Our word "ostracize" comes from an old Greek word "ostraka."
In ancient Greece (500 to 415 BC) the people could vote for the removal of a person from their society. First, they would vote to ascertain whether they wanted an ostracism or not. Some years there were no ostracisms. Other years, people were ostracized for various reasons. Some were political, some were ostracized because they were potentially dangerous people, and others were ostracized because some people were just envious of them.
Aristides ("the Just") was an Athenian soldier and statesman known for his honesty, his moral decisions, and his fair treatment of people. It was written of him, "there was not in all Athens a man so worthy or so just as he." In 482 BC, he found out that some were thinking of ostracizing him. He walked up to a complete stranger who was writing the name Aristides on a piece of broken pottery (an "ostraka" - this was their way of voting) and asked, "Who is this Aristides? What has he done that you would vote for his ostracism?"
"He has done no wrong," the man replied. "I am just growing tired of hearing about all his good deeds and what a moral person he is."
Once a majority had voted (minimum 6,000 people) for someone to be ostracized, they had 10 days to leave the city. They could not return for 10 years.
Have you ever felt ostracized? Have you ever been envious of someone and ostracized them (perhaps without even thinking about it?"
Thank you, History Channel, for the history of ostracism. They have a very interesting series called "The Seven Deadly Sins" right now that you should check out!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
The Christmas Story
I love the Christmas story...the REAL Christmas story, that is (although the movie isn't bad either!)
The story of Christ's birth never gets old. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's the birth of a new baby, and how beautiful they are. Maybe it's the drama of Mary and Joseph's struggle.
"No!" you say, "it's about the birth of the Savior of the world!"
And you would be right.
But that's part of what blows my mind about this story.
It takes a LOT of humility to worship a BABY as your new king...especially when the baby's father has NO appearance of kingship! And yet, three wise men, some shepherds, and a couple of old people at the temple recognized this little child as King. The story of the Magi fascinates me. These were men of a whole other religion! And yet, they knew the prophecies, recognized the star, and trekked many miles to visit Christ at His birthplace.
The other thing that's really interesting is what happened to the wise men. After they visited Jesus and his parents, they went another direction to get home. They had just had a nice visit with King Herod, and could have helped him "find the child to worship him." What made them listen to this dream where they were warned to avoid him?
After we have met Jesus, our lives should go in a different direction. We are not the same, and cannot go back to the same life we had before. The birth of Jesus brings us hope for a new life, much like a baby starts off with a clean slate. It gives us hope to have innocence again...to see life through the eyes of a child. It brings wonder.
May you see the world with the wonder of a child this Christmas. And may you never be the same.
The story of Christ's birth never gets old. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's the birth of a new baby, and how beautiful they are. Maybe it's the drama of Mary and Joseph's struggle.
"No!" you say, "it's about the birth of the Savior of the world!"
And you would be right.
But that's part of what blows my mind about this story.
It takes a LOT of humility to worship a BABY as your new king...especially when the baby's father has NO appearance of kingship! And yet, three wise men, some shepherds, and a couple of old people at the temple recognized this little child as King. The story of the Magi fascinates me. These were men of a whole other religion! And yet, they knew the prophecies, recognized the star, and trekked many miles to visit Christ at His birthplace.
The other thing that's really interesting is what happened to the wise men. After they visited Jesus and his parents, they went another direction to get home. They had just had a nice visit with King Herod, and could have helped him "find the child to worship him." What made them listen to this dream where they were warned to avoid him?
After we have met Jesus, our lives should go in a different direction. We are not the same, and cannot go back to the same life we had before. The birth of Jesus brings us hope for a new life, much like a baby starts off with a clean slate. It gives us hope to have innocence again...to see life through the eyes of a child. It brings wonder.
May you see the world with the wonder of a child this Christmas. And may you never be the same.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Ode To Joy
Some Christmas joy to hold you over for a while. I'm not sure "Ode to Joy" is a Christmas song, but it was in one of the best Christmas movies ever: Die Hard.
Thanks to my sister for showing me this video.
Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
What if...?
"What if...?"
If there can be such a thing, this is the best/worst question in the English language.
"What if...?" can be asked to dream of possibilities. It can be used for the greater good.
"What if...?" can also be an annoying question, if you are not ready for change.
"What if...?" is not my favorite question tonight.
Sigh.
Apparently our little Garrison's breathing problems are still a concern. A sleep study the other night revealed that his breathing is shallow, and that he may have a problem where his larynx is soft, meaning a greater possibility of obstructing his airway.
The good news is that they didn't find any obstruction. Also, he never stopped breathing during sleep (apnea.)
However, we get to be scared once again as the doctor says, "Most kids just grow out of it, but there are no guarantees."
And now we come back to our question: "What if...?"
Now it's a frightening question...a question that brings fear and tears.
So we'll watch and wait, and hope that the answer to "What if...?" is positive, and that in the end, it will be a fantastic God-story!
If there can be such a thing, this is the best/worst question in the English language.
"What if...?" can be asked to dream of possibilities. It can be used for the greater good.
"What if...?" can also be an annoying question, if you are not ready for change.
