A Christmas Party

Fatigued by the rush of the holiday season, finding the right gifts, as well as the usual frustrations of life, I looked forward to a Christmas party among coworkers. I didn't socialize much with them outside of the workplace, and here was my chance to see them away from their jobs in a social setting, and enjoy a respite of holiday anxiety and depression

It started out small, and I wondered if the turnout would be decent. Slowly, however, more people started arriving, and joyous energy began emerging in a scene of tinsel, pine, and brightly colored Christmas gifts. Everyone started enjoying companionship among each other, and difficulties that arose in a work environment dissipated. I suppose when people have the opportunity to sit down and break bread together, enjoy a refreshment, and talk to one another, you see each other as just people, instead of coworkers, rivals, competitors, Democrats, Republicans, conservatives, or any other label/stereotype you choose to apply. I seen the people there as regular people trying to get by in their lives, instead of people jockeying for better assignments.

In the end we all had a good time, made new memories, reestablished new friendships, and exchanged gifts. All the pettiness and other interpersonal nonsense eventually melted away. Perhaps if everyone else could join together over a meal and talk, it could address some of our worse problems.

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Please let me share how much I love and appreciate the ones in my life without having to like them on social media. Please let my light shine in their lives by my words and deeds without everything publicized.  

What Are Churches Really For?

Churches are for believers; following Christ is a marathon, not a sprint, and believers need to be spiritually fed. That's why I'm skeptical of "seeker sensitive" churches that seem to cater to visitors at the expense of the true substance of walking with Christ: sacrifice, atonement, sin, and service. We should be careful that in our earnestness to attract unbelievers the true Message of His redemption is not lost, and that the true purpose of the Church is not to ultimately fill pews. While we must fulfill the Great Commission, as individuals and as organized bodies, spiritual growth of believers must not be shortchanged.

Two of the fastest growing religions today are Islam and Mormonism. They do not compromise their beliefs, or engage in excessive marketing. When you arrive to worship, the is no doubt you have arrived at a mosque/temple, and that's what they call them, not some New Age sounding name like "Mountain". Despite strict beliefs, such as abstaining from alcohol, they do not seem to lack in new adherents. Contrast that to attendance in a mainline Protestant church. They are clearly finding people that are looking for something rarely offered by anyone else.

We've Lost the Librarians

On a visit to library one day, I heard some jovial and loud talk up by the counter front. Upon looking, I noticed that one of the main culprits was the librarian, and this was not an isolated incident for her or other coworkers. Now, I always expected librarians to be guardians of silence in an increasingly world of cacophony of cellphones, iPods, loud talk, and other intrusions into our sanctuary of silence among us book lovers.

Now, understand, that this is hardly a scientific study with a large control group to take a sample from. It 's just a casual observation in one library, and for all I know, it has always been that way. Perhaps a library is just a reflection of the community and its customs. But I like to think that, no matter where it is located, a library will have some universal standard of etiquette, such as respect for other patrons that actually like to go to the library to read, study, and just the pleasure of discovering a new book.

Unfortunately to some people, a library is now a place to hang out, sign out a tape or video, work on a computer, and occasionally to read an actual book. It was supposed to be a sanctuary of stillness in a world of ringtones and cellphone chatter. Now it seemed to join the chorus.

Today, a library seems like a quaint and archaic institution where information is literally
But if we've lost the librarians, us lovers of pages of literature are in trouble.

Benchmarking

In industry, they have a process call "benchmarking," where a competitor's product is compared with the product of the home company. Specs and technology are compared to see how they rate with the other guy. The reason is to keep up with the competition, and maybe learn something new to better them.

Unfortunately, we do the same thing ourselves: compare one another to see how successful, better looking, how many degrees, more money, you name the benchmark. Instead of appreciating the differences of others, we take superficial factors and see how they stack against others. More often than not, it is to make us look better, and almost take a perverse pleasure in seeing someone's downfall to make our self image better.

Maybe we can become better, and not just look better, by lifting others up that need it.

Introverts in Church, Again

I read something about some people can't stand the socializing and introductions that go on in church. As and introvert myself, I have to admit I am not thrilled about it, either. I will get plenty of introductions to people whose names I will instantly forget, and probably questions about my salvation and church life. Suddenly surrounded my a group of strangers and asking a lot of questions is something I secretly cringe at.

One day, though, I received an epiphany about it. There are many hurting and lonely people out there who would love recognition, a smile, or a simple hello from someone, and that could be you someday. When someone wants to introduce themselves and offer their friendship, take it with the spirit in which its intended. I guess the only thing worse than people wanting to talk to you, are people who let you leave church without a second thought. You never know if it might be the last time someone will reach out to you.

