Well,
You knew it would happen even though they said it wouldn't. The people of Arkansas were sold on the idea that every child in our state would get a free ride (mostly) for college and the adults could have some fun providing it. Ignoring how this is a regressive tax on those who can least afford it, we bought it.
I found it great fun to read from our state-wide newspaper a serious discussion about a crazy game called Keno. I do not understand and really do not care to learn. But the bottom line is that the lottery wants it but some politicians say no. Our attorney general says its legal until the legislature stops it. Even though others think it would be a "misdemeanor" if it was set up. It appears Keno must be in legal limbo.
I really enjoyed a comment quoted in that paper about a Representative in our beloved state. The rep was quoted as saying that they did not know about the game because they were concerned only with the scholarship part of it. This rep went on to say they 'trusted" the leadership to develop how a lottery must work. Apparently, reading of the bill was not a high priority. Other folks quoted in the article also had the same type of comments.
Before it has even begun, our leaders are confused on it. They voted the rules in on things they do not understand.
For those of you who thought government promoted gambling would solve all of our problems and be run in the light of day with everything out in the open: I just have one thing to say---don't bet on it.
Jim
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Insight from Shia LaBeouf
I got so excited the other day when I picked up an article out of my Sunday paper and read where an actor told the truth about something larger then he expected.
According to the article, Shia LaBeouf, who stars in the upcoming release, Transformers:Revenge of the Fallen, had a very candid conversation with author Dotson Rader.
He stated, "Sometimes I feel I'm living a meaningless life, and I get frightened. He went on to describe the usual thoughts we get from actors. but he gave further insight about himself when he said, "Every man has those feelings of escape and survival. I know you shouldn't be that way. I'm trying to understand it and find the answers. I don't have them now...I have no answers to anything...Why am I an alcoholic? I haven't a...clue. What is life about? I don't know."
Why does this excite me? The man was being honest. The first step in finding direction in life is being honest with yourself.
I wonder if Hollywood could discover honesty? I wonder if they could get past being politically correct and pushing their agenda long enough to take an honest look at themselves and their industry? I wonder if they would be honest about how they have impacted our culture?
Of course, we need to be honest with ourselves and where we stand in this life. But different from Shia, I have a meaning and understanding about life. I have reason to be here. I have a future. I have no need to escape.
I have Faith in something greater than myself. Faith in a purpose filled life. Faith that I will get to meet the author of that faith gives me a reason and hope to move forward.
I am optimistic in a pessimistic world.
Dr. Jim
I got so excited the other day when I picked up an article out of my Sunday paper and read where an actor told the truth about something larger then he expected.
According to the article, Shia LaBeouf, who stars in the upcoming release, Transformers:Revenge of the Fallen, had a very candid conversation with author Dotson Rader.
He stated, "Sometimes I feel I'm living a meaningless life, and I get frightened. He went on to describe the usual thoughts we get from actors. but he gave further insight about himself when he said, "Every man has those feelings of escape and survival. I know you shouldn't be that way. I'm trying to understand it and find the answers. I don't have them now...I have no answers to anything...Why am I an alcoholic? I haven't a...clue. What is life about? I don't know."
Why does this excite me? The man was being honest. The first step in finding direction in life is being honest with yourself.
I wonder if Hollywood could discover honesty? I wonder if they could get past being politically correct and pushing their agenda long enough to take an honest look at themselves and their industry? I wonder if they would be honest about how they have impacted our culture?
Of course, we need to be honest with ourselves and where we stand in this life. But different from Shia, I have a meaning and understanding about life. I have reason to be here. I have a future. I have no need to escape.
I have Faith in something greater than myself. Faith in a purpose filled life. Faith that I will get to meet the author of that faith gives me a reason and hope to move forward.
I am optimistic in a pessimistic world.
Dr. Jim
Thursday, June 11, 2009
A real Depression
America seems to be in a bit of a funk. I do not ever remember so many worried about so much. Well, it caused me to look back at some history at the "real" depression. You know, the one we all talked and studied about in our history books. I was especially interested in how President Hoover responded after the stock market crash.
I must admit that I have not had the time to do an exhaustive research on the matter but enough that a trend seems to have emerged. The crash caught him and many economic advisers by surprise. Of course if there are two econ advisers in the room, then you have three opinions anyway. But Hoover thought that it would be short lived and he did not see the need for radical decisions. He really believed he just needed to show a steady hand and the country would move through this moment in time. Maybe it would have worked, but the economic trouble was compounded by a severe drought and dust bowl era. America wanted action and direction, not just a steady hand at the helm.
The hatred toward this president seemed to be growing throughout his term. During his reelection campaign against Roosevelt, he even received a telegram asking him to vote for FDR so the vote would be unanimous. Of course he lost and the FDR era began. It was said by one writer that before Hoover left the White House for the last time, that he standing staring out a window, with red eyes because he had apparently wept over what all had happened to him and the country during his time.
The reality seems to be that he never truly realized the situation the country was in. Maybe he did not want to believe it; maybe he just wanted to deny it. He just seemed to never have a handle on all that had happened.
