Thursday, June 24, 2010
A New Blog
When someone starts a blog, it's usually because they are motivated by something and want to write about it. At times they might blog often or at times they might not blog again. I do confess I am more on the not blog again side. I seem to average about a blog every six months or so. I know I have the time and there is always thoughts running through my head. But as many like me, I don't often blog about it. But that's going to change, well at least with another blog, I'm starting: Taking back Modesty. I want to address something that God has put on my heart for quite sometime. It bugs me and saddens me at the same time. Modesty is disappearing fast, and I don't think it will improve unless something is done. I'm sure most men are not going to speak out about it, but I am. So if someone does read this, cruise on over and give me your honest input.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Everyone needs enocuragement
Whew! It's been a long time writing on this blog. Here goes:
Lately I have been in contact with several people, whether it be on-line or in person that needed some sort of encouragement. A passage of Scripture always popped in my head -
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 -
That is why we never give up! Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
So I shared those verse with them, adding to their status or telling them.
The responses have been - "Thanks I needed that", "So, So true", "Amen, Amen", "Wow that's powerful, etc.
It does make me feel good that people were encouraged by it. Ever since I memorized
2 Corinthians 4:16-18, I remind myself of the verses in times that are hard or confusing for me. I always want others to be reminded that this time in life will pass and there are better days to come. I could have just responded to them with a "I'm sorry" or "This is what you should do..", instead I just shared the verses with them. There at times we don't know what to say or all we can think is the cliche words to sympathize with them. They usually don't work and at times make things worse.
I like how in Acts 4, a man born with the name Joseph, gets a nickname, Barnabas. Barnabas means, son of Encouragement, a great nickname to have. He was so well known for being an encourager they just called him, Barnabas. I know I am not the most encouraging to people all the time, and sometimes I am lacking in mercy. I know many have not gone through what I have, but they have bad days too. It might seem small to me, but it's different to them. Everyone needs encouragement so why not give it? It can be awkward and we might not have the right words to say to them, but maybe a verse or even a ear for them to talk into. We might not get the nickname for being encouraging, but we should always remember, everyone struggles, so let's try to be encouraging when they are.
Lately I have been in contact with several people, whether it be on-line or in person that needed some sort of encouragement. A passage of Scripture always popped in my head -
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 -
That is why we never give up! Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
So I shared those verse with them, adding to their status or telling them.
The responses have been - "Thanks I needed that", "So, So true", "Amen, Amen", "Wow that's powerful, etc.
It does make me feel good that people were encouraged by it. Ever since I memorized
2 Corinthians 4:16-18, I remind myself of the verses in times that are hard or confusing for me. I always want others to be reminded that this time in life will pass and there are better days to come. I could have just responded to them with a "I'm sorry" or "This is what you should do..", instead I just shared the verses with them. There at times we don't know what to say or all we can think is the cliche words to sympathize with them. They usually don't work and at times make things worse.
I like how in Acts 4, a man born with the name Joseph, gets a nickname, Barnabas. Barnabas means, son of Encouragement, a great nickname to have. He was so well known for being an encourager they just called him, Barnabas. I know I am not the most encouraging to people all the time, and sometimes I am lacking in mercy. I know many have not gone through what I have, but they have bad days too. It might seem small to me, but it's different to them. Everyone needs encouragement so why not give it? It can be awkward and we might not have the right words to say to them, but maybe a verse or even a ear for them to talk into. We might not get the nickname for being encouraging, but we should always remember, everyone struggles, so let's try to be encouraging when they are.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
He conquered!! Just like He said He would!!
The two of them ran as fast as they could. One was a bit faster than the other, but both ran with anticipation, excitement and some doubt. The lady that told them, was trustworthy and seemed sincere about what she was saying. Could it be?! Did it really happen? Was this women just saying nonsense? They were told it would happen, but didn't really get it. Was this really what He had said? As they approached the tomb, I wonder what they thought? I wonder what they felt like? They lost their dearest friend, their leader, their Savior who had died a cruel death. Did they feel like a child does when a loving parent comes home? Or when they are told they are getting a surprise. Were they saying in their head with glee and a little apprehension, "No way, no way, I hope it is true."? With the excitement and wonder of what they were going to see, they made it to the tomb and saw nothing but linen cloths and an empty tomb, nothing else. I bet they just thought "Wow He really did it, He did what He said He would do!" As they headed back to the house, I bet they, were laughing together singing praises, shouting Alleluia, but with some reservation. They were excited but did not want to draw attention to themselves for the fear of what had happened days earlier. I suppose they could hardly contain their emotions. Running through their heads, are praise and anxiety, with the recollection of the words their Lord had said to them. The probably wondered "Where is He? Will we see Him?" They could not wait to tell the others!
