partsofspeaking

Where have we been in Philippians? Background is found in Acts 16:  very Gentile city, on major trade route, northern Greece. It is a marvelous book with many verses to memorize.  1:6, 1:20-21; 2:5-11; 2:13.  Why memorize scriptures?  Is it necessary today?   An overriding theme is joy.  Several Greek words, one means jump, one celebration.  Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, the second one listed in Galatians 5:22.  Against such there is no law.  Have you ever been joyous, even when something great didn’t just happen?  A time when you just had a bolt from the blue and were full of celebration in your heart, like an explosion?  Or a time when there was an abiding peace?  Because Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (I would say “gift”), it is not natural.  Godly joy comes from the Lord working in our hearts.   The second theme is “it’s all about the mission.”  We can and must put asi...

There’s a funny old commercial for Sprite you can find on YouTube.  Some commercials you ignore, and some stick with you.  “Where’s the beef?” was brilliant.  Everyone who ever saw it remembers it.  Since I study communication, I love to watch commercials, at least new ones.  On the Sprite commercial, it has three young, tough-looking Black guys who are supposedly playing a rough game of basketball.  The commercial is supposedly for a sports drink, called Turboboost or something silly like that.  So the three tough guys are standing, talking to the camera, and the one in the middle holds out the can, but the director of the supposed commercial stops him, “Cut—you’ve got the can upside down, dummy.”  The can-holder breaks into a rage, using a British accent, “I played Hamlet at Cambridge!”  The second actor says, “Once again, you caused me to lose MY concentration!”  And the third says, “Excuse me, what’...

A large corporation—it may have been Walmart—used to have a motto, “Whatever It Takes.”   It was a mantra by which employees were supposed to operate.   It meant the goals or mission of the organization (ostensibly customer service) was supposed to drive everything, and personal problems and logistical limitations were supposed to be set aside to serve the customer. It’s good to think about this.   So many people want to make excuses more than anything else, want to look at the obstacles, and this saying looks at the goal.   I operate this way a lot with teaching my students.   I don’t say, “I can’t do this because …. “   I just focus on what will help the students learn. I think the Apostle Paul would take this approach to his work in spreading the gospel.   In this part of chapter 1, he discusses four things that could, but don’t, stop him from spreading the gospel.   Whatever it takes, he is going to kee...

You are Invited to Attend… the 2nd Annual Northwest Georgia Valley Writers Conference May 6 & 7   This Year's Keynote Speaker and author of All that's True , Cold Rock River , Divorcing Dwayne , and Roseflower Creek is Jackie Lee Miles Learn more about Jackie Lee Miles at www.jlmiles.com OPTION ONE / For Writers : Pre-Registration at the Harris Arts Center or by Phone (706-629-2599) is highly encouraged as there will be limited registration on the day of the event. $50 for the conference / price does not include meals. OPTION TWO / For Readers : There is no charge to attend end-of-day events on Saturday. Join us at 5:45PM for a panel discussion on "The Writer's Life" then stay for book sales and signing at 6:15PM Those attending ONLY the "readers" portion of the event do NOT need to register and admission is free ________________________________________________________________ Friday Night: New this Year—Bonus workshop! 7:00 PM Enjoy ...

With this post I finish my series on traits of spirituality, and I put this blog on hiatus for a while. One of the traits of spirituality is willingness.  I have been thinking about the place of my online presence for a while.  I spend way too much time on the Internet.  I have to, to some extent, for my work.  I teach online, expect my students to submit papers online, do research online, etc.  This morning, for a short period, the college's network was down and I literally could not teach as I wanted to!  Beyond that, blogging and Facebook and checking my special sites (such as how my book is doing on Amazon, and it never changes) is a habit, a compulsion.  Since another trait of spirituality is detachment and freedom, I don't like being compelled about anything.  For the Lenten season, at least, I am going to use the Internet only for work and basic email.  I plan not to open up Facebook or post to this blog. If you happen upon this ...

Gratitude.  No one can be spiritual without gratitude.  Gratitude is the root of humility.  Lack of gratitude is the root of entitlement, meanness, rudeness, arrogance, pride.  Deep thankfulness for everything one has, knowing very, very little is ours of our own work or choice. Corny but true:  if you see a turtle on a fence post, you know he didn't get there by himself.

Spirituality #7 Another trait of spirituality is to be more positive than negative in one’s approach to life.   Spirituality #8 Another trait of spiritual is to have a quick, healthy sense of humor about oneself but a slow, underdeveloped sense of humor about others.