My mom always said that the oldest equation is nothing from nothing leaves nothing. Think about it. You get out of this life and the lives of others, what you put into it. Just like I tell my students, if you don't diligently study, how on earth do you think you can recall the information come test day?
One of my favorite proverbs is, "He that has friends, show himself friendly." If you don't put anything into the relationships that you have with others, friends, family or colleagues; How can that be an equally balanced and fruitful relationship? As humans, we are socially inclined entities, meaning that we need the company and friendship of each other. Hezekiah Walker said it best in his song; "I need you to survive."
The same can be said about our relationship with God. I absolutely love the motto of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, God our Father, Christ our Redeemer, Man our Brother. This simple slogan is indicative of our relationships with God, Jesus, the Lord of Life and our advocate, as well as the relationship that we have with our fellow man. The challenge for today is to spend time with someone, be fervent in prayer. Seven days without prayer makes one weak. Put something into the pot. If you don't you'll be left with nothing, because nothing from nothing leaves nothing.
Peace,
Karsten
Monday, September 20, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
When you think, you thank!
TGIF! Thank God it's FRIDAY! I don't know about you, but this has been a long week. But it zipped by at times though. When you think, you thank! The first time I heard this saying, it was while being ministered to by one of my spiritual Sheroes, the Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, first female bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (Presiding Bishop of the 13th Episcopal District).
I am very thankful that today is Friday, and for having a couple days off from work. But when you think about life and all its obstacles and challenges, you can't help but thank God for his goodness. Let's try it! When you think about the time that you were sick, and you were healed, you thank HIM! When you think about the time you had more bills coming in than money, but they all got paid, you thank HIM! When you think about you think about when you didn't have a job, and now you have one, even with your crazy boss and coworkers you thank HIM! When you think about how he kept you from getting in a car accident, you thank HIM! When you think about how he blesses and protects you and yours everyday, even though you don't deserve it, you thank HIM! When you think about how he was your lawyer in the courtroom, and your doctor in the sickroom, you thank HIM!
When you think of his goodness and all that he's done for you, your very soul ought to cry out HALLELUJAH, thank God for saving me! He's just been so good! When I think on this week, this day, this hour, this minute, I can't help but thank HIM! It's through no goodness of my own that I am here. The challenge for today is simple; Think and Thank! But some of us coming from a more Baptist culture may add something else to it, Think, thank and shout! HALLELUJAH! TGIF!
Peace,
Karsten
I am very thankful that today is Friday, and for having a couple days off from work. But when you think about life and all its obstacles and challenges, you can't help but thank God for his goodness. Let's try it! When you think about the time that you were sick, and you were healed, you thank HIM! When you think about the time you had more bills coming in than money, but they all got paid, you thank HIM! When you think about you think about when you didn't have a job, and now you have one, even with your crazy boss and coworkers you thank HIM! When you think about how he kept you from getting in a car accident, you thank HIM! When you think about how he blesses and protects you and yours everyday, even though you don't deserve it, you thank HIM! When you think about how he was your lawyer in the courtroom, and your doctor in the sickroom, you thank HIM!
When you think of his goodness and all that he's done for you, your very soul ought to cry out HALLELUJAH, thank God for saving me! He's just been so good! When I think on this week, this day, this hour, this minute, I can't help but thank HIM! It's through no goodness of my own that I am here. The challenge for today is simple; Think and Thank! But some of us coming from a more Baptist culture may add something else to it, Think, thank and shout! HALLELUJAH! TGIF!
Peace,
Karsten
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Your autobiography
Have you ever wondered what your autobiography would read like? Would it make it to Oprah's Book Club? To whom would you dedicate your book? Who would you include on your thank you page? Who would write the preface or foreword? Is your life so interesting and impactful that the Motion Picture Association and Hollywood would take interest? Which high profile actor or actress would play you? Who would play your spouse, best friend, children, parents?
In some narcissistic way, I have thought about this. My autobiography would be dedicated to the Glory of God and to my paternal grandparents and my mother. I have not given too much thought about who would write the preface and foreword. However, Derek Luke would be the actor to reinact my life.
