The Journey

Merry Christmas To All...

This is OUTRAGEOUS

Ok, most of you know there is a U.N. sponsored meeting happening in Copenhagen Denmark right now to discuss Global Climate Change with world leaders. 

If you haven't been following the story, the leaders are trying to come to some sort of agreement whereby all the developed, developing, and third world countries can come to the table and try to reduce the amount of CO2 being pumped into the atmosphere trapping heat and thus contributing to climate issues all around the world. 

Now I'm no climate scientist.
I don't know the ins and outs of CO2 emissions.
I surely can't predict the impact of humans on the global climate.

But what I do know...

We should take care of the environment.
We should be careful how we use the resources afforded us.
We should be 'good stewards' of the earth God created.

But this is OUTRAGEOUS!!

Today in the China Daily Newspaper there is a report concerning population growth as a serious danger to global climate change.  The comments from Zhao Baige, vice-minister of National Population and Family Planning Commission of China, are totally irresponsible.

"Dealing with climate change is not simply an issue of CO2 emission reduction but a comprehensive challenge involving political, economic, social, cultural and ecological issues, and the population concern fits right into the picture. Calculations of the contribution of population growth to emissions growth globally produce a consistent finding that most of past population growth has been responsible for between 40 per cent and 60 percent of emissions growth,"

Although China's family planning policy has received criticism over the past three decades, Zhao said that China's population program has made a great historic contribution to the well-being of society.

As a result of the family planning policy, China has seen 400 million fewer births, which has resulted in 18 million fewer tons of CO2 emissions a year, Zhao said.

REALLY?

Now we're talking about population control in terms of CO2 tons?

Not to mention all the issues China is dealing with right now...

1.) And Aging population
2.) Overrun orphanages with little girls no family intended on keeping
3.) Millions of deaths of children born to families who already had a child
4.) Incredible social pressure for people that didn't hold to the one child policy
5.) Homogeneous population.  Gender issues, now that they see too many men and not enough women for generations.
6.)  Increasing sexual issues, i.e.homosexuality, bi-sexuality, and transgender confusion
7.) Labor issues, Women's rights, Human rights violations

Not to mention, China is one of the most polluted countries in the WORLD!! I've been to Beijing.  That city is GROSS!

To hear the global climate change people revert to this terrible argument of population control is to forget so many other issues that we can help change.  

Population certainly isn't the problem.

It's the greedy way people continue to wastefully use the resources outside of their own communities.  You can travel 500 miles in any direction from where I'm sitting right now, and you can find enough room to live, fertile ground to grow food, and plenty of clean air. 

Maybe some of these population control people ought to step up to the plate and sacrifice their own selves for the greater good of the planet, rather than dictating how anyone else should live their life.  Maybe they should fall on the sword of honor, rather than try to abort, euthenise, or commit brutal acts of infanticide so they can feel 'green.'

This is absolutely ridiculous. 

What is Christmas All About?

Every Year about this time, there is literally a fight about "What Christmas Is All About." 

On one side of the isle there are those who say, "Keep Christ in Christmas" shouting at those who say "Happy Holidays" or "Merry X-Mas."   I wonder, did Linus have it right?

It might be of some historical understanding to check out the origins of the elements we use to celebrate Christmas today as it relates to this season.  I think you might be surprised where all this stuff came from.

1.) Eating, Drinking, and Gift giving were actually a part of an ancient Babylonian celebration for their Nature Goddess, ISIS.  It was the feast of Isis that actually brought the Babylonians together on December 25, whereby they would eat, drink and be merry.  They accompanied this celebration with various gift giving, and actually looks a lot like the Christmas parties I've been to in recent years. 

2.) Caroling actually came from the Romans who worshiped the god of Agriculture, Saturn.  The festival was called Saturnalia where people celebrated the undying sun, and the blessings for their crops.  This celebration happened around December 21, the winter solstice, and a group called the Mummers would go from house to house singing.  It's actually where we got the idea of caroling.

3.)  The Christmas tree actually originated in Northern Europe where the Norsemen held a celebration called "the YULE."  This celebration was also a time to reflect on the blessing of the crops, the sun, and the agricultural economy celebrated by these groups.  They would actually burn a log representing the undying sun, and they'd bring a huge evergreen tree inside to remind them their crops would grow again when the winter ended.

The Druids held worship ceremonies around these trees, and prayed to the spirits of nature. 

So you can see, when we spend so much time worrying about keeping "Christ" in Christmas, we need to be sure we're identifying the real reason for the season.

Some might say, "Well how did all these pagan symbols migrate into the celebration of the Christ Child?"

Easy.

Around 350AD an emperor Constantine made Christianity the official religion of the empire.  Knowing he could never end the pagan celebrations, he simply began re-branding those celebrations as Christian, in order to make it easier for pagans to convert to Christianity.

So why am I writing this?

The other day I heard a store front greeter happily say "Happy Holidays" to an incoming customer.  The customer grimaced back and said, "NO, MERRY CHRISTMAS!" as if to sound offended by the Happy Holidays comment.  REALLY?

Is that what keeping Christ in Christmas is all about?  Fighting for a brand name?

No matter, the customer was on his way to gluttonously spend incredible amounts of money for plastic junk his family surely didn't need.  Toys that would be in the next spring's garage sale, were in the basket very soon, and he sure proved how to Keep Christ in the middle of the season, didn't he?  By displaying such a loving attitude toward the greeter?  REALLY?

Don't get me wrong. 

I'm not opposed to buying presents, caroling down the street, putting a tree up with lights on it, or even having Santa Claus come visit.  But when we say "Let's keep Christ in Christmas" let's not be deceived.

The PRINCE OF PEACE
The LORD OF LORDS
The KING OF KINGS

HE came to earth to begin the reconciliation process between man and God. 

Let your comments be gracious, as you reveal to the world the reason for the season. 
Let your attitudes be like Christ.
Let us demonstrate to the world, if we really mean what we say, our lives becoming more and more like the nature of God, rather than fighting about who owns the season.    

And certainly, let us not depend too much on the commercialization of Christmas to defend the Savior of the Universe.  Trees with Crosses in the middle, violent clashes between the Merry Christmas versus the Happy Holidays camp, or spending enormous amounts of money we don't have all tend to devalue the reason for the season.