To be there at that time was probably crazy, and full of wonderment. Their emotions running everywhere like some roller coaster ride. Doubt, Joy, anxiousness, praise, fulfillment, confusion. They did not know what to do, but later were told to go see Jesus in Galilee. I bet they felt like it was the greatest thing to know He did what He said He would do. They did not lose Him, He did rise on the third day as He had told them. They did not get what He meant, but now it all became clear. When they saw Jesus they did not know of if was a ghost. It became clear when He ate with them and instructed them. Some still in their joy they doubted. Could this be? They touched Him. It's really Him!! Alleluia He is Risen!!!
It would have been great to be there, to see the disciple's emotions. To see Jesus, to touch Him, to see His smile, to hear His voice, just to be in His presence would have been awesome! Jesus did it for me!! He did it for His disciples, for everyone! Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice, for all of our sins, then He conquered death. He did it for us!!
To be there at that time was probably crazy, and full of wonderment. Their emotions running everywhere like some roller coaster ride. Doubt, Joy, anxiousness, praise, fulfillment, confusion. They did not know what to do, but later were told to go see Jesus in Galilee. I bet they felt like it was the greatest thing to know He did what He said He would do. They did not lose Him, He did rise on the third day as He had told them. They did not get what He meant, but now it all became clear. When they saw Jesus they did not know of if was a ghost. It became clear when He ate with them and instructed them. Some still in their joy they doubted. Could this be? They touched Him. It's really Him!! Alleluia He is Risen!!!
It would have been great to be there, to see the disciple's emotions. To see Jesus, to touch Him, to see His smile, to hear His voice, just to be in His presence would have been awesome! Jesus did it for me!! He did it for His disciples, for everyone! Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice, for all of our sins, then He conquered death. He did it for us!!
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Things that bother me
Things bother me at times, but I just let it go, but some things just keep coming up. I got the list idea from ysmarko, which he got from someone else. Well without any further delay....
TV commercials and advertisements
They annoy us all in some way, but I am focused on the ones that are not around or in this state. These are stores and restaurants that are not within 200 mile radius of where I live. I see them on local channels and cable channels. I would understand if I see something about a place in Chicago on WGN, but when it's also on local stations as well. Here is a list of ones I commonly see: CiCi's Pizza, Ruby Tuesday's, Golden Corral, and Tractor Supply company (a redneck's dream store). I know there are others but it just annoys me that they advertise and those places are not even close to here. Sonic was the most popular one, but they finally opened up one near me in Santee. So I can take them off the list and I am less annoyed.
People who don't wash their hands after using the bathroom
I don't need to go any further on this one.
Blinkers
I know many people that this bothers them. But many people don't realize they do it. It's either never using their blinker and almost causing accidents or leaving their blinker on for a very long period. I once drove along a lady for about 70 miles until she finally turned her blinker off. She had to finally change lanes. But then there are those who cut in and out of traffic with no regard to using their turn signal. The one that annoys me the most is the time of turning. They pause but you don't know what for or which way they are going or they turn it on the whole time they are in an obvious turning lane. It like they think - hmm I'm in a left hand turning lane and waiting for the light to turn green, maybe I should turn in my left signal so people know for sure I am turning left.
Oxymoron Christians Oxymoron Christians break my heart more than they bug me. I could have used hypocritical, but everyone is, no matter what they believe.
Why is it people claim to be Christians for years and years, then years later live like they never knew Him. Or they are Christ-like in public life, but online or away from anything related to being Christian they are a whole different person. Why can't they just be real, surrender it all, not parts. This goes along with ysmarko's about Christians giving other Christians a bad rap.
