Attitude: On Critical Thinking

Critical or conceptual thinking for which the mind is employed will analyse an argument or situation – systematically break it down into discrete parts, look at how they relate, put it all into context and tactfully make and communicate a position of judgement.

A person with a critical spirit is so habitually inclined to judge severely and find fault in others that negativity, an incapacity to tolerate ambiguity and lack of Grace inhibits their 1) ability to see and work on their own faults,2) let go of the smaller divisive things, 3) see a greater good in bigger and better picture, 4) overlook differences and get along with the team – or part company gracefully.

It’s the old “find the speck in your own eye, but not remove the log in your own eye” situation.

I’m an Analyst by occupation and a melancholy by temperament, so with age and the wisdom of experience I am now only learning the difference between the two. :- )

"Those people are on a dark spiral downward. But if you think that leaves you on the high ground where you can point your finger at others, think again. Every time you criticize someone, you condemn yourself. It takes one to know one. Judgmental criticism of others is a well-known way of escaping detection in your own crimes and misdemeanors".
-Romans 2:1 (The Message)

Proverbs: Happy is the Man who Finds Wisdom

13Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; 14For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. 15She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.

16Length ofdays is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. 18She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her.
-Proverbs 3:13-18 (NKJV)

Happiness by definition is “characterized by good luck; fortune and a person showing, or marked by pleasure, satisfaction, or joy”.

Happiness (as I have heard it taught) is a state of wellbeing, largely determined by a person’s level of satisfaction with their external environment. Joy, by itself ("to take great pleasure; to rejoice") is to be found largely by a level of internal satisfaction (ie. from relationships, personal security, confidence, hope etc).

Personally, I believe that both the level of satisfaction between a person and both their external and internal environments will drive their level of happiness or joy.

I am no advocate of “prosperity theology” (in fact it sits uncomfortably with my Spirit), but in this passage common sense must apply.

These proverbs largely relate to how a person who exercises wisdom and discretion can (generally) manipulate the levers within his external environment to create an outcome to their own advantage. This may include accumulation and protection of wealth, peace, longer life etc.

In plain application a person who possesses the wisdom and takes (and makes) time to be diligent and save and invest will naturally grow wealthier. The wealthy person will not have the worries in retirement that the poor would have. By contrast, a fool ("one who is ignorant, without understanding") will squander rather than accumulate wealth – and as a consequence will not have the benefit of a secure and stable external environment that contributes to their overall sense of joy.

In my own recent situation, if I had been less complacent, and given more thought to putting in an alarm system, perhaps placing valuables in my bedroom at night then my external environment may have been more secure – resulting in prevention and minimization of loss from the break-in…and more peaceful sleep!.

”I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”

-Author: Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874-1936), British writer, critic

Bright Spot

This was sent to me today. Its quite long, but if you have had an unusually long week, its worth the read and is sure to cheer you up...

A little old couple walked slowly into a McDonalds one cold winter evening. They looked out of place amid the young families and young couples eating there that night. Some of the customers looked admiringly at them.

You could tell what the admirers were thinking. Look, there is a couple who has been through a lot together, probably for 60 years or more!" The little old man walked up to the cash register, placed his order with no hesitation and then paid for their meal.

The couple took a table near the back wall and started taking food off of the tray. There was one hamburger, one order of French fries and one drink. The little old man unwrapped the plain hamburger and carefully cut it in half. He placed one half in front of his wife. Then he carefully counted out the French fries, divided them in two piles and neatly placed one pile in front of his wife.

He took a sip of the drink, and then his wife took a sip as the man began to eat his few bites. Again, you could tell what people around the old couple were thinking. "That poor old couple."

As the old man began eating his French fires, a young man stood up and walked to the old couples' table. He politely offered to buy another meal. The old man replied that they were just fine.

They were used to sharing everything.

Then the crowd noticed that the little old lady still hadn't eaten a thing She just sat there watching her husband eat and occasionally sipped some of the drink.

Again, the young man came over and begged them to let him buy them! another meal.
This time, the lady explained that no, they were used to sharing. As the little old man finished eating and was wiping his face neatly with a napkin, the young man could stand it no longer and asked again.

After being politely refused again, he finally asked the little old lady, "Ma'am, why aren't you eating. You said that you share everything. What is it that you are waiting for?".....She answered, "The teeth."

Thou Shalt Not Steal #2

I just had a call from a guy, who found my briefcase dumped near some units in Scarborough. Thanks mate.

Inside the case all my work documents were all there - (who wants some spiral bound day books filled with meeting minutes and task lists for IT projects any way).

Inside were the things of no value from my wife's purse. And my wallet is still at large. And so is my Bible which was also in the briefcase. :-)

Yes...Mr. Burglar - our family prayed for YOU and your mates tonight! Enjoy your bedtime reading :-)

Thou Shalt Not Steal

Unfortuantely somebody broke into our house last night while we were sleeping and stole my briefcase (which had my Bible in it), my wallet, my wife's purse and lap-top computer.

All Bank cards have been cancelled and the glass window will be fixed today. The worst of it is that the laptop had numerous family photographs on the hard-drive that were not backed-up yet. Those of particular sentimental value of my kids, and bringing my son back from hospital etc.