He is much more valuable than the methods we are trying to implement, I'm quite certain!

Will Fear of the Unknown Cause Christians to Forfeit God's Sovreignty?

Why are we so susceptible to fear? 

It seems like Christians are some of the worst when it comes to knowing, and I mean really KNOWING that God is in control of all things. 

Last week while I was traveling around the country promoting Camp KIVU, I was listening to all kinds of talk radio.  Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, and Glenn Beck, were a mainstay from drive to drive. 

Don't get me wrong, I think those guys have done remarkable jobs at waking up American concerning the issues of Conservatism, but I noticed, every time I listened to them my heart started beating faster and faster; almost like it does when I watch a scary movie or something.

Of course, the majority of the conversation was surrounding all this government spending going on in Washington, and I couldn't agree more.  As citizens who have a play in the role of government, we need to be in the game.  We need the brightest minds around to think, process, and ultimately execute a plan whereby the government can be kept in check; but where we can also reach out to our neighbors as a country filled with people who live this human condition together. 

But the fear?

Why do all those kinds of guys use the fear of the end of the world to gain ratings?

It seems like the bias presented on talk radio tends to lean conservative, so I assume most of the listeners are conservative.  So why are conservatives so moved by fear?

Rush was talking like the integrity of the health system was on the verge of collapse.
Sean was taking a stab at everybody in Washington (which I tend to agree with by the way)
And Mr. Beck gets his low voice in the Microphone and claims that the world is ending.

And we buy that stuff!

I was reading in Matthew 22 yesterday, "Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"

 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?"
"Caesar's," they replied. Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." (Matthew 22:15-21)

I don't doubt we need to be involved in the government process at some level.
I don't doubt we need to be concerned with the high level of spending going on concerning an economic system here in America.
I'm a firm believer in the role of the citizen in the government.

But when it becomes the central issue to someone's life, we've missed the point.

I wonder if we gave to God a little more, if we'd even be having this debate for health care.  Maybe if we took serious, "Love your Neighbor" there wouldn't be people out there without quality health care.

What if we gave to God a little more concerning possessions.   "Don't store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moths and rust destroy, but store up for yourself treasures in heaven." Remember that part?  We might not have an economic melt down, because people would get what they need, and leave on the table what they greed.

What if we gave to God a little more with integrity and depth of character, people who just 'do the right thing' as I heard Gen. Schwarzkopf once say at a symposium for college students?  We might not have people in housing crisis', un-necessary litigation as people search for unrealistic punitive damages, or health insurance gouging. 

It seems like we've missed the point. 

We've given into fear and the system, and we've become a culture of weak minded people allowing news outlets to control the way we think. 

Let me propose this...

1.  Greater is He that is in you, than He that is in the world.  Let's put our priority of time in the message of Jesus, and let the world take care of itself.  Focus on how you can change the immediate community around you.  How can you care for those without health care?  How can you provide for people that may need a little help in a recession?  How can you become the hands and feet of God during a hard time here in America.
2.  The only way money ceases to become the issue in our world is when we give it away.  Try and give away this weekend.  Give to the Salvation Army guys ringing the bell.  Give the homeless guys on the corner when you're shopping at the malls.  Let's make this economic crisis a time where the world can see believers who don't stop giving, caring, and having compassion on those who are still living under the bridge, eating out of the trash, and just trying to survive.
3.  Let's tell Glenn Beck, Rush, and Sean, and all the liberal media we are a people that don't fear the unknown, because we believe in a God of reconciliation.  He alone is the answer for our world.  Government doesn't work. Economics doesn't work. Military doesn't work. Health care won't work.  Tea Parties don't work.  Walks on Washington Don't work.  The only viable answer is to follow Jesus. 

Only by truly living the message of Jesus, can we be effective agents of change in the world, and put this fear at bay.

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7)

May you go, and become God's hands and feet in a world that needs Him.

It happens here

I've been traveling quite a bit this semester.  Denver, Phoenix, Orlando, Dallas, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Jacksonville, they've all been on the list of cities I've visited since the end of our teenage camping season at KIVU.

We're putting the finishing touches on a gap year that has been in the works for three years now, and one of the most horrific things I've heard over the last few months from urban leaders, right here in the U.S.,  is the unexpected rise of the underground human trafficking going on during the recession.  

Interestingly enough, this morning's CNN story detailed just how severe this issue is all over the world.  (just click on CNN to have the story open in another browser window.)

When I talk about it, people ask, "So what exactly is human trafficking?  And how does it work?"

Well, it's simple.

There's a ring leader.
He/She promise the victims a good job in a high paying part of the world.
When the employees finally get to where they're going, the ring leader takes away all they're travel papers.
They usually take them to a place where they don't know the language or the culture, so there's a bit of culture shock and an inability to just run.
They're often abused.
They're told they have to work off their travel fees, and earn their passports and travel documents back (which is made nearly impossible on purpose.)
They end up being prostitutes, or slave labor for corporations keen enough to keep them off the official labor books.
And so you wind up with someone that is trapped. 
Often times the ring leaders will threaten to hurt their families back home.
Force them into some sort of physical disadvantage, and in the end

There are people far away from home
Who've been lied to
Mentally abused
Physically abused
And all the while the ring leader acts like a pimp, collecting the lion's share of the money coming into the industry.

It's REAL!
If you live in a major metropolitan area, it's most likely happening, right in your back yard.  (especially if it's easy to travel in and out of your town.)

I guess I'm writing about this, because it just makes my heart sad.

It's sad, that in 2009, this kind of stuff is still going on.
Humans treating each other like property, rather than like humans
People continuing to run illegal activity, and use other people to do the dirty work
It's sad there are women and children who will never see their families again
They're lost in a sea of mis understanding
Like the movie says....

They're Taken.

What do we do?

For one thing, I believe it's within our faith that we want all men and women to live in freedom. 

Jesus came to "set the captives free" and that wasn't just some euphoric claim that is supposed to happen when the end of the world comes. 

I believe Jesus came that all men would be free here in the kingdom on earth, AND in the kingdom to come. 