Junkmail
I get it online like we all do and I get it in my mail box at home. Every hour or so I check my e-mail and I have to delete my bulk mail box, and at times my inbox get some. Just because I am a Christian, I don't want an e-mail about what I should boycott or would make my mega church better. I go to an average size church. Other than the occasional sicko bulk mail, I don't care what this Acai drink does for me or how much I can make for google even though google won't pay me.
My youngest daughter loves getting the mail. Most of the time it's bills and adds from every store. I throw most junk mail away, what a waste of paper. I can't opt out either. I don't think it will ever end.
Professional athletes
Why oh why can't those who have this gift and talent stay out of trouble? Why oh why do they let themselves go? It's not just famous star athletes but anyone who gets paid to play a sport. I despise it when I hear of an athlete get in some sort of trouble with the law and ruin their careers (Vick). Or they get away with a crime, when an average joe or jan would go straight to jail (Lewis). Another is, they get paid a ton, and they get out of shape and don't try yo improve their game. Examples: Tony Gwynn, he is in the Hall of Fame but, he did put on some weight and his knees took the toll. Shaq, A sure HOFer but his free throws, awful, had a ton of time to improve it, he is also out of shape and put on weight. Others are the same. Have you seen the guts on some veterans or some guys who are awesome that could do better if they got into better shape. They have the money for someone to kick their butts to get them in prime shape.
There is more but I must digress.
TV commercials and advertisements
They annoy us all in some way, but I am focused on the ones that are not around or in this state. These are stores and restaurants that are not within 200 mile radius of where I live. I see them on local channels and cable channels. I would understand if I see something about a place in Chicago on WGN, but when it's also on local stations as well. Here is a list of ones I commonly see: CiCi's Pizza, Ruby Tuesday's, Golden Corral, and Tractor Supply company (a redneck's dream store). I know there are others but it just annoys me that they advertise and those places are not even close to here. Sonic was the most popular one, but they finally opened up one near me in Santee. So I can take them off the list and I am less annoyed.
People who don't wash their hands after using the bathroom
I don't need to go any further on this one.
Blinkers
I know many people that this bothers them. But many people don't realize they do it. It's either never using their blinker and almost causing accidents or leaving their blinker on for a very long period. I once drove along a lady for about 70 miles until she finally turned her blinker off. She had to finally change lanes. But then there are those who cut in and out of traffic with no regard to using their turn signal. The one that annoys me the most is the time of turning. They pause but you don't know what for or which way they are going or they turn it on the whole time they are in an obvious turning lane. It like they think - hmm I'm in a left hand turning lane and waiting for the light to turn green, maybe I should turn in my left signal so people know for sure I am turning left.
Oxymoron Christians Oxymoron Christians break my heart more than they bug me. I could have used hypocritical, but everyone is, no matter what they believe.
Why is it people claim to be Christians for years and years, then years later live like they never knew Him. Or they are Christ-like in public life, but online or away from anything related to being Christian they are a whole different person. Why can't they just be real, surrender it all, not parts. This goes along with ysmarko's about Christians giving other Christians a bad rap.
Junkmail
I get it online like we all do and I get it in my mail box at home. Every hour or so I check my e-mail and I have to delete my bulk mail box, and at times my inbox get some. Just because I am a Christian, I don't want an e-mail about what I should boycott or would make my mega church better. I go to an average size church. Other than the occasional sicko bulk mail, I don't care what this Acai drink does for me or how much I can make for google even though google won't pay me.
My youngest daughter loves getting the mail. Most of the time it's bills and adds from every store. I throw most junk mail away, what a waste of paper. I can't opt out either. I don't think it will ever end.
Professional athletes
Why oh why can't those who have this gift and talent stay out of trouble? Why oh why do they let themselves go? It's not just famous star athletes but anyone who gets paid to play a sport. I despise it when I hear of an athlete get in some sort of trouble with the law and ruin their careers (Vick). Or they get away with a crime, when an average joe or jan would go straight to jail (Lewis). Another is, they get paid a ton, and they get out of shape and don't try yo improve their game. Examples: Tony Gwynn, he is in the Hall of Fame but, he did put on some weight and his knees took the toll. Shaq, A sure HOFer but his free throws, awful, had a ton of time to improve it, he is also out of shape and put on weight. Others are the same. Have you seen the guts on some veterans or some guys who are awesome that could do better if they got into better shape. They have the money for someone to kick their butts to get them in prime shape.