Be Careful, Someone is Listening

One day at a fast food restaurant, I appeared angry, although I didn't say anything, due to a long line. An attendant noticed this, and stated: " We're doing the best we can, sir!" Embarrassed and chastised, I sulked away after I got my order. It got me thinking that people are watching and listening when we don't think they are. Our behavior is our witness, not just our words. Be careful when you want to be an example of Christian behavior. It is not always praying in public, when we call attention to ourselves and our careful with our words, but in the everyday world of day to day affairs. Be careful, someone is watching, and not only God.

One More Day

There is an apocryphal story of a frustrated actress who jumped off the Hollywoodland sign because of not being able to get the parts she wanted from directors. After killing herself, a casting director called wanting her for a major role, not knowing she committed suicide. One more day could have led to a long and fulfilling life, as well as a possible flourishing movie career where she could have enthralled millions of people.

One more day. You just don't know what will come tomorrow. It may be the day you do something great, achieve a dream, perform a goal, or help someone change their life (or just helping them get through the day themselves). Life is a precious treasure by God, and given with a purpose with unique gifts. When the storm clouds of life appear, reach out to someone, seek help, and pray. Remember, just one more day can make all the difference between the end and becoming what God's purpose for you as well as others. One more day.

From the Balcony

I watched a string quartet alone from a balcony. Amidst the noise and hubbub of the frantic day, a brief interlude watching the violinists and cello player reminds me there is still a quietness and culture left in this world, if only we can seek it out.

Let's Start a Community

Checking the stats, I see I hit the 1,000 viewer mark. They come from Canada to Indonesia, and France to Russia. Maybe a modest amount compared to super blogs, but not bad for a guy from Northwest Pennsylvania.




I see from my stats on Google people from all over the world viewing the blog.  It would be great to hear from my international audience for their unique take on my posts as well as fellow Americans. I wonder though how many, if any at all, come back and regularly check for new posts. But I would like to state how much I appreciate everyone logging in and seeing my viewpoint on various topics, and would love to hear from all of you, too! Drop me a message of what you think, and what you like and don't like. I'm open to constructive criticism.




Book mark this site and check back. Please give me feedback and encouragement about what you like or don't like. Suggest what I can offer to sell, such as "Night Watch" merchandise like caps and tee shirts, and comment on a post. Let's start a "Night Watch" community.

What is Your Epiphany?

My friend Doug once said when he had a question about something spiritual, he would go to a secluded spot and pray to God he called "Dad." One night, being perplexed about a question, he gazed at the sky and asked for an answer. It was then a shooting star blazed across the sky, as if to tell him everything would be alright in the end.

What is you epiphany, or "Road to Damascus" moment? Did you have a question, or desire, that was overwhelming and you thought that there was no answer, only to have a response to it decidedly made? Maybe it was a question on the Bible; was it true. Or philosophical in nature. Whatever it was, was an answer given to you that, at least somewhat, answered your question?



 Someday, all questions and needs will be answered, so we can use this time on this side of Eternity on earth to appreciate the Universe of wonders to answers left to be delivered. I love serving a God that gives us a quest to always keep learning more and using faith
to rely on.

Birthday: A Remembrance

I had a friend I grew up with I reconnected with recently. He then decided to friend me on Facebook page, which I accepted. A few months later, I sadly find out he passed away of natural causes. Weeks later, his Facebook account gave me a notification of his birthday, and I was struck by it suddenness and irony. We live on now not just in pictures and memories, but now in a digital realm as well. In this sphere we can create the person we want to be by projecting our selves they way we want to.


Is that all we'll leave behind in the future, a social media account that records our milestones and accomplishments?


As the message came up, I looked into a picture, and seen a happy man who did not know of his impending fate. Accepting his message of friendship on social media was all I did, and wish I reached out back to him. Never take gestures of friendship for granted.

We were meant to be outcasts, not the establishment.

When I hear about prayer in public school, I become automatically sympathetic. However, formal prayer become rote, and perhaps we took it for granted.

Coming back to what we were: outcasts, martyrs, and rebels that transformed the world and establishing a worldwide religion of believers, willing to sacrifice to spread our faith.

But then we became the establishment, and such horrors as the Inquisition and stake burnings occurred we Christians became the mainstream. We became the opposite of what we were commanded to be. The most horrific crimes committed were done by theocratic states.


The Apostle Paul, John the Baptist, Dietrich Bonheoffer, and others like them, were anti Establishment and therefore not corrupted by it. They faced inhumanity and enslavement and fought back and created an example for all of us to follow. When Christianity became the Establishment, it had a new master to follow, and as a result the faith became the state along



Today in a multicultural world, more people are coming to faiths other than Christianity, such as Islam, Witchcraft, and Buddhism.


True, they took formal and prescribed prayer out of public schools, but something great happened to fill the void. Bible study groups and student led prayer have formed all over America. Some time it was against a court's ruling, but did it anyway despite the consequences. Students seen a void in their schools and sought to fill it, not by law or statute by an outpouring of yearning to fill what was missing.



