Sharing my notes from today's message:
Say What? Fear Not
Andy Manley
October 30, 2016
Mark 4:35-41
Are we fearful of the circumstances, or are we fearful of the outcome, wondering if Jesus is even there?
Jesus is there, and he knows the outcome. He can rest in the circumstances, because he is in control.
When we are in the storm, there are not easy answers to make the storms go away.
Fear creates a story.
Genesis 19:31-33. Lot and his daughters' plot to preserve their family
line. They were reacting out of fear, rather than turning to God.
Fear confuses our decision making. (This is a biological response, BTW)
Back to the Mark passage, Jesus' disposition was of rest, calm and peace. He was sleeping on a cushion!
He's promised to be with us, to never forsake us. He's here with us in life's storms.
Remember, you're exactly where God wants you. He's setting the stage for what's next.
The bigger the circumstances, the more reliant we need to be on God.
"Fear not, for I am with you," says the Lord.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your
God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my
righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
The message of the gospel is hope in the middle of the storm. Jesus is fully authorized to deal with the mess, the storm.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Day 20 - Distraction leads to lazy days (or, when you don't have a plan...)
Is it a lack of focus that causes distraction, or is it
distraction that causes a lack of focus?
Today was a day that held a lot of potential. With the IFR weather, the early morning flight lesson was
cancelled, so I decided at 5:05 that I’d go back to sleep for a few more
hours. But, I didn’t go back to
sleep right away, thanks to a combination of a headache and various thoughts
running through my head. Thoughts
of all sorts: about the week, last night’s festivities, the family, work, flying,
the house, exercise….no squirrels, but lots of hamster wheeling.
After about forty minutes of various trains leaving the
station, I dozed off until 6:30, when Ramsey (who slept at my feet all night,
keeping me quarantined under the covers to a fourth of the bed) decided he need
to go outside. After letting him
out and a couple of acetaminophen, I figured I’d try to sleep some more, as no
one else had stirred. It was nice
to get a chance to sleep in, which isn’t usually the case these days.
When I did get out of bed, I had some breakfast and coffee
while briefly browsing social media and then reading some posts on an online forum
I found a few weeks ago. The
weather was still dreary, the coffee was hot, the girls were sleeping, and Jill
was writing at her desk. So, a
lazy morning I decided it would be.
A few hours went by, and I decided to go downstairs and wake
up Number Four, since her friend who had spent the night had already been up
for an hour. I then checked in on
the computer. I had some thoughts
from Day 17’s writing that I wanted to finish, which I did, after going down a
few rabbit holes on Kierkegaard and subjective vs. objective truth . In the process, I started a load of
laundry after an inquiry about such was made, and finished the writing. Oh, and Ryan Divish's article on King Felix and what he needs to do in the off-season to return to his throne in 2017.
Saturday college football was on, including Rocky playing Tech at home. I didn't feel like heading up the street to the Rocky Bowl, and after surfing through a few
games, nothing really caught my fancy.
I dottled on Twitter for a
bit, but again, nothing overly exciting.
I ended up surfing channels some more while waiting to switch loads. Then, I had to re-run a load because
something akin to lip gloss (My lip gloss
is cool, my lip gloss be poppin’) was on half of the items.
Got the load re-washed and then I needed to get ready as we
were going to see the late matinee of Inferno. That sounded like fun entertainment.
So, in and out of the shower and out the door to the
theater (IMAX is an extra $5/ticket, and for this movie, wasn't worth the extra). It was a semi-entertaining movie with some properly-dressed eye candy
and a Armageddon-preventing plot successfully fulfilled. I don't think Mr. Hanks
(not the eye candy) will win an Oscar. As the movie is finishing, I get texts and phone calls about where we are, and where is T? She forgot she's supposed to go babysit with a friend. So, we drop the youngest at her friend’s and head back.
Upon returning home, switch out the laundry load and fold it
while watching the Indians and Cubs in Game #4 (What’s up with the Cubs offense
this off-season? So much for my "Cubs in six" prediction--sorry, Tren). A bit
more browsing social media and the forum (with some interspersed tears), a quick chat with Stands in Cabbage
Patch, play fetch with Ramsey a few times as I fast forward through the
commercials and suddenly, it’s 10:30.
Where did the day go?
What did I get done? There
are a lot of things that could have been done today that would have been a lot
more productive. Is it okay to be
lazy now and again? I suppose it is, but—in hindsight--having a definitive plan and
working it to get some stuff done probably would have made me feel more accomplished.
