“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
X’s and Y’s aren’t just chromosomes anymore—they’re generations!
Generation X - born in the years 1965 to 1982 in the video and home computers era. Other nicknames are The MTV Generation/Baby Busters, with a dramatic drop in birth rate.
Generation Y - born from 1983 to present in the digital era. Other names for them are Boomerang/Peter Pan Generation, with many choosing to move back home.
X—enjoyed the great indoors with video games, cable TV, Velcro, computers, VCR’s, microwaves, and love to socialize at Starbucks or Internet Cafés.
Y— digital communications have created international online communities. Instant gratification with ‘on demand’ and ‘downloading’ as a way of life. YouTube, Google, and Wikipedia have replaced trips to the local library with information at our fingertips.
X—have opted to not stress out for success like their parents. Many aren’t committing to marriage until after 30 years old to keep from having unhappy marriages and jobs like their parents did.
Y—Millennials want to work mobile and expect employers to allow them to do so. Prefer marriage but want to do it right the first time.
X—began to redefine the family by veering away from traditional values of a mother and a father. Choices are based on feelings. Multi-partnering, in sexual relationships, is no longer considered ‘living in sin’.
Y—marriage is not a must when having a child and support for same sex marriages is on the rise.
X/Y—the attack of 9/11 left all generations depending on efforts for ‘homeland security’ to protect us from a different kind of war.
X—their Boomer parents lost faith while X’s never had faith.
Y—48% believe in ‘a’ God, 20% do not, and 32% are unsure God even exist.
“Not all X’s and Y’s support these values, of course, but the trends of the world are moving towards a road to destruction. God’s plan is to prosper you, keep you from harm, give you hope, and a bright future.”
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
“Talk’in ‘Bout My Generation”
"For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Matthew 7:13b-14
The Who, a popular rock group in the late 1960’s, wrote a song bearing the name of this post. As a teenager, I remember grabbing my pretend bed post microphone to stutter the passionate words, “I'm not trying to cause a b-big s-s-sensation…I'm just talkin' 'bout my g-g-generation”.
Baby Boomers, those born between the years of 1946 to 1964, have demonstrated there is strength in numbers. The post WWII baby explosion emerged over 75 million new lives who screamed for more than just ice cream; they shouted for reform.
The assignations of both President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, along with the Watergate scandal, and our involvement in Viet Nam left an impressionable generation with an uneasy feeling of who they could trust.
Experimentation with illegal drugs mixed with a cocktail of sexual freedom became the trend for many. Words beginning with ‘anti’ evolved into an action word; ‘movement’. The civil rights, women’s, environmental, anti-war movements, all stressed individualism yet the message was to promote peace and love.
Many Boomers turned to hard work and became workaholics; work defined self-worth with a willingness to relocate from family and neighborhoods. Families became estranged, with distance, and their children were dropped off at childcare facilities instead of Granny’s. Though they still loved their family they chose to love them by providing things instead of time.
42% of Baby Boomers dropped out of traditional places of Christian worship as the divorce rate climbed to 50%. They chose other places of worship; beaches, lakes, and golf courses.
Today the name changes to Golden Boomers as GTO’s traded for BMW’s are now traded for RV’s. They are the parents of Generation X and grandparents of Y’s.
“Even if 74,999,999 say something is right, does it make it right? What if God says it’s wrong? Which gate and road will you choose? Which of the two truly brings about peace, love, and harmony?”
Matthew 7:13b-14
The Who, a popular rock group in the late 1960’s, wrote a song bearing the name of this post. As a teenager, I remember grabbing my pretend bed post microphone to stutter the passionate words, “I'm not trying to cause a b-big s-s-sensation…I'm just talkin' 'bout my g-g-generation”.
Baby Boomers, those born between the years of 1946 to 1964, have demonstrated there is strength in numbers. The post WWII baby explosion emerged over 75 million new lives who screamed for more than just ice cream; they shouted for reform.
The assignations of both President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, along with the Watergate scandal, and our involvement in Viet Nam left an impressionable generation with an uneasy feeling of who they could trust.
Experimentation with illegal drugs mixed with a cocktail of sexual freedom became the trend for many. Words beginning with ‘anti’ evolved into an action word; ‘movement’. The civil rights, women’s, environmental, anti-war movements, all stressed individualism yet the message was to promote peace and love.
