In today’s Blog article, I want to go back to one of the earlier themes I started when I first set up this Website. First, I was “Thinking Why?” (05-20-08), then I was “Thinking What?” (05-23-08); now, over two years later, I am “Thinking HOW?” How did our world get to where it is today? How do the things in my life fit into the bigger picture? How can we each play a part in turning things around and helping to avoid future tragedies? Today, I’m “Thinking How?”

Have you ever considered the importance and influence of LABELS? Do you realize that due to improper LABELS, multiple tragedies occur every single day in lives and situations all over the world? Whenever this is compounded and surrounding circumstances allow, the LABELS given to some individuals will push them toward some violent action that will only harm others. Do you understand what I am saying? Please think with me further…

It is a shame that so often we are more interested in the “BUCK” than in the blessing that comes from living for GOD on this uniquely privileged planet in this vast and incredible Universe, created and sustained by our Awesome LORD Jesus Christ. Sadly, a tragedy and travesty of living that most of us experience many times in our lives is in serving money, rather than really serving the Master (check out Luke 16:13). It is precisely because I have not had many “bucks” (at least humanly speaking), that I have been so victimized in various aspects of our society and that my personal tragedy has continued. I just received word of yet another legal example of this and my experiences over the past few days have led me to this particular theme in writing today—Please consider the role you should have as it relates to “passing the buck”!

I trust you ACCEPT this article as an EXCEPTion to the “rules” of English. :-) The title is actually tied to one of the multifaceted points I’m making here. This subject strikes at the heart of every problem you face and every tragedy that happens. If you understand what I am saying, you will be more prepared for life than the thousands of new graduates that have just been thrust into the workforce of society. ;-) A proper understanding will help you overcome, no matter what you face. Failing to get this right will only lead to more trouble.

In a world that seems to be spinning faster and faster, it is even more important that you put forth a regular effort to Be Still. It is so easy to get caught up in the many circles of activity in life. It is part of how GOD has enabled us to survive and what makes us all adaptable to the changes around us. Change is unavoidable, and can even keep you so busy that you fail to Be Still and think. When facing a tragedy, such as 09-11-01 or 04-16-07, you will be tested to your core. You will be forced to initially respond, though as time moves forward you will have at least moments of reflection and less activity. Facing some natural disaster, such as those recent tornadoes whirling through Arkansas, the flooding rains pummeling Tennessee, or even the environmental effects of the oil rig explosion and spill in the Gulf of Mexico, can actually make it harder to Be Still. Tragedy and disaster forces us to respond to the changing conditions around us. So, how is it possible to Be Still and what does this really mean?

Reflecting upon the 3rd Anniversary of the 04-16-07 VT Tragedy and how GOD works to bring beauty from ashes got me thinking about what I would write next. The news of a thick plume of ash coming from Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull (try to pronounce that ;-) ) Volcano and disrupting flights in Europe and around the world further led me to this subject. The Blog title was sealed when a friend recently reminded me of a song from the 1968 Movie Musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: “From the Ashes of Disaster Grow the Roses of Success!” How is it possible for beauty to grow from ashes? How can good come from tragedy?

Repulsive! Stupid! Hateful! Silly. Sad. Ignorant. Crazy. Psychotic! Unenlightened. Naïve. Shallow. Helpful?...

A wide range of emotions and responses permeated the streets of Blacksburg Friday as a few members from the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) group from Kansas chose to descend upon this tragedy torn town. I was there.

One thing often misunderstood about GOD is His Graciousness. Because Grace is by definition, “unmerited favor,” we often fall into the trap of thinking our efforts or “works” have nothing to do with Grace. This is not a complete understanding. I submit this is one obstacle blocking the blessings we all desire to see. This relates to Eternal Salvation of course, so we must be very careful to get this right! When you do properly understand this, you will be able to make it through whatever you face. You will learn to trust GOD during the more “silent” times where He is not working in a more obvious way so that all would have to see. You will learn to face any tragedy and trust GOD to triumphantly walk through it so you can prevail! You must be Finding GRACE!

What do you think about all of this talk about healthcare and our being told we have the “RIGHT” to this? That is essentially the basis for why the U.S. Congress has now passed a bill that is arguably Unconstitutional and most certainly unsustainable to actually best care for the health of all those in America. What is this expected standard for “health” anyway? Is Health Care a “RIGHT” that our Creator has given us, akin to what America’s Founders said was at least, “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”? That is what we are being told by many leaders, but is this true?

The power of music often amazes me. Music most often brings people together, though it can even tear people apart or bring about tragedy. Music is meditation. It is a language that can transcend various speaking languages and even other cultural barriers. Music is so powerful, that you would hardly even be interested in any movie, without the sound and music in the background. Just try watching a movie without the sound and see the level of impact it has on you then. Many couples have “a song” that helps fuse them together. Songs play a part in so many aspects of our lives! Companies sell products using music and people’s moods are often controlled through the music to which they particularly listen. Students often can tell you about the latest songs or let you listen to an MP3 file on their electronic device. Many people even put songs onto their cell phones or to be the ring tune for when certain people are calling. Did you know that GOD is Musical? What music might GOD most appreciate? Can you NAME that TUNE?