Levi's Present

As I laid with Levi tonight, I prayed that we would enjoy God's presence with us everyday. I should have expected something this time of year. Levi piped up and asked, "What presents did God get?" I explained what the presence of God involved and that it was a gift from God. He interrupted and said, "You know Jesus is a gift from God." You're right Levi, good night.

Christmas

It is Christmas once again. It amazes me year to year how quickly it arrives. I think it has something to do with the radio stations starting the music about September. I have a theory that there are only about 10-12 Christmas songs, but the stations play different renditions and trick us. I actually heard the same station play the same song by two different artists within the same hour.

I have never really gotten into Christmas too much. I enjoy the "feeling" of the holidays but, too often, that seems to be overshadowed by the "business" of the holidays. Stores hope for a greater profit than last year (up 4% this year according to the news); only __ shopping days left; trying to find the right gift; and a host of other messages bombard us, but none really move us closer to what the world sees as the meaning of Christmas, namely Jesus. There is talk of Santa Claus and reindeer, all of the pretty light displays in the neighborhoods, and whether we will have a white Christmas. Very little about the spiritual, eternal aspects.

I, unlike many Christians, do not connect any religious significance to this occasion. There was one lady who quit attending our worship services because we "ignored Christmas." There are others who think it wrong to sing "Joy to the World", "O Come, All Ye Faithful", etc. The meaning of Christmas seems to be that Jesus was born. Unfortunately, many keep Jesus in the manger. The message of Christmas is that the baby was God, Emmanuel, and that he grew into a man, taught us to believe in God, promised His Spirit, and gave Himself upon the cross to save all of mankind. In my own mind, the birth of Jesus is part of His presence on the earth. Without it, the life, death, and resurrection couldn't have occurred. What is most crucial in my eternal life is His death and resurrection. If I trust only in His birth, I fail the test. If He only came, my belief is vain. My belief and faith are in His promise of my resurrection because of His resurrection. That promise requires something from me and I guess those who only recognize the birth aren't willing to allow Jesus to be their Lord and Savior; they just like the Savior part. How sad!

What is our response to such a gift? It should be that we give ourselves back to Him. Our lesson today was that there are two kinds of people in the world. The first see Jesus as the most important person in the world and they give their all to Him. The second group doesn't see Jesus that way and their lives prove it.

I am thankful that Jesus was born. I am more thankful that He died on the cross and returned to heaven. Wasn't it at the cross He said, "It is finished."?

"You're Messing Up My Routine!"

As I think back to my growing up years, I wonder how in the world six of us all got ready to go somewhere with only 1 bathroom. I'm talking sink, commode, and shower. I don't usually have any interference getting ready as I am up and ready before anyone else stirs; but the weekends are something different. This past Sunday morning as we were getting ready for class and worship, I was reminded that the bathroom isn't mine. I'm only a tenant, a mere renter. I am standing in front of the mirror that stretches across most of the wall and I find myself dodging blasts of hot air from the hair dryer. I am getting pretty good at avoiding the air but sometimes my timing is off and my hair gets blown out of place. After about 3 times I look at Jodi and say with a look only, "Watch where you are facing that dryer!" She replies in a sarcastic tone with more meaning attached to the tone than the actual words, "Well, you're messing up my routine!"

Just for the record, here is the routine: there is the hair dryer that might rival one of those automatic car wash dryers, three curling irons, one of which is supposed to straighten hair (what!?), two baskets of who-knows-what, various gels and potions, brushes, combs, and picks, and hairspray. Don't expect me to know the order those things are applied or to what proportions they are rubbed in or on. I think it depends on whether the hair is going to stay curly or get straightened. If I could see which shampoo and conditioners were used I might get a clue. That is right, the choices are Frizz Eeze or Surely Curly or something like that.

My routine takes me every bit of 7 minutes start to finish. It is the same everyday and includes four things; a comb, brush, gel, and a squirt or two of hairspray. Sometimes I think my hair could just fix itself. It has been the same for most of my life. It started with the "regular hair cut" at Sam Fisher's shop. I went through the 1980's part down the middle (I earned the name Moses in college, you know parting of the Red Sea), I went back to the part on the side in 1990 and stayed that way until I went with the bangs (whoa! what was that all about?) Now I am back to the part on the side and my hair just automatically goes there. I think I hear it thank me everyday for not putting it through the hair tonics, you know the ones that makes your hair look thicker than it is or more frizzy or the ones that make your hair stick to your head.

