Tuesday, June 10, 2014

"silence"

Recently I taught a class on silence, during which, I talked a lot - (James 3 was the centerpiece)

When I was about 8 or 9 years old I wanted to know what my name, "Tate" meant; My dad told me he had watched a movie ,in that move their was a cowboy and an indian with a broken or missing arm, one of those two was named Tate. And he liked the name. And although I am primarily Italian I do have some Native American blood in me. 

During my childhood search of my name's meaning I came upon a name book. It was large, dusty and musty with that basement mold smell about it. I can still remember where I was as I leafed to the "T's". My childhood home foyer, a spot where the light was dim. As I got to the "T's", was I to find the meaning of my name....was it be revealed?! 

AND THERE IT WAS - - -  - Tate - Native American Origin "Talks too much"

So there you have it - I am Native American albeit a small percentage and I def talk way to much. 

So I noticed something. My dad is getting older in the neighborhood of 75 years old and as this process happens he has become quieter. Not that he talked incessantly mind you, but when he talked you felt it. It could sting, hurt, inflict damage and damage it had inflicted. 

Can't really throw any rocks at my dad as I talk more than he does (primarily for his attention) and in doing so I too, inflict damage. 

Here's the bottom line. 

My dad was over Sunday night for some oysters/steak/chicken a fire and family. As you get older, you get quieter. He was quiet. I liked him better.

I think I need to be quieter. 
As my dad was quieter I didn't flinch as he was not jabbing with his powerful words. 
Words are mighty powerful. They are biting and as much as I was taught that "sticks and stones may break my bones and words will never hurt me".....it's a lie. Words have hurt me and MORE IMPORTANTLY....my words have hurt. 
May my mouth be thoughtful and not as much thoughtful with my brain, but with my heart and may my heart seek wisdom from above. 

If you are inclined. Read James chapter 3 in the bible. I promise.....it won't hurt you. Only man can hurt you, not God. 

Friday, June 06, 2014

SOS - - SOS - - SOS - - SOS

THE distress signal to end all distress signals.

My answer is always - - - "this world is not my home". A friend of mine, when he hears of a mega-tragedy says, "Lord, come quickly".

I call heaven home, I answer to God as much as I can, I fail miserably, but I try.

I just heard some SOS info. Some good acquaintances  in a bit of a family turmoil. Things hurt, no doubt.

Jesus forgives us all - - for everything - - always.
People......well......not always so.

Jesus teaches humility and 

"love"
"patience"
"kindness"
"gentleness"
"peace"
"joy" 
"goodness" 
"faithfulness"
and...my least favorite...
"self-control"

and I love absolutely love, love, love the last line of this verse...
"against such things there is no law"
there is no law against kindness!

and so...amidst the distress of an SOS...
should we forgive 
or 
should we treat others how we want to be treated?
are there truly unforgivable  actions?

love to love
give to give
your sos's have been answered


















Tuesday, June 03, 2014

justified

I justify my actions. 

I find confidence in my decisions for me, for those decisions are for me, by me and to benefit me.  

I justify my actions. 

your tongue is a rudder
it steers the whole ship
sends your words past your lips or keeps them safe behind your teeth
but the wrong words will strand you*

I justify my actions

What I need to do is let God justify me and not me justify me. 

a) No human being can tame the tongue. 

b) From the same mouth come blessings and cursings. 

c) By your good conduct let your work show in the meekness of your wisdom. 

So many things I have said to others, my friends, my family, my spouse, my co-workers and the list goes on. My tongue is dangerous. Lord, God, let my tongue hesitate, let my words be used to uplift others (((and not myself!!!)))

Let no corrupting talk come of of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up as fits the occasion that it may give grace to those who hear it. 


*Play Crack the Sky lyrics by Brand New
All other words in blue are God's