Get involved.
Talk with your local urban ministry.
Be aware

May we be a people who reach out to those trapped in modern slavery, and give them the opportunity to understand the freedom God came to give.

My heart is sad.

Halloween: Day of Evil, or Just Fun Times in the Neighborhood

There's no doubt there's a constant debate among people of faith about Halloween.

Is it a day of evil worship, or can you just have fun times in the neighborhood?

The traditional roots of Halloween go all the way back to the Celtic Druid traditions.  Actually Halloween was a harvest festival celebrating the crops coming in, and noting the beginning of the dark winter.  Historically the Druids thought they could predict the future, connect with the spirits coming to usher in the dark cold winter months, and in more recent history the Romans used this time to worship the gods that influenced the harvest of fruits and grains.  This may be the origin of our traditional boobing for apples and giving of fruit in the "trick or treat" tradition. 

There's obviously a lot of historical reasons for the season, but the argument for or against Halloween in the world of faith often centers around the evil, vampires, demons, devils, and the worship of evil spirits. 

So our answer to the evil question is to create a "Christianized" holiday that takes all the bad stuff out, and several communities engage in Harvest Festivals. 

They set up activities for kids, allow them to dress up in various costumes, give out candy, and in essence have a big party to celebrate the harvest time. 

I know several churches who use the party as an outreach, which is an awesome way to give back to the community, and present the gospel, but some just try to clean up the party, call it something different, and somehow feel like they're doing "God's Holiday."  When all the while it's just Halloween with a different name.

Please don't read criticism in this post.  I don't mean to offend anyone spending all the time and energy creating a 'harvest festival,' but rather; I'd like to just open up the conversation to a broader topic.

Can Halloween be a time where people of faith can engage with their community, who are already celebrating, be lights in the dark places, and rather than trying to create a subculture of cleanliness that really is doing the same thing, be people who drive culture rather than follow it?

I know there are good things involved with giving young kids a place without all the scary monsters, but this week I ran into good church people of faith who are trying to eliminate halloween with their harvest festivals, but their doing the exact same things going on in the neighborhoods right outside the church.  It just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. 

It almost seems like we've taken something of the world and re-created a "Christian Halloween" to suit our communities. 

If we're so offended by the holiday all together, why don't we try and make something totally different?  OR...Maybe we engage with the world for a night, and try to show there is evil in the world, but there can be good to overcome it.

Just a few ideas...

What if we had people dress up like heroes coming to conquer evil.
Or..what if we had Halloween parties at our homes that explained the history, and gave a good message somewhere in the evening.
What if we had people of faith who turned it into a night of giving, without trying to re-brand Halloween, and in effect start creating a separate sub-harvest culture.   

I'm just asking the question. 

I'm sure there are some of you out there with strong ideas on the subject, and I'd love to hear what you think. 

Is Halloween something we should ban, or can we find a way to be "in the world-but not of the world" without silly Christianese sub cultures?

What say you?

"Never thought I would break a record this big."

Ummm...YEA...what do you think about this?  HA!! 
Enjoy.

A Sad Day For Our KIVU Family

For many, It might be the beginning of great memories here this labor day weekend, but my heart is heavy for my friend Laura Lester.  Laura was a camper out at our place in Durango Colorado.  She and her family were heading to Texas this morning to watch the OU football game.  Let's join together in prayer for this wonderful family. 

One of My Friends, with new ideas for Peace

One of my friends in the Middle East was featured on Amanpour, the CNN program which tells the story of Muslims in Gaza and the West Bank.  Interesting idea.  What do you think? Is this something that might change the face of the conflict in Israel?

What to do with this?

 

After posting the video about global demographics, I received an unusual amount of e-mails and facebook messages trying to explain our position as people who follow Jesus, in a world where the Muslim birth rate is sure to, at the very least, change up the make up of common civilizations.  And then I got this...

A sign that reveals the world's feelings about those who follow Him.  What do you think about this?  Is it possible to be a person that stands in agreement of everything God says, but resigns themselves to staying away from the people who follow Him?

I think this is going to be the topic on the radio tomorrow at 4:00 CST.  We'll talk about Muslim population growth, a little about what our reputation is out in the world, and a little of John 11. 

Hope you can join us at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/braner.  See you there.

Fight, Flight, or Friendship?

A good friend sent me this video this morning, and I'm not sure what to make of it.  The premise that surrounds the argument is something that ignites several thoughts in me.  Partially, it's obvious the writers and directors are inciting fear, but what to do? Watch this (it's 7 minutes) and let me know what you think.  I'm trying to make sense of it today.

I guess I'm prone to think God is working with or without fertility rates.  What do you think?

Are Your Students Ready for Bart Ehrman

Are your students ready for Professor Ehrman? 

The current statistics among many of my colleagues is that "80% of students raised in Christian homes, who go off to secular Universities, reject their faith by the first year." 

Now...

I'm not a conspiracy guy.
I don't believe in a message of fear.
I'm not into conjuring up stuff so you'll read this blog.
I'm just a camp director who happens to love telling people about how to make sure they understand what Faith is.
I'm a follower of Jesus, who wants to make sure I know the truth.

Evidently, so does Dr. Bart Ehrman

Professor Ehrman is a best selling author, and professor of religious studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  And, truth be told, there are thousands of professors out there just like him. 

Dr. Ehrman is a staple for the Discovery Channel, and the History Channel, and evidently is providing some convincing arguments in the areas of Biblical Infallibility, the Resurrection Hoax, and he even questions the very divinity of Jesus. 

Dr. Ehrman is the reason why I do what I do.  Well, not Dr. Ehrman specifically, but the thousands of professors out there that are well versed in the history and culture of the Bible, and their attempts to make sure students have "the whole truth" while destroying everything they believe.

I met a professor like Dr. Ehrman when I went off to college.  I came from a Christian home, was a leader in the youth group, and thought I new my faith solid.  When I went off to the University, my philosophy professor made similar claims that Dr. Ehrman is making, and it through me for a loop.  I traveled through college in defiance of the Christian faith, and wanted nothing more than to prove how fake it was. 