We all have a story. We've all had mountain top and valley low moments. But thanks be to God, that someone was there to encourage us. Some of us maybe even had to encourage ourselves. Sometimes we may appear to be "ballin' and shot callin" in the eyes of our friends. We may appear that we have it going on, but may be at our breaking point. In all of this, never be apologetic to anyone for the blessings that you have recieved in life. Always be thankful and appreciative for them. Remember your source because it didn't have to be this way.
Most people see our glory, but they don't know the whole story. In other words, they did not see the low points, they didn't see the struggle. Congratulations! You made it through. The challenge for today is to manifest the glory of the Almighty, as you pen your story.
Peace,
Karsten
In some narcissistic way, I have thought about this. My autobiography would be dedicated to the Glory of God and to my paternal grandparents and my mother. I have not given too much thought about who would write the preface and foreword. However, Derek Luke would be the actor to reinact my life.
We all have a story. We've all had mountain top and valley low moments. But thanks be to God, that someone was there to encourage us. Some of us maybe even had to encourage ourselves. Sometimes we may appear to be "ballin' and shot callin" in the eyes of our friends. We may appear that we have it going on, but may be at our breaking point. In all of this, never be apologetic to anyone for the blessings that you have recieved in life. Always be thankful and appreciative for them. Remember your source because it didn't have to be this way.
Most people see our glory, but they don't know the whole story. In other words, they did not see the low points, they didn't see the struggle. Congratulations! You made it through. The challenge for today is to manifest the glory of the Almighty, as you pen your story.
Peace,
Karsten
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Charity begins at home
I think that the Spanish teacher in me tends to be hypersensitive about international tradgedies. My heart is always pulled by the less fortunate, especially our brothers and sisters in third world countries. Why is it that people can only seem to come together in times of tragedy? Don't get me wrong, I am glad that people do step up in these difficult times.
There are many events both domestic and international in which we see the compassion of our fellow man in action, some of which include the 2004 Tsunami, The 2001 World Trade Center attack, Hurricane Katrina and the Hatian Earthquake of 2010. I love it when we can come together and help our friends across the waters, but what about us? It's difficult to have a global impact without a local impartation.
How is it that one of the world's youngest and wealthiest countries has a declining education system? Why are there more African American young men incarcerated than in schools and universities? Why is it that we value entertainment over intellect? Our local , state and federal systems are broken and are in need of desparate repair and attention. What are you doing to make a difference? Are you a part of the problem (the naysayers and complainers), or are you a part of the solution? The challenge for today is to identify a local need in your community; mentoring, motivational speaking, spending time with the elders, tutoring, or coaching; whatever it is, just do it, and encourage someone else to do so as well. It only takes a spark to get a fire going. How can you have a global impact without a local impartation?
Peace,
Karsten
There are many events both domestic and international in which we see the compassion of our fellow man in action, some of which include the 2004 Tsunami, The 2001 World Trade Center attack, Hurricane Katrina and the Hatian Earthquake of 2010. I love it when we can come together and help our friends across the waters, but what about us? It's difficult to have a global impact without a local impartation.
How is it that one of the world's youngest and wealthiest countries has a declining education system? Why are there more African American young men incarcerated than in schools and universities? Why is it that we value entertainment over intellect? Our local , state and federal systems are broken and are in need of desparate repair and attention. What are you doing to make a difference? Are you a part of the problem (the naysayers and complainers), or are you a part of the solution? The challenge for today is to identify a local need in your community; mentoring, motivational speaking, spending time with the elders, tutoring, or coaching; whatever it is, just do it, and encourage someone else to do so as well. It only takes a spark to get a fire going. How can you have a global impact without a local impartation?
Peace,
Karsten
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
It only takes a spark
One of my favorite childhood memories is Vacation Bible School and Youth Sunday at church. My favorite song to sing in youth groups is Kurt Kaiser's "Pass it on." The song goes like this. It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those around can warm up in its glowing; That's how it is with God's love, once you've experienced it, You'll spread the love to everyone, you'll want to pass it on. I'll shout it from the mountain top! I want the world to know, the Lord of love has come to me I want to pass it on. I can still see myself linked arm in arm with the cohorts from my youth without being jaded and just simply a carefree child. Those were the days.
