"No Ordinary Blog" is intended to challenge you to reevaluate your current thoughts and perspectives.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
The Measure of a Man
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Happy 7th Anniversary!
- DB Turnmire
Sunday, August 16, 2009
This Journey of Faith: Part I "Baptism"
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Post Birthday Blues (a.k.a. "People Will Be People")
I begin by posing the question, "Do we set ourselves up for disappointment if we expect someone to make an honest effort to modify their behavior?" This question is solely based on my experiences as a father, brother, pastor, apartment manager, corporate IT manager, co-worker and significant other. It seems as though I have the accumulation of a half-century of experiences upon which to formulate my question.
In many of those areas of experience or expertise, if you will, the underlying force is complete lack of respect. Lack of respect comes in many forms and wears many faces. There is, of course, lack of respect for those in authority - parents, supervisors, managers, police and government. Usually such a lack of respect is founded upon a lack of respect for oneself. "Because I have absolutely no self-respect for myself, I will not respect you or anything that you consider important."
Another area of concern which I have encountered repeatedly is "absence of the truth". Unfortunately, this occurs in all types of relationships from business to family to personal relationships. Based on fear, all sorts of wild stories and excuses are presented as reasoning behind the failure to be open and honest. Mostly, these types of events are based on fear. For example, individuals fear retribution at work so they overlook employee misconduct or make up excuses for their own performance failures. In family relationships, there is a fear of rejection or anger by another family member. I will be so bold as to say that much of corporate America is built and continues to operate based on lies and deception.
Here I am reminded of the admonition and promise presented in the New Testament Gospel according to John. "Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." [John 3:20-21 NIV] I find comfort and confidence in the words written in the first chapter of this same book. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." [John 1:1-4 NIV]
In conclusion then, "the world is the world" and "people will be people". The prophet Malachi offers comfort and reassurance by reminding me that " 'I the LORD do not change'.... says the LORD Almighty." [Malachi 3:6a; 7c NIV] No matter what we face in this world, there is one constant. In the words of the great reformer, Martin Luther, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"!
~ DB Turnmire
Monday, July 27, 2009
Just Another Day! (Blog #50)
Blog First, Book To Follow? (Blog #49)
Among the first questions to be answered would be "What is the subject matter?" Furthermore, "What type of book would I write?" Will I write an autobiography? If so, who will read it. Should I write a work of fiction instead? Is there an audience for that type of work? Better yet, would it be most prudent to publish a book of poetry? Since I am well on the way with the number of unpublished poems which I have written in the past eight years, that choice would seem to a logical one.
These are all great questions to ponder. Then again, considering my background and education, something in the religious realm would not be out of the question either. At this juncture, I will find it prudent to rely on my faith and seek guidance from my Creator. One of the favorite books to study from the Bible, at least for me, is the Book of Proverbs. From the onset, the writer (possibly Solomon) provides us with incomparable wisdom like the following verses.
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
Saturday, July 25, 2009
48 Hours (Blog #48)
48 hours is a relatively short period of time. In fact, two twenty-four hour periods we call days. By air, one can travel thousands of miles within 48 hours. Even by car, bus or train, you can travel fairly long distances. I have completed a few round trips from Dallas to Minnesota and back to Dallas in less than 48 hours. As my children are able to attest, more than one of those trips included a fair amount of excitement.
Someone close to me has pointed out that at the moment I will celebrate the 50th anniversary of my birthday, I will have already lived 50 years. That point has been duly noted and is certainly correct. The 50th moment of any one's birth takes place when they have completed 49 years here on earth. So, in fact, when we have determined that an individual is 50 years old, that person is actually observing the 51st occurrence of that birth moment. Now, it becomes so confusing to keep all of this straight.
I am sure everyone, including me, is just waiting for July 28, 2009. Thankfully, I will only celebrate this milestone once in a lifetime. No matter where I find myself in the days, weeks, months or years ahead, I will be confident in the promises of God. He reminds me, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." [Joshua 1:9 NIV]
~ DB Turnmire
Friday, July 24, 2009
Setting Priorities (Blog #47)
For someone who is totally consumed with their job or career, that may be the most important focal point or priority. Perhaps as circumstance change, such as health issues or family concerns, the benefits an employer offers or time off considerations may take precedence over other priorities. Then again, it may even be a matter of the better company to work for than a higher dollar compensation. Obviously, other work related factors to be considered would be the hours required and the travel time required to commute both to and from the prospective position.