But through the long journey for truth, I found that Jesus is truly the way to understanding the cosmos around us, the nature of relationships we have on this planet, and the reason I am here on earth.  The professorial claims didn't stick too much when I started asking real life questions about other religious alternatives, and truth be told; it is the sole reason I've stayed here in the mix with teenagers from around the globe. 

They need someone in their corner.
They need to know the Bible is true.
They need to realize that Jesus is worth following.
But with guys like this, it's very hard to keep following something if you don't know anything about it.

Guys like Dr. Ehrman have an agenda to make sure the Bible doesn't line up.  They're attempt at pseudo-intellectualism only fuels my fire to read and discover the points they make, and to help students survive.  The whole premise of Kanakuk Colorado is to help students reconcile their faith, understand what they believe, and see how crucial it is to begin thinking about tough real life issues. 

I don't think you HAVE to come here to find faith, for that would lead someone to believe this is the only place to find faith.
I don't think we need to discard Dr. Ehrman in our circles of faith.
In fact, I think we all need to take the arguments Dr. Ehrman is asking and try to understand the whole of the issues.

We must be a people who ask questions, so we can find truth.
We must allow for a confidence that if our faith is real, there are no stones that need go unturned.
But we must not be a people who just bow to the throne of the Academy, and accept all truth as equal.

Jesus is a real historical figure.
The Bible is a divine document.
The Holy Spirit is ALIVE and well in the world today.

Why do I care to share this with you?

Because I was one of those students that needed a little more information before I went to school.
I needed to explore and understand the principles of the Christian faith.
I was a student unprepared for the Dr. Ehrmans of the world.

Are your students ready?

You can read more about Dr. Ehrman here At This Link

Keep asking.
Keep searching.

Jesus says, "I stand at the door and knock.  If any man hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with Him."   (Rev. 3:20)

Let's stop being a people swayed by any smooth sounding argument, and start understanding the reason for the hope we have.   

He only needed mud and spit

Remember a few days ago, I wrote about John 9 when Jesus healed the blind man on the Sabbath day.  Remember He was walking and found a blind begger, and the disciples asked, "Who sinned?  This man, or his mother and Father?"  And Jesus explained the cause of the man's blindness was neither his parents or this man's actions, but so that God's works might be displayed through him.  Remember?

Well, I was on the daily news cruise this morning, and found this!

It only took us 2000 years to come up with a medical procedure that might help people see, but Jesus only needed some dirt on the ground, saliva from his mouth, and the faith of a man to walk to the pool of Siloam.  Check this out.  (WARNING...for those with a week stomach when it comes to medical things, you probably don't want to watch this.)

Social Media For Swine Flu

And now I've heard it all.  Now there are social media sites set up for the swine flu.  Check it out at the CDC website Click Here .  I just prefer to handle it the old fashion way...

To build up My IMMUNE SYSTEM!

 

(I'm certainly not trying to make light of a serious disease, only the Global Hysteria that has ensued from this viral outbreak.) 

-36,000 people a year die of flu related illnesses
-30,000 kids die every year of poverty related disease
-400K people will die of car crash related accidents

240 PEOPLE HAVE DIED OF THE SWINE FLU

80,000 kids in Ft. Worth Texas aren't going to school till May 11. 

Come on guys.  Let's roll up to this deal with a spirit of POWER (2 Tim. 1:7)

Another Flash Mob

After watching this I continue to have mixed feelings about the Flash Mob idea, but Gosh; wouldn't this make a drone day getting on the train for work a bit brighter. This was the most recent attack in March this year.

Let's Talk

One thing that we have become known for, NOTHING is Taboo.  We ask all kinds of questions.  We open all kinds of boxes.  We seek to know the things obvious and hidden.  And in order that we continue to keep an open line of communication we MUST be brave enough to see things that may or may not push our worldview buttons.

I showed this video on my Facebook, and I got some great feedback both on the wall and in my inbox.  It's certainly not intended to represent the views or beliefs of a certain system.  I just want you to think about the message here.  What do you think? 

We know God is Love.  But we know God is judgment too.  Ok, I'll stop.  Let me know what you think.  Let's talk about the message this video is trying to get across. 

A strong example of discipleship

Discipleship.

It's a part of doing faith. 

Sometimes confused with people who think bludgeoning truth into someone else's world is Jesus' command for their life.

But in reality, it's just taking what you know, and sharing it.

It's mentorship.

It's fathering.

It's mothering.

It's taking all the gifts you have and giving them to others.

I'll bet ABC never thought the Extreme Home Makeover show would ever give us a picture of discipleship.  But in the smallest town in Oklahoma, I think they got it.  They watched.  They learned.  They identified a need.  And they gave what they had to those in their community that were suffering. 

What if our discipleship looked more like this?

When Morality Mixes With Politics

In 2001 President George W. Bush released an executive order that forbade federal funds from being spent on embryonic stem cell research.  It was monumental.  I remember the power brokers of the Christian faith rushing to Washington to lobby the President during his decision making time.  And for good reason.

Embryonic stem cells are harvested from real live embryos that are not being implanted for pregnancy.  Often products of IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), most times these embryos are discarded and disposed of. 

Today, President Obama is announcing the rolling back of the executive order to allow research on embryos. 

My question...Is this the place for government?

I was at Oxford about a year ago, studying with some of the most brilliant minds in apologetics, and this topic came up.  In fact, one of the Leading researchers Nigel Cameron actually debated the need for research on the embryonic stem cells. 

His theory...We don't need it.

Embryonic stem cells have been researched around the globe for years.  Remember, it was only the US that decided not to give federal funding, not necessarily to stop research.  So, for the last decade we've found NOTHING useful from embryonic stem cells. 

More useful has been the blood from placental stem cells, skin stem cells, and I've even run into a doctor in Georgia that can harvest cardiac stem cells from a living heart and start creating a new one. 

So Why? 

Why are we so consumed by this embryonic moral conundrum.  Why mingle with a moral problem, when you don't have to? Well before you rail President Obama, you need to read this article, and start contacting your Senators and Representatives.

Thoughts?

Darfur expells humanitarian aid groups

The Sudanese government made a decision last week to expel all the humanitarian groups from the country. 

The decision comes after the International Criminal court issued an arrest warrent for President Al Bashir after five years of human rights violations. 

