Real or Counterfeit

Which one is real?? (answer at bottom of post)

The other day I was visiting with a business colleague of mine. While we talked about

business, our plans for 2009, the economy, taxes- we ended up talking about our past experiences. We discussed interesting stories about ourselves that showed the individualistic qualities we possess. Both she and I are seen by others as conservative, non-risk taking people. People look at our career, our clothes, our car and our haircut.

As she spoke about spending a year and a half in South Korea (teaching english), I shared my stories about selling books all summer in Bartlesville, OK. Our friends and families thought we were crazy to make the decisions we did, but we were supported in our actions. I talked about going "door to door." She told me that many of her roommates in South Korea were from the states and from BYU (mormons). I told her that I worked one side of the street while a mormon or a jehovah witness worked the other side. A few times I visited with these folks as we were all "on a mission."

My friend and I talked about how it is so easy to believe what our parents believed on a whole range of issues. But, it is vitally important that all of us seek out truth. Just because your parents or someone in authority believe something, does not make it right. We need to search out truth with our heart, soul and mind. Psalm 119:11 says, "I have hidden your words in my heart that I might not sin against you." This is David (killer of the giant, king, leader, adulterer, murderer, forgiven and shown grace by God) who is pouring out his heart. We have the holy spirit to help us know truth.

Not only did our discussion focus on the need to search out truth, and not be dogmatic about our beliefs, but we talked about having respect for others' ideas. She said that many people don't realize that jews, muslims and christians all spring out of the old testament. Great point. I don't know if my friend is attending a church, but she has alot of knowledge about other religions (maybe mostly from her time in South Korea).

I ended our discussion with talking about seeking truth. I said that it is amazing how many religions are out there and all the subsets of the religions. I heard years ago that the FBI trains agents on counterfeit knowledge by training them to know the dollar bill (inside and out) down to every detail. By truly knowing the genuine article and everything about it, you can more easily spot a fake. She liked that analogy. She said, "I like that dollar bill story. You do need to know what you believe before you speak about other religions or beliefs."

In my life, there are times when I see something or want something. It may be that my desire for that item/feeling leads me to a counterfeit. I may believe that by working more and earning more money- I can do more for my family or I can tithe more to God. Now, I'm not saying making more money is bad in istself. It depends on what my main motive is. For me, it can be pride and greed. I want to be genuine. I want others to see Jesus in me. One of the worst phrases that was said to me happened about 4 years ago. In a group of business colleagues, we started talking about church and faith. A guy said, "Brunk- you go to church? you're a Christian?" He did not see something different in me vs. the rest of the world. I had not been the genuine thing to him.

?? Right now, is there something in your life that is counterfeit? How have you gotten the counterfeit items out of your life?

Answer: the image on the right is the real bill.

Is God a God of Order?

Yes- I believe that our God is a God of order. Many times I hear people say that they got an idea "from God" and are going head-first towards taking action. Now, I am not saying that God doesn't prompt people through various means (people, the Holy Spirit, praying), but as we are to worship and use our heart and strength- we are also to use our mind.

In the book of Esther (Old Testament in the Bible) we learn about Esther who became a queen. She was the only hope for the jewish people. She was going to enter the king's prescense uninvited (which usually meant death) and ask him to spare the jewish people from the slaughter that had been decreed by Haman (who was climbing the corporate ladder fast and hated the jews especially because Mordecai (a jew) would not bow to Haman).

Before she approached her husband, the King, she and her servants fasted for 3 days. Now, I haven't fasted that much, and I'm not saying that before taking an action you must wait a few days. I am saying that our outreach will probably be more effective with prayer and some planning.

Has there been a time when you wish you had prepared more, before taking action???

Decision Making- Esther style

I reread the book of Esther, using the NASB. My dad ( a preacher for 20+yrs and a Bible college graduate) always told me that the NASB was the most accurate translation. Now that we are in the "holiday" season (have to be careful to not offend so we all say "holiday"), many people have a focus on God, Jesus and maybe even about going to church more often. This ties into new year's resolutions.We all want to be more spiritual probably, because we feel better about ourselves. I am willing to do some good deeds, pray with my family, read the Bible. All the safe things.

Before Esther approached the king (her husband), she made it clear to her cousin Mordecai, that a king must request a person to enter into his prescence or he can have them killed. He could let them live if he extends the golden scepter to them. She hadn't seen her husband, the king in 30 days. That means he had not requested her to come before him. Sure, he had a harem of many women, and scripture tells us that the king found Esther very attractive. But, he hadn't seen her in a month.This gutsy lady took Mordecai's words to heart and decided she would give her life freely for the sake of her jewish people. BEFORE she went before the king, she and her servants fasted. And, she asked Mordecai to fast as well. For 3 days they fasted and prayed. Then, she went before the king. She used her heart, soul and mind before taking action. She prayed and sought God's will.

How can I be more like Esther? When I spend more time in the word and in prayer, I seem to make better decisions. Every decision we make should line up with our belief system/our faith. I have the opportunity/responsibility to raise 3 children. Before I make any decision, I need to use my brain, but also seek God's will.

How do you make decisions, big and small? If you are married, do you discuss them with your spouse?

One Tough Woman- Esther

One of many old testament books I have looked over is "Esther." Because my life involves many women, I thought I would read "Esther"; also - it is a very short read. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. It has all the action of a hollywood movie. Due to a queen's refusal to come before the king (after a 7 day banquet party), Esther received the opportunity to become a leader of the jews and a Queen to King Xerxes. When her jewish people were in fear for their lives, she knew the right thing to do, but was afraid.

