Mexican Food + 1 Waitress + Christians = AWESOMENESS!!!

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Mar 30, 2010 in Uncategorized | 4 comments

By now you may have read the story of the waitress at the Mexican Restaurant in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The story is an amazing one and definitely my favorite time of my trip. Below is a video I made about the story.

Enjoy!

Just some thoughts,

Chris

SkyMall and Me

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Mar 29, 2010 in Uncategorized | 1 comment

Last week I got the privilege of sitting in a plane and reading one of my favorite magazines – SkyMall! I wonder who comes up with these ideas, gifts and products. Some look to me the thought of great minds with clear benefits to society, but others make me worry. Many of the products leave me laughing out loud. Take a moment  see some of my favorite products from this trip.

An Indoor Grass Mat for your dog to go to the bathroom on, even equipped with a scented Fire Hydrant. My question is “What does the fire hydrant smell like?”

For those lacking hair, you have use this special cream that helps your hair to turn into a hedge line. Notice how even your hair can grow hair! Imagine having to comb your hair’s hair! Welcome Mr. Hedge Head!

Finally, a diet I have been looking for. The problem is I have been on this diet for years and nothing is happening!

For those with yard gnomes, you need something to at least carry them off to alien land.

Here are some fake security cameras for people with fake burglars.

Last but not least, potty training material for your cat. Now is this really necessary? (Not the material, but the cat. Are cats really necessary?)

Anyway, there are some of my favorite pictures from SkyMall magazine. I will write more about my trip tomorrow with some more pictures.

Just some thoughts,

Chris

Two Bands = One Purpose

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Mar 26, 2010 in Uncategorized | 2 comments

There are two bands (man-word for bracelet) than encompass my left wrist. They are very simple silicone bands that cause me to think each and every day. Their simple words are daunting, yet encouraging. Every once and a while they get criss-cross on my wrist, pinching a little bit of skin, but reminding me of their purpose.

Each band is from the American Heart Association. One says, “Start! Walk more + eat well = live longer (American Heart Association) and the other says, “Learn and Live” (American Heart Association). I have worn out a couple of these already and I have to find some more. They hang off of my wrist for a purpose, my purpose not any one else’s.

Not only are these bands a daily reminder of a hard time, but they are also conversation starters for those I meet. Many want to know why I wear them and who I wear them for. With each inquiry usually comes a long discussion of my story, but in the end they ask me how I feel and I tell them that “Everyday with God is a great day.”

Without these bands, I would never have the opportunity to show my support of the American Heart Association. I would have a story but not necessarily a discussion starter.

How does that work with God?

Should people see a band on our wrist to ask us about Jesus? Should the see a shirt we are wearing?

What others should see is our actions! The lives we live and the help we give will shine the light of Christ. But remember, our light will only shine as bright as our faith will allow.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5.14-16; ESV)

Please do not get me wrong, wearing the bracelets, t-shirts, etc are great for sharing a message, but convincing others will be through our actions not an accessory!

By the way, here is my favorite shirt:

Just some thoughts,

Chris

A Polished Cross

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Mar 25, 2010 in Uncategorized | 1 comment

I saw him walking across an overpass and had to smile. I do not know his name, but he was carrying a polished cross. It looked like several cans of Pledge had covered the cross to give it a finished shine in the South Carolina sun. At the base of the cross were two small wheels so the cross could roll. A polished cross!

I never question the man’s sincerity for the actions he was taking, I am concerned the wheels overtake the message.

The fascination people have with the of a cross has trickled down over the years. It comes and goes like every other religious fad and fashion, but it should always be in the forefront of our lives.

Christ’s cross was only polished by His blood! The tree upon which my Savior died was not a smooth, finely sanded cross like we see in stores, displays and church steeples. It was a rough hewn, splintery, blood soaked, skin ravaging hunk of wood. It was that tree (which my Savior made) that my Savior would die.

The product of Pledge or the product of blood? How is your cross polished?

