Community

Tuesday, February 17, 2004

I gotta learn to be careful what I say…

People have been saying that for years. "You need to be more careful what you say.... " I put the "..." there because usually there is a "when" or a "concerning" followed by a situation or topic, however, not always. Anyway, I used to have this goal. It was, I thought, pretty simple. "I want to be 'they'." Which of course meant following up that goal with what it actually meant. It meant, I wanted to be the "they" from the phrase, "They say, blah blah blah". Historically, I've always said pretty much whatever i wanted. I did this for a number of reasons. First, I would guess, is probably because I have an ego that is rather large. Second, I was taught from a very early age, by a widowed mother of three boys, to stand up for yourself, say what you think, and don't let anyone stop you. As a 21 year old widowed mother of three in the late 1960's this was probably an attitutude that kept her alive or at least sane. However, the problem is that outside of her own family, no one really was influenced by what she said. Any negative context here is certainly not intended. I am mearly trying to explain that she was probably rarely considered "they". I, on the other hand, being the author of 9 books, being in a position of management with my company, etc. it seems that at least at times, I am being "listend to". As this is happening, I am finding that I am praying that phrase more and more... "God, anything I have said, if it is of you, may it be like a seed planted. Anything not of you, may it whither away, never to be remembered." With authority comes humility, or maybe you just become a politician... who knows... Anyway, I guess I need to watch what I say a little more... maybe... We will see if I do or not, at least I am becoming aware that I might need to.. and, as they say, knowing is half the battle. Its late, i'm rambling... maybe this will make more sense in the morning... --Moose

Sunday, January 25, 2004

Lincoln or Saddam… YOU be the judge!

Okay, so my lovely wife and I took this personality test that tells you what type of leader you are... interestingly enough, I scored a value that gave me the title "Saddam Hussein" and she scored "Mother Theresa". Something about polar opposites?? Perhaps the test was a little off? What do you think? <img src="http://similarminds.com/images/leader/8.jpg"><img src="http://similarminds.com/images/leader/2.jpg"> Okay, so we redid it, this time, putting in the answers for each other... I did her's first... she's...<p> <img src="http://similarminds.com/images/leader/1.jpg"> <p> I'm guessing she will make me out to be Hitler, just to keep the balance and show our true polar opposite personalties... here we go... let's see... <p> <img src="http://similarminds.com/images/leader/8.jpg"> <p> And there you have it... I'm an evil dictator, and she is a Saint.... ah, its good to kow where we stand.... --Moose <a href="http://similarminds.com/othertests.html">What Famous Leader Are You?</a> By the way, we took it again... this time the "full test". She is still Ghandi, but I got a different answer! Occassionally, I would agree, that I have those bloody civil wars! <img src="http://similarminds.com/images/leader/9.jpg">

Sunday, December 21, 2003

Birthdays

Today is my significant other's birthday. May God grant her many years! For those of you aware of our situation, you know how important that phrase is. --Pe+er

Tuesday, December 16, 2003

Two days

Sunday after <a href="http://athanasiusoca.org">church</a>, my wife and I drove to Chicago. My friend mentioned <a href="http://david.dpitts.com/archives/000059.html">here </a> was waiting for us. His mom had passed away, and we were on our way up to be supportive, comforting, community, friends, loved ones, etc. Hopefully we achieved at least some of that... (Lord, have mercy) I was truly blessed (yeah, that word again) by the experience. I got to see an extension of a person and his life that I had not gotten to see to this point. I met a friend of his that he had been friends with since they were in High School together - or as he put it - since before I was born. This friend was of great comfort. He talked, joked, empathised, comforted and supported my freind, my wife and myself during the few hours we were honored to be in his presence. This friend is one of those people that I wished lived closer so that I could spend more time with - much less the benefit it would have on my friend. Anyway, we were able to be there for our friend. We were able to spend time and to represent MANY who could not come - even though they wished they could. I only pray that we were a blessing and not a burden. Truly it was a blessing for us to be allowed this glimpse into my friends personhood from his past, and from his present. Anyway, to Marion, may her memory be eternal. To my friend, my your lineage be eternal through the blessings that you besow on the MANY people that your life touches. You will certainly live in me and my family. God Bless! David Peter

Friday, December 05, 2003

A friend of mine’s mother is in the hospital… :(

A friend of mine's friend is in the hospital. She is quite ill, and not expected to make it the weekend. I am saddened for him, for her, and for me. All of these on many levels. For me, it brings back the memories of my own mother who passed away December, 2001. She struggled with cancer (I spit on you, vile serpent!) for a couple years and her illness was the main reason my wife and I moved back to Kentucky. My friend said, "it is a terrible thing becoming an orphan, regardless of the age." Not only can I relate to this, so can many other friends that I have - such as Sockmonk. Like my freind, I too am feeling alone. Unlike my friend, I have a most wonderful supporting spouse who treats me far better and more tender and with more care and love than one person deserves. And she does this in the midst of her own struggles. My friend needs my church. He doesn't need the "Sunday morning service" as he is in a healthy place for that - as best I can tell. He is quite spiritual, well versed in the scriptures, and the holiness within him comes out in many new and exciting ways all the time. But, he lacks community. He has one, but it is in a place he is choosing not to go. He knows a good portion of the congregation... heck he even likes some of them... I hurt for his lonliness. Unfortunately, when he gets overly stressed... he hermits. During these times, he will do things that distract from the stress, but other than that, he hermits. I let him know yesterday, that I won't put up with his hermiting. He basically has two choices... call me and keep me informed, or I will call him. Everyday. That was yesterday... today I called and left a message and he returned my call. I am most glad of this. I have 4 days of vacation that I have to use up this month or lose them. Apparently I get 10 more as of january 1. I will probably use these to spend time with him in Chicago. Exactly when, i'm not sure yet.... I'm sure my wife will want to go too. I want to be "intentional community" for him. He needs it, and so do I. He's got a rough time ahead of him.... May God give me strength, wisdom, tenacity, endurance, the ability to comfort, the ability to be merciful, and the ability to bless; and then allow me to share that with my friend. I suck at most of that, but that's what he needs... Bless.... --Moose