Reconciliation, Intolerance of Lactose…and Law Enforcement

My stomach is having some issues today.  It could be lactose related, it could be medication related, it could have been a bad potato.  I’m not sure.  But, I’m quarantined at home until further notice.

The great thing is that I have time to think!  The bad thing is that I have time to think.

I’m still looking into Reconciliation.  What it is, what it isn’t.  While Forgiveness is part of it, it is not all of it.  Reconciliation always takes place in the midst of two or more, its never a solo option.  Reconciliation has been used to guilt people back into unhealthy relationships.  That is utterly horrid.  Reconciliation may mean that a relationship is mended, but it does not mean that the relationship has to be the same as it was before.

Again, while Forgiveness is a part of Reconciliation, it does not necessitate it.  Don’t let someone guilt you back into an abusive relationship.

Another thing I’ve been thinking about is:

Why do so many people hate Law Enforcement?!  That is just insane.  Yes, there are bad apples.  Hello, Police Officers are human too.  But, I will never assume the worse of any Officer for this simple reason.  Their job necessitates them to run to that which my survival dictates I run away from.  I have been blessed to know many fine Officers in my limited lifespan.  I love you guys and gals!

Personaly, I believe that Cop Hating should be labeld as a type of discrimination.  It seems to be similar to Racism, Sexims, Agism, etc.  People just can’t seem to rationally respond when Law Enforcement comes up in the conversation.  That has to be some sort of syndrome.

Again, too much time to think…remember?

So, here are my theological theories as to why so many people harbor ill feelings towards Law Enforcement.

1) We are all guilty.  From the day that our orientation towards sin manifests itself in an action of selfishness, we became Law Breakers in the deepest sense of the term.  We have an innate sense of this, something primal in our being.  When we see an Officer, we are just afraid that he or she might know something.  They are Justice personified…and we know that with out Grace and Mercy we are guilty.

2) They remind us that we aren’t God.  We are offended by God’s presence, because it reminds us of what we aren’t.  We want to be our own ultimate authority.  Officers, by their existence also remind us of this fact.  Law Enforcement is the only group that I know of that can legally limit or discontinue our personal rights.  They are a very real authority over us, and frankly that galls us!

So, on behalf of stupid people everywhere, I apologize to our brothers and sisters in Law Enforcement.  Yes, I’m stupid as well, for I suffer from the same orientation to sin.  Please know that any anger I show towards you signifies my own deep seated need for forgiveness, and does not reflect upon your character, integrity or honor.  Thank you for holding up the mirror of truth that reminds me that I’m not God.

Final thought of the day:

Lactose Intolerance is a pain…you can guess where.

Tim

Families for Orphans Act

I’m passing this on from Albert Reyes’ blog, Pan Dulce.

I have two people in my life that continually challenge me to care for the children around me in greater, more God-honoring ways.  Albert is definitely one of them.  There is some legislation going through the Senate and House regarding Orphans.  Please, take some time and read Albert’s blog concerning this.  Healthy, well adjusted, loving families are one of the greatest gifts to be given a child who doesn’t have one.  Let’s work together to make this more of a reality.

Go here: Families for Orphans Act

Thanks,

Tim

Sermon – Up and Out! fyi

For those that have the time, I’ve posted a sermon on “Tim’s Sermonic Offerings” page.

Feel free to listen.

As always, any critique is welcome.

You can contact me at tim_dahl [at] hotmail [dot] com.

Tim

Filling Daddy’s Shoes…

Yes, I have slippers….don’t laugh.

Stupid Tax

No, I’m not going to tell you how much it cost.

Here is a picture of me after my very first dental Extraction and Implant!

The Fort Worth Oral Surgery Center did a wonderful job.  They must have used some great drugs, because I feel GOOD!  However, I can’t forget that this is a Stupid Tax.  It is something that I get to pay for, to endure now, because I lacked sound judgment at a previous time.

Tim

P.s.  Dr. Runyon, I sincerly appreciate you taking me in on such short notice.  Indeed, Thank You.

On – Adding Worth: from One White Guy

I just put up a sermon from a few weeks ago.  It isn’t one of my best, and I would appreciate any honest critiques one might give (email: tim_dahl@hotmail.com).  I’m always looking to learn.

The main point of the sermon is this:

God loves the “Least of These” in society.  This includes, but is not limited to, minorities of all types.  Within the context of that particular scripture we see how God lifted up, added worth, to the Slave, the Woman and the Child.  The end of it calls for all of us to do the same for those that “don’t have,” for those that are “the down trodden.”

All of my life, I’ve been told two things by society.

Since I’m White (Caucasion), I’m automatically evil, bad, suspect.

Since I’m Male, I’m automatically stupid…with one exception.  I can have “expertise” in my occupation, but that is it.  In every other way I am relegated to the trash heap.

