Thoughts – Page 16 – Nickcarnes.com

June 25, 2009June 25, 2009

I’d Rather See a Sermon

By: Edgar Albert Guest

I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I’d rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye’s a better pupil, more willing than the ear;
Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear,
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.

I can soon learn how to do it if you will let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
The lectures you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I’d rather get my lesson by observing what you do.
For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
But there is no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles, and a strong man stands behind
Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me
To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be.
And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today
Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.

One good man teaches many; men believe what they behold;
One deed of kindness noted is worth forty that are told.
Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,
For right living speaks a language which to everyone is clear.
Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say,
I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day.

June 22, 2009June 22, 2009

Sargent Jerrod Fields: A Real American Hero

I saw this video on Foxnews.com, and had to post it. Sargent Jerrod Fields’ story is amazing. Not only is this soldier a real American hero, he is persistent and has been steadfast through many obstacles in hims personal life. Watch the video about his endeavor to participate in the Paralympic games …I love Brian’s comment about the Super Bowl ring at the end:

May 26, 2009May 26, 2009

Jon & Kate Plus 8: For Real or For Ratings?

The Jury is out and I want your opinion! I see all of this chatter on the internet about Jon and Kate Gosselin and their marriage situation. First of all, I don’t think anyone’s marital issues should be aired out over the internet, but since its out there, I figured I throw this poll together. Personally, I think this whole situation about Jon and/or Kate having an affair is manufactured and its all for ratings. I’ve seen the season 5 premiere and my opinion has not changed. Think about it…what was drawing people back season after season? Nothing. The show needed something to get an audience, and it worked. My wife has been sucked into the TV hanging on the edge of her seat to see what happens. I on the other hand, believe there will be a miraculous coming together later in the season. After all, the Season 5 Premiere Monday night brought in a record 9.8 Million viewers doubling their previous high of 4.4 Million. Hmmm….sounds like it might have been a great strategy huh? In the end, if it is real, I personally think they need to put the show on the backburner and focus on their marriage and their family. It would be disasterous to continue to do the show “for their kids.” In fact, I think their kids would grow up to resent them and have the totally wrong priorities in their homes.

So, share your opinion here on the poll, and then if you want to leave a comment be sure to Join the Conversation, I’d love to hear from you!

[polldaddy poll=”1654099″]

May 21, 2009May 21, 2009

The American Idol Whiners Emerge

American Idol Season 8 is over and America decided that Kris Allen is their Idol. Congratulations America!

Apparently, America’s vote is not good enough for some. America’s vote is good enough when it elects a President, but apparently when it comes to choosing a singer, opinions change. I turned on the radio this morning as I was driving to work and a very popular syndicated radio program was discussing whining about the results from last nights finale. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. That’s why I have a blog, and now here’s my opinion on the results last night and the whiners today…

Yesterday, media outlets were trying to set the American Idol finale up to be a soldification that America as a whole is moving towards progressiveness and liberalism. Adam Lambert was the clear favorite to all of the people in the spotlight who get to voice their opinions. With Barak Obama winning the Presidency in November, the American Idol Finale was being set up as a “Red State Vs. Blue State” Showdown. I believe there is one clear reason why. Adam Lambert is a flamboyant, gay or bi-sexual, performer who from all appearances embodies everything that liberal and progressive Americans are pushing for America to become. Kris Allen was being billed as the underdog from a southern red state, Arkansas. His voting record was even made public to bill him as a Republican, everything progressive Americans are against. The motive was clear to me. If you want to be seen as young & relevant, you’ll vote for Adam. If you’re one of these old, white haired fogie Republicans (like John McCain) you’ll vote for Kris. Well apparently the old white hair fogie grandparents can out text their teenaged grandkids, because Kris Allen won.

Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert is extremely talented, however he became obsessive. Most of his talent rests in his ability to hit high notes and sound like a 70’s or ’80s rocker. That’s why he thrived in the finale singing with KISS and Queen. I said it earlier in the season. Adam sounds like an ’80s rocker. However, I’m comfortable admitting that I don’t believe that completely did him in. This is American Idol. It is a singing competition, but it also says a lot about who and what America wants to represent them. Personally, as a father of two sons, I am not supporting a guy who wears glitter eye liner, acts prissy, and kisses other boys. Apparently, many other parents felt the same way. Beyond those issues, Adam acted as if this was his competition. When the competition was down to the final three, Adam was the only one who acted arrogant in his return home, while Kris and Danny both acted humbly and honored to be where they were. Would I treat Adam Lambert any differently than I would treat Kris Allen? No. I would treat them both equally. However, what is it that I am trying to portray to my children as being a role model or someone they should look up to? Do I want my son to act like a woman or do I want my son to act like a man? Its simple. Substance over Style. I want to teach my children to appreciate someone’s talent, but to approve of someone based on their character and integrity over that talent. I think America spoke once again. The radio stations and media personalities that want to force their progressive views on all people are free to disagree, but I believe America got it right.