I guess 2 days a week I can live with messing up the routine if Jodi can. Renting the bathroom is ok too, it means I don't have to clean it!

I am thankful that Jodi takes the time to "fix herself up" even though her more abiding beauty is on the inside.

What an Example!

You can always count on the professional athlete to demonstrate proper behavior. I wish more people would not go to sporting events. I haven't watched much sport on TV for the past few years and to be totally honest, I haven't missed it much. I have very little respect for most of the players. I would bet that not too many of them play the game for the love of it. If more of them remembered it was a game and not a business, I would gladly watch more and I am sure enjoy it more. When the high-profile athletes at major colleges and the professionals behave more like spoiled brats who only know to throw punches and sling their helmets at each other, I have no interest in supporting them. I don't even care much to support the various TV outlets that replay these episodes 50 times a day, all the while deploring the behavior.

Take another area of the games we spend way too much time giving attention to; the salaries of these people. I would like to see how long I would keep a position at the nursing home if I walked in tomorrow and said, "I've been thinking." (Some would say that is where my problems begin.) "I refuse to work for this place unless you pay me $10.00 more dollars an hour. I love speech therapy so much that I am willing to not do it for the next year unless you give me that much more." That mindset is absolutely ludicrous. Yet the professional athletes do it year after year. I think they think a little too highly of themselves. I heard that FOX paid around 1 billion dollars to broadcast the BCS games this year. Utterly ridiculous! There is nothing fun about sports these days. The average family can't go the ballpark and take in a Reds game without forking over at least $100.00 (without a hot dog or a Dasani to wash it down.) Who would ever have thought I would pay $4.25 for a bottle of water at the Clippers game last summer and watch my two kids proceed to fill it with the popcorn that backwashed into the bottle immediately? That is right, they refused to drink anymore of it! Since it was the only bottle the three of us were going to share, might I tell you that of all of the flavored bottled water I have ever drunk, popcorn was not my favorite.

That was a little tangent. I have more to say about it and may at another time. To complete this thought today, I would like to see the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, and the NCAA institute a system that punishes stupidity and unacceptable behavior. I am glad I never felt any athlete was a role model for me. I recall a few years ago when Charles Barkley was playing in the NBA and he said, "I am not a role model." He was right. I don't know how he meant that but I took it to mean that he wasn's a very good one. I think that was after he stomped on a guy's chest. I pray that I can direct my children to emulate godly people. I am thankful I had many godly people to look up to as a child. Unfortunately, these athletes have nothing to dissuade them from behaving like that. What is a 15 game suspension for any of them? A five-dollar bill out of their pocket. Again, utterly ridiculous!

I am thankful for godly men and women who seek to instill godliness in young people. May I be one of them.

Things Taken for Granted

How easy it is to become comfortable with our lives and abilities. I received a referral at work yesterday to see a feisty young lady (83 I think). She is spry and I noticed one of the other therapists struggling to keep up with her on their walk around the facility. I think the therapist had to request a break around the second lap. The gait belt dangling from "Betty's" waist did absolutely no good as she was a good bit ahead of the therapist.

Talking to "Betty" you may wonder why she is in a nursing facility. She walks, talks, and is cognitively intact. She informed me that she planned to stay with us no more than a few days. It is always nice when your patient has the foreknowledge of how long their therapy will take. I don't usually give myself that much credit; I usually write my orders for 2-4 weeks.

"Betty" lives with her son and his wife on the family farm. She has a younger brother who helps with her care as well. Why is she visiting us? She had esophageal cancer and has been unable to swallow for about 4 months and according to family, she hasn't eaten much since June. She told me yesterday that she was very anxious about the prospect of eating anything for fear that it would stick in her throat and strangle her. I told her that we would just talk about it yesterday and that today we would venture into trials. I gave her a teaspoon of water, some applesauce, a fish cracker (the snack that smiles back), and a graham cracker. She was very surprised to find out that she was able to swallow these things without too much difficulty. Her eyes filled with tears and with voice breaking she thanked me and told me I had made a big difference in her life. (I hate it when my patients make me cry!) I checked on her later after she had eaten a stuffed pepper for lunch and met her brother. He said, "Is this the man of the hour?" I hadn't done much I assured him, only convinced his sister she could do more than she thought. Not every patient I see is this easy. She may turn out to be right about that few days though.

