You’re Rich Enough To Offer A Bailout
By kirk noonan | November 26, 2008
“Bailout” was an easy choice for Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year. No wonder. People be
gged for billions in bailouts this year. Besides CEOs of mortgage and insurance companies some friends of mine wanted bailouts for their cash-strapped marriages.
I can only imagine how many people prayed God would send someone to them with a bailout in hand. After all, a little (or a lot of) financial help can solve a problem or two — or at least keep creditors at bay for awhile. I’m guessing here, but based on the crashing economy, rising unemployment rates, the $9,000 in credit card debt the average consumer has, shrinking investments, and little relief in sight — many people need more than an economic bailout.
A neighbor, colleague, friend or family member might need an emotional or psychological or physical or spiritual bailout. The good news is you can offer it to them.
How?
Throw some positive words their way, pray, invite them to church, take them to your gym, pay one of their bills, make them a meal, or just be a friend with some time to spare. Your no-strings attached bailout plan could be the stimulus package that pulls your friend out of the crisis they are grappling with.
Not only will it cost next to nothing, both of you will be better for it.
Topics: Culture | No Comments »
Broken Controllers
By kirk noonan | November 7, 2008
I have played Xbox 360 for years … that is until I slid over to the PS3. Now after six months I’m thinking the switch might not have been the best move. Stick to what you know. Over the years I have also written about video games and the kind of influence they can have on kids. Every time I write about them though I get letters from gamers slamming me for even suggesting that violent video games might negatively impact kids.
Ran across an article recently that may or may not support this contention depending on your point of view. Read it and drop me a line if you believe or don’t believe violent video games can negatively influence kids.
Topics: Media, Entertainment, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Stop Wasting Time
By kirk noonan | October 20, 2008
On my way into work this morning I found myself wasting time thinking about things that don’t really matter. For instance, I entertained words people had said to me (and things I had said) in the past week. I wondered why the drive-thru line at McDonald’s seemed to get longer every day. I also thought about the price of gas and speculated as to why it was dropping.
A lone and private conversation taking place between my ears. Sometimes such moments are good. Problem was — on this morning — I wasn’t accomplishing much or drawing any strong conclusions. It was like watching reruns on television for no other reason than to watch television.
It was not yet 7 a.m. and already I felt as if I was wasting my time, my day, my life. Fortunately, it dawned on me to pray. First, for my wife and kids, then for our extended family, and finally for our friends. As I prayed my worries vanished, the knot in my stomach subsided and I started to feel some peace. Pulling into the parking lot at work I wished I had a few more miles to drive and regretted the driving time wasted on the inane things of life.
Topics: Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
Writer’s Block
By kirk noonan | September 25, 2008
When I first went into journalism a friend looked at me seriously and said, “I hope you never get writer’s block, what would you do?”
“Write through it, I guess.”
And I have on many occasions. Sometimes writing is cathartic, maybe even easy. Other times it’s nothing but a troublesome burden that leaves me wondering why I put myself through such a process.
A professor in graduate school told me something once that I have repeated to untold aspiring writers. Learn early if you are more in love with writing than the idea of being writer. If you love writing you’ll be able to push through any assignment — even when you encounter a writer’s block — while masterfully untangling the web of ideas, thoughts and emotions competing for space on the page. (Masterfully is an overstatement, but you’ll eventually make it over the block.)
Right now, after a full day of writing for the magazine, I am in the midst of climbing over the latest writer’s block in my path. I guess that’s why I’m writing about it.
If you’re struggling with writer’s block, or any block for that matter I have some advice. Write through it if you’re dealing with writer’s block or [add verb here] through it if your struggle is with something else.
The block is yours and if you want to get past it, you’re going to have to overcome it with your own talents, gifts, experience, and determination God has given you.
So, get over it and move on…Like I just did.