The U.S. government is meeting with the NGO's who are reeling in order to provide help to over 4.7 million Sudanese that have no interest in government issues. 

How are Christians supposed to deal with this?

What is This World Coming To?

So now we've got a Tattoo Barbie? What's this world coming to? What do you guys think about toys leading us into a new generation?

Will Economics Errode Our Stance on Drug Use?

In an effort to stem the economic crisis in California, Lou Dobbs reported this last night.

What do you think?

Did you guys see this?

Last night was the first time I'd ever heard of Leonard Abess Jr.  It was during the Presidential address to the country, and President Obama pointed out Mr. Abess, the banker in Florida.  

Mr. Abess evidently sold his shares in City National Bank, a small bank out of Miami,  and he ended up getting a cool $60 Million from the sale. 

But instead of just hording the $60 Million, Mr Abess went out and found 399 people that weren't going to get bonuses last year, and gave them a portion of the cash.  He even went out and found 72 others he'd known lost their jobs, and gave them some cash too. 

Now, far be it from me to tell someone how to spend their own hard earned cash, but this story really gave me a picture of someone who cares about something else far besides the bottom line. 

And you konw what?? 

With a selfless heart, the leadership of the freeworld stood up last night in the capital building, and applauded this man for his generosity. 

Jesus said, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."  Luke 12:15

I don't know the state of your heart Mr. Abess, but that sure was a great story for people in a world where economics seems to rule the headlines.  Way to go!!

Thinking Pleasant Thoughts? Stop Lying to Yourself.

When I was in High School, my first job was at a video rental store.  I know today, we have video on demand, Netflix, and movies at your finger tips, especially if you have satellite t.v.; but back then you had to go down to the store, and rent the old VHS tapes. 

At any given time there were 3-5 employees working the counter at this small business, and it was one of those down home everybody knew everybody kind of places.  I think minimum wage was something like $4.25 at the time ( I think, don't quote me on that) but we made enough money working after school hours to pay for gas, going out to eat, and the occasional upgrade to the 1987 Pontiac Grand Am.

So as I'm watching malls around the country start closing, I'm wondering, "What are students doing for jobs these days?" 

I saw this news reel this morning on my daily news cruise, and thought I'd just put it out there, and see what everyone is doing now that malls are starting to cut hours back. 

Is everybody still working at the malls?  Have we figured out how to have money flow into the teenage demographic?  What are college students doing for jobs?

One thing I know, thinking pleasant thoughts isn't the end all be all in this problem.  We have such an opportunity to analyze our current state of humanity, and give honor and praise to the One who gave us LIFE.  For such a time is this that God could be praised. 

It's easy to know God when everything is going well, but what about when this stuff happens.

Job was a man who endured much in hard times. He knew the pain of loss accompanied by the sting of death. But remember his response, "At this Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then He fell to the ground in worship and said, "Naked I come from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. May the name of the Lord be praised. In all this Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing."

Do You want to be like Job in these hard times? 

I do.

I don't think overcoming hard times can be solved by just thinking positive thoughts like the reporter suggested. I don't think having some kind of false optimism that I try to convince people that everything is going to be ok is really the answer.  In fact, it's almost hypocritical to say 'thou shalt not bear false witness' when you're in pain and then act like everything is ok.  That's just lying to yourself and those around you.  I don't want to be a downer, but at the same time, we need to be real.

Sometimes life stings.  AND THAT'S OK!!

I want to re-discover what it means that I can totally believe in what I say I believe, even when it's hard. 
I want to know the power in saying that in all things I can stand on the Truth that God is real and it's only by Him that I live today.
I want to stop relying on the towers built by mankind, and relish in the liberating freedom offered by the One who can make a difference in this world. 

And so today, I'm off to worship with a corporate body of believers. 
I'm off to thrust myself into a posture of praise.
May YOU alone be worshiped in ALL circumstances. 

FOR YOU ALONE ARE GOD!

REALLY??? Is this all we have to talk about this weekend?

Sorry, but this makes my stomach churn.  Here we are in one of the tightest economies EVER, and this is on the news?  WHO CARES????

Penn (penn and teller) Talks about Receiving a Bible

A friend of mine, sent me this video.  When I saw it was Penn, of Penn and Teller, I thought it was a joke, and I wasn't really excited about watching it; but as it went along...well, there's some interesting stuff in this.  I'd love to hear what you think.  How would you share your belief values with Penn?

Christians are thought to be 'Mad' in England

Interestingly enough, even the Christians in Engalnd are thought to be a little crazy-out-of-their minds. 

Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu described the nature of Christians in his most recent address, claiming that Christian people who are motivated by charity are thought to be 'mad' to normal society. 

Click Here For the Full Story

But I'm really not surprised.  Jesus said we would be hated by the world.  Most disciples were put to death for nothing more than helping the downtrodden, healing the sick, and feeding the hungry.  It's no game to buy into this Christian thing.  After all, who wants to live in a world where peace might reign?  Who would want to see people loving God, and Loving their neighbors as themselves?  Who would want to find value in the fact they were created by a creator who loves them so much, He actually came to the world to provide a life, and a life more abundantly?

I mean come on, it just sounds, well...'mad.'

Valentine's Day Dates Gone Wrong

Ok, I don't agree with all their songs, but this is REALLY FUNNY

Get ready to talk about Valentine's Day tomorrow at 4:00 CST

Ever Felt Like this?

A Friend of mine sent this via Twitter this morning.  Thanks Luke.  This is AWESOME!!

The History of Valentine's Day

So while we were preparing for this week's radio show, I stumbled on a history channel special of Valentine's day.  It's interesting where the origin of this "love" holiday comes from, and even more interesting to see how much time and money we give it.  Here you go.  Just as promised.  The history of Valentine's day. 

If you're looking for the original link to the History channel, here you go. History Channel Valentines Day.

Although I think you'll find it exactly the same. Enjoy!!

Valentine's Day Is On the Way

Here it comes.  The yearly day of love, right?  It's the holiday that most men struggle to find ways to express, and for most women; it's a day of either celebration, or depression. 

Valentine's Day is on the Way coming this Saturday, and I'd like to spend the rest of the week exploring the history and significance of February 14. 