"What if...?" is not my favorite question tonight.
Sigh.
Apparently our little Garrison's breathing problems are still a concern. A sleep study the other night revealed that his breathing is shallow, and that he may have a problem where his larynx is soft, meaning a greater possibility of obstructing his airway.
The good news is that they didn't find any obstruction. Also, he never stopped breathing during sleep (apnea.)
However, we get to be scared once again as the doctor says, "Most kids just grow out of it, but there are no guarantees."
And now we come back to our question: "What if...?"
Now it's a frightening question...a question that brings fear and tears.
So we'll watch and wait, and hope that the answer to "What if...?" is positive, and that in the end, it will be a fantastic God-story!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
12 Days of Carols: Day 12
Alas, we have come to the end of the list. Jim, I know you've been excited to find out my #1 pick, so here you go!
"Welcome To Our World" is the most beautiful Christmas song I have ever heard.
It starts by innocently welcoming Jesus, and then takes you to the realization of where His life will ultimately lead.
The last verses are SO powerful for me:
Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born
Unto us is born
So wrap our injured flesh around You
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy
Perfect Son of God
Perfect Son of God
Welcome To Our World
Saturday, December 13, 2008
12 Days of Carols: Day 11
Almost done! My next-to-last favorite Christmas song is "Mary Did You Know?" It was written by comedian Mark Lowry, but the version we all know was sung by Kenny Rogers. Mary knew that her son was special. She had already spoken to an angel, who told her so! But, how special would He turn out to be?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know, that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know, that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby, you've kissed the face of God
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb
Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know, that your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding, is the great I AM!
Friday, December 12, 2008
12 Days of Carols: Day 10
My #3 pick for favorite Christmas songs has got to be "Christmas Shoes." Although Bob Carlisle is not my favorite vocal performer, this song gets me every stinkin' time! It encourages us to keep our eyes and ears open to the plight of others...especially at such a joyous time of year.
It was almost Christmas time, there I stood in another line
Tryin' to buy that last gift or two, not really in the Christmas mood
Standing right in front of me was a little boy waiting anxiously
Pacing 'round like little boys do
And in his hands he held a pair of shoes
His clothes were worn and old, he was dirty from head to toe
And when it came his time to pay
I couldn't believe what I heard him say
Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight
He counted pennies for what seemed like years
Then the cashier said, "Son, there's not enough here"
He searched his pockets frantically
Then he turned and he looked at me
He said Mama made Christmas good at our house
Though most years she just did without
Tell me Sir, what am I going to do,
Somehow I've got to buy her these Christmas shoes
So I laid the money down, I just had to help him out
I'll never forget the look on his face when he said
Mama's gonna look so great
Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight
Bridge:
I knew I'd caught a glimpse of heaven's love
As he thanked me and ran out
I knew that God had sent that little boy
To remind me just what Christmas is all about
Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight
It was almost Christmas time, there I stood in another line
Tryin' to buy that last gift or two, not really in the Christmas mood
Standing right in front of me was a little boy waiting anxiously
Pacing 'round like little boys do
And in his hands he held a pair of shoes
His clothes were worn and old, he was dirty from head to toe
And when it came his time to pay
I couldn't believe what I heard him say
Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight
He counted pennies for what seemed like years
Then the cashier said, "Son, there's not enough here"
He searched his pockets frantically
Then he turned and he looked at me
He said Mama made Christmas good at our house
Though most years she just did without
Tell me Sir, what am I going to do,
Somehow I've got to buy her these Christmas shoes
So I laid the money down, I just had to help him out
I'll never forget the look on his face when he said
Mama's gonna look so great
Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight
Bridge:
I knew I'd caught a glimpse of heaven's love
As he thanked me and ran out
I knew that God had sent that little boy
To remind me just what Christmas is all about
Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight
Thursday, December 11, 2008
12 Days of Carols: Day 9
"Happy Birthday Jesus."
This young lady's voice is quite possibly the most adorable thing I've ever heard. The song brings an awesome message as it reminds us of what we should really be celebrating.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
12 Days of Carols: Day 8
For #5 on my list, I've got to mention "My Grown Up Christmas List." This song was made famous by Amy Grant in 1992. I've got to admit...it's a good list.Do you remember me
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you
With childhood fantasies
Well, I'm all grown up now
And still need help somehow
I'm not a child
But my heart still can dream
So here's my lifelong wish
My grown up christmas list
Not for myself
But for a world in need
No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up christmas list
As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely
Wrapped beneath our tree
Well heaven surely knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal
A hurting human soul
No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up christmas list
What is this illusion called the innocence of youth
Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth
No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end, oh
This is my grown up christmas list
This is my grown up christmas list
This is my grown up christmas list
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
12 Days of Carols: Day 7
My #6 pick is a Christmas classic. An angelic hymn for the child in all of us:Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay
The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care
And fit us for Heaven to live with Thee there
Monday, December 08, 2008
12 Days of Carols: Day 6
Garth Brooks slipped this Christmas song on the end of his album "Sevens." He blew me away with this true story of a ceasefire during WWI.Grab a tissue, turn up the volume, and enjoy.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
12 Days of Carols: Day 5
What an awesome idea for a song. "Breath of Heaven" asks how Mary felt with the knowledge of God choosing HER for the mission of bringing His son into the world. This video uses the Nativity Story to illustrate...