It’s easy to get distracted. Maybe that’s an excuse for being lazy.
Day 16 - The Right Thing?
Sometimes, I wish doing the right thing meant doing the easy thing.
When you feel like you're at your wit's end, it doesn't always come to
your mind as the first thing to do. However, I will act based on what is consistent with my character. That's a willful desire to act based on the character I strive to obtain. (See earlier post on working out said character.)
Day 17 & 19 are in the books, but I don't think I have anything from day 18. Not a bad average, to date.
This writing inspiration, by the way (see-I typed it out, kids), comes from my talented wife's encouragement of others to join her in a 100-day writing effort. She's sharing her talents, and her story, at jillriley.blogspot.com. Check it out. You will see how amazing she is.
Day 17 & 19 are in the books, but I don't think I have anything from day 18. Not a bad average, to date.
This writing inspiration, by the way (see-I typed it out, kids), comes from my talented wife's encouragement of others to join her in a 100-day writing effort. She's sharing her talents, and her story, at jillriley.blogspot.com. Check it out. You will see how amazing she is.
Monday, October 24, 2016
Day 15 - 23,126,400 minutes
Twenty-three million, one hundred twenty-six thousand, four hundred minutes.
You have to add some thirty-second notes, or maybe sixty-fourth notes to make that fit the song from Rent.
How do you measure, measure a life?
In cars? 17 owned
In addresses? 16, I believe, in 14 domiciles (but only one in the last 19 years).
In towns? 10
In schools? 8
In full-time jobs? 6 (one in two, different stints)
In kids? 4
In countries visited? 3
In wives? 1
In games called? over 900 In total hours flown? 554.1 In hours worked? Roughly 51,500 hours
I think I'll stick with the song. I'll measure it in love. Love from many. Love for many. Immeasurable love from God above.
You have to add some thirty-second notes, or maybe sixty-fourth notes to make that fit the song from Rent.
How do you measure, measure a life?
In cars? 17 owned
In addresses? 16, I believe, in 14 domiciles (but only one in the last 19 years).
In towns? 10
In schools? 8
In full-time jobs? 6 (one in two, different stints)
In kids? 4
In countries visited? 3
In wives? 1
In games called? over 900 In total hours flown? 554.1 In hours worked? Roughly 51,500 hours
I think I'll stick with the song. I'll measure it in love. Love from many. Love for many. Immeasurable love from God above.
Day 14 - Plankeye
Well, I cannot credit Jon Warneke for coining the term plankeye, as it appears that there was a Christian alternative band with said name. Nevertheless, the point is made. How many times have I went to help someone out with the speck in their eye and smacked them up side the head with the plank in mine?
If you're unfamiliar with the story, see Matthew 7:1-5 from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. I appreciate Eugene Peterson's paraphrase of the section in The Message:
Jon notes that plankeye leads one to say, "You are wrong and even though I am wrong, I am right." We may do it out of pride, arrogance, exclusivity, or something else. But, it gets away from what Jesus spent the previous two chapters of the Sermon discussing. One needs to be reviewing one's character and acting as Jesus commands. We aren't suppose to do it the way the world does it, but the way Jesus tells us. Otherwise, we are just foolish men who build our houses on the sand.
Jesus used hyperbole (speck vs. plank or camel/eye of the needle) to make a point. Why should we criticize someone else for a fault if we're blind to our own considerable faults? (NIV Study Bible notes on Luke 6:41)
It's not that we aren't suppose to judge, but that we're not to judge hypocritically or self-righteously. Why? Because we're not the ones with the authority to pronounce judgment. That belongs to God. However, God did put within each of us the ability to discern right and wrong. It's what Paul writes to the Romans about in the second chapter, in talking about the law of God being written on our hearts, so that we're without excuse.
If I should correct a fellow believer (not a non-believer), Jon reminded what Paul was getting at in Galatians 6:1 - I better be led by the Spirit, have a heart for restoration and be acting in humility and gently, or I'm just a hypocrite.
God, surgically remove the plank from my eyes.
If you're unfamiliar with the story, see Matthew 7:1-5 from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. I appreciate Eugene Peterson's paraphrase of the section in The Message:
Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.
Matthew 7:1-5 MSG"Playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part." The Bard noted some time after that "All the world's a stage, and all the men are merely players." We all have our parts, and it's what God's given us in this life. Don't be jumping on others unless you expect them to jump back, and not in the 80's sense.
