As I sit here watching the real time replay of NBC's coverage of the morning of September 11, 2001, I can't help but be overcome with many of the same emotions I felt on that day.
In September of 2001, I was a ninth grader who was still adjusting to a move from a small private Christian school to a slightly larger school. Due to class scheduling, I had been separated from the friends who had moved to the same school with me. Starting high school is tough enough, but when you have to do it on your own, it's even harder.
I remember standing in the hallway waiting to get into my Mississippi History class after our morning break. I was aggravated because the coach that taught our class was late again which meant I was stuck in a hallway full of people and completely by myself. In the classroom I was safe; my desk and books served as a sort of home base or shield. In the classroom you were supposed to be paying attention and working. I didn't have to worry about making friends then; I could hide behind the school work. So I definitely wanted to get in the classroom.
Then, our football coach came barrelling down the hall announcing what had happened. We were all stunned. By the time we heard the news both of the twin towers had been hit and one or both had already fallen; the Pentagon had already been struck, and Flight 93 had already crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. I remember our headmaster coming over the intercom and telling us what had happened and praying for our country. My concerns about myself and dealing with my new environment completely vanished. I quickly realized how much bigger this world is than me and my insecurities.
We stayed at school the rest of the day. Everyone wondered why we didn't dismiss school early, but none of us knew what to do even if we did. I don't remember what school work, if any, we got done that day. Our minds and hearts were all somewhere else. I remember worrying about my mother because I knew she was at work worrying about my family. I wondered who would come to pick my sister and me up from school--if it would be my mom or dad, or if my grandmother would pick us up as planned.
That afternoon, when we got to my grandmother's house, I was glued to the television. There was no new information. All the stations were just replaying to footage of the attacks and reading and re-reading statements from government officials as well as showing coverage of President Bush who had been out of Washington, D.C. that morning. My grandmother and sister didn't want to watch, but I couldn't not watch. I had already become a news/politics junkie, but this was bigger than that. I was searching for answers.
After my dad had picked up my brother, sister and me and taken us home, I still hadn't found what I was looking for. President Bush made it back to D.C. before the end of the day and addressed the nation from the Oval Office that night. It was so reassuring to see him in that place--to know that our country was shaken but not broken and that there would be justice. I remember going to bed that night wondering what further attacks could be coming.
It's been ten years now and much has happened. The terrorists haven't been eradicated, but many of their efforts have been thwarted. The war on terrorism will never be over. Both sides will have their victories, but I know that in the end good prevails over evil. And that is the answer I was looking for that day. We live in a fallen, sinful world. Bad things will happen--and to good people. But redemption is coming for those who hope in the Lord.
To truly always remember the events of that day is to remember how important it is for our nation to stand as a united people--as One Nation Under God. America, honor God, and you will know His blessings.
II Chronicles 7:13-15
Ephesians 6: 10-18
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Back to School
No! I'm not going back. I've had enough, thank you. But my little brother starts back to school tomorrow. I can't believe he is starting high school. He's my little brother; he's still supposed to be a kid. Now, it's even getting to where I actually won't be able to call him my little brother though--not if his growth spurt continues. I will have to transition to the more proper "younger brother."
When he was born, everyone made such a big deal because he was 7 years younger than my sister and 10 years younger than I. Nowadays that isn't that abnormal (not really sure it was then). But from the very beginning he got plenty of attention. As a baby and toddler he got so much attention that he didn't have to bother talking until he was three. There was no need for him to verbalize anything because he was waited on hand and foot. The problem is there were too many words on backlog when he did start talking, and he hasn't shut his mouth since! (My grandmother swears that he talked when he was one but was fussed at and stayed quiet until he was three and apparently plotted payback by talking non-stop for the rest of his life.)
My parents often joke that he is the only child they had because my sister and I came into the world acting like old people. A point which neither of us deny; he is a lot more fun. And for all the ridicule my sister and I have heaped upon him, he's turned out pretty well. Of course much of the credit goes to yours truly--you see, another of my parents' oft quoted claims is that they had me to raise him. Ha! Well, he's "all growed up" now, and I am not sure what to think. Isn't your little brother supposed to stay a little boy forever?!? But he's growing to be a fine young man. He has a strong conscience and a strong family sense (even if it is one of his friend's family and not ours), and if he puts his mind to it, he excels in school--he is a Watts after all. He's also a committed Bulldog so he will go far! I assure you his better habits were picked up from his big--err, older--brother. I take no responsibility for the bad ones.
