SecondIron's Blog

Sharpening Iron to Live Second

Sex, Politics and Religion..(Now that I have your attention)

Growing up there were three main taboo topic for discussion. Sex, Politics and Religion were topics you just did not discuss. Well with the exception of when the family got together for dinner, religion and politics always was a debate. As we wind down the political discourse of our current election year, these three subjects are topic rather than taboo. Our Facebook feeds and virtually every headline reads how one candidate said or did something that the other candidate is somehow appalled by. Religious leaders, and even religion as a whole has been attacked. How can an “evangelical support so and so and so on”. Chauvinism, lies, affairs and sexually aggressive behavior have been exposed. True character of both parties have made it above the fold of our daily feed for our consumption. No longer do either party represent their constituents . Some voters blindly follow party lines while others are running for the hills or Canada. Sex, Politics and Religion sell headlines but should not control the White House. Our founding fathers would be appalled by our behavior. No longer do candidates represent what is right and true about America. We have fallen for the rouse of reality TV. Nominating those that provide entertainment and shock value rather than leadership. Everyone has the right to vote. That does not mean everyone should. We have other constitutional rights we are given that just as easily could be taken away. If you are a felon, you lose the right to own a gun. You also lose […]

Good Samaritan, Going Beyond the Parable

One of the most famous parables of Jesus’ teaching is that of the Good Samaritan. After the tragedies that have surrounded the world recently. I think it is timely that it be the reading at church this past Sunday. It is a stark reminder of how we should be treating one another. We have been quick to pass judgment as our newsfeed fills with one senseless event after another. Are we any better now than the priest of Levite in that story? Are we kind to our neighbors, our brothers, and sisters? On the streets between Jerusalem and Jericho, a man robbed, beaten left to die. To die alone as passerby’s ignored his pleas for help. How are we much different as we pass judgment and move to the other side of the street, to avoid each other rather than love one another? Are we led by our faith to where we help those in need? Click To Tweet Homeless, prostitutes, and more, we step to the other side of the road rather than encounter them. The color of someone’s skin makes us angry, or the badge they wear. Refugees from all over the world have become a political hot potato no one wants to touch. Are we not all God’s children? In the parable, it states that we should love our neighbor. “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ~ Luke […]

Father’s Day Gifts No Matter What Kind of Dad You Have

Father’s day is coming up once again. Many will scramble to find an ugly tie or a last minute card or some other Father’s Day gift. One that will end up buried in a drawer, closet or the bottom of the trash can on trash day. Perhaps a little legwork and insight will help pick the right gift for the type of father you have. I have compiled a list of father types and aligned them with perfect gifts to help remove all your angst and anxiety. I mean celebrating someone who no matter your age still intimidates you is bad enough am I right? No sense in making the gift process just as bad. 1.) All business all the time – What better a gift than one that will last him a lifetime. Saddleback Leather Company make the perfect accessory from wallet to briefcase and more that will last for generations to come. Hint: invest wisely as it could become yours one day. 2.) Forgetful father – as our parents age they begin to become more childlike. What better way to stimulate their mind and bring back childhood memories than a coloring book of classic cars or fishing lore created by Spry mind. 3.) Mission Minded – Many fathers are looking for more out of their life. They work hard for their money, but that is not always enough. As leaders of the family, they want to set an example for others to follow. How about a gift that goes further? Whether it be a ministry serving the […]