Tag: children

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Capturing Transformation

What is so amazing about transformation is that we really see it happen right in front of our eyes.  You have to look over time to see it.  This is why we like to look at old photographs, and why parents put notches on door frames – so you can measure, observe and be inspired by the transformation.

Well, we are in the digital age, so cast door frames to the wind.  Check out what this film maker has done with his son and daughter.  He has captured their growth from infancy to current day ( 9 and 12) a week at a time. It’s a fascinating few minutes as you see them pass through the stages of live and transform right before your eyes.

As a parent these video’s are just a tad depressing when you realize that those 12 years seemed to have passed in a mere 120 seconds!

But at the same time, it’s incredibly inspiring, and encouraging.  We work everyday for change and transformation, but sometimes we don’t have the correct perspective to see it.  Keep working to transform yourself each day.  I am sure that if you could see yourself a week at a time, you would be wowed, just like these videos.

18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 English Standard Version (ESV)

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It’s Here!

Yesterday Microsoft released Halo:Reach, the latest in it’s Halo series of games for the XBox.  Of course with two boys (well three), in the house, there has been a lot of anticipation for this day.  They stopped and picked it up after school last night, and they could hardly stand the wait to play it.  Homework was hastily done, soccer practice was just walked through.  The focus of the night was getting back to play the new game.

The boys talked about it all day at school yesterday and probably will again today.  The anticipation, the excitement,  the innocence.

I have penned words on this subject before.  But I am still amazed by it.  I am amazed by the excitement that children can generate.  You see, on the other side of the house, Amy and I are discussing how we are going to get all of our stuff done.   How are going to get the car fixed?  Where are we meeting for dinner?  Who is going where, who is taking what task?  Can you believe this is what happened at work? etc.  I look longingly back to the children and the incredible passion they are able to muster for things, ideas, and events.

I think this is also one reason I was so enamored with the video I shared on Friday.   We must continue to find a way to live with that childhood exuberance even while doing “adult” things, but boy is it hard.  So today, is just a reminder to keep your passion for life alive despite the crushing weight of life.  We serve the Master who said he will “make all things new”.

15All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:15-17 (New International Version)

You may want to read the whole of chapter 4 if you have time.   Have a great day and life with some exuberance, you are living in the age of freedom and mercy!

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A Child’s View

I found this video title “One Child’s Most Exciting Day” whilst on my normal search for information and ideas on the World Wide Web earlier this week.  I have spent parts of the last two days thinking about it.  You will need to watch it to get the full picture, but essentially in this German ( I think) video about poverty, a child is asked to describe his most exciting day.  As he describes visiting castles, eating feasts and sailing on boats, the images show he and his mother, at the unemployment office, at the food bank and in the washateria.

I have not been able to rationalize whether the video paints the child and his position in poverty in a positive or negative light.  It seems to suggest that he is hiding the pain by telling a story, but I am not sure.  I wonder if he has become content in his world, oblivious, or at least not dwelling in, his humble position in life.  I can’t help but to think this is a good image of what our Lord says when he tells us to have “faith like a child”, and when he instructs us to be humble and content in all things.

3And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew 18:3-4 (New International Version)

This child took a day that to an adult could be rather humiliating, boring, and mundane and turns it in a day full of adventure, excitement and promise.   hm..

Take one minute today or this weekend to watch this video.  Think about this boy’s perspective on life, and think about your own.

I don’t think I have fully grasped the complete message that is delivered in this 69 second spot, as my sub conscious continues to mull it over.  But I do see that our attitude and viewpoint can make even the hardest day better.   Enjoy Friday, enjoy the weekend, and find adventure and excitement in all your undertakings.

11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.   Philippians 4:11-13 (New International Version)