Just some thoughts,

Chris

What Does the Health Bill mean for Christians? (Part #2)

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Mar 25, 2010 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

As the debate over health care continues to ravel, unravel and ravel again, there are still great concerns among Christians  as to how God’s people should respond to a governmental health care system. I tried to outline some brief thoughts a couple days ago regarding the initial reactions to this health care bill and all the responses I received were very encouraging and inspiring.  (Click here to read Part #1) Before I dive into part #2, allow me to thank all those who have responded and let you know your words are very encouraging.

One of the many issues Christians are having with this new health care legislation is a result of the government interfering in the lives of ordinary citizens. Well, I hate to break it to you but our freedom found in this country is governed by laws. Yes, freedom is governed by laws and without laws in place there would not be any freedom. Sounds weird doesn’t it. Freedom without laws would be anarchy and I am sure none of us would like anarchy in our country.

Take a moment and consider that the government “interferes” in our lives all the time: speed limits, seatbelt laws, laws for just about everything. The government has made laws throughout time requiring certain actions be taken for the benefit of you, your family and those you come in contact with.

I know this health care bill will effect the lives of many people. From the language I have seen, this health care bill would cost our country billions, if not trillions of dollars when our country is digging a deeper financial hole than ever before. The debt accumulated over the past 18 months (yes, even through Obama and Bush) is stomach grinding. Maybe it is time we begin preaching the power of stewardship of the blessings of God than the riches of men? (Just a thought)

With the financial concern of this bill comes the budgets of business and individuals during a difficult economic time in our society. I am not a prophet but I do imagine these financial problems will have an effect on our congregational budgets. Whether those are good and bad has yet to be seen, but the time will come I am just no sure when.

This bill may offer the chance for many individuals in the Lord’s church to finally have insurance when many times for them it is totally unaffordable.

There is so much in this bill that it will be hard to grasp, imagine and even figure it out even after the legislation is passed and the final measures are beginning. For now, the lawsuits are raging, the fights are being escalated and the worries are growing.

Another area of great disagreement, concern and worry over the health care bill in the mind of Christians is the status of abortion funding through the legislation. As I write this, a few hours ago, President Obama signed legislation preventing the federal funding of abortion. While I am pleased with his decision, I am appalled that abortion is still allowed in our country. Why the God of heaven allows that to happen is above and far beyond my line of thinking? But I know He has a plan and I need to be faithful to follow Him. This does not negate the action on our part to seek to rid the world of this sin. Abortion is simply the murder of an innocent life. The thought of calling a functioning child a “fetus” should be banned from every textbook and publication. When we do not call a child a child, it is no wonder we are callused to the thought of abortion anymore.

I would also ask you to consider the Israelite nation when they wanted a king. God was their ruler and guide, but they decided to they would much rather have a mortal man ruling them than the Almighty. You see, God was not a tangible being and a king would be in a tangible position.  Aren’t we just the same? Our Presidents are tangible beings. We see them on the television, hear their voices on the radio and even get to shake their hand in public. While God may seem hidden to many because of His heavenly residence, His handiwork is clearly seen. (Psalm 19.1) Yet, the evidence surrounds us as it surrounded the Israelites nation, our focus becomes earthly just as theirs.

Do you want to change the world?

Changing the world will not begin in a brick and mortar structure called the Whitehouse or the capital? Changing the world will not be the result of some man-made bill. It will not begin in the House or the Senate or even in the Supreme Court; it will happen when you and I do several things:

1. We practice what we believe!
2. We pray instead of mumble and grumble!
3. We share Christ and not a political agenda!
4. We support those who are spiritually and physically weak? (So many examples that can be listed)
5. We teach our children the power of God and the path to heaven through His Son.
6. We actively pursue the lost of the world. (A telephone book ad is passive, let us hit the streets, teach in the homes and be active!)

Ok, enough political/religious rambling out of me, go change the world!

Just some thoughts for today,

Chris