So here's to his next four years. Let's just see if he can live up to the standard his older brother and sister set (no pressure). I'll be proud regardless.
When he was born, everyone made such a big deal because he was 7 years younger than my sister and 10 years younger than I. Nowadays that isn't that abnormal (not really sure it was then). But from the very beginning he got plenty of attention. As a baby and toddler he got so much attention that he didn't have to bother talking until he was three. There was no need for him to verbalize anything because he was waited on hand and foot. The problem is there were too many words on backlog when he did start talking, and he hasn't shut his mouth since! (My grandmother swears that he talked when he was one but was fussed at and stayed quiet until he was three and apparently plotted payback by talking non-stop for the rest of his life.)
My parents often joke that he is the only child they had because my sister and I came into the world acting like old people. A point which neither of us deny; he is a lot more fun. And for all the ridicule my sister and I have heaped upon him, he's turned out pretty well. Of course much of the credit goes to yours truly--you see, another of my parents' oft quoted claims is that they had me to raise him. Ha! Well, he's "all growed up" now, and I am not sure what to think. Isn't your little brother supposed to stay a little boy forever?!? But he's growing to be a fine young man. He has a strong conscience and a strong family sense (even if it is one of his friend's family and not ours), and if he puts his mind to it, he excels in school--he is a Watts after all. He's also a committed Bulldog so he will go far! I assure you his better habits were picked up from his big--err, older--brother. I take no responsibility for the bad ones.
So here's to his next four years. Let's just see if he can live up to the standard his older brother and sister set (no pressure). I'll be proud regardless.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
It's time
Vacation's over, and I'm headed back to work tomorrow. Growing up, vacations were all about fun trips where you could pack as many exciting activities as possible into one week of the year. Being grown up, you just want to get away and do AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE. So my family, which is four grown ups and one teenager now, did just that this week. We sat on the beach all day every day and read books we've wanted to read since last summer while the sun drained us of all our energy. It was pretty awesome.
The alarm clock goes off bright and early tomorrow morning though--forcing me to get back to the real world. But that's okay because I enjoy my work. Not many people get to work in such a wonderful environment with so many great co-workers. I'm pretty fortunate. And people don't believe me when I tell them that I decided on my career and even my current place of employment when I was in 5th grade and decided that science didn't interest me enough for me to become a brain surgeon in Maine (long story...).
Funny thing is I've always had everything in life planned out. I go over everything I plan to do hundreds of times before I take the plunge and actually do it. But I've hit a road block now. I've never planned past landing a job, finishing my MBA, buying a house, and passing the CPA exam; all of which have now been accomplished. I may only be one quarter of my way through life, and I am not sure at all what to do with the remaining three quarters. So it's time to set some new goals--to do some more planning. What I need is a change in my routine. Because as I sit here writing this and pospone going to bed so going back to work seems just a little further away, I realize that what I dread about returning from my vacation isn't my work; it's the routine to which I am returning. Some would argue I need to stop planning and "just live"--whatever the heck that means. I will keep planning thank you. Things don't always turn out as I plan anyway--thank goodness--and I am absolutely fine with that. But the plan is the starting place.
There is a verse in Jeremiah that I tend to say is "overused" which upon reflection I realize is impossible in that God's Word could never be overused. Misused might be a better word since the passage is often referenced by prosperity preachers--those guys who wear the rose colored glasses and promise worldy riches and scoot right on by that pesky sin issue. Anyway, I digress. But tonight I'll use that Scripture because it has real meaning for me as I reflect on it. It's Jeremiah 29:11-13, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'"
In it's context, God is speaking to His people who are exiled and in bondage. We're all in that same place though when we lose our focus or seek out our own desires. God grants us a reprieve though. He is always there for us. But as the verse says, it's not our job to worry about our "prosperity"; that's God's job. Our job is to seek Him; then we will know what it is we are supposed to do with our lives. So it's time to seek Him. It's doesn't always make life decisions easier, but it certainly makes the right decisions more obvious. (Anyone who has ever made a tough decision knows what I mean.)
So when I get up tomorrow and head to work I know that I don't have to settle into my old routine, but I do have to act if I don't want to spend the next three quarters of my life in the same place I am now--which I can tell you now is not what God wants for my life and neither do I.
