sparquay

Seventy-Seven Times

2011-07-18T09:31:00.000+01:00

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." -Matt 18:21-22 (NIV)

When we read this we may think, Wow, what a random number for Jesus to pick out of the air. And yes, it has that nice biblical tone to it, but I don't think that number is so random anymore. I came across this passable scripture this morning:

Lamech said to his wives, “Adah and Zillah, listen to me; wives of Lamech, hear my words. I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me. If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times.” - Gen 4:23-24 (NIV)

Did you see what Jesus did there? He told Peter exactly what direction Jesus was going in and that we should follow along on a very different mindset from the way the world thinks. In much the same way Lamech got revenge against those who had done wrong to him- which is a natural and human desire, Jesus is admonishing his followers to forgive those who wrong them.
Yes, we might have gotten the point without the former OT verse, but I think this hits home even moreso.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. -Romans 12:17-21 (NIV)

Wade, the Civilised Mallard.

2011-07-17T23:00:00.002+01:00

Wade was a duck. A mallard with a name. Which would be typical if he was somebody's pet, but he belongs to no man. He's his own man... duck even. He wasn't sure how he acquired the name, but he knew it was what his personage was called.

Most of his peers enjoyed swimming in the cool of a lake in the middle of a industrial estate that was fed from the run off of the largely concrete environment that surrounded them. Not Wade. He enjoyed civilisation. He wanted to know what it was like to work like a man.
One day, he ventured into one of the large glass front office buildings seeking to gain a career experience. Not surprisingly, office spaces weren't built with the small to medium sized fowl in mind. The cubicle walls towered above him with the similarity that a farm boy in his first visit to the city experiences. He was overwhelmed and amazed.
Casually strolling down the aisle between the burlap walls, he found a vacant space with an office chair and computer. His beak found the round button which initiated startup. He flapped his wings to roost on his new found chair and watched as the monitor displayed the unfamiliar Microsoft Windows logo.
He found that although the chair, keyboard, and mouse were designed with ergonomics in mind... the designers didn't consider wingtips in their potential users. Nevertheless, Wade experimentally wiggled the mouse and mastered left and right clicks. Soon he navigated his way to the Internet Explorer icon and searched for...

(Your suggestions to how this story should continue would be welcomed in the comments. I just wanted to write again. I realise how ridiculous this story is, but it's fun to write with no limit to the imagination. I think that's what I like best about children's stories.)

Roaring Lions

2011-07-17T22:08:00.001+01:00

Many of us (in fact, it's had over 62 million views!) have watched the following amazing video before:

If our church had a way of viewing this video during my sermon tonight, I would have definitely played it. Instead, I merely tried to retell the event, but it didn't meet the impact I desired out of it. I'm a terrible story teller.

My sermon was on Satan and began with this verse:

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9

I want to add that the Church is the herd of buffalo:

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

Stand firm then, because God has your back (Rom 8:28f- click "View in Bible Read" and read till chapter 9).

And yes, I realise how incredibly cheesy this post was... I don't care.

First post from my mobile.

2011-07-17T14:22:00.001+01:00

This is a first of many. One, my longest break from blogging broken and the first time I've posted from my mobile. I'm also testing to see if it will automatically update Google+.
So, this won't be a long post, as it's a tester and on my mobile (which is difficult to type long posts using Swype™).