Her cousin Mordecai spoke to her in chapter 4, verse 14:"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"Mordecai had hope for the Jewish people, that they would find relief and deliverance. God would work out his plan, but Esther wouldn't get the chance to be a part of it. Also- she came into this unexpected position- from a regular Jewish girl to the Queen of King Xerxes (ruler of 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush).

1. God wants everyone to come to him, but knows that some will not. Since I know the "big picture," I can either be a part of "it" (member of God's family, a kingdom builder, a committed disciple) OR just sit back and let time roll on.I enjoy leading. I enjoy following passionate leaders. I don't want my life to be like vanilla (sorry vanilla eaters). At the end of my life, I want to know that I took as many opportunities to serve others; I stood up for what was right; I loved/led my family and loved others. Yes- I want to be a part of of "relief and deliverance" for people in my life.

2. Are we in positions we never thought we would be?? I am a business owner with much responsibility and great rewards for my hard work. I get to help people with all sorts of needs. I get to serve my employees, clients and others I come into contact with. 15 years - I was working the easiest job I could find, making horrible decisions and living a sad,lonely life. YES- I am in a "royal" position. Despite my decisions, God brought me through a bad car accident and many other experiences. He delivered my physically and I am walking with him spiritually. Who is my Mordecai? probably James Nored. He asks me the tough questions and loves me and challenges me.

1. Do you see your social or professional situation as an opportunity to bring "relief and deliverance" to others?

Can you have the most fun of your life legally?

I was driving down the road the other day on 291 hwy. A big billboard for a local haunted house called "The Edge of Hell" jumped out at me. Along with scary pictures and the typical skeleton pictures, was their tagline: "The most fun you can have.... legally."

At first I thought this may just be a funny way to attract attention, but then I realised that with all the stress, problems, broken relationships in the world, there are people who view "real fun" as the type that is illegal to do. What types of illegal activities? Drugs like pot, cocaine or prostitution???? I wonder what a young person would think viewing that billboard. The culture (tv ads, billboards, people in our lives) all provide an opportunity for us to talk with our children or teens or adult friends. We can talk about the hurt in the world and the way people (including Christians) try to "cure" their hurt.

What images, billboards, commercials or people in your life have you used to illustrate a point or start a conversation with your child or friend about our culture, and ultimately about the only true cure- a relationship with Jesus Christ?

The Presidential Race- how will you accept the final decision?

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past 18 months, you realize that we have 2 main options for President of the United States of America.

How do you decide who to vote for? How do you prioritize the issues? I think about national security, the economy, taxes. I think about social security although I am only 36 and don't believe it will be there when I am 70. Of course social security was set up to be 1 tool for retirement income, not the whole enchilada. I think a little about healthcare. I have had health insurance my whole life (except for ages 22-25 when I thought i was invincible and didn't want to fork out the dollars for it). I sought out jobs that had healthcare as a benefit.

The older issues of abortion, the death penalty,etc.. don't get much press. With the war, the economy crisis and immigration concerns, the next president will have his hands full.

DOES IT REALLY MATTER? If your pick doesn't get into the white house, will it affect your spiritual health, your physical/mental/emotional health, your family's health? Will you complain and moan about the new president and his decisions. Will you not show respect to the office of the presidency. If you have children, they will see this. They learn from watching us. Our friends will also see us latching our happiness onto a man. No matter who gets into the White House, he will let us down at some point. Hey- we all make mistakes.

I have resolved myself to live my life the same, be grateful for the same blessings God has given me, handle the challenges of life the same way no matter who makes it into the White House.

Can we get too emotionally tied into a presidential race?

What's the rush? We are here for a little while.

Hello all. I have been out of the blogging loop for some time now. Very busy with work. I am able to help families plan for uncertain times, while also helping them to recover from tragedies and devastation.

Over the past 2 months, I've had 2 clients die and 1 client diagnosed with a brain tumor.

A 42 yr old died while working in his business on a trailer. He was under the large utility trailer and it fell off the jack and onto his head. 2 kids, no life insurance. I talked to him many times about life insurance, but also about life in general, his thoughts on life, spirituality,etc.. He never knew he would lose his life at the age of 42.

Another of my clients is a great guy in his 70's. He led his family and provided for them in every way. He was loved by family,friend,church members and the community. He won the top award years ago in selling cars. Very humble, Christ-centered and compassionate. He touched many lives along the way. He died last weekend.

One of my clients is an energetic, fun-loving, Christian gal in her late 20's. She has had some medical concerns for a year or so, and just found out a few months ago that she has a brain tumor. I spent 4 hours with her a few weeks ago. She talked about what she has learned since this "journey" began. She will learn more at her next dr appointment. What plan of action to take, what the chances are of beating this, what surgeries need to be done,etc..

She is scared, yes. Her husband loves and supports her. She tells me of the family issues she has dealt with and worked through. She taught me that day. It is about the trip, the way we treat others, the ethical way we approach situations, the joy we can bring to others, the lessons we learn, the lessons we help teach others,etc..

We are all busy going from point A to point B. Maybe it's getting my business to the next stage of success, getting my daughter from basic dance to the next advanced level, getting the bigger office or car or paycheck. Maybe it's something that is good in itself: driving on a family vacation. When I was a kid, I enjoyed the trip as much and maybe more than the destination. We bond during the "trip" of life.

Question: What can we do to build stronger bonds with our family and friends instead of just rushing through goal books and through life?