Changes to other priorities and goals may reflect our needs and desires regarding housing, family, friends, church and other social activities. As we change, our priorities regarding these, among other things, will hopefully change to reflect our life situation. I, personally, am finding more of a need to be connected to family and friends with the passage of time in my life. I am also certain that in the years ahead, my priorities and goals will continue to change along with other life changes. However, despite how my earthly goals may change along the way, there is one goal which never changes. The apostle Peter expresses that constant goal elegantly in his first letter.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." [1 Peter 1:3-9 NIV]
~ DB Turnmire
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Time For a Reality Check (Blog #46)
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Almost Born in A Barn! (Blog #45)
Random Kindness (Blog #44)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Looking to the Past (Blog #43)
Most people, in one way or another, typically hope that our current situation and the future will be an improvement or a step forward in our lives compared to our past. The moment that you or I stop growing in this life is the moment we stop living. We may be breathing and functioning but are we really living? There is a danger of becoming so thoroughly entrenched in our past that we become stagnant and unable to moved forward in our lives.
As a Christian pastor, I encouraged believers not to lose focus of what lay ahead. "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." [Philippians 3:12-14 NIV]
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose...
"What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
"...No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." [Romans 8:28;31-35;37-39]
~ DB Turnmire
Much Ado About Nothing! (Blog #42)
As somewhat of an outsider and a witness to these types of exchanges, I am disturbed and humored at the same time. Clearly what is being considered an urgent crisis is nothing of the sort. At the same time, there is frequently a complete lack of respect and consideration. Things are said in haste, anger boils and feelings are hurt. If the individuals are close to me, then my lack of willingness to intervene may be considered failure to show empathy or concern.
In the end, when all is said and done, the storm blows over and life goes on. However, it seems the ill feelings never completely subside and the next time around an even smaller issue may escalate into a huge ordeal. The human condition takes hold of us and keeps a tight grip on us along as we are reluctant to turn down a different path. It is easy to say that patience is a virtue or to claim understanding, but our words need to be accompanied by actions. The book of James reminds us that if we were able to keep our tongues in check, then we would be perfect. Since "we all stumble in many ways" [James 3:2a NIV], "in your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." [Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV]
~ DB Turnmire
Monday, July 20, 2009
One Week to Go! (Blog #41)
Nevertheless, time marches on and one week from today at precisely 8:37pm, I will have been an individual presence on planet earth for exactly one half century. Fifty years seem like a long time when you are five or ten years old. Once you get here, however, the next 50 years will probably seem like a snap. My mother is approaching her 94th birthday in December and I cannot even begin to imagine what that must be like.
I am sure I will be inspired to write more about his upcoming event in my life. For now, there are seven (7) days to go and nine (9) more blog posts to reach my goal of fifty (50) new blog posts by my 50th birthday. To that end, I will leave you with a word of God from the prophet Isaiah.
'Even to your old age and gray hairs
Keys, Checkbooks and Other Things (Blog #40)
Does anyone else having a problem misplacing items used everyday? For example, where did I put my keys, the checkbook or my cell phone? Oh, but the best thing for me is when I know I put an item away somewhere but then I cannot remember what drawer, which closet, which box or what nook or cranny I placed the thing. Someone close to me keeps reminding me that "if everything had its place, you would always know where to look for it". That usually rings true with tools, which I have "stored" in several different locations. And the one tool which I need at that moment is never in the right place!
Have you every spent a long time looking for something and then realized where it is or remembered where you put the item? You know, it's like the person who runs around looking for their sunglasses and then realizes that he moved them to the top of his head. Or the person who continues to look for his glasses even though he is wearing them.
Now there are those individuals with a penchant for misplacing things like bank debit cards because their lives are literally cluttered. Perhaps you have lived or worked with someone who always has a mess. Now, I can pack rat with the best of them but I strive for a sense of orderly accumulation. Some on the other hand, live or work among the piles and given enough time may actually find what they are looking for. There are a few rare exceptions that are able to function with the disorder and can retrieve something from the bottom of one of those piles in a matter of seconds.
There is a misinformed stream of theology in the world which talks about human beings finding God in their lives. God is not lost! He doesn't need to be found. We are the ones who are wandering around without direction, unable to find our way. Without God, we find ourselves underneath the piles of stuff called life. Just like Adam in the Garden of Eden, we are afraid to let God see the mess we make of our lives and so we attempt to hide. But the Almighty already knows our every move so hiding behind our makeshift fig leaves must seem silly to God.
"I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice." [Ezekiel 34:16 NIV]
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind but now I see!
~ DB Turnmire
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Slow and Steady Wins the Race (Blog #39)
What I Love About Sunday (Blog #38)
Saturday, July 18, 2009
The Countdown Continues (Blog #37)
This year seems to be filled with nostalgia, old memories and reconnecting with old friends, acquaintances and family members. Who would have thought that I, considered by some to be anti-social or even to have imposed self separation from certain family members, would find such pleasure and satisfaction in locating individuals who have crossed my path in the past.