Dream Job (working title): Chapter One

2010-12-02T22:41:00.000Z

Numbers and lines were beginning to blur. Nathan's eyes were dry and ached with strain. What began as a data spreadsheet, was just a white blur with black blobs on it. it didn't help that Nathan didn't know what the numbers meant. it was just some numbers that needed plugging into another spreadsheet. It was his job, and not even he understood the significance of it.
It didn't help that the IT department thought it best to neglect Nathan from the newest monitors with large screens, slim construction and high quality resolutions. While the rest of the floor have had upgrades twice since he started, he was stuck with a monstrous behemoth on his desk. It was especially embarrassing, since the policy to rearrange the office cubicles every 3 months came into effect. It meant having to lug his heavy monitor, clunky desktop, and massive laser printer into a small cubicle.
That's another thing he began to notice, He was sure that each time they moved, his cubicle had been smaller than the one before. It was to promote fairness among the employees, so that everyone had a shot at being near the window. To mention it he began to think about how the policy had affected him. After each move it seemed he got further from the windows and closer to the janitor's closet. Was there somebody up there that had something against him? Not that he was referring to God, but somebody in a higher floor that played the role of god in their office. Someone had it against Nathan.

*****

As the hours droned on, it suddenly became apparent that Nathan had been in such a daze of spreadsheets, that he hadn't gotten up from his chair since he came in before sunrise. It was now mid-afternoon, he missed lunch, never went to the bathroom, and now, he was suddenly parched with thirst. He needed a drink of water. It was pertinent to continuing life.
Slowly, Nathan rose from his chair to risk a peek over the cubicle wall. He was looking for where the floor manager would be, and for a clear path to the water cooler. It was not good to have a run in with Gordan. He physically looked the part of a minotaur, which was befitting their cubicle labyrinth. He had a permed mullet, a thick unibrow, something more outrageous than what would be considered a beard, and a pencil over each ear that resembled horns (because he claimed to be ambidextrous). He even smelled the part. It was a wonder that such a human resembling a beast could retain his position.
After chancing a quick glance over the wall, Nathan decided it was safe to venture out and take the shortest route to his desired destination. Over the years, Nathan had developed a skilled crouching scamper when navigating his way to the break room. Although Nathan was unaware how humorous it was to observe this curious movement, it was effective in keeping himself concealed, silent and quick.
Meanwhile in a dark room with a wall full of monitors, one screen had picked up on the awkward stride of Nathan. Others in the dark room gathered around the small glow of the screen in anticipation for what they predicted would happen next. Some would say they even played a hand in orchestrating it. Nervous giggles began to spread like glitter, infecting everyone in the room.
Nathan had made it to the break-room without being spotted by the roaming beast. Although it did make him nervous that he didn't actually see where it was located. On the far wall of the dull yellow room was the water fountain, and the fridge with his lunch still in it. The first small paper cone of water had managed to just moisten his mouth. The second reached his stomach successfully, but reawakened his nervous system and alarmed him how close to starvation he was getting.
The rumbling began and he couldn't control his advances toward the almond coloured mini-fridge. Animal instincts were taking over. The cold glow blasted his face. Inside the little fridge, the walls where coated with inches of white frost. The capacity was roughly a third of it's original defrosted size Nathan would guess. In the back was the brown bag marked with his name in black sharpie. It had been since last night and a distant memory what he had packed for his lunch. Unfortunately, it would remain this way, because opening the bag revealed a few crumbs, an empty tupperware container that was once translucent, but opaque with whatever leftovers it had once held and a stainless steel metal spoon- used.
His stomach growled once more, louder in protest of some unknown colleague's actions. There was one vending machine on this floor. It was inconveniently placed opposite the break-room, and next to the bathrooms and elevator. There was nothing logical about it's placement. This had become a grand quest, on the scale of returning the ring to Mordor.