For guys, let me help you understand, I'm not folding to any pressure from my wife to highlight the love day. 

Ladies, I'm not trying to bolster up a day that is any more important than another.

What I'd really like to look at is the reason why we "do" valentine's day, and then hopefully give you some ideas for the expression of Valentine's day coming up.

The Church I was in this last weekend is doing a Valentine's day banquet with the youth group, which I think is a great idea.  The Youth are going to serve the adults for a night time banquet of "love"  HA!!  It's awesome!

We'll also talk about Valentine's day this Thursday on the radio.  So be sure to tune in 4:00 CST LIVE blog talk radio at www.blogtalkradio.com/braner, or just click on this button. 

We're going to review the articles this week, talk about Valentine's ideas, and get together online as a community of believers who are just trying to be real. 

Last week, I got a number of e-mails  from folks having trouble with the radio show.  Just remember, if you open your browser, the radio will stream right from your internet source.  It's kind of a different deal, but if you click on the button, and then press play in the streaming box, you should be able to hear what's going on.

If you're interested in calling in, the number will be at the top of the show page. 

Hope you can join me.

Daily News Cruise...FlashMobbing

Today on the daily news cruise, I found an interesting article.  Cnn.com reported a shutdown in London's Liverpool Station due to Flash Mobbing!

A Flash Mob is a group of people organized to gather in a certain place and do a certain task, all together. 

For example,

The Liverpool station flashmob was organized on facebook.  A student invited a friend, who invited a friend who invited a friend, and then after al the people showed up this last Saturday, there were over 14,000 people that came to the Liverpool station to dance.

They were all instructed to bring their iPod's and all start dancing at 7:00 P.M. So that's what they did.  Can you imagine?  14,000 people all showed up with the same song on the same day at the same time, and in the silence...they danced. 

Here's a choreographed flashmob in Grand Central Station.  It's a bit different....

Or here's a choreographed one in Liverpool. This one actually has a choreograph feel to it.

What a great idea!! 

Keep dancing guys.  This is a great thing for people to experience the togetherness of community.  Now, can we translate this need to be together to a lifestyle where we are interested in everything in each other's life?

Keep GOING!!!  I'm Excited to see where this goes.

Praying for Our Friends in Australia

Back in 2002, K-Colorado endured one of the worst fire disasters in 100 years.  It started from the backfire of an old car, coupled with the dry conditions of that year, over 75,000 acres were consumed by raging fires. 

Most of the damage was done in the wilderness, but our property in Bayfield was miraculously sparred.  (It's a long story, but it's nothing short of a divine, Old Testament like miracle.)

In any event, when I woke up this morning and saw this on the news, I just started praying for the people living around this area.  Fires are a disaster that are very emotional, extremely dangerous, and very hard to recover from, almost like suffering through major hurricanes, or big earthquakes.  

I just thought it fitting to pray for our friends in Australia this morning....

God be with our friends.
Help those in harm's way to be wise.
Help the fire fighters
Help the government
Father, please send your compassion on this area. 

What Does God think About the Economy?

It's a dismal time for economies all around the world.  Bankers are running for the hills, retailers are trying to make sense of slowing buying trends, and churches all over the country are wondering how they are going to keep the doors open.  It's a tough time economically here in America, and all over the globe.

If you're someone who looks at the 'state of the union' through the eyes of the press, it can often time be overwhelming and feel like the sky is falling; but rest assured, God is still in control.

If you've lost your job, and you find yourself wondering how to make ends meet, remember; the same God you served in good financial times is still sitting on the throne of heaven.

If you've found it hard to pay for school right now, and you might have to take some time off; it's certainly not a fun decision, but God still owns everything on the planet.

In fact, Psalm 50:10-11, "For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.  I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field in mine."

He owns everything!!  He owns the cattle.  He owns the birds.  He owns the land.  He owns everything.

Look, I know the hardships this economy is bringing on markets and ministry.  I've seen it as I travel from city to city, and church to church.  I've sen the families being effected by slowdown, and sometimes the outright stop in cash flow.  This is a hard time. 

Please know, I certainly don't want to minimize the seriousness, or trivialize the pain of someone loosing their job. This is a hard time here in our country, there's no mistake about it.

But I remember a phrase I read on the back of a T-shirt when I first met Hank Harmon.  Hank runs a small operation out at the Kanakuk in Missouri.  His program takes students out to the wilderness of Missouri, and wisdom just dwells around this guy. 

He was wearing a t-shirt one day that said, "Faith isn't faith, until it's all you're holding onto." 

It's time that God's people show the world where our confidence lies.  I want to be known as someone who can truth in God in all circumstances, don't you?

We don't put our trust in the dollar, even though we all had good times in recent years.
We don't put our trust in the growth of businesses, even though we've seen multiple business expand in recent history.
We don't ground our confidence in earthly treasure. 

It was Jesus who said, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 5:19-21)

This is certainly not an easy time, but it does give us the potential to live out what Jesus said. 

The opportunity to show the world how we care for others is ever present.

If you still have your job, be sure you're still reaching out to help other people in need.
If you find yourself in financial straights, remember it's ok to reach out and ask for help, that's what makes togetherness, well...together.
We can be the model of how people can look out for each other, and when this downturn takes an upswing the world will wonder why?

God, we humbly look to you for answers.
We seek your face.
We want our treasure to be found in our relationship with you.
Father, help us know how to live our faith in this world. 

May we keep our eyes on the God of the Universe who owns all things, in both good times and in bad. 

I'm praying today for the families effected by this economy. 
I'm praying for strength of faith.
I'm praying for needs to be provided for.
I'm praying God continue to make Himself known today.
I'm praying for people to come to a faithful relationship with Jesus today. 

A Really Cool Story in a Hard Economy

I was on the daily News Cruise this morning, and found this.  WOW!!  What a story.  Here's a guy who was an ad executive with a 6 figure salary, fired because the company thought he made too much and they needed a younger person that could work for less. 

Check this out.

Valentines day, and Fighting over the Love of a Woman

Yep, see if you can watch this without laughing.  HA!

Darn you Phil....

Denny's Anyone?

Right Now, I'm somewhere over The North Pole

If everything goes well, I'm over the North pole right about now. 