There is more but I must digress.
Monday, February 02, 2009
What is Love?
I know that question brings thoughts of a song and a movie but really, what is Love?
We often think of love as this wonderful feeling of belonging, being needed and wanted. Love is not just what we feel. It might be part of it, but not even close totally defining it. Love is not kissing and hugging that's just the by-product, like cheese comes from milk. Love is so loosely defined now a days that some people have been confused by what love really is. Love is not always nice or allows us to do what we want. Real love at times requires sacrifice, correction and toughness. Love is not all soft and easy going. Love is not always simple, nor is it to be expected. You don't always get love when you give it, but we still should love. Love constantly requires action, with no room for slacking. When we as people make bad decisions, someone who loves us should correct us. When we are about to hurt ourselves someone who loves us should stop us. If I did not punish my children for the wrong they do, is it because I love them? No, it's quite the opposite.
I correct them so they will learn the right way. I guide them so that they will make choices that please God, not others or just for themselves. God's love is the same way towards us.
Jesus lived a life of constantly defining love. This includes His actions towards the religious leaders. It was not just to show the error of their ways, but because He loved them. God did not have Jesus sacrificed for the good people on this earth, He did so that all could be saved from their own death and destruction, separation from God. God's love is not condemning but to steer us in the right paths. 1 Corinthians 13 explains love well.
That's what love is. The whole Bible is like His love letters to us, and it's not all mushy stuff you get in a card on Valentine's Day.
Proverbs 15:32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.
We often think of love as this wonderful feeling of belonging, being needed and wanted. Love is not just what we feel. It might be part of it, but not even close totally defining it. Love is not kissing and hugging that's just the by-product, like cheese comes from milk. Love is so loosely defined now a days that some people have been confused by what love really is. Love is not always nice or allows us to do what we want. Real love at times requires sacrifice, correction and toughness. Love is not all soft and easy going. Love is not always simple, nor is it to be expected. You don't always get love when you give it, but we still should love. Love constantly requires action, with no room for slacking. When we as people make bad decisions, someone who loves us should correct us. When we are about to hurt ourselves someone who loves us should stop us. If I did not punish my children for the wrong they do, is it because I love them? No, it's quite the opposite.
I correct them so they will learn the right way. I guide them so that they will make choices that please God, not others or just for themselves. God's love is the same way towards us.
Jesus lived a life of constantly defining love. This includes His actions towards the religious leaders. It was not just to show the error of their ways, but because He loved them. God did not have Jesus sacrificed for the good people on this earth, He did so that all could be saved from their own death and destruction, separation from God. God's love is not condemning but to steer us in the right paths. 1 Corinthians 13 explains love well.
That's what love is. The whole Bible is like His love letters to us, and it's not all mushy stuff you get in a card on Valentine's Day.
Proverbs 15:32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
My Jesus is worth living for!!
I’m a part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. I’ve stepped over the line.The decision has been made.I’m a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.My past redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sidewalking, small-planning, smooth-knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, worldly-talking, cheap-giving, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need pre-eminence, position, promotion, applause or popularity.
I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded.
I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience.
I’m uplifted by prayer, and labor by power. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my God reliable. My mission is clear.
I cannot be bumped, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of my adversaries, negotiate at the table of my enemy or ponder at the pool of popularity.
I won’t give up, shut up, let up until I’ve stayed up, stored up, prayed up, preached up for the cause of Christ.
I am a DISCIPLE OF JESUS.
Jesus:
I will fight for You!!!
I will die for You!!!
I will go For You!!!
I will live For You!!!
quoted from Jeremy Johnson on the Worth Dying For Album
I no longer need pre-eminence, position, promotion, applause or popularity.
I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded.
I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience.
I’m uplifted by prayer, and labor by power. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my God reliable. My mission is clear.
I cannot be bumped, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of my adversaries, negotiate at the table of my enemy or ponder at the pool of popularity.
I won’t give up, shut up, let up until I’ve stayed up, stored up, prayed up, preached up for the cause of Christ.
I am a DISCIPLE OF JESUS.
Jesus:
I will fight for You!!!
I will die for You!!!
I will go For You!!!