You and I want to deny things as well. We just do not want to think about it or even admit something is wrong. When things are wrong, you have little hope for the future and confidence in any direction. You question everything and trust nothing.
But I am a believer. And as a believer, I have hope. I think our greatest days could be ahead of us, not behind us.
As has been said, in the end the pessimist might be right. But the optimist enjoys the trip a lot more.
Jim Lagrone
I must admit that I have not had the time to do an exhaustive research on the matter but enough that a trend seems to have emerged. The crash caught him and many economic advisers by surprise. Of course if there are two econ advisers in the room, then you have three opinions anyway. But Hoover thought that it would be short lived and he did not see the need for radical decisions. He really believed he just needed to show a steady hand and the country would move through this moment in time. Maybe it would have worked, but the economic trouble was compounded by a severe drought and dust bowl era. America wanted action and direction, not just a steady hand at the helm.
The hatred toward this president seemed to be growing throughout his term. During his reelection campaign against Roosevelt, he even received a telegram asking him to vote for FDR so the vote would be unanimous. Of course he lost and the FDR era began. It was said by one writer that before Hoover left the White House for the last time, that he standing staring out a window, with red eyes because he had apparently wept over what all had happened to him and the country during his time.
The reality seems to be that he never truly realized the situation the country was in. Maybe he did not want to believe it; maybe he just wanted to deny it. He just seemed to never have a handle on all that had happened.
You and I want to deny things as well. We just do not want to think about it or even admit something is wrong. When things are wrong, you have little hope for the future and confidence in any direction. You question everything and trust nothing.
But I am a believer. And as a believer, I have hope. I think our greatest days could be ahead of us, not behind us.
As has been said, in the end the pessimist might be right. But the optimist enjoys the trip a lot more.
Jim Lagrone
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Resurgence
I am now a blogger.
Before we start on this week's blog, let me tell you where the name, "on the wall" comes from. The book of Ezekiel records a watchmen on the wall who is assigned the task of scanning the horizon to see if any challenge is coming. Of course, this blog will be scanning the horizon to see what might be an event we need to pay attention too. Remember, this is opinion and sometimes I might not even agree with myself. So, here we go....
Southern Baptists have been known for numerous things through the years. We have stood tall at times on issues and we have avoided issues that make us uncomfortable. We have been evangelistic and centered our fellowship as churches on our common missionary efforts. I really do believe we can accomplish more working together than apart.
Times, however have changed for some churches and pastors. We are not working together as we once did. The attendance at associational meetings and convention meetings is getting "older". We are all too familiar with the conservative resurgence and the stress and strain that SBC life has felt. And now, there is a new movement started by convention president, Johnny Hunt.
He has posted a document called, "A Great Commission Resurgence". It is his belief that we need to refocus on the great commission to fulfill our mandate in missions and evangelism. We all agree. Where the problem lies for some is in his 10 commitments. You can read his complete statement at:theGreatcommissionresurgence.com. Most of his thoughts are welcomed. But many in our denomination worry about number 9 which calls for a more effective convention structure.
I have no problem evaluating our current structure. We should never be afraid to see if things are working or if we can do a better job in our churches as well as our denominational structure. The question really lies with who does the evaluating? Do they already have an agenda? Do they actually love southern Baptists? I think it is fine to look at ourselves and see if we are doing the best we can with the resources God has given us.
Never forget the local church, under the lordship of Christ, is the foundation of all we do. If it is not, something must change. If it is, we leave it alone.
What do you think?
Before we start on this week's blog, let me tell you where the name, "on the wall" comes from. The book of Ezekiel records a watchmen on the wall who is assigned the task of scanning the horizon to see if any challenge is coming. Of course, this blog will be scanning the horizon to see what might be an event we need to pay attention too. Remember, this is opinion and sometimes I might not even agree with myself. So, here we go....
Southern Baptists have been known for numerous things through the years. We have stood tall at times on issues and we have avoided issues that make us uncomfortable. We have been evangelistic and centered our fellowship as churches on our common missionary efforts. I really do believe we can accomplish more working together than apart.
Times, however have changed for some churches and pastors. We are not working together as we once did. The attendance at associational meetings and convention meetings is getting "older". We are all too familiar with the conservative resurgence and the stress and strain that SBC life has felt. And now, there is a new movement started by convention president, Johnny Hunt.
He has posted a document called, "A Great Commission Resurgence". It is his belief that we need to refocus on the great commission to fulfill our mandate in missions and evangelism. We all agree. Where the problem lies for some is in his 10 commitments. You can read his complete statement at:theGreatcommissionresurgence.com. Most of his thoughts are welcomed. But many in our denomination worry about number 9 which calls for a more effective convention structure.
I have no problem evaluating our current structure. We should never be afraid to see if things are working or if we can do a better job in our churches as well as our denominational structure. The question really lies with who does the evaluating? Do they already have an agenda? Do they actually love southern Baptists? I think it is fine to look at ourselves and see if we are doing the best we can with the resources God has given us.
Never forget the local church, under the lordship of Christ, is the foundation of all we do. If it is not, something must change. If it is, we leave it alone.
What do you think?
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