I just talked to a friend who knows the struggle in Gaza in and out. He pointed me to this story, and I thought I might share it with you. No matter the politics, or religious reasons, we need to be sure we don't let the innocence pay for the idiocy of a few.

Remember, most Gazans probably just want to raise their families in peace, and build their businesses to be competative around the area. It's time for a new story.

We certainly don't need any more rockets at Israel.

We surely don't need the mighty might of a military to crush this small highly dense population.

We need to pray for peace, and start working on re-building those that were hurt during the attack. Those that were innocent anyway.

From what my friend says, there is a massive humanitarian issue happening in Gaza.

Will you join me in prayer, at least?

Way to Go Pastor Rick!!

To You Mr. King. Wish you were Here to See Tomorrow.

Really? When will all the bailouts stop? This is ridiculous.

It's ridiculous that everyone has their hand out to the government these days.  Everybody's hurting from this economic downturn.  But this...well...this is too far.

On a day of dreams...may I offer a bit of satisfaction

Welcome to 2009! You made it!  After all the parties, the family reunions, and the vacations from work, you made it to the first day of a new year!  Welcome.

Over the last few days we've heard talk of dreams and resolutions for the New Year.  It seems every year, we are more and more hungry for the New Year to bring ultimate satisfaction in our work, in our appearance, or maybe in our spiritual lives; but the fact remains...

Resolutions dissolve
Empty promises fade away
Unless we are disciplined...it will be a hard road to conjure up the staying power to keep it going.

Jesus talked about this kind of self-preservation.

It was John 6 when the five thousand people were sitting up on the mountain listening to His teaching.  They were hungry, and Jesus recognized the physical need.  Remember....
It was the five loaves and two fishes the little boy brought to the disciples, and Jesus turned it into enough food for all to be full with a large leftover pile.

Then He said something very interesting..."I am the bread of life.  Whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst." (v.35)

I don't think Jesus meant that all our physical needs for food will disappear.  In fact He makes illusions to the manna God supplied to Moses and the different kind of bread He offered here in this situation. 

I think Jesus was saying, your hunger and thirst for the things of this world will keep coming like your hunger for physical things comes when its time to eat.  He's saying ultimate satisfaction can only come through following Him. 

I'm convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt, New Year's resolutions may fill your spiritual belly for a moment, but it's not until you find the staying power of Jesus that your soul will ultimately be filled. 

Make this year one of satisfaction. 
Don't bow to the temporal things of the world.
Go Find the bread that will fill you, forever. 

I'm no attorney, but this seems pretty ridiculous.

So I was reading this morning of a lawsuit by an administrative judge named Mr. Roy Parsons.  In May 2005 Mr Parsons started the lawsuit as he claimed he was unsatisfied with the service at Custom Cleaners,  a small dry cleaning business owned by the Chungs. 

Mr. Parsons allegedly dropped off 12 pairs of pants in preparation for a new job, and when he went to pick them up, one of the pants was missing, and replaced with another pair that were not his.  When asked about the pants, evidently the chungs were unaware of the mistake, and Mr. Parsons went APE!

He claimed several thousand dollars it was going to cost him in his new job.  He wanted millions of dollars in legal fees, and the total bill grew to over $57 million dollars.  That's right.  You read it correctly.  $57 Million dollars for a pair of pants. 

So, if I read this right, you have two parties.  Mr. Parsons who calls for an exurbanite amount of money because the cleaners ticked him off.  The owners of the dry cleaners who have been scared out of their minds with an ominous $57 million dollar bill looming over their head.  Three years of legal action that costs the tax payers millions.  HMMMM.  What is happening here?

Would it be fair to say that we are so prideful in our culture, that we've turned a legal system into a lottery? 

I totally believe in the power of the legal system to stop disputes, and help pay for liability, but this is ridiculous.  It's yet another reason I think the Bible holds the key to our living in the real world. 

Jesus said, “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

What could have happened if Mr. Parsons just said, hey let's just get my pants back I dropped off.  $50 MAX!
Or, what would have happened if the Chungs would have said, "We're so sorry, let me see if I can find them?"  TIME
Or, maybe what would have happened if Mr. Parsons would have given grace to the Chungs and said, "thanks for giving me my 11 pairs of pants back, let me know if you find the others.  here's my number."  (I mean, how many pairs of pants can you wear at a time?)

All that to say, when we live life with a sense of grace, we forgo all this wasted time, anxious energy, and poor feelings for anyone.  Why are we so quick to put the thumb down on the people that offend us, and try to nail them to the wall? 

Oh, how the world could be a better place, if we just put things into perspective. 

May we follow Jesus to the end of the earth.
May we not allow our pride and greed to rule our existence.
May we grow in our maturity, and give to others as we would have them give to us.

Protecting the Rwandan Gorillas

When we ventured into the adoption world of Rwanda, it was brought to our attention that this little tiny country in Africa is the part of the world home to the Infamous Mountain Gorilla. 

On my daily media blitz, it's interesting to see CNN and the BBC are doing specials on the health and viability of these Gorilla communities.

It's interesting, there are only three places on the planet where the Mountain Gorillas live in community. Rwanda, Uganda, and the forest that stretches between the Congo and Rwanda.  Unfortunately the civil war of the Congo is having a negative effect on these beautiful animals, and there are only 7-800 mountain gorillas left in the wild. 

So, as I was reading all these articles this morning on the potential extermination of the mountain gorilla, and I was just thinking about what else is going extinct in our world?

We're so concerned about the obscure gorillas in a forest, but I wonder how concerned we are about the extinction of certain moral values we've watched fade away in recent years?

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not into fear religion, or holding on to things that might need to fade into the annuls of history, after all, this is the "re-imagination of the Christian worldview."  (which, by the way, has little to do with re-defining morals and values and more to do with helping a Godless society rediscover truth.), but there are some things changing in our religious scope today.

The current statistics of students leaving the church is at an alarming rate.  80%  of high school students, raised in Christian homes, are rejecting their faith by their first year in college.  80%?  It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that's a huge attrition rate. And Why?  Why are all these kids deciding to leave the Christian faith?

I watched all the attention paid to the mountain animals today, and noticed the drastic effect of their communities as the warriors, poachers, and merchants just ride in and start massacring these wonderfully beautiful animals.  And I saw it clear.