Many Boomers turned to hard work and became workaholics; work defined self-worth with a willingness to relocate from family and neighborhoods. Families became estranged, with distance, and their children were dropped off at childcare facilities instead of Granny’s. Though they still loved their family they chose to love them by providing things instead of time.
42% of Baby Boomers dropped out of traditional places of Christian worship as the divorce rate climbed to 50%. They chose other places of worship; beaches, lakes, and golf courses.
Today the name changes to Golden Boomers as GTO’s traded for BMW’s are now traded for RV’s. They are the parents of Generation X and grandparents of Y’s.
“Even if 74,999,999 say something is right, does it make it right? What if God says it’s wrong? Which gate and road will you choose? Which of the two truly brings about peace, love, and harmony?”
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
The Missing Link
“Meaningless! Meaningless! Everything is meaningless. I have seen all the things that are done under the sun, all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
Ecclesiastes 1:2a, 14
Have you ever been asked the question, “I’m sorry…am I boring you?” The question quickens us to sit up straight while groping for words to explain why our mouths were like that of a sleepy lion in the jungle. Every filling, cap, tonsil, and the uvula has now been exposed to eyes waiting for your reply. The jolt is enough to zap you back into the moment, isn’t it?
Solomon, the wisest and richest man in the world at one time, is the writer of Ecclesiastes. In spite of all his wealth Solomon grew tired of his luxurious mundane. Think of all we go through in a day to acquire a speck of what Solomon owned and yet he was bored out of his mind with his stuff. However, if we were honest…we would admit we have those days too.
Boredom is dangerous. Its shadow is temptation who softly whispers two words, “If only”. Daydreams soon lure us into searching for alternatives to satisfy our cravings for greater peace and happiness.
As a lack of sleep or nutritional neglect can cause me to yawn so can a soul that chases after the wind for more satisfaction. What stops my meaningless madness is to replace it with a grateful heart. That’s when life becomes exciting, again, and I sleep like a baby at night.
“What may be causing you to slump and yawn? Something lacking? Start today with an attitude of gratitude and see if you hear the voice of God leading you out of the mundane.”
Ecclesiastes 1:2a, 14
Have you ever been asked the question, “I’m sorry…am I boring you?” The question quickens us to sit up straight while groping for words to explain why our mouths were like that of a sleepy lion in the jungle. Every filling, cap, tonsil, and the uvula has now been exposed to eyes waiting for your reply. The jolt is enough to zap you back into the moment, isn’t it?
Solomon, the wisest and richest man in the world at one time, is the writer of Ecclesiastes. In spite of all his wealth Solomon grew tired of his luxurious mundane. Think of all we go through in a day to acquire a speck of what Solomon owned and yet he was bored out of his mind with his stuff. However, if we were honest…we would admit we have those days too.
Boredom is dangerous. Its shadow is temptation who softly whispers two words, “If only”. Daydreams soon lure us into searching for alternatives to satisfy our cravings for greater peace and happiness.
As a lack of sleep or nutritional neglect can cause me to yawn so can a soul that chases after the wind for more satisfaction. What stops my meaningless madness is to replace it with a grateful heart. That’s when life becomes exciting, again, and I sleep like a baby at night.
“What may be causing you to slump and yawn? Something lacking? Start today with an attitude of gratitude and see if you hear the voice of God leading you out of the mundane.”
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
"I Got It!"
“What good is for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?”
Mark 8:36
I recently attended a seminar by Tony Morgan, author of Killing Cockroaches, on how to develop a ministry team. He gave the illustration of an automobile dealership management team sitting around a conference room table on a Monday morning analyzing their slow weekend of sales. Taking turns they began to share ideas for immediate change.
The first manager stood waving a piece of paper in his hand saying, “I suggest we look at our profit margins to see if a sticker price reduction will create an interest in fast sales.” He quickly met heads moving from side-to-side.
The second manager eagerly suggested a better snack bar to keep potential customers and their children happy. This would create a family environment so mom and dad could take their time. He received rolled eyes to confirm he was out of his mind.
The third manager recommended they attend seminars to develop good listening skills. Better customer service would not only create a new customer but also retain one. It will keep them coming back for more...not to mention ‘word of mouth’ referrals. He was soon greeted with the top of their heads as they looked down in despair.
The fourth manager jumped to his feet and screamed, “I got it! Let’s get a big inflatable blue monkey, strap him on the roof of our show room, and folks driving by will stop!” “Brilliant!” they all shouted and thus the blue monkey idea was born.