Jon notes that plankeye leads one to say, "You are wrong and even though I am wrong, I am right." We may do it out of pride, arrogance, exclusivity, or something else. But, it gets away from what Jesus spent the previous two chapters of the Sermon discussing. One needs to be reviewing one's character and acting as Jesus commands. We aren't suppose to do it the way the world does it, but the way Jesus tells us. Otherwise, we are just foolish men who build our houses on the sand.
Jesus used hyperbole (speck vs. plank or camel/eye of the needle) to make a point. Why should we criticize someone else for a fault if we're blind to our own considerable faults? (NIV Study Bible notes on Luke 6:41)
It's not that we aren't suppose to judge, but that we're not to judge hypocritically or self-righteously. Why? Because we're not the ones with the authority to pronounce judgment. That belongs to God. However, God did put within each of us the ability to discern right and wrong. It's what Paul writes to the Romans about in the second chapter, in talking about the law of God being written on our hearts, so that we're without excuse.
If I should correct a fellow believer (not a non-believer), Jon reminded what Paul was getting at in Galatians 6:1 - I better be led by the Spirit, have a heart for restoration and be acting in humility and gently, or I'm just a hypocrite.
God, surgically remove the plank from my eyes.
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Days 11-13
I have written topics for each of the past three days about intimacy, anger and emotions--why do we need them? But, I'm not posting them as of now. I'd like to share with a few for their feedback, but it's not for public consumption at this point. Nevertheless, this deliberate introspection is a good thing, I think.
Day 10 - Integrity
The etymology of words fascinates me. I've subscribed to
Merriam-Webster's "Word of the Day" e-mail for, oh, ten or more years
now. Personal goals have been set before to utilize the respective Word
of the Day in a social media post, or in a broadcast, or in a work
e-mail--with a limited success rate. For example, today's (October 19)
WOTD is colubrine - adj. :of, relating to, or resembling a snake.
Sometimes it's hard to incorporate said word. In a recent picture my wife posted on Facebook, I would have said, "The colubrine water hose peeked out of the snow covering our back patio, trying to slither its way over the fence into the backyard." Nevertheless, I want to continue learning and make use of what I learn, and that includes expanding my vocabulary.
When speaking or teaching, I often share the meaning and history of words/discussion terms used to hopefully add meaning and understanding, especially the nuances between denotations and the connotations ascribed to words. That predisposition led the Parkhill youth group kids (and my kids) nicknaming me Webster. I guess I'm kind of like Mr. Portokalos in My Big, Fat Greek Wedding, except I acknowledge that not ever word in the English language derives from Greek (however, a fair number do--"There you go.").
A word that circulates through my head often, and especially in the last number of months, is integrity. Here is Merriam-Webster's definition:
Sometimes it's hard to incorporate said word. In a recent picture my wife posted on Facebook, I would have said, "The colubrine water hose peeked out of the snow covering our back patio, trying to slither its way over the fence into the backyard." Nevertheless, I want to continue learning and make use of what I learn, and that includes expanding my vocabulary.
When speaking or teaching, I often share the meaning and history of words/discussion terms used to hopefully add meaning and understanding, especially the nuances between denotations and the connotations ascribed to words. That predisposition led the Parkhill youth group kids (and my kids) nicknaming me Webster. I guess I'm kind of like Mr. Portokalos in My Big, Fat Greek Wedding, except I acknowledge that not ever word in the English language derives from Greek (however, a fair number do--"There you go.").
A word that circulates through my head often, and especially in the last number of months, is integrity. Here is Merriam-Webster's definition:
integrity
noun in·teg·ri·ty \in-ˈte-grə-tē\Simple Definition of integrity
-
: the quality of being honest and fair
-
: the state of being complete or whole
Full Definition of integrity
-
1 : firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility
-
2 : an unimpaired condition : soundness
-
3 : the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness
Origin and Etymology of integrity
Middle English integrite, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French integrité, from Latin integritat-, integritas, from integr-, integer entire
First Known Use: 14th century
We often used integrity to talk about structural soundness or quality of an artistic work, but it's the first definition listed above that rings through my head. And, when discussing a person, it's the synonyms of character, decency, goodness, honesty, that I want to resonate in my life. I want it to show in my professional life and in my personal life. That requires my entire being to be sound, undivided, complete.