I saw the students going off to the university classes unable to defend what they know.  In fact, in many cases the problem is, they don't KNOW what they know. They just aimlessly walk into the classroom hoping for an unbiased education, and they walk out of the classroom subject to agenda revisionist type teaching.

It was sad this morning to learn about the gorilla.  Of course if breaks my heart when I hear of teenagers getting worked over by an unruly professor, But overall I was re-assured that we here at Kanakuk Colorado are doing good work.  Just like the Diane Fossey people helping the viability of the Mountain Gorillas in a war torn area, we here at Kanakuk Colorado are fending off the warriors willing to fight the mind war with student, and we're helping teenagers survive. 

There are students from our place who are growing in their faith, living in communities of like-minded people, and reaching out to the world around them.  Even though the stats are high in church attrition, there are pockets of success around the country and sanctuaries that are equipping students to survive the culture wars at the university level.

We'll keep working as long as we can. 
Thanks for believing in the ministry here. 

Culture and Gay Marriage

Growing up in a small town didn't really allow me to form much opinion on the subject of Gay marriage.  It wasn't until I went off to college that I even met anyone who said they were Gay.  In my book "Love This" I detail a story about a homosexual friend of mine who died of AIDS, and it was a life shaping time for me.  It pulled me into a world of conflict, mainly Biblical reasons homosexuality was not God's design, and my friend who loved people, lived life out loud, and seemed to really be a "good" person. 

So, now in the current political climate, Gay marriage, prop 8, and the reality of a state re-defining marriage is on the forefront of our pop-culture.  Some have likened it to the civil rights movement of the 60's, only instead of skin color our culture is dealing with sexual preference.  Others are outraged that the "homosexual agenda" is pushing for this marriage amendment.  You know what? 

Today I want to show you a news clip, and you tell me what you think about the rights of people to marry whoever they want.  This is an open forum, so let's just ask the question, and see what you all believe.  Here is FOX NEWS' Bill O'Reilly on the new musical for Prop 8 in California that sought the legalization of homosexual marriage, and subsequently was defeated.  What do you think?

If you ever wondered how biased the news you see really is...check this out.

My normal news routine is pretty simple....Scour every news source available, and find out what's going on in the world.  I read the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and the local paper here in town.  I watch Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, and I've been well aware that news is not necessarily the "whole truth nothing but the truth so help me God." 

Well, this morning I found this!  It's about 7:20 long, so if you don't have time to watch the entire clip, I totally understand.  But if you just run it for the first few minutes, I think you'll get a good feel about how comprehensive a particular worldview system is if you just see the globe through the news outlets available to us on the main stream media coupled with the all important 24 hour news channels out there today.  This is very interesting, to say the least, in the implications of our news gathering.  Tell me what you think.

I'm thinking about the Advent Conspiracy

I previewed the Advent Conspiracy video here a couple of weeks ago, basically wondering if it is our God given right to go out and purge our bank accounts on trinkets that don't really matter, as people around the globe are thirsty for more drinking water.  What I've found is this....

It certainly doesn't meant that we should ban all present giving for the holidays, because it really is all about giving to others.  But maybe before you go on your cyber holiday shopping spree, check this out again.

A Prayer Goes Out

Twilight...I finished the First Book.

Ok, I finished the First installment of the Twilight series.  I purchased the book on Sunday, and finished it on Turkey Day. 

I must say, it's an interesting read.  There's not many vampire books I'm attracted to reading, and this one...well, I kept reading it to the end. 

I felt like the first 200 pages or so were really slow, but about the middle of the book it started picking up, and grabbed my attention a bit more. 

So for the story content...pretty good.

As far as why I think this is going to be a phenomenon...

Ms. Meyer has successfully captured the ultimate need in teenage dating relationships.  She's figured out how to articulate the way most teenage girls want to see their boyfriends.  Debonair, gentlemen like, respectful, and of course; they have to have a hot body!  So, I can totally see the infatuation with a return to relationships brushed with a tint of chivalry, while still having a sexual tension all too obvious.

My sadness is, there will be girls fantasizing over this relationship, looking for their own Edward out there.   And, although I know there are boys out there who are respectful, and want to honor a girl for being herself, sometimes the delusion of this ravage romance is hard to overcome in real life.   

There's no doubt there will be more in store for Edward and Bella.  The idea that fragile life can exist in tandem with a vicious "monster" who respects her humanity so much he fights the natural urges of his creation to enjoy her company is one that makes for bookshelves all through history. 

Overall, Twilight is this generations beauty and the beast, with a bit more adult content. 

Are you Serious? Who Have we Become?

 

I woke up this morning to my usual routine.  Kids climbing in bed, coffee brewing in the machine, off I go to the news outlets.  I happened upon an article on cnn.com about Black Friday.

As always, I'm interested to see what trends are happening economically, and with our business environment the way it is, I thought this was a good indicator of things to come. 

I expected to see some gloomy news, but nothing like I read this morning.

Evidently, yesterday at the Long Island Walmart, a 34 year old man was trampled to death as he and his co-workers tried to open the doors at 5 a.m. for the holiday season.  People were lined up outside, they started their pilgrimage as early as Thursday afternoon, and they literally stormed the front door for the greatest deals.  And a man DIED!

Oh What have we become?

Is a 3 dollar discount more important than a man's life?
Has our consumerism, driven us to the point of trampling over someone in the middle of a crowded shopping center?

Another story revealed a shooting at a Toys R Us in Palm Desert California, where two men were arguing, and one pulled out a gun and shot the other?

May I ask once again?

Oh, what have we become?

Who has the leadership to speak into the culture of consumer driven neurosis? 

I got up from my morning news walk, heart sad, spirit wounded, we are all in need. 

Who have we become? 

Materialism has risen above life.  Not only just life in foreign countries where they make cheap goods and work in environments that would liken to the slavery of the civil war, no; right here at home.  In the comfortable entry way of our world's biggest corporation. 

Someone's brother died today.
Someone's Son passed away.
A funeral will be had for a part time employee.

All to be the first one to get a dumb little present that won't even be remembered in a month.

We are a sad people.