This brief exchange got me thinking today about the things we take for granted. She probably never thought about her ability to eat until it was gone. I don't. Are there things or people that we have become so accustomed to having that we take them for granted? Do we fail to recognize their presence sometimes? Do we fail to say thanks? Do we treat them as replacable? Do we take our wife, husband, child, or parents for granted? Instead of expecting those things or people to be there, maybe we should change our focus to being thankful to God that He has blessed us with them for now.

I wish I could satisfy spiritual hunger as well as I did "Betty's" physical desire to eat. I can pray that the opportunities are apparent to me in my daily course. It is not within me to feed spiritual hunger, that only comes from God, but I can point people to the right table, the Bible. I hope I don't take things for granted, especially the spiritual things; they carry eternal rewards. If I take them for granted, they lose their value for here and the hereafter.

I am thankful for family and friends and their importance in my life. May I never take them for granted.

Old Friends

Jodi and I left Winchester, TN over 6 years ago. We have returned only once for a short visit two summers after we left. My closest friend in TN is Bo Rivers. We have spoken only a few times since that summer of 2002. It is amazing to me how time passes without our hardly noticing. I am ashamed of myself for allowing work, play, and too many unimportant things crowd out my relationships. If I am not careful, this happens even at home.

I decided to call Bo last week. He tells me that he and his wife Rachel now have a third child. Had we stayed in TN, we would no doubt have been there when each of their children entered the world. They were both there when Anna Clair came; and would have shared in Levi's birth as well. As I look back, (I am doing that more and more it seems) my mind goes directly to those people who have had a presence in my life. Memories of special times are attached to people. Not too often do we share memories with ourselves. Yes, we all have those quiet times that only we enjoy, but the essence of our memories must include others.

I didn't have to tell him who I was, the vocal recognition was enough. His first words were, "This is a welcome release." Bo and I chatted about work, church, family, memories. We promised to keep in touch more regularly and even spoke of meeting in the spring. I felt the same way; it was a welcome release. Bo and I had many such conversations when we lived there. Ours is a relationship that is transparent, with a willingness to open our hearts to each other. We aren't too worried about potential judging.

What makes such a relationship? What causes us to be able to talk once or twice a year and act as if we haven't missed a day? I think it has to do with the fact that we both are focused on the cross of Jesus. There have been other relationships like this wherever I have gone. Not all move to that level of trust, but I will never forget those people. Christians have been offered a special gift in relationships. When our life nears its end, we will be thinking of the people who have entered and shared their life with ours. It is my hope that when my life has ended, I left this world thinking of and thanking God for such people. It is also my hope that when others' lives are over, they may have been thinking of me.

That is how God has designed His church. It is a place for starting relationships; relationships which will guide us through this life and foster our spiritual growth. I believe they will be renewed in heaven. It is my prayer that everyone is blessed with spiritual relationships. If you don't have one, seek one.

I am thankful for Bo and others in my past who have been my spiritual friends. I need them badly.

Happy Birthday and a work story

Today is my son's 5th birthday. It is amazing that Levi is now 5. I asked him today how it felt to be 5, he said "Good." When prompted for a better reason, he said, "'Cause I'm older than babies." Oh the thinking of a 5-year old. He is excited about getting a few Star Wars ships and action figures. I hope he can figure out how they go back together when they come apart. They are the transformer kind. I can see them being in 50 pieces by Thursday.