In reflecting on the past, I am finding it easier to look forward to the future. There will be new opportunities, new challenges, new acquaintances and maybe even a few new friends along the way. Knowing this could make on fearful or fill one with joy and excitement. I find comfort and assurance in the words spoken to the prophet Jeremiah. " '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.' " [Jeremiah 29:11 NIV]
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." [Philippians 4:13]
Nine (9) days and 13 more blogs after this one to go!
~ DB Turnmire
When You're Feeling All Alone (Blog #36)
My help comes from the LORD,
indeed, He who watches over Israel
the sun will not harm you by day,
The LORD will keep you from all harm—
the LORD will watch over your coming and going
Friday, July 17, 2009
The Countdown Begins (Blog #35)
Did you ever yourself with too many things on your mind and too many projects on your plate? It has a way of distorting your perception and your perspective. Sometimes, the distraction of things undone may even get in way of future accomplishments. What do you do when that happens? How do you regain your focus and get back on the right track?
It is at this point that I reminded of the apostle Paul's letter to the believers at Philippi. He wrote, "...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." [Philippians 4:11b-13 NIV]
10 days and 15 blog posts to go!
~ DB Turnmire
Christmas in July! (Blog #34)
Today is the 17th of July. At 4:00pm, the temperature is 61° Fahrenheit. This is the middle of summer, isn't it? Not that I mind getting out a flannel shirt and jeans for a day. The cool weather we have been experiencing here in the Minneapolis area reminds me of July 1990, at another place and time. That year found me living Gillette, Wyoming, where later in the month we were headed out for dinner. It had been rainy and cool all day and by the time we went to dinner, the temperature was in the mid-40s. Weather like that is a shock to the system, especially when earlier in the month we had topped out around 106° Fahrenheit. A sweater felt really nice on that particular evening.
Now back to 2009, the cooler weather reminded me of an almost yearly discussion about celebrating Christmas in July. Of course, this is one of those things that if often talked about never really acted upon. Reflecting upon the concept with more depth, perhaps we need an out of the ordinary celebration during the summer. Sure, summers are filled with local festivals, fireworks displays, county fairs and vacations. Maybe this could be an opportunity to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. After all, the liturgical church calendar calls these days "Ordinary Days". Most summers, just the thought of Christmas and the snow and colder temperatures that accompany the season would be a welcome relief to the heat of summer. This year has been pretty mild or even cool, so we haven't had a lot of heat to get us stirred up.
Can you imagine celebrating Christmas in July and not getting caught up in the stress of buying gifts, wrapping them or any of the other madness that typically is included with our average celebrations in the month of December? Houses could be decorated without freezing your fingers. Put up a tree if you wish, prepare a simple dinner, attend a church service and truly enjoy your friends and family with minimal anxiety. It sounds perfect to me. Maybe family members could actually get into the spirit of the holiday and sing a carol or two without moaning and groaning. Maybe we do need a little Christmas in July!
Put up the tree before my spirit falls again.
Fill up the stocking,
I may be rushing things, but deck the halls again now.
For we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute,
Candles in the window,
Carols at the spinet.
Yes, we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute...
...Slice up the fruitcake;
It's time we hung some tinsel on that evergreen bough.
For we need a little music,
Need a little laughter,
Need a little singing
Ringing through the rafter,
And we need a little snappy
"Happy ever after,"
Need a little Christmas now.
Need a little Christmas now.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
No ReDos in Life (Blog #33)
I, for one, think that it is a good thing that we cannot redo our life in the past. If we could, I can only imagine people going back time and time again to redo a certain point in life or an important decision hoping to get it right. Since, however, human beings have penchant for being dissatisfied, there would never be a resolution. Beyond that, if we were constantly changing things, we would never be who we are now. You and I are the result of our cumulative experiences in life, for better or worse.
What I am hoping for when all is said and done is to be able to echo the words of the apostle Paul in his second letter to Timothy. "For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." [2 Timothy 4:6-8 NIV]
~ DB Turnmire
Predicting the Future (Blog #32)
Going to back to the random quiz which alleges to predict the date of one's death, will anyone believe that by asking someone seven random questions and providing multiple choice answers, such a dire prediction could be determined? As we draw closer to the year 2012, many people are fascinated by Mayan prophecy which supposedly points to the end of the world as we know it in little more than three years. I will admit that I am curious to see the movie because I am interested in ancient civilizations and history more than expectant of what truths will be told and what possible terror may be unleashed.
