!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> rachman-unprecedented: June 2007

rachman-unprecedented

So what is this going to be? A little bit of everything I think. Maybe that's it. What I'm thinking. What I'm believing. I hope what I'm knowing. And why would anyone care what I think I know? There's no reason in the world that you should. But then why are you here? Cuz you have to be somewhere I suppose. I've never been here before. I may not be back. I might get too busy to care; time is short. That's fine. Nobody can deal with it all at once. There is a lot to deal with.

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Location: The Great Plains, United States

I try not to take myself too seriously, but I know I have far too much. So I'm trying to learn how to laugh again, as I had forgotted for a while there. Also I'm relearning to enjoy life; you know, like when we were kids. The biggest challenge ahead is learning how to love God with all my heart, and soul, and mind, and strength. This one is not really that hard when you know the truth. But along with it comes learning to love others as I love myself, and that one is, as they say, "a horse of a whole different color." I think I need to learn to love myself a little more, but the problem may be that I know all these facts about me. Sometimes the facts are simply wrong or they are just stuck in the past. I'm trying to get my facts to line up with the truth. As someone once asked a great man, "what is truth?" If he had only known.

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Saturday, June 30, 2007

Believe

I sometimes get mental assent or mental agreement confused with true belief. Then just today I was reading a little book which helped me realize what true belief is. The word "belief" is made up of two old Anglo-Saxon words: "be," which simply means to live or exist; and "lifan," which conveys the thought of agreement or accordance. To believe literally means "to live in agreement with" anything. In other words belief is not merely accepting something mentally, but rather belief leads us into action. Yes, I mentally accept the fact that God exists, and even that Jesus was raised from the dead, but I also live in agreement with the stated fact that, "Jesus died for me! Jesus rose victorious over death, hell, and the grave--and He did that for me! Jesus conquered Satan for me! Therefore I am free and will live forever with the Lord of lords."
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When the resurrection of Jesus becomes more than a doctrine, creed, or theory to you--when you live in agreement with what Jesus did for you--when it has become a reality to you, then you too will live.
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~ rachman
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Friday, June 29, 2007

Happy Birthday!


Why do you celebrate your birthday? In your mother’s womb, you were comfortable, warm and cared for. Then, you left. It was an ordeal, a trauma. The world you entered was cold and harsh. The mere act of living became a struggle. You cried. Yet, every year you celebrate that day. Because the day you were born was the day you became your own entity. No longer an extension of someone else. A proactive force in the world. So, celebrate your birthday. And take time to think: What have I given the world that was not given to me?
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Happy Birthday, little blog!
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~ rachman
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Thursday, June 28, 2007

Tag! You're It!

I've been tagged again, and since it has been awhile, I guess I'll play along. Sometimes I don't think I have the time for these things, but then "hey," I can get too serious really fast. So it's probably time for a little digression.
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This is the one where I come up with "8 fascinating, compelling, startling, or secrets things" about myself and then choose to post them on my very own blog for all the world to see. (Do people think that if I have kept these things secret for years, that since they asked me nicely, I will suddenly blab them all over the Internet. Come on!) Okay, since it is no one's business who or what is stuffed in the crawlspace under the flooring of the house, that leaves me with "fascinating, compelling, or startling." (Well, that should be easy. Yeah, right! If I were fascinating, I wouldn't be here at the computer tonight, now would I?) Okay then, how about compelling or startling? Well I guess that could equate with mildly interesting, so I suppose I could come up with something that is a little like self disclosure:

  1. I once gave mouth to mouth resuscitation to a friend who had collapsed while exercising, but the fellow still died.
  2. I lived a double life for about eight years (when I decided to follow God and live just one).
  3. I dealt with depression for several years until one night I finally asked God to take my life, because I couldn't comprehend the thought of having to get up the next day and start all over again. (God chose not to take my life, but He did deliver me from depression some time later. It is up to me to maintain that state of deliverance.)
  4. I was once considering suicide, but God delivered me from that deception as well.
  5. I drove a truck across America during a six-week long business trip. (Well, maybe it was just half way across, but I did have to meander my way there and then back again. And no, it was not an 18-wheeler; more like an 18-foot bobtail, as we used to call it. But as a 22-year old flat-lander, I still got a little freaked out going down some of those mountain curves somewhere near Chattanooga.)
  6. I was the sole caregiver for a family member with Alzheimer's disease.
  7. I love having both dogs and cats as pets, but my last pet was a cat. (Uhmmm? That may not be compelling or startling, but it will have to do.)
  8. It once took me, and a few others, about 15 hours to take a one-hour flight from Dallas to Little Rock. (It was less extreme than an episode of "Lost," but still a little reminiscent of "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles."