The alarm clock goes off bright and early tomorrow morning though--forcing me to get back to the real world. But that's okay because I enjoy my work. Not many people get to work in such a wonderful environment with so many great co-workers. I'm pretty fortunate. And people don't believe me when I tell them that I decided on my career and even my current place of employment when I was in 5th grade and decided that science didn't interest me enough for me to become a brain surgeon in Maine (long story...).
Funny thing is I've always had everything in life planned out. I go over everything I plan to do hundreds of times before I take the plunge and actually do it. But I've hit a road block now. I've never planned past landing a job, finishing my MBA, buying a house, and passing the CPA exam; all of which have now been accomplished. I may only be one quarter of my way through life, and I am not sure at all what to do with the remaining three quarters. So it's time to set some new goals--to do some more planning. What I need is a change in my routine. Because as I sit here writing this and pospone going to bed so going back to work seems just a little further away, I realize that what I dread about returning from my vacation isn't my work; it's the routine to which I am returning. Some would argue I need to stop planning and "just live"--whatever the heck that means. I will keep planning thank you. Things don't always turn out as I plan anyway--thank goodness--and I am absolutely fine with that. But the plan is the starting place.
There is a verse in Jeremiah that I tend to say is "overused" which upon reflection I realize is impossible in that God's Word could never be overused. Misused might be a better word since the passage is often referenced by prosperity preachers--those guys who wear the rose colored glasses and promise worldy riches and scoot right on by that pesky sin issue. Anyway, I digress. But tonight I'll use that Scripture because it has real meaning for me as I reflect on it. It's Jeremiah 29:11-13, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'"
In it's context, God is speaking to His people who are exiled and in bondage. We're all in that same place though when we lose our focus or seek out our own desires. God grants us a reprieve though. He is always there for us. But as the verse says, it's not our job to worry about our "prosperity"; that's God's job. Our job is to seek Him; then we will know what it is we are supposed to do with our lives. So it's time to seek Him. It's doesn't always make life decisions easier, but it certainly makes the right decisions more obvious. (Anyone who has ever made a tough decision knows what I mean.)
So when I get up tomorrow and head to work I know that I don't have to settle into my old routine, but I do have to act if I don't want to spend the next three quarters of my life in the same place I am now--which I can tell you now is not what God wants for my life and neither do I.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Fireworks
Growing up, my family always went to see fireworks displays on Independence Day, but it wasn't my sister or I that insisted we go; it was my mother. She loved (and still loves) fireworks. None of the rest of us were as enamored but we always indulged her. And when my little brother came along and absolutely hated fireworks because the noise hurt his ears, we still went, and he would cover his ears or sit in the car with the windows rolled up. Dad knew how much Mom loved the fireworks, so if there was a way for us to see them, we did.
I never disliked fireworks, but not until tonight did it hit me--"it" being what makes fireworks so magical. That wonderment--that simple awe my mother has always had finally made sense to me tonight. It's easy enough to explain how fireworks work, but when you see them in the air you just don't think about it. As they're bursting in the air you're amazed at how they seem larger than life. Their brilliance really does awe you, and you sense their power as they explode with that huge noise and the bright flash of colors.
And in a lot of ways those fireworks can serve as a reminder to what America is. America is an idea that is larger than life. We're one of a kind. As the city on the hill we have shared the brilliant light of freedom and exhibited our power throughout the years. But just because we were founded as in independent nation, doesn't mean we will stay that independent nation. We have to fight for it every day. Independence comes at a great cost.
We also have to realize that independence is not the freedom to do whatever we want, it is the freedom to do what is right. The former is anarchy. The latter is the America our founders envisioned when they declared independence 235 years ago. So we now have the responsibility to guard their legacy and extend it to future generations. So always remember to celebrate America's independence and never forget to fight to preserve it!
Happy Independence Day
I never disliked fireworks, but not until tonight did it hit me--"it" being what makes fireworks so magical. That wonderment--that simple awe my mother has always had finally made sense to me tonight. It's easy enough to explain how fireworks work, but when you see them in the air you just don't think about it. As they're bursting in the air you're amazed at how they seem larger than life. Their brilliance really does awe you, and you sense their power as they explode with that huge noise and the bright flash of colors.
And in a lot of ways those fireworks can serve as a reminder to what America is. America is an idea that is larger than life. We're one of a kind. As the city on the hill we have shared the brilliant light of freedom and exhibited our power throughout the years. But just because we were founded as in independent nation, doesn't mean we will stay that independent nation. We have to fight for it every day. Independence comes at a great cost.