Let's get back to our roots and become hungry again. Being establishment makes us complacent, and that's something the early Disciples were not. Let's become rebels again and regain that lost zeal.

Leaving the Media Bubble

Perhaps the one mistake we have in assuming is that the media mirrors all cultural aspects of our lives. What we see on TV and read on the internet must reflect on all of our attitudes and behavior.
Cable news, social media, and talk radio have created an angry right and left divide. Pundits on all sides yelling and interrupting each other on so called news outlets. From there, people in the streets trying to outdone another by shouting and holding up signs in street theater, vying for attention. If aliens obtained our digital signals, they would never arrive here for fear of landing in a war zone judging by what they seen and heard.


Sometimes, though, you just have to go outside, leave the digital bubble, turn off the TV, and put down you smart phone to see what is really happening out there.


I did that, disheartened after seeing more news about the anger brewing in our country. So I left the house and entered the daylight and went to a café of people of varying views and race. Laughter, debate, discussion, people making friends, but no yelling and casting aspersions. Just everyday people of different backgrounds who came together by happenstance and enjoying a communal environment together. I guess when you meet people face to face, you no longer see an enemy or stereotype created by other people or prejudice, but just another person just like you trying to navigate life's problems.


A good time, new ideas, fresh perspectives, and a reminder there is a life of kindness and tolerance beyond the digital world.

The Real Arrogance of Man

Creating or choosing our own religion.

Eternal truths: there's one God, no God, or many. You can't pick which one based on your liking. To say there are many paths to Heaven is saying in effect: "Hey, your religion doesn't suit me, I think I'll try the other guy," just like you can the diner down the street if the you're eating at now doesn't' suit your taste. After all, why is it just YOUR religion that is so special? What is comes down to is: Jesus is either the Son of God, or a mortal prophet, or a great teacher; He can't change what He is for a particular man's leanings.

 What if none of the current religions satisfy you? Create your own, a la L. Ron Hubbard and              Scientology? In today's climate, one, must be politically correct, and accept virtually all beliefs as valid. We want things are own way to suit us, and if it's not, the offending party is being disrespectful. We create a virtual reality for ourselves, and everything we want we do it now and whatever we want. Thus the "many paths to Heaven" line. It accommodates everyone. But, as Matthew &:13-14 states: "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." And as John 14:6 adds: "6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. 7"If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him."… There is no room to wiggle out of the "many paths" argument.

The teachings of the Lord are timeless through the eternal, and knows no manmade cultural or political limitations. To do otherwise is the real arrogance of man.

 

The Silent Sin

A pastor counsels a female parishioner alone in his office.

A man is seen entering a bar to get some food.

An unmarried couple go somewhere together.

What do these sins have in common The silent sin never talked about is gossip. Of course we don't want our brothers to stumble, so any of those actions can trigger "concern", and others are told about it in the process. We don't have all of the facts, or now all of the details, but it doesn't stop many people from repeating what they know, or don't know. Yes, I am curious as the next fellow, and can't claim I'm without sin here myself.

For instance, I enjoy the company of my female friends and coworkers, and can't imagine using a chaperone like a 14 year old whenever I want to have a business lunch, or have a chat in her office with her.

People observe this, and the transgressors' actions seemingly destroy their testimony for Christ. We talk about other sins without fear of disagreement: drunkenness or lust, for example. But gossip is one rarely mentioned in the pulpit, or anywhere else in the church, I'd venture to guess. If only we could address all sin, and not handpick certain ones.

We All Want to Belong (Team Nation)

As our technology has increasingly alienated us from one another, I think we still long to be part of something bigger than our own selves. We can do so much alone without the aid of or acknowledging, talking to, or listening to another person, from self service check outs, ATMs, and online chat rooms and social media. The result is further isolation and loss of social skills in dealing with other people.

Once in a store, there was a lady who walked around with her cell phone wedged between her shoulder and head, and oblivious to others around her. In face, she did not realize she dropped her credit card on the floor until I pointed it out to her. A look around around a bar, coffee shop, or any social gathering will show people fixed on their iPhone, tablet, laptop, or whatever new device that is out there checking texts, emails, videos, music, or video games. Most of our "friends" are now on Facebook, where actual interaction with many of them (you know, like meeting them in person and doing things with them), are in cyberspace.

In the end, though, a void has been created where inside us is a desire to be part of something larger, whether it be a family, club, country, or a cause. I think we want others to identify us as part of a group despite our penchant for individuality.

Thus started the trend of "(Insert your favorite person/movie character/sports hero) Nation," or "Team (Insert favorite cause, animal, or hobby)." Others may call it a community or tribe. But whatever you call it, I think it speaks of a longing for the comradeship of others. Accompanying such identifications are the obligatory tee shirts, since they're the most visible, or Facebook pages (again with the social media). Quiet time is good, and computers can be a gateway to entertainment and information, but if that is all we have, we can become pretty hollow.