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Talk To Me
By kirk noonan | September 17, 2008
Game on
If those tiny tots sitting on your couch playing video games after school aren’t proof enough, a new study reports that 97 percent of 12-17 year olds play video games. No surprise there. But would you believe that 94 percent of girls play video games? It’s true. To get the rest of the scoop on this click here.
Paper or plastic
If you think the U.S. dollar has problems check out Zimbabwe’s paper currency. There, according to Portfolio.com, the country’s inflation rate broke the 100,000 percent mark. What does that mean for their dollar? Well, a ten-million dollar note in Zimbabwe is worth about four bucks in Kansas City — just about enough to get you a Value Meal at McDonalds. Even though the economy, bills, gas prices, groceries and making a buck seem to be on everyone’s minds these days, consider Matthew 6:19, which says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.”
Do your public good here
Anyone seen the movie or read the book Lord Save Us From Your Followers? The movie was made by a guy who attends a Four Square church in Oregon. The Four Square’s official magazine did a review on it. But I’m still not sure exactly what it’s all about, but am interested in your thoughts if you’ve seen or read it.
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Headlines Of The Week
By kirk noonan | August 29, 2008
The following headlines will make you wonder where our world is headed to. If you have: Other headlines to add; commentary as to why people do what they do; or think the media revels in such fare only to make money post a comment and tell other Simple Plan readers what you’re thinking. We’ll post the best of the best comments in an upcoming post.
Guilty Verdict In Microwaved-Baby Case
Scientists Find Giant, 2-Feet Clams Once Fed Humans
Town Bans ‘SeXXXercise’ Pole Dancing
Horror After 12 Headless Bodies Found Near Graveyard
Iowa College President Steps Down After Beer Photo
Federal Judge Charged With Sex Crimes
Help-Wanted Ad For Nanny: ‘My Kids Are A Pain’
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The Hills
By kirk noonan | August 20, 2008
Spencer Pratt, villan on MTV’s hit reality series The Hills, recently told US Magazine that “Jesus and I are making the connection.”
That’s a good thing. Real good.
I cannot vouch for Pratt’s sincerity or claim to faith. But if he is truly saying he has started on a faith journey with Jesus Christ I cannot help but admire him for doing so.
Assuming he is sincere though, he might need to have a talk with his agent or public relations team.
The reason?
Pratt’s on-screen way of living flies in the face of the faith he says he has embraced.
On the show Pratt has been portrayed as a hard-partying, womanizing, manipulative, selfish jerk who cares more for his own comfort than other people’s feelings — including those of his girlfriend, Heidi Montag — whom Pratt credits for leading him to his newfound faith.
“She got me to go [to church] — it was a big step,” he tells US. “The walls shook a little bit as I first cruised in…”
On The Hills Pratt and Montag live with each other though they are not married. They have also basked in their roles as the bitter rivals of Lauren Conrad, the star of the show. So much for Mark 12:30-31 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Though Pratt may only be playing a part [it is widely reported that some scenes from The Hills are staged] his shenanigans, outbursts and frequent maladjusted attitude make him look like an immoral, life-sized Bratz.
Note I wrote ‘…make him look.’ That doesn’t mean he is. How would I know how Pratt really acts, thinks or feels? I don’t know him except for headlines splashed across tabloids. At this point I’m just pointing out the flaws of a character on a fake reality TV show.
Point is, I can’t know Pratt’s heart. Either can you. Only God knows what is going on in his heart and mind.
For now, I am believing what the kid is telling a supermarket rag. He has connected with Jesus. That’s cool and good enough for me. Hopefully, it’s just one of his first steps in a life-long journey with a revolutionary Savior.
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Dog People…They’re Everywhere
By kirk noonan | August 14, 2008
Almost a year ago our family adopted a chocolate lab from a friend who was moving to New York City. Like most families the intrusion of a dog into our already hectic schedules was overwhelming, but more than welcomed. The reason? Jack was two years old, well-trained, great with kids and eager to please. Plus, our kids wanted a dog so bad I thought one of them might grow a tail and start drinking out of the toilet if we didn’t get one.