Anna Clair turned 7 on November 11. I always ask the kids if they would stop growing so fast and they say, "Dad! I can't stop growing!" That is usually followed by a roll of both eyes. It is wonderful to have great memories of the past 7 years, to enjoy the present, and to dream of a bright future. Things haven't always been perfect nor will they ever be, but we possess a peace because of the cross of Jesus that ensures our eternal future. Jodi and I endeavor to plant this seed in both of our children, a seed that will take root, flourish, and blossom. I hope you are as well.
________________________________________________
One of my favorite stories from my work in nursing facilities happened years ago. As a Speech-Language Pathologist I work with people who have had strokes and many times, the result is a cognitive disorder that manifests itself by unclear thinking. Part of my therapy with one gentlemen, who did not want to be in the facility, was to train him to make safe decisions as he prepared to return home. I was asking him one day about who he would call if he had a medical emergency once home. He stated he would call his neighbor. Upon further prompting he stated that he would call his son across town. Dissatisfied, I continued, asking him if he would call 911. He stated, "No way! They would bring me back here!" I guess he was thinking more clearly than I had thought.

I am thankful for my kids and their mother. Where would I be without them?

The Cross

I believe the turning point in world history was at Calvary when Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God was crucified and was then resurrected.

How do you view the Christ? What influences your view? These are vital questions because your answer determines your eternity. Jesus asked Peter 2 questions in Matthew 16. Who do people say I am? But more importantly Peter, who do you say I am? Peter's answer, of course, was that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God!

The greek word "christos" is translated Christ. The hebrew word "mashiac" is translated messiah and means "annointed one." Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Messiah, the Annointed One.

Why the cross? How do you view the events surrounding the cross? Again, I believe your answer holds eternal consequences.

The cross of Jesus brings us at least 3 things:
1. redemption- "ransom payment" (1 Peter 1:18)
2. propitiation- "satisfied God's wrath" (Romans 3:25)
3. justification- "acquittal" (Galatians 2:16)

Jesus, in His teaching used the idea of us bearing our own cross. His death on the cross offers us these things, but our own death to ourselves and sin says we accept them. When the Bible says that the Christ (Jesus) was preached to the people, I wonder what they preached specifically. I know the result was baptism and salvation. I believe they were taught about the cross.

Scripture mentions at least 7 characteristics of the cross of Jesus.
1. Offense of the cross (Galatians 5:11)
2. Enemies of the cross (Philippians 3:18)
3. Message of the cross (1 Corinthians 1:16)
4. Glory of the cross (Galatians 6:11-16)
5. Reconciliation of the cross (Ephesians 2:16)
6. Peace of the cross (Colossians 1:20, Ephesians 2:15)
7. Accomplishment of the cross (Colossians 2:14)

The Christ is real. The cross is real. Wrath and salvation are real. How we view them is our own responsibility.

I am thankful for the cross of Jesus and what it offers me for eternity.

First Blog

Well, my brother-in-law had to suggest that I begin my own blog; so here is the maiden voyage. I am unsure of where this will go, since I, like him, was never very good at keeping a written journal. I wonder if I have anything to say or offer that is halfway interesting to other people. This will be a good indication.

I should begin with an introduction. My name is Craig Ross and I have resided in this world since 1969. I have seen parts of 5 decades. Granted, I only experienced 56 days of the 60's but that was enough for me. I am married and my wife Jodi and I have 2 wonderful children. Anna Clair is our 7 year-old and Levi is our 5 year-old. Like many folks much of what I share here will relate to you how special I feel these 2 are. Kids are quite insightful at times and share an innocence that we can all learn from; plus they are just so funny! They can sure make us think and rethink, can't they?

I work as a Speech-Language Pathologist in a nursing facility in Columbus, Ohio. It is quite an education as well to see the other end of the spectrum of life. There is something special about watching children learn and grow, but there is also something valuable in watching someone who has lived well die well. I get a front row seat and get to ask whatever I want. Most elderly people are more than willing to tell you how they lived and what it was like in the 'good old days'. There is much to learn from a generation fading all too quickly.

My perspective of life was formed early on as my parents instilled in me lessons that focused on eternity. We are active in our church and I endeavor to be evangelistic in my everyday life. It is difficult for me to separate my Christianity from any other part of my life.

As I blog in the future, these are the areas from which I will draw. I don't know how often I will post or the quality of each. I look forward to the challenge and hope I offer something of substance once in a while.

My brother-in-law said he would link to my blog so if I can figure out how to let him know I started one (I'll probably call him) he probably will. John includes a "Praise list" on his blog and I think that is a good idea. I hope to identify those things for which I am thankful and without which my life would be less fulfulling.

My first Praise list: GOD! He is where it all begins and ends.