“What is keeping you from taking the risk towards everlasting change? Will tying the monkey to your heart cause you to lose your soul?”
Mark 8:36
I recently attended a seminar by Tony Morgan, author of Killing Cockroaches, on how to develop a ministry team. He gave the illustration of an automobile dealership management team sitting around a conference room table on a Monday morning analyzing their slow weekend of sales. Taking turns they began to share ideas for immediate change.
The first manager stood waving a piece of paper in his hand saying, “I suggest we look at our profit margins to see if a sticker price reduction will create an interest in fast sales.” He quickly met heads moving from side-to-side.
The second manager eagerly suggested a better snack bar to keep potential customers and their children happy. This would create a family environment so mom and dad could take their time. He received rolled eyes to confirm he was out of his mind.
The third manager recommended they attend seminars to develop good listening skills. Better customer service would not only create a new customer but also retain one. It will keep them coming back for more...not to mention ‘word of mouth’ referrals. He was soon greeted with the top of their heads as they looked down in despair.
The fourth manager jumped to his feet and screamed, “I got it! Let’s get a big inflatable blue monkey, strap him on the roof of our show room, and folks driving by will stop!” “Brilliant!” they all shouted and thus the blue monkey idea was born.
“What is keeping you from taking the risk towards everlasting change? Will tying the monkey to your heart cause you to lose your soul?”
Monday, June 28, 2010
The Dropdown Box
“Altogether Adam lived to be 930 years, and then he died.”
Genesis 5:5
When was the last time you had to really think about how old you were? Many times I’ve shared my age only to walk away embarrassed when I realized I was off by a year or two.
At the speed I’m going these days—I barely have time to look for a parking space. So, I’ve learned to park myself in front of my computer to surf the internet for everything from refills on prescriptions to fans for the patio. My Enter button becomes my Abracadabra button and “Poof!” it appears on my doorstep within days!
The internet is such a pleasant way to travel through life until I’m forced to enter my birth year in the profile dropdown box. The month and day is not a problem but when asked for the year—it becomes a problem. The other day I scrolled, scrolled, and scrolled some more as my eyes grew larger with the possibility of running out of selections.
Can you imagine how long it would have taken Adam to scroll? Genesis Chapter 5 gives an account of men ranging in age of 595 to 930 years old but with each character listed came a disturbing and abrupt ending phrase “…and then…he died.”
With all our new ways of prevention and living well I still see an absolute; 10 out of 10 people will one day die. However, the Bible says our spirits will live forever. God leaves the choice to us though as to where; Heaven or Hell.
“When the time comes for your ‘and then…’ moment will your family have to hope where you are or will they know without a doubt?”
Genesis 5:5
When was the last time you had to really think about how old you were? Many times I’ve shared my age only to walk away embarrassed when I realized I was off by a year or two.
At the speed I’m going these days—I barely have time to look for a parking space. So, I’ve learned to park myself in front of my computer to surf the internet for everything from refills on prescriptions to fans for the patio. My Enter button becomes my Abracadabra button and “Poof!” it appears on my doorstep within days!
The internet is such a pleasant way to travel through life until I’m forced to enter my birth year in the profile dropdown box. The month and day is not a problem but when asked for the year—it becomes a problem. The other day I scrolled, scrolled, and scrolled some more as my eyes grew larger with the possibility of running out of selections.
Can you imagine how long it would have taken Adam to scroll? Genesis Chapter 5 gives an account of men ranging in age of 595 to 930 years old but with each character listed came a disturbing and abrupt ending phrase “…and then…he died.”
With all our new ways of prevention and living well I still see an absolute; 10 out of 10 people will one day die. However, the Bible says our spirits will live forever. God leaves the choice to us though as to where; Heaven or Hell.
“When the time comes for your ‘and then…’ moment will your family have to hope where you are or will they know without a doubt?”
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Sheriff Gage
“The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.”
Proverbs 20:7
Sure didn't take long to spot our guest speaker sitting at the round table next to mine for our ladies political luncheon. It wasn’t so much his masculine presence as much as it was his attire; heavily-starched ecru jeans and white cotton shirt. His crown of white hair topped him off, but not as much as the 757 Magnum that rested on his hip. Yikes!
Sheriff Gage of Montgomery County gave new meaning to ‘Don’t Mess with Texas’. He took to the podium with unmistakable confidence. His first word captured my attention and respect as I listened to more than I ever wanted to know.