I look forward to the day that racism, sexism, and all the other -isms are thrown there as well.  I’ll continue to be the bad and stupid one, the butt of all the jokes; while at the same time lift up those around me.  Recognizing the worth they have, as given by God.  I’ll continue to fight for women in leadership positions.  I’ll continue to strive for racial reconciliation.  I will both preach and mirror these things.  I will use my perceived “white-male-status” to give shoulders that others can stand on.  For that is what we are here for, is it not?  We can only see the horizon for the shoulders which we ourselves stand upon.

Let the wold say what it will about this one “white guy.”

Tim

P.s.  For all of my Latina friends out there, I’m making an email list.  You’ve just become my ministerial advisors.

Past Sermon

I’m playing with audio files now.  I have a page of  “Tim’s Latest Sermon,” but we hit a snag.  I bought the wrong kind of CDs to be used in the digital recorder.  We have no copy of last weeks sermon.

I’m posting a sermon here, from a few weeks ago, for those that wish for the torture… err… I mean, revel in the spoken word.

Adding Worth, Exodus 21: 1-11, 6.14.09

To Give Your Son a Swirly…

Yeah, probably not a good idea.  Especially if he is 18 months old, definitely not a good idea.  But still, there are times when my greatest desire is to communicate my displeasure to him with something water filled and porcelain.

Does that make me a bad parent?

No, I haven’t done it…

Will it be ok when he’s a teenager?

No, never mind.

Anyway, I’ve been reading Welcome to My Brain [dot] Net for some time now.  She is a friend from college.  She’s grown into a wonderful mother, with such great advice.  She’s been blessed with RAD issues.  Errr… perhaps not the best way to say that.

Reactive Attachment Disorder

She and her husband have adopted children with RAD issues.  Yeah, that is probably a better way to say that.

She is my hero when it comes to parenting?  I read her blog consistently, because it reminds me how blessed I am to be a part of the family I’m in.  I’m sure she feels the same way, completely blessed in her situation.

I’ve found an unexpected side affect to reading about such awesome parenting.  I’m embarrassed to ask questions, or for help, when it comes to my own parenting experience.

“Surely, I have no problems that come even close to that of other families!”

That’s a true statement.

“My kid is wonderful compared to <insert just about any name of any kid in town>.”

Yep, I feel that way.  I can’t begin to tell you how truly blessed I feel.

But, that doesn’t help me figure out how to be a better father.  For instance, we are trying to teach him to not throw things, nor act out by slapping (literally, anything that is within reach) when we tell him, “No, do not throw <insert object>.”  He looks at me, gives me just about the most disdainful look I’ve ever beheld, and slaps (Palm-Heel strike anyone?) the coffee table.  I’m not sure, but I think he may have also stamped a foot as well.  The little brat toot.

So, for those that have made it successfully through the pre-two years, any advice?

Tim

p.s. I gain more respect for my mother every day.  It’s a miracle that she let me live/kept me alive into adulthood.

Social Networking to help…

…people that need jobs.

Ok, so I have this little blog.  It also happens to post to my Facebook “Notes,” so that my “friends” can see it.  I started thinking about social networking, and some of the good that can come from it.

I have at least four church members that lost their jobs within the last year to 3 months.

One gentleman is a little older, not really a spring chicken any more, but also isn’t ready for retirement for another 15-20 years or so.  He has a masters in Communications (think: technical stuff related to movies, commercials, etc.).  He also has a Master’s degree in Social work (w/out the practicum hours), and an undergrad degree in economics.  The guy is smart! Oh, and somewhat of a computer geek, but you didn’t hear that from me.

Would anyone out there be able to use an extremely nice, yet candid, and intelligent person like this in your company/business?

I also have a couple of young 20-somethings in need of employment as well.  One is a male in his mid to early twenties, with the majority of work experience being in the gas fields here in Fort Worth.  He is very conscientious and thoughtful.  He’s pondered a call to ministry before (student ministry), so if there is a church willing to hire an intern I would love to speak with you.  He doesn’t have a college degree, but I’m sure that he’ll see the need after spending a year in your fellowship.

I have a young lady (single mom) in need of a position.  Her dream job was working in Childcare, but she is willing to work for anyone that will train her.  Other than childcare, her main work experience has been in the fast food industry (Chili’s, etc.).

Finally, I have a guy in his thirties looking for a position.  His main work experience has been in the area of construction.  Even though he’s worked in many areas of home building, his most experience was found in the cabnitry shop.  Nice guy with a wife and two children to take care of.  He’s a quick learner and a hard worker.

All of these people live in the Fort Worth area.  If anyone can help, please let me know at: tim_dahl@hotmail.com

Tim

New Things

So, I added a couple of pages to my little part of the blogosphere.  First, you may notice the “On Calling and Ministry” page.  It is pretty much self explanatory.

You’ll also see a page called “Tim’s Latest Sermon.”  My intent is to post last weeks sermon for people to listen to.  Granted, my ego isn’t that big.  I’ve asked some fellow ministers to critique my sermons.  I feel that I’ve gotten sloppy in my prep, and I value their input.

I’ve disabled the comments on those pages, to keep down the clutter.   If anyone desires to chime in, offering a helpful critique, feel free to email me at: tim_dahl@hotmail.com

Thanks,

Tim