This has taken me all most a week to come up with eight things I didn't mind sharing, but I figured they should be something I hadn't already talked about. It has been interesting for me to come up with this stuff, and get rid of the rest that should stay under the floor boards. Now I have to find and tag eight other bloggers. Equally as hard. Floyd at Clay Feet tagged me, and as he commented, some of these folks may never see this blog, but then that is their business and not mine. Now it's your turn GhostRose, Captain Craft, Rob(mmmm), Leo, Rhys, French Trader, Be Your Best, Yak Attack.

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~rachman

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Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Say You're an Astronaut



You are an astronaut, far beyond the earth on a very long journey. Let’s say you get fed up with the constant barrage of instructions coming in on your radio from home base. So you shut it off. With no regrets. And you relax, enjoying the awesome scenery out the window. And time flies by.
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But eventually, you realize you have no clue where you are. Or how to get back to where you want to be. And you remember that you had a mission, but you can’t quite get straight exactly what it was. You panic.
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Finally, you remember the radio. You reactivate it. You hold the hand piece and call, “Home base? Astronaut calling home base! Answer me!!” A faint reply is heard. It is the sweetest sound you’ve ever come by. Now you can get back on course.
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Mankind, too, was given a mission. [Isn't it time you got back on course.]
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~ that wisdom from the web
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Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Happiness, a Mirage?


We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
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These words from the U.S. Declaration of Independence are indeed noble words and words that I hold in great esteem. However this statement doesn't give us a clue as to how we are to achieve happiness. It merely says that we have a right to go for it! Most people do chase after happiness, by all kinds of methods. Some attempt to find the right career or the perfect mate. Others pursue money or power or fame--or all three. Some have a great passion which calls to them: "come create," "come discover," "come explore!" Most all of us have probably thought that there is something tangible out there which will make us happy.
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The reality is that as soon as we get our career or our mate, we realize that they do not fulfill us, and that we must look for another one. We may acquire the money, power, and fame only to decide that they are hollow and without meaning. If we follow our great passions, we discover that they merely consume us, but never satisfy us. As soon as we reach the happiness we have pursued, then like a mirage, it disappears and is seen farther down the road ahead of us.
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Most of us have experienced the "perfect moment," when everything seems to be going our way. This is the day when the kids are both healthy and content. The job is going along smoothly and the boss thinks you're great. There's money in the bank and the bills are paid. That perfect mate has prepared your favorite meal, sent the kids to the neighbors, and now wants to make your evening a night to remember. But have you ever in your life, had two such days in succession. People and circumstances never line up this way again. If the perfect moment of happiness is your goal, you will be perpetually frustrated. Happiness cannot be the goal.
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Matthew 6:33 (Amplified)~ But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
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When we seek God first, then happiness is no longer our goal--God becomes our goal. It's when you put God first in your life that the need for happiness will be met. You see you cannot go to happiness--happiness must come to you. "Seek God first, and happiness will be given to you as well."
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~ rachman
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Sunday, June 10, 2007

Peek-A-Boo


Everywhere in the world, parents play peek-a-boo with their children. It is a major discovery of life, a cornerstone in human development: To realize that something is there even when you cannot see it, that the world is not defined by your subjective perception, that there is something that absolutely is--whether you know of it or not. All our life, all of the world, is God playing with us that same game. He peeks with a miracle and then hides behind nature. Eventually, we look behind nature to find Him there.
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~ wisdom from the web
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Just a reminder, to some of my friends, that while you may not see God, or even believe in Him, He is still there waiting for you to find Him.
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~ rachman
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Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Top Five People Needs