Nathan looked out the blinds to see if Gordan was making his rounds. He no longer saw cubicle walls, but a hedgerow with one entrance. He took off his glasses, and rubbed his eyes. It must have been the lack of food and prolonged staring into a electron-shooting vacuum tube. He opened the door slowly and quietly for fear of disturbing the apparent hallucination. He walked up to the hedgerow and brushed his hand across the leaves. It was no longer the burlap fabric covered cubicle walls before him, but an actual garden maze. His feet could feel the hard hit of paving stones on solid ground, rather than the short pile carpet on the suspended 7th floor of his familiar office building. It seemed out of place that in this fantasy, he was still wearing his white shirt, striped tie, and khaki trousers.
On the other side of the hedge, he could hear what sounded like a bull breathing loudly through it's nostrils, not unlike Gordan's insistence on breathing through the nose in spite of his terrible sinus problems. It began to bother Nathan that he had no weapon on him for defence if he did run up on the beast unexpectedly. Nathan knew he had to get to the other side of this maze without being seen. He also knew that his goal was food. His stomach was kind enough to remind him of that.
As he walked, it became apparent the maze was enormous in size, much larger than the office building. The thought began to loom on him that it would take more than just a couple of hours to make it out again. It was luck, more than strategy that had kept him from running into the beast. He could hear the frustration of the beast now. It knew there was something else in the maze. Every corner, Nathan tried to peer around to see if the path was clear. He could always hear the beast's hooves hit the ground. It spoke of great weight and muscly power. Sometimes the sound's origin was through several rows of hedges, but other times it was too close for comfort.
He was cautious, and his knees began to tremble. It had been a long time since he had walked further than his distant parking space located at the far end of the lot to the building. He could tell he was close to the beast, maybe even just around this corner. Leaning as far over as he dared to catch a glimpse, the image before him had frozen him in place. He could see it was not even a cubicle space away.
The beast was indeed a minotaur, the fearsome greek mythological creature. It walked upright on two massive goatlike legs. It's arms rivalled any steroid abusing weightlifter. It's head resembled everything about a buffalo except with horns that would find no trouble in impaling Nathan. Fortunately, it had not seen Nathan yet. Beyond the minotaur was the exit, and through a beautiful archway covered in hibiscus blooms, he could see the welcoming glow of the vending machine carrying tempting food that had gone well past its expiry date.
Nathan's stomach betrayed him and rumbled loudly. The beast snorted and turned toward him. His heart began to pound in his chest. Action had to be taken now or never again. He rounded the corner screaming at the top of his lungs. The beast raised it's arms, flexed every muscle in its body and roared. The sound rattled Nathan's bones. He continued toward the beast and dove to one side of it, tucking and rolling. The action was a lot more painful than it seemed in the movies. On his feet again, he ran at a full stride toward the exit, hoping there was some magical restraint to keep the minotaur within the labyrinth. Through the exit, he failed to stop and crashed into the plexiglass front of the machine. The minotaur did not cease it's chase.
Nervously, Nathan pulled his wallet out from his back pocket and produced a single dollar. He tried to delicately feed the machine, but as finicky an eater as it was, it preferred those new dollar bills without the creases. He used the corner of the machine to try and flatten out the dollar and attempted to feed it again. It gracefully munched on the note. Nathan looked at the case of stale treats, then looked over his shoulder to see the approaching beast. He quickly pressed the letter B and the number 7 for a snickers. The machines workings were as slow as ever, especially at this inopportune time.
"Come on, come on!", Nathan tried rushing the machine.
It seemed as if it was punishing him for giving it a less than crisp dollar. The spiral that spun had stopped, and the stubborn bar had hung onto the ledge. Just then, in the reflection of the machine, Nathan saw an arm raised up, and he ducked in time. The machine rocked violently with the force of the blow. Cowered on the ground, he heard the snicker hit the bottom of the machine.
The beast rumbled, "There you go."
Nathan gazed up at the towering minotaur, grabbed the snickers without looking and managed a barely audible, "Thank you."

Fill in the Blank

2010-12-02T16:17:00.001Z

I've never been really good with names. And it appears when trying to write something, I have a hard time coming up with a good name. I've got his character down in my head, but so far I haven't come up with anything to fit him just yet. So I'm appealing to my readers (all two of you) to help me come up with a name for him. This is his introduction, but it's before the story really picks up at all... and I'm tired of writing Blank for his name.