Anyhow, on a positive side - we were all asleep when it happened, I did not wake to have a confrontation and thankfully my 6 year old son who sleeps at the rear of the house was not disturbed and was kept safe.

Priorities. People. Safety. Not Things.

...And by the way let me know if "out of character" comments appear from Lionfish on your Blogs as the laptop has all my personal settings, auto-fill etc saved on to it.

The Colour Green

Here is an interesting juxtaposition of imagery.

Green is the colour of environmental concern, of pine trees, and of fresh air. It is also the colour of envy, greed and money.

Have a close look at this photo. [Double Click for a better view].

Community property, free-for-all, these trees are about 30 feet tall, soften the harsh outlook along our rugged coast-line, and also offer an escape from the heat of the Australian sun.

Recently, each tree has also been intentionally ‘ring-barked’. According to CALM officers, these trees have a 50% chance of surviving the summer.

Perhaps I have suspicious mind, but I can’t help but wonder at whose Ocean views to Rottnest Island these trees were blocking to deserve their fate. And who wants to get more for their property at the expense of the community.

(And No, that’s not my family in the photo!)

Surreal Saturday

Restful Saturday Afternoon with my Boys

Redemption

re·demp·tion n. (r -d mp sh n)

1. The act of redeeming or the condition of having been redeemed.
2. Recovery of something pawned or mortgaged.
3 The payment of an obligation, as a government's payment of the value of its bonds.
4. Deliverance upon payment of ransom; rescue.
5. Christianity. Salvation from sin through Jesus's sacrifice

My wife watched a programme on television last night. I’m sorry I missed it. It was all about redemption. People in Prison. And how music and other influences changed their lives.

One prisoner was a murderer. Of a Child. Heinous by anyone standards.

In prison he became a Christian. He has a rough voice, like Bruce Springsteen. He has now been released and sings his songs in a local Church.

Redemption.

I like the concept of recycling. The act of using things again. It's resourceful. I love the concept of Redemption. I really love the message of Christianity. Although, in reality I’m far from living it out.

God uses broken things, discarded things for good. Like the prisoner. Like corrupt pagan symbolism and festivities now adopted to celebrate the birth of a Saviour. Like St. Paul, the worst of sinners, chosen to author the Epistles.

Like me…in some ways, I guess. I hope.

Where is Osama Bin Hidin' #2

Weird thoughts.

I've been thinking about Osama Bin Laden. Where on earth is he hiding?

What does he do on an average week night?

Maybe he rents a DVD...
to enjoy an American movie
Maybe he goes to the Gym...
Or the shooting range...
Gets take-out for dinner...sometimes, he is pretty thin you know...

Does he Blog under an alias?
Sip a glass of red wine, from an unlabelled bottle...?
Just like mine.
Laugh at jokes? Maybe his own.

I doubt he watches "Inside Idol" like my wife.
Or worse still - "Kath & Kim"...
But then again....it must get pretty boring hiding out in a cave.

Blog History: The First Home PC

I came across this picture from 1945 when doing some research today...

Me thinks he just may well be the very first Blogger!


("Double-Click" to enlarge)

Quotes: On Interdependence

"There is no such thing as a 'self-made' man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and of our thoughts, as well as our success".

-Author: George Burton Adams (1851-1925), American educator, historian

7:38 PM - Filler Blog...

Its Thursday night.

US Election over. Melbourne Cup Complete. Australian Idol on TV.

This week, Hayley my favourite of the girls in the competition has left - leaving gracefully at that. (She sang Eva Cassidy and Sarah McLachlan). My favourite overall is Anthony. My bet is he will win on the strength of "The Prayer" alone - and the song will hit #1 on the charts - in Australia at the very least.

Ran through Queens Gardens at lunchtime which is in the oppositte direction to which we usually run - along the forseshore to the Old Brewery. Its amazing what a few endorphins rushing through your body can do to clear your mind.

I've got dozen or so white papers to read as we start up this project for work - and have to get refocused. All about things I do not yet understand. Also gardening...

I also want to draw some boundaries around how we 'live' the weekend - I often come away feeling unrested on Monday - its such a rush. I've also 'fallen off the wagon' with regard to the Bible reading plan, so, for a while atleast, I will blog-lite...although I will continue to check in on my favourite blogs and keep their hit-rates sky-high.

Back next week.

And if Rodney reads this - I'll see you on Saturday.

Grumble, Grumble

Work Headaches.

consequently, I'm too grumpy to post tonight.

A jog along the river tommorrow lunchtime should clear the mind and fix it all.

Back tommorrow in a better mood.

A Little Visitor

My in-laws caught this little guy at literally their back-door (they live near the sand dunes) and gave it to my son to take to school for "News" tommorrow. All boys love snakes - so its going to be a hit...but not with the girls!

It's a common dugite and its not venomous....now that his head has been crushed!.

Life Lessons: Grow Old Gracefully

"I'm not an old man-but I ain't young anymore"
-John Mellencamp

Learned another valuable life lesson.

When playing 'chasey' with a 6 year-old...don't jump off the top of cubby houses....as winning the game is much less important than not putting your back out.

Life sure has a way of crushing your illusions doesn't it?