rachman-unprecedented: January 2008

A Time for Reflection

I've never actually been in a kayak, and it has been years since I was in a canoe. The last time I was, the water was no where close to being this perfectly smooth and still. There were probably dozens of guys my age splashing, padding, swimming, and jumping in the water so that it would never smooth out until after we left camp that summer. Oh yeah! And there was that time in Arkansas, going down the river what's its name. I was all grown up that time, with just one other buddy, but the water was still moving too fast to be really smooth and clear. While I'm bragging, I've been white water rafting a couple of times, with folks in, I believe it was New Mexico, but still that is not what I wanted to portray here. When I saw this photo, it put me in mind of being alone on quite waters reflecting on life. Or at least when I'm not being overwhelmed by the beauty of the surrounding area.
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So I'm in the mood to reflect on life. To take a time to think, to reevaluate, and perhaps to make some decisions. Perhaps to make some new goals. Okay, and perhaps a time to be alone with my God. To listen to what He might have to say. It is probably past time. Not only in my overall life, but just for the new year. I've been having a hard time paying attention to the blog of late. Some of you may have noticed. So it is time to give the first fruits of the year back to God. I've waited this long mostly because I had to get inventory out of the way at work first, before going into anything else.
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I'm taking a break from the usual blathering that I do here. I hope that I will take a break from the usual blathering that I do at home (in prayer, as well as the chatter that goes on in my head), and will listen as much or even more than I speak. I was surprised to come across this is Ecclesiastes 5:1 in the New Living Translation this very day: "As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut." Well, talk about a timely word. So for a few weeks at least I will be AWOL, or let's just say that I'm taking a sabbatical.
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To all of you, till next time, good blogging.
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~ rachman
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Priorities Again?

Last year around this time I wrote about my priorities for the new year. Increase my time in the Bible, increase my time in prayer, and increase my love walk. Actually as I look back, I think that I did better than I realized at the time. I didn't do as well as I hoped, but better than if I hadn't tried at all. So I guess that 2007 was not a bad year after all. Well now that 2008 has come, I have heard another strategy session from one of my mentors. Let me share a few of his comments:

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We all have a subliminal list of priorities and for most people there is one major priority. Money. We all need more of it. Yet the Bible has a completely different approach.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness; and all these things (read: money) shall be added unto you.
~ Matthew 6:33

One meaning of "seek" is to pursue and to study it until you understand it. "Righteousness" means right standing with God or doing and being right with God. Jesus is telling me to first study the kingdom until I understand it and how it operates, and also to understand how to be right with God. After doing these things, in fact while I'm in the process of learning His ways, God will add to my life (the things that I need).

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Okay that is quite a step of faith, but not one that is completely out of line with believing Romans 12:2 ~ Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

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(This is all easier said than done, but with God, all things are possible. My, my! This promises to be a challenging year ahead.)

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My mentor also mentioned that "how we use our time defines our life." I may need to be busy about my "father's business" this year. Also stated was, "how we spend our time determines the quality of our lives." Yes, I want more quality in my life. So it looks like my first priority this year is to seek the kingdom (of God). That is really quite a bite that I have decided to chew. But like I said before, I will get farther trying than I would if I don't try at all.

Here's to the new year!

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~ rachman

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Retirement or Higher Education?

A friend who works with the same company that I do, but now lives in another city, sent me this today. We both have the same dream of leaving that company, so even though neither one of us is really close to retirement age, the idea of leaving in any way possible often comes up.

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They asked a retiree the following questions:

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1) How many days are there in a week? Six Saturdays and one Sunday

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2) When is a retiree's bedtime? Three hours after he falls asleep on the couch.

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3) How many retirees does it take to change a light bulb? Only one, but it might take all day.

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4) What's the biggest gripe of retirees? There is just not enough time to get everything done.

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5) Why don't retirees mind being called Seniors? The term comes with a 10% percent discount.

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6) Among retirees what is considered formal attire? Tied shoes.

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7) Why do retirees count pennies? They are the only ones who have the time.

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8) What is the common term for someone who enjoys work and refuses to retire? NUTS!

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9) Why are retirees so slow to clean out the basement, attic or garage? They know that as soon as they do, one of their adult kids will want to store stuff there.

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10) What do retirees call a long lunch? Normal.

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11) What is the best way to describe retirement? The never ending Coffee Break.

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12) What's the biggest advantage of going back to school as a retiree? If you cut classes, no one calls your parents.

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13) Why does a retiree often say he doesn't miss work, but misses the people he used to work with? He is too polite to tell the whole truth.

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14) What do you do all week? Monday to Friday; nothing. Saturday and Sunday I rest.

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Now to be honest, most of these questions reminded me of being a college student: When is a college student's bedtime? Three hours after he falls asleep on the floor. Why don't college students mind being called kids? Because the term comes with a student discount, student loans, easy student credit cards, little responsibility, and money from home. How many college students does it take to change a light bulb? Only one, but it might take all semester. You get the idea. Any way you think about it; it's hard to change. People are people--from cradle to grave.

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~ rachman

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rachman-unprecedented

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Sunday, January 20, 2008

A Time for Reflection

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Priorities Again?

Friday, January 18, 2008

Retirement or Higher Education?