When we think of the concept of love, it can be so layered. We have the love of self, the love of our fellow man and relatives, as well as the love of our significant other. However God has a love for us that surpasses our human understanding. This type of love is described as agápe in Greek. This is the love type which is so beautifully described in I Corinthians 13, or the Love Chapter of the Bible. This love is sacrificial in nature, unassuming and reflects the love that one has for their children.
I'm reminded of another song that tells us that love is something when you give it away. The challenge for today is to ignite a spark of love and pass it along to someone that may be undeserving or without merit. After all, that's what God did for us, and you should pass it on. Live, laugh and LOVE with every fiber of your being. Now these three remain, faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Peace,
Karsten
When we think of the concept of love, it can be so layered. We have the love of self, the love of our fellow man and relatives, as well as the love of our significant other. However God has a love for us that surpasses our human understanding. This type of love is described as agápe in Greek. This is the love type which is so beautifully described in I Corinthians 13, or the Love Chapter of the Bible. This love is sacrificial in nature, unassuming and reflects the love that one has for their children.
I'm reminded of another song that tells us that love is something when you give it away. The challenge for today is to ignite a spark of love and pass it along to someone that may be undeserving or without merit. After all, that's what God did for us, and you should pass it on. Live, laugh and LOVE with every fiber of your being. Now these three remain, faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Peace,
Karsten
Monday, September 13, 2010
Damaged and Delivered
Have you ever thought about after all the things that you've been through, that you're still here? Why? The answer is quite simple. Regardless of your past, you have been preserved for such a time as this. Truth be told, we're all damaged goods. I would liken this to taking a trip on an airplane. Some people can whiz through the airport and not have to check their bags. Some of us normally have so much baggage that we have to pay extra just to check it. The baggage represents our issues of life.
We're on a journey, sometimes when we fly, our baggage may or may not arrive. Sometimes when we get it, it may even be damaged upon claim or delivery. At some point we have been repositories of damaging things in our lives but we made it. Let's see, there was the failed marriage, the foreclosure, the idiot that left me, the strained relationship with my so-called friends, and maybe even family.
One of my favorite stories of endurance comes from the Old Testament. In the book of Job, we are told the story of a wealthy man from Ur, who had a wife, ten children, and a good relationship with God. This man was Job. Job was just living and he normally does, and then life happened. He lost everything, possessions, children and livestock. But he still had a circle of doubtful friends and a more than irritated wife. Although Job lost everything tangible, he did not lose his faith. On the outside, he may have been damaged, but in the midst of his test and storm, he trusted and believed that he would be delivered. Job prayed for his friends and probably his wife too. At the end of the story, Job was restored and had more than what he had at the beginning and he was blessed with more children.
You too, may have had a Job moment on your journey, but remember that you are damaged and delivered. You are delivered from verbal and physical abuse. You are delivered from infirmities of the body. You are delivered from financial oppression. You are delivered from the naysayers and your enemies. If the enemy could have had his way, you would have been gone a long time ago. You have been divinely preserved for such a time as this. You are damaged and delivered. Now walk in your deliverance.
Peace,
Karsten
We're on a journey, sometimes when we fly, our baggage may or may not arrive. Sometimes when we get it, it may even be damaged upon claim or delivery. At some point we have been repositories of damaging things in our lives but we made it. Let's see, there was the failed marriage, the foreclosure, the idiot that left me, the strained relationship with my so-called friends, and maybe even family.
One of my favorite stories of endurance comes from the Old Testament. In the book of Job, we are told the story of a wealthy man from Ur, who had a wife, ten children, and a good relationship with God. This man was Job. Job was just living and he normally does, and then life happened. He lost everything, possessions, children and livestock. But he still had a circle of doubtful friends and a more than irritated wife. Although Job lost everything tangible, he did not lose his faith. On the outside, he may have been damaged, but in the midst of his test and storm, he trusted and believed that he would be delivered. Job prayed for his friends and probably his wife too. At the end of the story, Job was restored and had more than what he had at the beginning and he was blessed with more children.