We also have to realize that independence is not the freedom to do whatever we want, it is the freedom to do what is right. The former is anarchy. The latter is the America our founders envisioned when they declared independence 235 years ago. So we now have the responsibility to guard their legacy and extend it to future generations. So always remember to celebrate America's independence and never forget to fight to preserve it!
Happy Independence Day
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Budget Giving
In the last year or so I have become an obsessive budgeter (that's actually a word--I looked it up to make sure). And one of the first things I learned was that in order for a budget to work, you can't leave anything out and just bank on the leftovers to cover what you don't include. And you all know why; there never are any leftovers. So when you budget your mortgage payment and your car note and your electricity bill you also have to budget your eating out and entertainment. Something else we all need to budget is charitable giving. You always hear people talking about how they would love to give more to charity, but their argument is that they never seem to have the extra cash. Well, all they have to do is budget it.
Yes, budgeting charitable giving does mean the cell phone data plan may need to be cut or that cable tv isn't really that important and those $4 coffees aren't necessary...But knowing that you're part of changing the world for the better does a lot more for you than internet/channel surfing or caffeine highs do.
And that's just it about giving--it's just as much about the motivation as it is the actual donation. The world we live in is trying to (and succeeding at) making everything electronic. If you pay your bills online, why not give to the church or your favorite charity online? Just have it drafted from your bank account. While there's nothing inherently wrong with this, and in many cases it is the best way, I feel like it just turns giving into another bill. It's like you never see the money so you never miss it. But that undermines the very idea of giving. It's supposed to a conscious sacrifice that you gladly make--not money that is begrudgingly taken from you. It's not a tax collection, it's a gift.
On that same note, I have often heard people say that you shouldn't think about what you could do with the money that you give to charity because then you're more likely to keep it and spend it on those things. I disagree. When you realize what you could get for the money if you kept it versus the impact it could have in the hands of charitable organizations around the world--the difference is exponential. The new TV can wait if it means we can get one step closer to finding a cure for despicable diseases (http://www.alz.org/) or provide care for the poverty stricken and orphans halfway around the globe (http://www.restorationhope.org/) or share the Gospel with children in our community through Vacation Bible School (http://www.fbcbrandon.com/).
Yes, there is a lot you can do with the money you earn, but when you really think about it, how is it best spent--on luxuries for you and me or for the hope and survival of others? So look at you income and your expenses, create a budget, and designate the first 10% (act in obedience to God--you know...tithing) and more (give out of the abundance you have) to that charitable giving. The rest will work itself out; I'm sure.
Yes, budgeting charitable giving does mean the cell phone data plan may need to be cut or that cable tv isn't really that important and those $4 coffees aren't necessary...But knowing that you're part of changing the world for the better does a lot more for you than internet/channel surfing or caffeine highs do.
And that's just it about giving--it's just as much about the motivation as it is the actual donation. The world we live in is trying to (and succeeding at) making everything electronic. If you pay your bills online, why not give to the church or your favorite charity online? Just have it drafted from your bank account. While there's nothing inherently wrong with this, and in many cases it is the best way, I feel like it just turns giving into another bill. It's like you never see the money so you never miss it. But that undermines the very idea of giving. It's supposed to a conscious sacrifice that you gladly make--not money that is begrudgingly taken from you. It's not a tax collection, it's a gift.
On that same note, I have often heard people say that you shouldn't think about what you could do with the money that you give to charity because then you're more likely to keep it and spend it on those things. I disagree. When you realize what you could get for the money if you kept it versus the impact it could have in the hands of charitable organizations around the world--the difference is exponential. The new TV can wait if it means we can get one step closer to finding a cure for despicable diseases (http://www.alz.org/) or provide care for the poverty stricken and orphans halfway around the globe (http://www.restorationhope.org/) or share the Gospel with children in our community through Vacation Bible School (http://www.fbcbrandon.com/).
Yes, there is a lot you can do with the money you earn, but when you really think about it, how is it best spent--on luxuries for you and me or for the hope and survival of others? So look at you income and your expenses, create a budget, and designate the first 10% (act in obedience to God--you know...tithing) and more (give out of the abundance you have) to that charitable giving. The rest will work itself out; I'm sure.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Learn Someone's Name
and I don't just mean anybody. There are certain people we see everyday and speak to but never learn their names. It will really make a diffence for them and you.
For example, I eat at Chick-fil-A a fair bit. And I always go to the same cashier. And, try as she might, she never can remember my name. I apparently will always be "Alex." But that's okay with me because she is putting forth the effort.