I am encouraged by the continuing letter of Paul to the Thessalonians. "But you, brothers [and sisters], are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." [1 Thessalonians 5:4-11 NIV]
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. " [1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV]
~ DB Turnmire
Monday, July 13, 2009
What's Up With Number 13? (Blog #31)
Now, if one were to ask me, I would say that the number 13 is not unlucky at all. Of course, I am not generally superstitious either. For example, if I go to the local bagel store and buy a baker's dozen, I am thrilled to receive that thirteenth bagel with the bundle. Don't forget that the United States of America began with 13 colonies. Who would every consider that to be an unlucky number of colonies for which to start a new country?
We could debate the whole notion of "luck" itself. What is luck? Is it a tiny little green leprechaun running around dispensing four leaf clovers to bring us luck? My preferred way of conveying wishes to someone who is about to undertake an important decision or life-changing activity would be to say "Blessings", "Best Wishes", or "I hope everything goes well for you".
Today, July 13, 2009, was a blessed day for Bill and me. We have received a reprieve from some of our fears and stresses. Without going into detail, we might say that prayers have been answered. James writes in his letter to remind us that "the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." [James 5:16b NIV] When God answers prayer in powerful ways, I am always amazed and thankful. "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." [Psalm 118:1 NIV]
~ DB Turnmire
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Is This Reality? (Blog #30)
How about the reality of putting twelve supposed strangers into a house to meet for the first time? If, in fact, these were twelve college age young adults moving into a dorm for the first time, it might be more believable. More often than not, we will find out at some point in time that two or more of the contestants have known each other prior to the show. Or, there is some twist to the game where the house "guests" pretend to be part of an alliance or click. The twist becomes to see who will go against a given alliance and betray his or her fellow group members.
In reality, is a TV show like this a "reality show"? How real is it anyway? Why do people of the 21st century in countries around the world crave this type of entertainment? Are we so unable to cope with the reality of our own lives that we must pretend or live vicariously through the "real lives" of a group of people on television?
~ DB Turnmire
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Half a Century! (Blog #29)
Dwight David Eisenhower was president in 1959. That was a half century ago! Although, I certainly do not ever remember seeing one, the "Flip top" TV was obviously a hot thing on the market. Have you ever imagined what it would be like to go back in time and pay the prices for gas and other common items that were prevalent at that time?
House: $30,000
Average income: $5,016
Ford car: $2,132-$3,979
Milk: $1.01
Gas: $.25
Bread $.20
Postage stamp: $.04
Brook Trout: $ .59
T-Bone steak: $1.09 lb.
Sirloin Tip Steaks: $.89 lb.
Nestles Quick 1 lb can: $.39
Tiny Tears doll: $9.88
Steve Canyon Jet Helmet: $2.88
The Viet Nam war started in 1959. Of course, the United States did not send combat troops to that "conflict" until 1965. Historians are familiar with the human toll in terms of U.S. soldiers and politicos will be familiar with the unrest that took place here on U.S. soil. Today, we are involved in two major war zones - Afghanistan and Iraq - and participate in peace keeping missions elsewhere. Some have been bold to call our current involvement around the world as "our own Viet Nam". Once again, there has been substantial human toll and anguish. In that regard, not much has changed in the last half century.
In the next couple of weeks, I will continue to take a look back at 1959 and the half century that has passed since then. Some may say it is not good to spend so much time reminiscing about the past. What's done is done and let's move on! To that I would have to respond, reflection on one's past is part of growing older. God knows every moment of our lives - the good, the bad and the ugly. He informed the prophet Jeremiah that he knew him before he was formed in his mother's womb. As God is able to know us then, He is certainly able to know the rest of our lives. Go ahead and reflect, remembering to give thanks for every moment and every day!
~ DB Turnmire
Friday, July 10, 2009
A Moment in Time (Blog #28)
I had always heard it said that as you grow older, times passes more quickly. This is because as I have already demonstrated above that each day becomes a lesser percentage of your life. On my 18th birthday, each day of my life up to that point in time had been a much greater percentage of my existence. In fact, each day accounted for .0152 percent of my total lifespan which represents a percentage nearly three times the percentage for a 24-hour period now.
You may be asking yourself, "what difference does that make?" I would allege that it makes a great deal of difference on your perspective of life. As a child growing up on the farm, I remember that the summer days seemed to drag. Most summers, I longed for the end of summer so that I could return to school and see my classmates. Summer on our farm was filled with lots of hard work and fresh air. Longs days gave way to sultry nights in a house without air conditioning.
Nowadays, the hours seem to pass more quickly and one day blends into the next. Weeks come and go, months pass swiftly and a change of seasons seems constantly upon us. It is almost unbelievable that so much time has passed in my life. 18, 246 days to be exact! Now more than ever, it is critical for my generation to make the most of each day as it comes.
~ DB Turnmire