I said that I would list the next five relational needs of the top ten a few days ago. If you missed the first five, just look below and read up from there. I'm not sure that every one of these is in the exact order of importance, but I do think that they all hold great importance in creating, developing, and maintaining great and lasting relationships. All kinds of relationships. Co-workers. Neighbors. Lovers. Business partners. Family members. The only "need" that I can imagine anyone taking exception over, would be from the first list. Namely, affection. Even affection, if used along with respect for the other person, may mean nothing more than a warm handshake and a kind word. So all these needs have to be applied while remembering the great command: love God and love people. Let's take a look at the top five people needs.
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5) We all have the need for appreciation. 1 Cor. 11:2 (Amp.) ~ I appreciate and commend you because you always remember me in everything... ~ This comment is from the great apostle of the Christian church, St. Paul. Even he has needs and he gratefully acknowledges those who remember him. In this age of entitlement, few people remember to say "thanks." As a result many feel unappreciated and in fact most probably are unappreciated. We will never know how far a little appreciation will go, until we sow a little of it into other people's lives.
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4) We all have the need for acceptance. Romans 15:7 ~ Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. ~ Everyone has experienced rejection at one time and more likely many different times. That is what growing up and dealing with peer pressure is all about. Whether you're 14 or 40, everyone wants to be accepted. To be given acceptance without feeling that we have to fit into another person's mold--that is a gift.
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3) We all have the need for attention. 1 Cor. 12:25 (Amp.) ~ So that there should be no division or discord...but the members all alike should have a mutual interest in [read: all should pay attention to] and care for one another. ~ Anyone who is around children knows that they want attention. As we age the desire may be covered up, but it never goes away. If you ever visit a nursing home for the elderly, you will soon know how true that is. I'm the first to admit that life is busy, but if we don't have time for people, we don't have time for life. Spend time with people and listen to them. Listen not to reply; listen to understand.
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2) We all have the need for comfort. Matthew 5:4 ~ God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ~ We will all need comfort sooner or later. It may be after the death of a loved one or after the death of a dream. There are different levels to be sure, but comfort, like support, can only be given if you are there to give it. Don't be afraid to go and offer it. No, they may not always be ready to receive it, but most of the time, they will. Yes, showing love can be scary, but withholding it can be even scarier.
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1) We all have the need for security. 1 John 4:18 (Message) ~ There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love. ~ To give people security, you will have to give them love. If children feel loved, they feel secure and safe. It doesn't matter if their college fund is growing or not. If friends, lovers, business partners, or neighbors are all given security, or a feeling of safety around you, because they know you won't turn on them, betray them, cheat them, or steal from them, then they will feel loved and respected even if other things are not perfect.
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To a degree we are all called to meet the emotional needs of others. Not everyone to be sure, but the ones we come across in our daily lives, yes. Remember the great command? Love God; love others. When we give appreciation, acceptance, attention, comfort, and security to others, we are loving them. As I mentioned before, meet these needs in the lives of others, and they will begin to be met in your own life as well.
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~ rachman
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Friday, June 01, 2007

Top Ten People Needs


Our spiritual life is a reflection of our relationships. We can't separate the two. God created us to spend time with others. We are not made to be a recluse. "People who need people," as Miss Streisand sang it, "are the luckiest people in the world." Some very religious people think that they only need God, but God intended something much better. Yes, we are to be part of something bigger than ourselves, but also a part of something very physical down here on earth. Since we chose to not stay with Him in Paradise, He chose to come down to earth, in the form of a man, and stay with us. He knows first hand what human flesh needs, because God, the Son, now lives in flesh. You think maybe God can tell us what we need in our relationships? Take a look at the top ten:
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10) We all have the need for approval. Matthew 3:17 ~ And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” ~ If all fathers gave their sons (and daughters) that blessing, we would have fewer problems in the world today. However since we can't change the past, start planting this "seed" into the future of others. Instead of going around seeking approval, sow approval into the lives of others. It will come back home to you as well. Ecclesiastes 11:1 ~ Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.
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9) We all have the need for respect. 1 Peter 2:17 ~ Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king. ~ One of the best ways to show respect to others is to eliminate all prejudice. Who am I to judge you anyway? Once I quit judging you, it's easy to respect you.
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8) We all have the need for affection. Romans 16:16 ~ Greet each other in Christian love. (With a holy kiss.) All the churches of Christ send you their greetings. ~ Everyone has a different comfort level for this sort of thing, so respect for other's feelings comes into play with this one. All the relational needs seem to work together quite well. There was a time when I wanted to hug my own father, but didn't. Pride? Fear? Uncertainty? All these things were involved, but now that it is too late, I know that it was all foolishness. Take me as an example and don't be a fool any longer.
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7) We all have the need for encouragement. First Thessalonians 5:11 ~ So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. ~ Unfortunately in the world in which we live, we're not already doing this. All the same, Jesus, in his time, went around giving people what they needed: healing, deliverance, love, forgiveness, answers, instruction. All these things encourage and build up. We may not think we can do as much, but we could surely do more than we have been. And to paraphrase Jesus, he said we would do greater works than he had done. Whoa! Let's just start out by encouraging.
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6) We all have the need for support. Galatians 6:2 ~ Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. ~ Wow! How many of us would not have liked to have had someone do that at one time or another for us. Well it's time that we did it for someone else, and after many days we will find it happening to us as well.
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As this is going a bit longer than I planned, numbers, five through one, will come in a few days. Until then sow some approval, respect, affection, encouragement, and support into the hungry soil of people's lives. Then just wait a little while and see what comes up.
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~ rachman
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