Well, what really got me to thinking about this was Pier 1. Anyone who knows me knows I have a bit of a shopping problem (I'll touch on that later.) Anyway, I go in the store all the time, and they recognize me now. They even tease me a little. But they've yet to start calling me by name which,when you're a pretentious snob like I tend to let myself be, can become an issue. People like that want to be recognized--especially when my shopping habits might have contributed to some of the employees' hirings...Ha!
As I let this name issue fester and boil inside of me though, I realized something. They can't call me by name until they see it on my credit card, but I couldn't call any of their names either. There are lot more customer names for them to remember than sales clerks names for the customers to remember too. So, now my goal is to make a note of the employees' names the next time I am in the store which will, no doubt, be soon. So I guess my pretension is thrown out the window when I consider the value of learning someone else's name. It's just that--value, not recognition. So there, I suppose I may be decent person after all...
But back to that shopping issue. I said I'd probably be in Pier 1 soon, but I just don't know that I can afford to. On one level, I am to the point where there isn't much left to buy. On the other hand, there isn't much in the way of funds to buy. And you might think I am crazy, but I did read an article the other day that said that guys are more likely to make impulse purchases that gals and that their purchases are also more often than not considerably more expensive than the gals'. Big screen tvs, boats, pool tables, etc...they add up. Now, I would have to admit that I have none of those. But I justify it all like this--my spending problem isn't a problem because I'm single and have to shop twice as much to make up for there being no female shopper in my house. Does that fly?
Well, it's a miracle if you made it this far in the post so pat yourself on the back, and maybe I'll pick you something up next time I'm at Pier 1.
For example, I eat at Chick-fil-A a fair bit. And I always go to the same cashier. And, try as she might, she never can remember my name. I apparently will always be "Alex." But that's okay with me because she is putting forth the effort.
Well, what really got me to thinking about this was Pier 1. Anyone who knows me knows I have a bit of a shopping problem (I'll touch on that later.) Anyway, I go in the store all the time, and they recognize me now. They even tease me a little. But they've yet to start calling me by name which,when you're a pretentious snob like I tend to let myself be, can become an issue. People like that want to be recognized--especially when my shopping habits might have contributed to some of the employees' hirings...Ha!
As I let this name issue fester and boil inside of me though, I realized something. They can't call me by name until they see it on my credit card, but I couldn't call any of their names either. There are lot more customer names for them to remember than sales clerks names for the customers to remember too. So, now my goal is to make a note of the employees' names the next time I am in the store which will, no doubt, be soon. So I guess my pretension is thrown out the window when I consider the value of learning someone else's name. It's just that--value, not recognition. So there, I suppose I may be decent person after all...
But back to that shopping issue. I said I'd probably be in Pier 1 soon, but I just don't know that I can afford to. On one level, I am to the point where there isn't much left to buy. On the other hand, there isn't much in the way of funds to buy. And you might think I am crazy, but I did read an article the other day that said that guys are more likely to make impulse purchases that gals and that their purchases are also more often than not considerably more expensive than the gals'. Big screen tvs, boats, pool tables, etc...they add up. Now, I would have to admit that I have none of those. But I justify it all like this--my spending problem isn't a problem because I'm single and have to shop twice as much to make up for there being no female shopper in my house. Does that fly?
Well, it's a miracle if you made it this far in the post so pat yourself on the back, and maybe I'll pick you something up next time I'm at Pier 1.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
My Time To Share
Over the years, my friends and I have often joked about how confident I am in my individuality and how that--a lot of times--seems to translate into conceitedness. Even though there is some truth to that characterization (no, I am not just super proud of it but won't deny it), people seldom realize what a good listener I am. To be "caught up on myself" I spend a lot of time listening to friends drone on about their woes (can't you sense my empathy...ha!).
I decided a while back that I needed an avenue to drone on about my woes. And since I would never burden anyone with stories about the goings on in my life, I decided a blog would be good since no one has to read it.
So, from now on, when I decide it's my turn to share, you can find what I have to say here. Not sure it will take, but we'll give it a try. And maybe it won't all be woeful. I suppose some positive things are bound to happen...
I decided a while back that I needed an avenue to drone on about my woes. And since I would never burden anyone with stories about the goings on in my life, I decided a blog would be good since no one has to read it.
So, from now on, when I decide it's my turn to share, you can find what I have to say here. Not sure it will take, but we'll give it a try. And maybe it won't all be woeful. I suppose some positive things are bound to happen...
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