Blog Name Explanation...AGAIN.

Someone asked me why I named the blog "I Am Lazarus...and Others."  And it has been a while since I posted the reason.

So, here it is.

I will be revealing who else I see myself in in Scriptures soon...probably go with Jonah next.

My Unfortunate Lack of Perspective...and the Chico Wildcats!

Confession time:


When I was in college, there was one week per year when I skipped at least half of my classes. I DID NOT get this approved by my instructors, and I didn’t have what would be considered a valid excuse. On the flip side, I didn’t make up a lie and try to fool anyone. But there was a week when if I had a class after 1 p.m., I was not going to be there. I would get the notes from a friend, and study, and read the assigned material, but my presence was not felt in the lecture halls.


It was when the Division II College Baseball World Series was in town.

One of my favorite passages...

There are several passages in the Bible that I gravitate towards.  I imagine all believers have them.  Probably a sermon you heard, or a devotion time that really moved you...It may not have specifically changed your life, opened up the skies, etc., but you like it.  I'm just saying.  (let me head some of you off- yes I know all Scripture is God-breathed, ordained, and is all equal...I GET IT!  Call me a heretic later.  I won't approve your comment, by the way)

One of mine is a story that takes place at the same time as other more popular stories.  That might be why I like it.  I went to church for 25 years before I ever noticed...REALLY NOTICED one portion of this account...

Verse 2

Can't get this out of my head today...Don't really want to.


"And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;

Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;

That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,

He bled and died to take away my sin."
 
 
How Great Indeed!

Self or God...who gets your vote?

Election time in Alabama!  I love election time!  People who don't care one thing about politics for 3 years now try to sound like Walter Cronkite as the voting day approaches, breaking down the voting records and backers of each candidate. 

(If you are too young to know who Cronkite was, just take it from me...he was THE MAN!)  Google him.

Everyone is all of a sudden an expert on the way things run around the statehouse and capitol...like they have been taking their lunch breaks and scurrying downtown to eat their ham and cheese while observing the inner workings and backroom dealings of the political landscape. It often becomes more about who you are NOT voting for, as opposed to who you ARE voting for. 

Being Flippant About Your SWDSEB, and Some Pet Peeves

Pet Peeves...we all have them.  Those tendencies of other people, circumstances, inanimate objects, WHATEVER that drive you nuts!  For example, when I was teaching, ENDING SENTENCES IN PREPOSITIONS was a sure way to draw my ire.  It actually made my list of classroom rules at the beginning of the year, right next to "No Scrunching."  Hey, another pet peeve...the sound paper makes when it is being balled up in an otherwise quiet room.

Don't judge my pet peeves!  They are Mine!!

Some peeves develop with the times, and some are not timeless.  Two more of mine that fit this category are when people start off a sentence with the phrase, "At the end of the day...."  What does that mean?  What you are about to say is not true until around 9:30 p.m.-ish?  It is just a sad attempt to make your point sound more weighty.  Doesn't work.

Love God. Love People

I coached basketball for 12 years on the High School level.  As with any coach, you have certain philosophies that you carry on year after year, regardless if the kids in the uniforms change.  Some coaches like to  "run-and-gun".  Others are the slow it down, play tough defense type.  Some allow their players freedom to create, while another coach wants to be in control and have a disciplined attack.

Also, you have certain plays and tendencies you tend to duplicate.  A base offense or defense around which everything else is built.

THERE WILL BE A POINT TO THIS LATER...

Quick Hitter on Prayer

I have dealt with young people who love to ask theological questions.  That is a good thing, don't get me wrong. 

But unfortunately I slipped for years into a lazy spirituality where I knew what I believed, BUT really didn't know why.  I believed it strongly, but had no basis, other than "that's what I was taught."

I have been on a re-discovery of sorts lately where I have been questioning WHAT do I believe, and WHY do I believe it?

So, kids often ask "If God already knows what is going to happen, then why do we pray?"

After I ummm and ahhhh and try to come up with something that sounds deep, I usually default to "Because God told you to."  Super spiritual, I know.  Great leader that I am.

This topic is deep and far-reaching and we could debate it for days, but recently I heard a great explanation of why we pray. 

Why do I pray?

Because God listens.

Philippians 4:6-7 (New King James Version)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.