It only takes "1"......

Below our a few examples showing in our lives there have been many things to remind of just how much a single human being can change the lives of so many from both a positive and negative perspective. You can find it on the TV, in your local paper, favorite magazine, the cubicle next to you, or during a walk thru the park. Right now there are currently 6,770,332,391 people in the world. If you notice that last number is the number "1". That displays proof that a single person means something in the world. Examples would be as follows:

God. In John 3:16 we find: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[a] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For christians this verse is one of the single most important versus on describing His love for us. Think of the total number of Christians in the world.. One persons influence on all of them.

A more modern time would be the video posted on YouTube that millions have seen all across the world. This is the video from "Britians Got Talent". A woman comes onto stage and many wrote her off based on appearance and her first few moments on how she answered a few questions. However once she began to sing all were in amazement. Many stood and cheered and praised. Now she has the attention of talk shows around the world wanting to entertain an interview with her. An insert from the song she sang
"I had a dream my life would be
So different from this hell I'm living
So different now from what it seemed
Now life has killed the dream
I dreamed."

I think she got her dream, and continues to live it today.

In the news we read about a man in Maryland who took the life of his wife, their 3 children, and then himself. Seemed to be have been related to financial struggles as many of us find ourselves in the middle of during this current economical downturn. One's man decision will now change the lives of so many family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and others for the remainder of their lives.


Or at MIT You can read about individuals using simple mathematical techniques at the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab. Thru these new methods they are able to identify the most effective ways to alleviate poverty by applying the same kind of rigorous, scientific, randomized trials routinely used to test new drugs.



You can read stories from Nova Southwestern University students and how they are impacting the world by clicking here.


From political heroes like Sir Winston Churchill and Julius Caesar to scientific innovators like Louis Pasteur to bold entrepreneurs like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, the actions and careers of many individuals have led to dramatic shifts in society. Yet we cant forget those of Hitler, Kaczynski, Mobutu Sese Seko, and others that have become known for the tortures of evil and the many thousands of lives they have impacted as well. I hope if anything you take away from this the fact that you matter. No matter what decision you make, and anything in your life you impact someone. Whether it be deciding to say hello to a stranger that may feel at that very moment in time he or she does not matter, or taking the time to remember a loved one so many have forgotten, to using your time to make a difference at a local charity event...... Just remember it only takes 1.

The Casual Christian

I have been pondering since Sunday on how I want to approach this subject. In some ways I was appalled at the choices church goers made when attending the Easter services at our church. Our church's website acknowledges that it is a "casual environment" but when is enough truly enough. When does the church become more social than spiritual. With our coffee shops, lounges, cafes and deli's... how far will the modern day church go to lure more members in the doors or connect with folks that normally would not go. It this relaxed or casual "acceptance" because the Church dares not to ask anything of its members for fear of insult or governance? There are even websites people have created on how to dress "casual" for Lord. Has the casualness of our society in general impacted our view and approach to the Lord? Is this now bringing a lessened reverence in respect towards God.......

I remember when "Sunday Best" meant suits and ties, dress shirts and slacks, dresses, blouses and sweaters..... now days the definition seems to bring a more party approach with Hawaiian shirts, flip flops, and cargo shorts. I have even seen parents allowing their children to attend services with "Juicy" across their behinds......

Actually there are several distinct issues to be considered when dealing with this topic. There is the issue of modesty and propriety - whether it is appropriate for young women, in particular, to attend church in short shorts, miniskirts, strapless or halter tops, or other fashions that call attention to their bodies and could become a distraction or even an occasion of sexual temptation to others.

Also, there is the issue of whether clothing that bears potentially distracting or offensive words or images, such as jackets or T-shirts with advertising for liquor or gambling establishments, sarcastic or salacious sayings, rock band insignia, political slogans, etc., belongs in a place of worship.

Finally, there is the issue of whether ordinary casual clothing such as jeans, sandals, sneakers, walking shorts, sweatshirts, or plain T-shirts are good enough to wear to church, or if the occasion demands at least the "professional" style of dress one might wear to an office job - dress slacks or skirts with heels for women, shirt and tie for men.

Those who argue in favor of dressing up for church often say that one should show the same respect for God as one would show to a human dignitary such as a president, pope, king or queen. If you were invited to a state dinner at the White House or an audience with the Queen, they say, would you even think of wearing shorts, jeans or sandals? Wouldn't you make sure you had the best suit or dress you could afford? So why not do the same for God?

There are good arguments in favor of both views, and I personally do admire the commitment of those who adhere to the tradition of "Sunday best" out of a conviction that this shows respect for God. I also agree that regardless of one's economic status or other situations (e.g. being on a weekend camping trip for which one cannot reasonably be expected to pack dress clothes), nearly everyone can uphold a basic level of modesty and cleanliness that will not cause undue distraction or temptation to others.

Before deciding whether to wear your Sunday best clothes to church, put on your "Sunday best" attitudes of reverence and gratitude toward God and charity toward those around you.