Numbers and lines were beginning to blur. Blank's eyes were dry and ached with strain. What began as a data spreadsheet, was just a white blur with black blobs on it. it didn't help that Blank didn't know what the numbers meant. it was just some numbers that needed plugging into another spreadsheet. It was his job, and not even he understood the significance of it.
It didn't help that the IT department thought it best to neglect Blank from the newest monitors with large screens, slim construction and high quality resolutions. While the rest of the floor have had upgrades twice since he started, he was stuck with a monstrous behemoth on his desk. It was especially embarrassing, since the policy to rearrange the office cubicles every 3 months came into effect. It meant having to lug his heavy monitor, clunky desktop, and massive laser printer into a small cubicle.
That's another thing he began to notice, He was sure that each time they moved, his cubicle had been smaller than the one before. It was to promote fairness among the employees, so that everyone had a shot at being near the window. To mention it, he began to think about how the policy had affected him. After each move it seemed he got further from the windows and closer to the janitor's closet. Was there somebody up there that had something against him? Not that he was referring to God, but somebody in a higher floor that played the role of god in their office. Someone had it against Blank.

UPDATE: I have decided on the name Nathan. Who bears no semblance of anyone known in real life by that name. I think his last name will have to be Blankenship in honour of his original placeholder.

I may need some help coming up with his alterego RPG/fantasy name. I still want it to be traceable to his original name though.

Honey and Vinegar

2010-11-28T15:59:00.000Z

I guess it's been made evident to me, that my blog articles are mainly about complaints I have with the church and its people. I rant a lot. I doubt I'll ever have a blog with a large subscription of people, or publish a book that sells millions. I know I'll never do that, because it's not my goal.
My mom used to tell me all the time (because I needed reminding of it often), "You attract more flies with honey than you do with vinegar."
My reply now is simply, "I'm not wanting to attract any flies."

Really, even taking it out of it's literal sense into the figurative "How to Win Friends and Influence People.' context, the answer remains the same. And maybe I need to be corrected on this. Maybe. Because this is me wrestling with the fact, that I'm not a very 'gracious' writer. I acknowledge the fact that I'm not very encouraging to read. And I wrestle within myself whether or not I should aim to have a more motivational post in a positive mood. It's what would be considered good rhetoric.
The examples I see in the Bible are ministers who failed a lot in the Old Testament. Noah, building an Ark for 100 years (I think that's the right number), having the greatest illustration being built in front of his audience, and yet 'only eight in all were saved'. He only managed to save his own family. Jeremiah, who had preached the truth, even from a very young age, only gained the heedful ear of his scribe. The multiple prophets in the Bible who didn't have good news to spread, but a message of assured doom. Jonah, who preached to people he would rather see destroyed than repent, managed to convert the whole town!
Paul though, was an entirely different preacher altogether. You could say he was very successful in his outreach and sustaining multiple congregations. He even did it while having to address some issues in a negative sort of way. But the thing that I notice about his letters... he's actually very complimentary and encouraging when he can be. Maybe that was/is the key to his success and why his letters were copied and passed on from church to church and still among the favourites of many readers today. He had a positive message. Maybe I missed that lesson in 'preacher's school'. Or maybe I disregarded it for one reason or another, because I've disregarded a lot of things I've learned from those classes.
I would, seriously, like to be mentored/guided/instructed on how to gain an ear to what needs to be said. I do not merely want to say what 'itching ears want to hear'. But on the other hand, if I have turned away everyone with my lack of gentleness and tack, there will be no one left to listen to the message I so eagerly want to share. I know I may be way off the beaten path, but I might actually have something worth saying every once in a while. I think the thing that probably hurts my message and future ones, is that I go so counter to what the popular paradigm has accepted. I don't wish to gain a large crowd of followers, but I do sometimes wish to be occasionally heard on what I think is a important message. (And I may be patting my own back here) but I believe God still uses me to share a message, even though I might not be a 'paid minister' or an official 'man of the cloth' (what does that even mean to our 'brotherhood'?).
So I extend this question to the few readers who actually venture to read my, for the most part (recently), negative criticisms of the church, and encourage you to share with me some advice. Which is better: a bitter truth plainly spoken or a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down? I do think that is probably something that most 'popular' ministers have in their arsenal. They're able to gain an audience who are more open to hearing their message. Not that I wish to become popular, but I still analyse why I feel the need to post these messages. Is it for my own good? Is it actually hurtful? Are my ramblings in vain, destructive, or possibly divisive? Have I unwittingly become a tool of Satan? I certainly hope not.