This modern-day Moses informed us of everything from new laws to completion updates of new prisons. Total number of arrest in 2009 was—17,000 men and 4,000 women, but more disturbing was to learn many of those were repeat offenders.
With a Texas twang and sense of humor he added, “I see granddaddies, daddies, and grandbabies come and go on a regular basis through those iron doors.” Then he smiled, leaned over into the microphone as if to let us in on a secret, and whispered, “We have a little fun in the unit matching up who goes with who and it ain’t very hard to do.”
Forty-one times in the Old Testament we see the phrase “generations to come.” No doubt generational sin can shake the whole family tree. Makes you wonder what it is that makes some trees function while others dysfunction. Could it be the condition of its roots?
“Are there any generational sins in your family tree that may be stunting your growth? How could those sins keep you from experiencing the kind of righteous living that will bless others?”
Proverbs 20:7
Sure didn't take long to spot our guest speaker sitting at the round table next to mine for our ladies political luncheon. It wasn’t so much his masculine presence as much as it was his attire; heavily-starched ecru jeans and white cotton shirt. His crown of white hair topped him off, but not as much as the 757 Magnum that rested on his hip. Yikes!
Sheriff Gage of Montgomery County gave new meaning to ‘Don’t Mess with Texas’. He took to the podium with unmistakable confidence. His first word captured my attention and respect as I listened to more than I ever wanted to know.
This modern-day Moses informed us of everything from new laws to completion updates of new prisons. Total number of arrest in 2009 was—17,000 men and 4,000 women, but more disturbing was to learn many of those were repeat offenders.
With a Texas twang and sense of humor he added, “I see granddaddies, daddies, and grandbabies come and go on a regular basis through those iron doors.” Then he smiled, leaned over into the microphone as if to let us in on a secret, and whispered, “We have a little fun in the unit matching up who goes with who and it ain’t very hard to do.”
Forty-one times in the Old Testament we see the phrase “generations to come.” No doubt generational sin can shake the whole family tree. Makes you wonder what it is that makes some trees function while others dysfunction. Could it be the condition of its roots?
“Are there any generational sins in your family tree that may be stunting your growth? How could those sins keep you from experiencing the kind of righteous living that will bless others?”
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Unforgettable Windows
“So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.”
2 Thessalonians 1:11
My heart sank when the elevator doors opened. What a surprise to be greeted by such darkness. My last memory of this place was so bright and full of cheer; the maternity ward where my children were born.
Thirty years had passed since I stood at this spot. I walked slowly to tune out the unfamiliar dark surroundings in an effort to focus only on the windows. Those old feelings of pride returned as I envisioned all the different times I pointed to which little newborn was mine.
A sudden voice startled me, “May I help you?” I stood in silence—unable to answer the woman in butterfly scrubs. Babies now sleep in their own mother’s rooms for security reasons. Feeling like an intruder I walked back to the elevator like a balloon with a slow leak. My non-threatening idea seemed like a sweet thing to do since I was in the area…until now.
Soon my heart began to flutter again as I recalled something else I did at those same windows. Often I gazed at all those other little peaceful sleepers in tight flannel blankets and wonder what they all would grow up to be. These children would now be my children’s peers. So, as I watched them drift off to dreamland I prayed, “Lord, may they grow up to know You.”
“Do you keep on praying for others even if you may never know the end results? How could this prayer of faith metamorphosis your life too?”
2 Thessalonians 1:11
My heart sank when the elevator doors opened. What a surprise to be greeted by such darkness. My last memory of this place was so bright and full of cheer; the maternity ward where my children were born.
Thirty years had passed since I stood at this spot. I walked slowly to tune out the unfamiliar dark surroundings in an effort to focus only on the windows. Those old feelings of pride returned as I envisioned all the different times I pointed to which little newborn was mine.
A sudden voice startled me, “May I help you?” I stood in silence—unable to answer the woman in butterfly scrubs. Babies now sleep in their own mother’s rooms for security reasons. Feeling like an intruder I walked back to the elevator like a balloon with a slow leak. My non-threatening idea seemed like a sweet thing to do since I was in the area…until now.
Soon my heart began to flutter again as I recalled something else I did at those same windows. Often I gazed at all those other little peaceful sleepers in tight flannel blankets and wonder what they all would grow up to be. These children would now be my children’s peers. So, as I watched them drift off to dreamland I prayed, “Lord, may they grow up to know You.”
“Do you keep on praying for others even if you may never know the end results? How could this prayer of faith metamorphosis your life too?”
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