expression? I would love to hear the testimonies of others’ awe.
No service, but I’m sure worship was not lost. We express worship in many ways, but this verse had me wondering when I last was brought to stillness from the overwhelming awe of Who God is. Consider: a loved one delivering a eulogy often pauses to hold back tears or a parent unable to express the grandness of their love for the sleeping newborn they rock. The moments are so real to the heart that a form of expression becomes impossible to find and so we pause. The last moment I recall not being able to find an expression other than my quiet and amazed heart for God was a few months ago when I was sitting on a dock surrounded by the night. Overwhelmed, I sat in silence and just recognized. I knew in my heart it was an amazing moment of worship and words would only cheapen my heart’s cry.
What moment has ceased your outward expression? I would love to hear the testimonies of others’ awe.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Campaign Trail (Part 2)
Campaigning is over and I’m glad. Election Day began with waking up at 5 AM and standing until the polls closed at a voting location. The locations became packed out well before voting opened. I was drained by the end of it. I had spent the previous days finishing door to door promotions and I now know this city better than ever before. We also had to relocate the majority of the promotional signs to the precincts the night before. My legs didn’t want to allow me to stand anymore by the close of Tuesday.
I did enjoy meeting other candidates of other positions and talking with people I had voted for. It’s encouraging to really enjoy the company of the people you vote for and it’s great to connect on a more personable level with those that you share values and issues with.
The funniest vote he got was from a woman that walked out and pointed to the sign my dad was holding and said she voted for her. My dad informed her he was Pat and the woman said, “What?! I was only voting for women!”
I did enjoy meeting other candidates of other positions and talking with people I had voted for. It’s encouraging to really enjoy the company of the people you vote for and it’s great to connect on a more personable level with those that you share values and issues with.
The funniest vote he got was from a woman that walked out and pointed to the sign my dad was holding and said she voted for her. My dad informed her he was Pat and the woman said, “What?! I was only voting for women!”
The results (3 positions to fill):
Pat Bentley…26.15% (4089 votes)
Stephany Eley…24.57 % (3842)
Bill Mettrick…26.44% (4134)
Damian Wilson…22.84% (3571) 
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Verse for Thought
"Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy in his dwelling place. (I Chronicles 16:27)"
Is my walk with God leaving me in awe of His splendor and majesty? I believe it’s easy to become casual in the walk and drift to numbness toward these attributes. Is my walk with God filling me with the strength and joy that are found in His presence? Unfortunately, I often create my own barriers to experiencing the fullness of these gifts. It can be a frustrating thing because I want to rest in who He is, and the only thing between them is me. It comes down to releasing my own guard and staying open and true in my walk with God. Why do we drift from the One that is essential to completing who we are? This verse simply expresses traits of God but it challenged me and I hope it challenges others.
Is my walk with God leaving me in awe of His splendor and majesty? I believe it’s easy to become casual in the walk and drift to numbness toward these attributes. Is my walk with God filling me with the strength and joy that are found in His presence? Unfortunately, I often create my own barriers to experiencing the fullness of these gifts. It can be a frustrating thing because I want to rest in who He is, and the only thing between them is me. It comes down to releasing my own guard and staying open and true in my walk with God. Why do we drift from the One that is essential to completing who we are? This verse simply expresses traits of God but it challenged me and I hope it challenges others.
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