You too, may have had a Job moment on your journey, but remember that you are damaged and delivered. You are delivered from verbal and physical abuse. You are delivered from infirmities of the body. You are delivered from financial oppression. You are delivered from the naysayers and your enemies. If the enemy could have had his way, you would have been gone a long time ago. You have been divinely preserved for such a time as this. You are damaged and delivered. Now walk in your deliverance.
Peace,
Karsten
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Church, Mosque, Synagogue, who cares anyway?
Yesterday was the ninth anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center. As much of a news junkie and aficionado that I am, I purposefully avoided watching the news yesterday. I just didn't want to relive the images that I have tried too hard to delete from memory. Then you have the pastor from Florida, who fortunately for us; decided not to burn the Qur'an. Our Muslim brothers and sisters have just completed there observance of the holy season and Ramadan and our Jewish brothers and sisters are celebrating Yom Kippur and last week celebrated Rosh Hashanah. As for us Christians, there's nothing too special going on with us. We are celebrating the longest season in our church calendar, Pentecost, or as the Church of Rome calls it Ordinary Times. However, there is nothing ordinary about our God. The Almighty is EXTRAORDINARY!
Christianity, Islam and Judaism are all monotheistic religions. We are more similar than different. However our differences have caused wars, hatred, and just plain cruelty. We all believe in God, to some he's Yahweh, Allah or simply God. Some of us choose to worship on Fridays, some on Saturdays and some on Sundays (we really love the weekend). All groups honor the Bible (or parts of it) as holy scripture. Our Muslim brothers and sisters tend to view the Bible as historic text, which it is, as opposed to the holy inspired word of God. For Jews, the Bible for them stops at the Book of Malachi. The issue of Jesus is a whole different caviat. For Christians, Jesus is the essence of our belief. For Muslims, he was a good guy and a prophet. The Jews are still waiting on the Messiah to come. Nevertheless, all three of these religious groups are bound together by their common patriarch, Abraham.
All three of these groups honor the Golden Rule "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you." Also, followers of Jainism and Hinduism have some type of Golden Rule reference in their holy writings. We are more similar than different. The sooner we realize this and accept it for what it truly is, we'll be okay. The COEXIST concept is rooted in the Golden Rule. If we treat others as we want to be treated, there may be peace and justice on this earth, our fragile, island home. Whether you're going to church today, went to temple yesterday or concluded Ramadan at the end of the week, peace and blessings be unto you!
Shalom,
Karsten
Christianity, Islam and Judaism are all monotheistic religions. We are more similar than different. However our differences have caused wars, hatred, and just plain cruelty. We all believe in God, to some he's Yahweh, Allah or simply God. Some of us choose to worship on Fridays, some on Saturdays and some on Sundays (we really love the weekend). All groups honor the Bible (or parts of it) as holy scripture. Our Muslim brothers and sisters tend to view the Bible as historic text, which it is, as opposed to the holy inspired word of God. For Jews, the Bible for them stops at the Book of Malachi. The issue of Jesus is a whole different caviat. For Christians, Jesus is the essence of our belief. For Muslims, he was a good guy and a prophet. The Jews are still waiting on the Messiah to come. Nevertheless, all three of these religious groups are bound together by their common patriarch, Abraham.
All three of these groups honor the Golden Rule "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you." Also, followers of Jainism and Hinduism have some type of Golden Rule reference in their holy writings. We are more similar than different. The sooner we realize this and accept it for what it truly is, we'll be okay. The COEXIST concept is rooted in the Golden Rule. If we treat others as we want to be treated, there may be peace and justice on this earth, our fragile, island home. Whether you're going to church today, went to temple yesterday or concluded Ramadan at the end of the week, peace and blessings be unto you!
Shalom,
Karsten
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