Contrast: Wonderful Creator vs. Fallen Man

For those wondering about the existence of a wonderful Creator, I would recommend a trip to the Beach. There's nothing like watching the sheer power of the ocean, the beauty of the moon shining on it at night or dolphins calmly swimming along the coastline at sunset. Such extremely wonderful things to behold, all given to us to do so!

For those of you wondering whether man is inherently good or evil may want to consider the countless cigarette butts, plastic wrappers and other litter along the beaches while looking at the wonderful creation in which we live. Or drive up and down the main drag at resort towns and notice all of the bars, clubs, strip joints and people that seem to be "lit up" at night.

Perhaps I'm close-minded, but I believe both are true and they are in stark contrast.

Priority Adjustment Needed

A wealthy lawyer, was driving his red Ferrari down the highway, thinking to himself how much he loved his ride, when he was suddenly forced off the road and flung out of his car as it went hurling down a cliff.

Miraculously he survived, and ran to the edge of the cliff, and stared down at his car in flames and cried, "My Ferrari! My Ferrari!"

While standing there a man ran up next to him and said, “Sir, never mind the car, don't you realize how hurt you are? Your left arm is gone!"

Looking down at the stump that was once his left arm, the lawyer, stunned and horrified, screamed “My Rolex! My Rolex!"

Pair o' Dime Props: New Jersey, Part 2

My second full day back in Northern Jersey brings about two more definite perks to loving in this area:

1. Full Service Gas Stations: "What?" you say, "last time I saw that it costs a fortune!!!" Well, not really. In Jersey not only is it an option, but it's your only option. You are not allowed to fill your own tank in NJ. And gas right now is running about 25 cents cheaper than in North Carolina. And when you're in the middle of a blizzard or a downpour, you start realizing that this isn't a bad thing.
   
2. A multi-cultural society: It is not a black/white world here in the Garden State. People come in all colors, shapes, sizes and accents. Most of which try to learn our common language. This provides a richness to everyday life. People have differences in cultures and living here helps you appreciate these differences.

New Jersey...it's not so bad after all.

Pair o' Dime Props: New Jersey

Well, for unfortunate reasons I find myself back in the Garden State after being gone for about two and a half years. You know, New Jersey tends to get a bad rap, and even though I'm back for not-so-happy reasons, I got to hand it to this state. It's got a lot going for it. It's government representation isn't one of them, but there are things in Jersey that are worth noting as positive. So, here's to the upside of Jersey!

1. The Food: Folks who've never had food in the Northeast for a prolonged amount of time, this is a place to go. If you think the Olive Garden is Italian, Little Ceasar's is Pizza, or Lender's is a bagel, well...you haven't lived! If you spend any time here, you would see why some folks you meet from the Northeast scoff at the mention of Pizza Hut. Sure, you'll find them here, but really, after tasting the NJ fare, you know you're settling for at most second best with any of the above.
   
2. Franchise Establishments: There are none...well...very few. Here's to mom and pop! You want independence and variety? Local foods, merchandise and services are everywhere. Yeah, there's Wal-Mart and other cursed establishments, but there are plenty of independent shops everywhere.
   
3. The people: Yeah..the upside of what many consider gruff or rude. It's not rudeness. People are the same. Sure they may come across this way, but look deeper. What you get with people in New Jersey is a frankness you won't find anywhere else. I often tell the story about when we first moved here and it was 9:50 one night and we wanted a pizza. I called the place right up the street (next to the inevitable Chinese takeout and dry cleaner) and said, "Yes I was wondering what time you close," (Concerned that they may be annoyed at an order so close to 10) but on the other end I heard, "What do you want?" in a very short, blunt way. A closed mind would say he was being rude but really he was telling me that it was fine to go ahead and order. He wanted to accommodate my desire for pizza. (If you're wondering about the quality of the pizza look at the first bullet point). - (And on a personal note, our friends in New Jersey are incredible. By far it's what I miss the most about this state...if only I could get them all to move to North Carolina! I don't think that's unreasonable...most of New Jersey has already moved to Charlotte anyhow).
   
4. And finally...the driving: Yes, you read that right. Driving in New Jersey is like a premium beer. Once you've acquired the taste for it, it's actually very good. If you know what a jughandle is, then you realize how efficient they can be when done right. When you want to go left, get in the right lane. It makes complete sense...it's the same thing we do on the interstate, As far as what to expect from the drivers themselves? Precision and aggression. Yeah, it's hard at first, but the rules are simple. Keep moving at all costs (short of hitting something) and respect each other's space on the road. And yes, people respect the space of other drivers; it's just that the definition of space for other drivers is approximately two feet longer than the length and width of your car. Honestly though, they want to hit you about as much as you want to hit them, so as long as you realize that they will get out of your way and you'll do the same for them, the roads are very efficient. Of course when lanes merge, you take turns! It is not an opportunity to cut someone off...let them in. You'll feel better about yourself if you do so. Driving in New Jersey is exhilarating! Since everyone is mutually aggressive on the roads, people stay sharp and alert. It's when you get lazy when driving that accidents occur. I think per capita, Jersey drivers may be the best in the states!!

So there it is. My unlikely toast to New Jersey. Do I want to move back here? No way! but it has it's merits!

"The Life"

It's interesting that my pastor this past Sunday only briefly mentioned one thing and it's sticking to me pretty well right now. I'm not the best at pulling out all the points of a multi-point sermon, so I often latch on to one thing and hope it sticks for long term. I think this past week I got one. God is Life.

Long past beer commercials once had men uttering, "You know, it just doesn't get any better than this." Usually these men were sitting around a campfire, enjoying time together and absorbing the richness of the moment. It's not a bad thing really. Community with other people is an essential that we often overlook. But the phrase itself may perhaps be a little weighty for a few brews with some buds. I've uttered the phrase multiple times.

How often have we said something like, "This is the life?" It has become a common phrase and yet, if you think about what we are literally saying, the magnitude in which we are holding "this" to is huge! Essentially we are saying that "this is IT!" or "I found it!" or "I got it!" The one thing that makes life all worthwhile.

Our passion for our spouses or adoration of our children may bring us to tell them that they are our life. Our love for them is like no other. That they are the reason behind our actions and endeavors.

Any of these things alone are not bad. As a matter of fact the examples are good. Friendship, Parenthood and Romance with one's spouse are all products of love, but are they "it?" Are they "The Life?"

Other experiences may be a little more self-indulgent. I want a slot track and a pool table, and consequently, a bigger house to put them in. If I had these things would I utter, "This is the life" or "It just doesn't get any better than this?" Maybe... or I'd find something else I wanted that would "make my life better." These pursuits by themselves are probably not bad, but they are, at the very most, temporal.

God is Life. My pastor went on to say that whenever we think something else is life we are in a state of idolatry. This hit me pretty hard, but in a good way. It's statements like this that provide perspective. What I am challenged to do now is to look beyond things that are temporal and to things eternal. To "live in the moment" could very well be me forsaking God once again. The first chapter of John as well as the beginning of Genesis pretty much says this. It's said more literally later in John when Jesus says, "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25), and "I am the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6). It's something to think about...finding and living the Life.

Three musical words to OSU fans around the globe...

"Michigan lost again!"

Also words I never expected to hear as they relate to the first two games of the football season...but I welcome them!

Pair o' Dime Props: Appalachian State University

Just a word out to our friends up in Boone, North Carolina. Well done this past weekend! As a devoted Ohio State fan, you provided me one of the nicest kick-offs to the College Football Season.