I will live For You!!!
quoted from Jeremy Johnson on the Worth Dying For Album
Friday, December 26, 2008
December 2nd and my Christmas Music
It's the day after Christmas, so I thought I would share a bit about my Christmas music addiction.
December 2nd is the day Christmas season officially starts in our home. My son's birthday is on the 1st, so we give our son the focus before we decorate and play our favorite Christmas tunes. I know many people start way sooner and stores bust out their stuff the day after Halloween. My problem is I always have to refrain from playing Christmas music when Thanksgiving comes and goes. It might seem strange, but I really like Christmas music. I have about 15 CDs of the stuff and every year I seek out at least one new one. Now I know you think that most Christmas music they play on the radio is horrible. Unless it's oldies, I do agree. But the stuff I have rarely does get general market radio play. This year at work Sabrina and her co-workers were annoyed constantly about the horrible "Christmas" music that is piped in at Verizon. They usually turned it down. Finally Sabrina took some songs and put it onto a memory card and they got to enjoy about an hour or so of real good Christmas music. Funny thing is they can play a type of Christmas music but can't say Merry Christmas.
If I was allowed to I could play Christmas all year round. I cannot pinpoint on when I got "addicted" to it, but when December 2nd rolls around, I load all the CDs onto itunes and pick my favorites and put it on my ipod. It might be unusual to see me rocking out to Christmas music, since my style is the more raaaar kind of stuff. There are rock bands that take traditional songs and make it there own style, but I do enjoy the soothing soft tune about our Saviors birth. I am even playing it now as I type out this post. The main CDs I enjoy are put out through the years, by Tooth & Nail Records or BEC Recordings (Happy Christmas Vol.1-4 and X Christmas). Various artists from their labels and a tiny bit from others, get together and record their favorite Christmas songs or sometimes they write a new one. No matter what style I tend to enjoy them all. Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby and the like are hard to find cheap, so I only have a sample of their stuff. If I could I would love to get every Christmas CD I ever wanted. I don't like the chorus, orchestra,country, unnamed artist compilations, Lennon/Oko, and most general market radio wannabe Christmas CDs. Other than that I like tons of Christmas music.
HAPPY BOXING DAY!! The Christmas music by the way gets packed up on New Years Day. That's our boxing day.
December 2nd is the day Christmas season officially starts in our home. My son's birthday is on the 1st, so we give our son the focus before we decorate and play our favorite Christmas tunes. I know many people start way sooner and stores bust out their stuff the day after Halloween. My problem is I always have to refrain from playing Christmas music when Thanksgiving comes and goes. It might seem strange, but I really like Christmas music. I have about 15 CDs of the stuff and every year I seek out at least one new one. Now I know you think that most Christmas music they play on the radio is horrible. Unless it's oldies, I do agree. But the stuff I have rarely does get general market radio play. This year at work Sabrina and her co-workers were annoyed constantly about the horrible "Christmas" music that is piped in at Verizon. They usually turned it down. Finally Sabrina took some songs and put it onto a memory card and they got to enjoy about an hour or so of real good Christmas music. Funny thing is they can play a type of Christmas music but can't say Merry Christmas.
If I was allowed to I could play Christmas all year round. I cannot pinpoint on when I got "addicted" to it, but when December 2nd rolls around, I load all the CDs onto itunes and pick my favorites and put it on my ipod. It might be unusual to see me rocking out to Christmas music, since my style is the more raaaar kind of stuff. There are rock bands that take traditional songs and make it there own style, but I do enjoy the soothing soft tune about our Saviors birth. I am even playing it now as I type out this post. The main CDs I enjoy are put out through the years, by Tooth & Nail Records or BEC Recordings (Happy Christmas Vol.1-4 and X Christmas). Various artists from their labels and a tiny bit from others, get together and record their favorite Christmas songs or sometimes they write a new one. No matter what style I tend to enjoy them all. Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby and the like are hard to find cheap, so I only have a sample of their stuff. If I could I would love to get every Christmas CD I ever wanted. I don't like the chorus, orchestra,country, unnamed artist compilations, Lennon/Oko, and most general market radio wannabe Christmas CDs. Other than that I like tons of Christmas music.
HAPPY BOXING DAY!! The Christmas music by the way gets packed up on New Years Day. That's our boxing day.
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