Happy Saturday!

I thought this video was pretty cool. Notice how the performer deals with the cell phone “interruption” toward the end.

Can’t see the video? Click here.

I’ve always bristled at the notion of welcoming adversity, but this offers a new perspective. The violinist turns what might have been a rude, negative incident into an opportunity to display his art and elicit a smile.

Maybe it really is a matter of perspective.

Have a great weekend.

Happy Saturday!

I really like the distinction this kid makes between the street definition of religion and what Jesus said.

Can’t see the video? Click here.

Have a great weekend.

Happy Saturday!

How much do we allow “fitting in” to shape us? We’d all like to believe we think and act as individuals, but I suspect we aren’t as independent as we think.

In the 1950′s, psychologist Solomon Asch conducted a series of experiments known as the Acsh conformity experiments. These videos illustrate a couple of instances of surprising and humorous conformity behavior.

I can’t avoid wondering how often I go along with the group–even when I know better.

Can’t see the video? Click here.

Have a great weekend.

Happy Saturday!

Here’s a bit of insight into the beginnings of the computer world we all take for granted. It’s kinda interesting, but…

I think the message has a lot to say as we consider the risk-taking part of a new year. Listen to the attitude of looking at old problems in new—and risky—ways.

We had nothing to lose, and we had everything to gain. And we figured even if we crash and burn, and lose everything, the experience will have been worth ten times the cost. Steve Jobs

Can’t see the video? Click here.

I wonder if I pursue my deepest passions as though I have “nothing to lose and everything to gain”?

Have a great weekend.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

That’s the phrase of the season. Everyone wants me to have a “happy” 2012.

Perhaps it’s a good day to ask what that means. How would we go about creating a new year that truly holds more authentic happiness?

My big takeaway: Rather than entering the unknown, we may need to enter the forgotten.

If you can’t see the video, click here.

“HAPPY” NEW YEAR

Now there’s an expression to ponder on Christmas Eve.

I’ve listened to that song many times without really hearing the words. Jesus was indeed the Breath Of Heaven.

If you can’t see the video, click here.

The video includes excerpts from the wonderful movie The Nativity Story. Follow the link to a full version of the movie on YouTube.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Okay, I know this isn’t the serious Christmas reflection I should be posting. But I thought this was pretty clever, and those of us who spend a lot of time online may find some truth in how the story might play out today.

Mostly, though, I just thought this was fun. I hope you do as well.

If you can’t see the video, click here.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Happy Saturday.

Have you ever lamented the “busyness” of the Christmas season?

I see those heads nodding. We’ve all done it. Regardless of how much we enjoy the parties and lights and gifts, no matter how much we strive to keep Jesus at the center of our celebration, the season gets busy.

My friend Jim sent this reminder about “being too busy” a few days ago.

There once was a small town that had only one chapel where everyone went to pray every Sunday. One day the devil, dressed as a wealthy philanthropist, came to town and donated a beautiful bell for the heretofore-empty steeple.

It seems that the poor townspeople owned no watches or clocks. Since there was no church bell, they gathered early and waited around for services to begin. Men and women sat under trees, visiting with one another while their children played. They discussed who was sick, what babies had been born, whose tractor was broken down, and so on.

Later in the week it was not unusual for the farmer with the broken tractor to have neighbors show up on their own tractors, ready for work. And young mothers were visited by older mothers, sweeping, cooking, and cleaning.

After the bell was installed no one arrived at the church yard until the bell tolled—no visiting before services and no help the following week.

Everyone was just too busy …

It’s not about tinsel and glitter. It’s not about getting the shopping done.

My enemy does everything possible to divert my attention. It’s about people and relationships. And it’s especially about one person and one relationship.

I hope we’re not too busy for Jesus.

Merry Christmas.

Have a great…and restful…weekend.

Please leave a comment here.

Happy Saturday.

Sometimes I need simple reminders. Here’s a three-minute review of stuff we all know but tend to forget.

Which items do you need to pay more attention to?

Anything you disagree with?

What would you add to the list?

If you can’t see the video, click here.

Have a great week.

Happy Saturday!

A friend sent me this video, I suppose because I’m something of a math geek.

As I watched, I didn’t see formulas and physics. I appreciate those things and the people who seek a deeper understanding of how the universe works. Sometimes I enjoy digging into the math and science myself.

But in this video I saw mystery and wonder.

More patterns and deeper connections reveal a universe that’s wonderfully simple and incredibly complex. It’s the handiwork of an amazingly creative designer.

If you can’t see the video, click here.

You can see the original site with some of the technical information here.

Have a great weekend.