Days before we adopted Jack, my wife and I discussed some ground rules with the kids. Yes, they would have to take him on walks, play with him, bathe him and clean up any thing he left in the yard that could get on our shoes. The kids readily agreed to the conditions and pledged their undying love and commitment for Jack.
When our meeting dismissed I pulled my wife aside and threw out a couple more rules.
“Let’s make a pact that we won’t talk to Jack like he’s a toddler.”
“Yeah, I can’t stand when people say stuff like ‘Go to Mommy’ or ‘Daddy has your food ready’ when talking to their dogs,” said my wife.
“Whatever you do, don’t call me Daddy when you’re talking to the dog and referencing me,” I said. “It’s just weird.”
“Oh, and what about people who tell dog stories?”
“Can’t stand it.”
“It’s insane,” she laughed. “Don’t people know that telling dog stories is worse than whipping out photos of your children and bragging about how much better they are than other kids?”
Ha, ha, ha. It was all very funny. Until it happened.
A week after the adoption I bounded into work and told my first dog story without even trying to control myself. I couldn’t help it. I thought what Jack had done the day before was so funny, interesting and intriguing that everyone would want to know about it.
Less than a month later I caught myself telling Jack to go to “Mommy.”
Dog people…they’re everywhere.
And now I’m one of them. Strange. Never thought it would happen. But when something, someone, or some place captivates you — you can’t help but become a loquacious weirdo.
Look at celebrities. All they talk about is themselves or their products. Headlines from this past week in the media prove this. ‘Miley Cyrus talks to Seventeen‘. Weird.
Business moguls. Same thing. ‘Donald Trump Jr. and Wife are Expecting Second Child.’ Big deal. Weird.
Professional atheletes. ‘Favre’s arm fatigued after fifth day of camp’. Weird.
Politicians. John Edwards’ scandal. Silly. Sad. Pathetic. Weird.
You? You’re probably weird too.
We all are to some extent. As humans we like to talk about the things that are important to us. But the question we need to ask ourselves before we start talking is how important are the things we’re going say? If we are just jabbering on about this and that we might be missing perfect opportunities to share really important ideas with people. Topics such as faith, love, hope and relationships immediately come to mind.
Yeah, dog people are everywhere. But every now and then there are people with something to say.
Are you one them?
Topics: Uncategorized | 4 Comments »
Read It, Watch It, Hear It
By kirk noonan | July 10, 2008
For sale: Ed McMahon, Johnny Carson’s former sidekick on the Tonight Show, is more than $600,000 behind on his mortgage payments. How does that happen when a person has made millions, if not tens of millions of dollars, over the course of their career?
McMahon might want to visit Daveramsey.com to find out how to get out of debt. If you’ve read Ramsey’s books or subscribe to his philosophies on finances tell us why.
According to an Associated Press article members of the Des Moines, Iowa police department will be prohibited from exposing any tattoos, branding or intentional scarring on their faces, heads, arms, necks and heads. The department’s police chief says such adornments distract from a professional image. Is the chief on or off the mark on this one?
On July 20th TPE will be featuring Randy Travis on its cover. If you’re a gospel or country music fan this is a must-not-miss edition.
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Read It, Watch It, Hear It
By kirk noonan | June 26, 2008
Pixar’s Andrew Stanton, the guy with the big idea for the movie WALL-E, recently talked about his movie, faith, and spirituality in films.
Joel Osteen, Oprah Winfrey or neither? Check out this blog and see what people are saying about Osteen and Winfrey.
This Sunday, get a dose of Chuck Norris in TPE. The issue rocks and is a great one to pass on to military personnel and teens in your life.
Want to help those who are hurting? Help out at a Convoy of Hope outreach near you.
Want to let the world know how you feel about WALL-E, Oprah, Osteen, Chuck Norris, or helping the impoverished? Shout it out right here at Simple Plan. Come on, leave a word or two in the Comment box below.
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