Kris Allen

I don’t know much about Kris Allen. I didn’t know until last night that he was a worship leader at a multi-location church and for a campus ministry in Arkansas. However, I do know what I have seen from him and I like it far more than what I’ve seen from Adam. Kris’ face says it all in the picture where he was announced as the winner. He respected the talent of his opponent so much that he expected him to win. It is evident that he has not allowed his success or his talent to go to his head. A few people on twitter were already saying they would accept Kris winning the competition if so many people weren’t saying they voted for him because he was straight and a Christian. I was reading the same idol conversations this guy was tagged with #idol and not one (1) person made such a comment. People like to set up straw men to try and solidify their arguments. This particular tweet assumed that’s why he won and wanted to make it sound as if there was a conspiracy…The Christians versus the Gay Kid. People simply don’t understand values anymore. Hold it…I’m wrong! America apparently does because they had a reason for choosing Kris.

I don’t say this to take away from Kris’ talent. He is talented and he has a wider range than Adam. Even the experts said so. They were saying that their belief was that Adam would win, but Kris would have a longer more successful career. So, though many are whining because America did differently than what they thought, apparently, the right person won…the one who will have the longer, more successful career and the one who most likely stands for the values and principles of America.

And Another Rant

Just so I stay consistent. I believe American Idol will be off the air by the time my oldest son is old enough to be awake late enough to watch it. However, I have a feeling after last nights strip fest with Kara, American Idol will face some backlash from families who usually watch the show together. I am not going to have my son watching a program that struts a girl out half dressed with her breasts hanging out of her bathing suit to give Simon a thrill. What was Kara thinking stripping her clothes off? Oh, I guess its okay since it was for charity. American Idol should be ashamed of themselves knowing how many children and teenagers they have watching the show. Once again, further evidence that the agenda is to promote and to push progressive ideals onto the viewers, oh yeah, and you are supposed to vote the way they tell you.

So…where are the stories today declaring that the “Red States” won? Haha, yeah I didn’t think so! Best of luck to Kris Allen America’s Idol. 🙂

May 20, 2009

From Millions to Tens

Michael Vick was released from jail early this morning. He will serve the next two months in federal custody in home confinement. It has been reported and confirmed by Michael Vick’s agent that he has accepted a full time construction job that will pay him $10 per hour. Here is a man that was the highest paid player in the NFL with a 7 year contract worth over $130 Million dollars now doing construction work for $10 per hour.

I think there is no better illustration right now than Michael Vick to teach people (young & old) the value of making Wise Choices. I don’t believe wisdom has a pricetag, I truly believe it is priceless. Through my own experience (of 28 years) I am quickly learning that the more I learn, the more I come to understand that there is so much that I have not learned so far and that I have a long ways to go to achieve “Wisdom.” However, as I continue trying to be “Wise” nothing is stopping me from making wise choices along the way.

A wise man once said…

“How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!” Proverbs 16:16

That was coming from a man who could have asked God fo ANYTHING and chose to ask for WISDOM. How many of us are like Michael Vick where we have chosen to seek after the silver and the gold or the fame and prestige over wisdom? I know I have. Fortunately, its not resulted in the loss of millions of dollars. Fortunately, it hasn’t resulted in public scrutiny and a federal prosecution. It is truly by the grace and mercy of God that my stupid choices have not caused me greater shame and harm.

I believe that that it is vital we teach those people (young and old) who God entrusts to our care to make wise choices. After working with students for 14 years I know that if it is not taught early, the consequences will strike, if not at an early age, most definitely at an older age. Through another conversation I had on facebook, it was reminded to me that we cannot expect people to do what they are not taught or trained to do. How can we expect people to make wise choices if we do not teach them to make wise chioces…and how to make those wise choices?

For all of us, its a personal choice to grow in wisdom and understanding or to reject it. Proverbs 15:32 says,

“If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.”

I believe we all need people in our lives who can offer the proper correction and discipline to help us obtain wisdom and understanding. I believe as God entrusts us with people in our care, we must be available to be those people who can instruct and guide them towards making wise choices. Michael Vick lost millions of dollars and ruined his reputation because of poor choices, however, some people lose much more.

It encourages me to see Michael Vick reaching out to Tony Dungy for guidance. Tony is a great man of God who is full of wisdom and I believe he can direct Vick in the right direction. I believe Vick will have paid his debt to society when his prison term is up and as he fulfills the rest of his probation. I believe he needs to be given every right and responsibility that anyone who leaves prison would receive. I don’t believe it is too late for Vick to learn what the second part of Proverbs 16:6 says,

“…By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil.”

And when people make poor choices and fail, I don’t believe its too late for ALL of us to learn what the first part of Proverbs 16:6 says,

“Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin…”

Join the Conversation…Do you have a Tony Dungy in your life to help point you towards wisdom? Has this person been in your life for a long time or did you find them after making some poor choices along the way?