Saturday, December 06, 2008
12 Days of Carols: Day 4
#9 on the list is another fun, light-hearted tune that reminds us to dream BIG when we're asking for a Christmas gift!
By the way, this song was recorded by Gayla Peevey, a ten-year old child star from Oklahoma City. Hmmm...I always thought it was Shirley Temple. Go Oklahoma!! Enjoy the lyrics...
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
Don't want a doll, no dinky Tinker Toy
I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
I don't think Santa Claus will mind, do you?
He won't have to use our dirty chimney flue
Just bring him through the front door,that's the easy thing to do
I can see me now on Christmas morning,creeping down the stairs
Oh what joy and what surprise when I open up my eyes to see a hippo hero standing there
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
No crocodiles, no rhinoceroses
I only like hippopotamuses
And hippopotamuses like me too
Mom says the hippo would eat me up, but then
Teacher says a hippo is a vegeterian
There's lots of room for him in our two-car garage
I'd feed him there and wash him there and give him his massage
I can see me now on Christmas morning,creeping down the stairs
Oh what joy and what surprise when I open up my eyes to see a hippo hero standing there
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
No crocodiles or rhinoceroseses
I only like hippopotamuseses
And hippopotamuses like me too!
By the way, this song was recorded by Gayla Peevey, a ten-year old child star from Oklahoma City. Hmmm...I always thought it was Shirley Temple. Go Oklahoma!! Enjoy the lyrics...
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
Don't want a doll, no dinky Tinker Toy
I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
I don't think Santa Claus will mind, do you?
He won't have to use our dirty chimney flue
Just bring him through the front door,that's the easy thing to do
I can see me now on Christmas morning,creeping down the stairs
Oh what joy and what surprise when I open up my eyes to see a hippo hero standing there
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
No crocodiles, no rhinoceroses
I only like hippopotamuses
And hippopotamuses like me too
Mom says the hippo would eat me up, but then
Teacher says a hippo is a vegeterian
There's lots of room for him in our two-car garage
I'd feed him there and wash him there and give him his massage
I can see me now on Christmas morning,creeping down the stairs
Oh what joy and what surprise when I open up my eyes to see a hippo hero standing there
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
No crocodiles or rhinoceroseses
I only like hippopotamuseses
And hippopotamuses like me too!
Friday, December 05, 2008
12 Days of Carols: Day 3
Coming in at #10 on the list is "I'm Getting Nuttin' for Christmas."
I like this song because it's fun. The innocent, light-hearted tone reminds me of a simpler time in life. It teaches kids to be good...
...and make sure the "snitches" are well-paid to keep their mouths shut!
I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
Mommy and Daddy are mad
I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad
I broke my bat on Johnny's head
Somebody snitched on me
I hid a frog in sister's bed
Somebody snitched on me
I spilled some ink on Mommy's rug
I made Tommy eat a bug
Bought some gum with a penny slug
Somebody snitched on me
Oh, I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
Mommy and Daddy are mad
I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad
I put a tack on teacher's chair
Somebody snitched on me
I tied a knot in Suzy's hair
Somebody snitched on me
I did a dance on Mommy's plants
Climbed a tree and tore my pants
Filled that sugar bowl with ants
Somebody snitched on me
Oh, I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
Mommy and Daddy are mad
I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad
So you better be good
Whatever you do
'Cause if you're bad, I'm warning you
You'll get nuttin' for Christmas!
I like this song because it's fun. The innocent, light-hearted tone reminds me of a simpler time in life. It teaches kids to be good...
...and make sure the "snitches" are well-paid to keep their mouths shut!
I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
Mommy and Daddy are mad
I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad
I broke my bat on Johnny's head
Somebody snitched on me
I hid a frog in sister's bed
Somebody snitched on me
I spilled some ink on Mommy's rug
I made Tommy eat a bug
Bought some gum with a penny slug
Somebody snitched on me
Oh, I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
Mommy and Daddy are mad
I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad
I put a tack on teacher's chair
Somebody snitched on me
I tied a knot in Suzy's hair
Somebody snitched on me
I did a dance on Mommy's plants
Climbed a tree and tore my pants
Filled that sugar bowl with ants
Somebody snitched on me
Oh, I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
Mommy and Daddy are mad
I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad
So you better be good
Whatever you do
'Cause if you're bad, I'm warning you
You'll get nuttin' for Christmas!
Thursday, December 04, 2008
12 Days of Carols: Day 2
What a great song by Casting Crowns. What are the blessings you are missing out on? Sometimes we are spiritually "asleep" and don't see the precious things in our lives.
12 Days of Carols: Day 1
OK, the countdown begins. For the next 12 days I will list my favorite Christmas songs. A year ago, I was introduced to this video, and I have never laughed harder. I feel like laughing, so...enjoy!!
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