On Monday evening, I met with my flight student who is at the end of course point to review his paperwork and prepare his application for the check ride--or so we thought. Upon review of his logbook and training records, I found he was short by almost an hour of the 3.0 hours required for simulated instrument training. I later found that his solo cross-country flight didn't meet the criteria specified in the regulations. These definitely were issues to be addressed.
With the student having worked with multiple instructors previously, there are numerous things that could have caused this problem: clerical errors in the training system or in his logbook, an oversight by an instructor on the particular lesson's requirements, an honest mistake, etc. So, how to remedy the problem?
Could we have revised his logbook and training records to add on those lessons where it was required the .2 or .3 hours to make the totals match what was required? Sure, as the integrity of the more structured Part 141 course in which he's enrolled usually ensures that the training happens logically and in sequence. So, I could chalk it up to clerical errors, but when things were missing in both the logbook and training system entry, that didn't seem the likely possibility. And, to fabricate entries to satisfy requirements could definitely affect the integrity of the student's training, especially with such an important skill that may be required in an emergency. Trying to check the boxes to satisfy an application isn't worth risking a student's life.
So, I inquired with the lead flight instructor that evening and then with the director of flight operations the next morning concerning how we could proceed. They concurred with the assessment that we needed to supplement training to ensure the requirements were properly met, and that the school would pay for the two extra flights required to do so. It was the right thing to do. The director thanked me for advocating for my student. It wasn't difficult, as it was the right thing to do to ensure his training was complete.
If only personal integrity was always as easy. It's something for which I consistently strive. But, there are times where I feel like Paul did in his writing to the Romans, "For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out." "What a wretched man I am!"
It's more than just being seen as a person of character, one who is decent, honest, moral. It's about being a whole being. Complete. Jesus calls for us to follow God's example of perfect love in Matthew 5. Not that that one will ever be complete/perftect this side of heaven, but one can definitely make it a goal, right? Maybe it goes with what James says about perseverance being able to finish its work so one can be mature and complete.
I want to be a man of integrity, in every sense of the word.
First Known Use: 14th century
Synonyms
character, decency, goodness, honesty, morality, probity, rectitude, righteousness, rightness, uprightness, virtue, virtuousnessWe often used integrity to talk about structural soundness or quality of an artistic work, but it's the first definition listed above that rings through my head. And, when discussing a person, it's the synonyms of character, decency, goodness, honesty, that I want to resonate in my life. I want it to show in my professional life and in my personal life. That requires my entire being to be sound, undivided, complete.
On Monday evening, I met with my flight student who is at the end of course point to review his paperwork and prepare his application for the check ride--or so we thought. Upon review of his logbook and training records, I found he was short by almost an hour of the 3.0 hours required for simulated instrument training. I later found that his solo cross-country flight didn't meet the criteria specified in the regulations. These definitely were issues to be addressed.
With the student having worked with multiple instructors previously, there are numerous things that could have caused this problem: clerical errors in the training system or in his logbook, an oversight by an instructor on the particular lesson's requirements, an honest mistake, etc. So, how to remedy the problem?
Could we have revised his logbook and training records to add on those lessons where it was required the .2 or .3 hours to make the totals match what was required? Sure, as the integrity of the more structured Part 141 course in which he's enrolled usually ensures that the training happens logically and in sequence. So, I could chalk it up to clerical errors, but when things were missing in both the logbook and training system entry, that didn't seem the likely possibility. And, to fabricate entries to satisfy requirements could definitely affect the integrity of the student's training, especially with such an important skill that may be required in an emergency. Trying to check the boxes to satisfy an application isn't worth risking a student's life.
So, I inquired with the lead flight instructor that evening and then with the director of flight operations the next morning concerning how we could proceed. They concurred with the assessment that we needed to supplement training to ensure the requirements were properly met, and that the school would pay for the two extra flights required to do so. It was the right thing to do. The director thanked me for advocating for my student. It wasn't difficult, as it was the right thing to do to ensure his training was complete.
If only personal integrity was always as easy. It's something for which I consistently strive. But, there are times where I feel like Paul did in his writing to the Romans, "For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out." "What a wretched man I am!"
It's more than just being seen as a person of character, one who is decent, honest, moral. It's about being a whole being. Complete. Jesus calls for us to follow God's example of perfect love in Matthew 5. Not that that one will ever be complete/perftect this side of heaven, but one can definitely make it a goal, right? Maybe it goes with what James says about perseverance being able to finish its work so one can be mature and complete.
I want to be a man of integrity, in every sense of the word.
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