The Decapitated and Dismembered Church

2010-11-26T22:58:00.003Z

The title of this post is probably enough to make you wonder what I'm talking about, as was the reaction my mother-in-law expressed when I had mentioned it. I believe it's descriptive of the type of church we are trying to sustain. As you know, a body without a head is completely lifeless, and it's much less a body when it's parts are disconnected. What's the point of trying to keep a lifeless and completely decimated body in the ER? I think we are endangered of entering the morgue if some things don't change soon. I don't mean our local church, but every church I've visited or attended, for the most part, shares the same problems.

The church is terribly disconnected. Imagine a body where every joint is dislocated. Worse, every digit, limb and organ is separated and fiercely independent from the rest of the even-less-considered body. That's essentially how the church as it 'exists' persists in it's individuality. Within a congregation and how those congregations lack interaction, is exactly describing this body that ceases to be as the apostle Paul originally described the church. It ceases to be the same church envisioned by Jesus in his prayer for unity in John chapter seventeen (pause to read this, especially after verse twenty). Go on, read that (seriously) and maybe while you're at it, read some of Paul's letters (because they're 'divinitively' more capable of addressing my point [and yes I just made that word up]).

Okay, I hope we're on the same page here, after you've gone and read what I've suggested. I must ask though, did you see the same church Paul was encouraging us to be, as is what is existing today? No? I didn't think so. I really think it would be great if we just forego sermons and read whole books of the Bible. That's essentially what the church did initially for the first couple of centuries. When they received a letter, they would read it- in it's entirety- and discussed what it meant. Today, we 'study' a letter verse by verse and word by word, but lose it's true meaning in the meaningless and seemingly endless definitions of english words (yes, I'm criticising how adult bible study is done in most churches- completely worthless).

Okay, that last paragraph was basically a parenthetical rant that was completely off-topic. What I hope you see is that we need to reconnect with one another. Even I, as a self confessed introvert, see how unbalanced we are. I admit, I need my Christian brothers and sisters. I need them much more than I admit. I need them to confess my sins to. I need them to cry on when things are going wrong. I need them to correct me when I'm in the wrong. I need them to direct me when I need direction. I need them... to be connected to Christ.

Yes... that's right. You need your church family to be connected to Christ. As much as some people would like to live their lives declaring how they don't need the Church, that they are a Church of one member, or people at church are hypocrites... you can't be connected to Christ without being connected to the Church. And yet, even those attending church try to keep to their individual self, never really becoming part of the body.

What really hurts, is how churches are not cooperating with one another. We declare autonomous functionality to prevent 'heresies' from spreading, but we fail to allow the good teachings to spread as well. There is no New Testament example for autonomous churches that I have seen (if I'm mistaken, please show me credible verses in context, and I'll reply with verses to support my next statement). In fact, I see evidence for quite the opposite, even spanning across cities. This was in the days before planes, trains and automobiles! So why are we so adamant about being separating from each other. Sadly again, it's because these churches within the same city limits have been 'multiplied' by division. There's still some ancient bad blood, that no one under the age of 80 actually remembers why they initially split. Okay, that was an exaggeration, but not too far off. And yet, how much does the Bible encourage unity of the body? We've splintered to pieces and have declared a hatred for one another so harsh that we even doubt 'their' salvation!

How can we even claim that Christ is the head of the church when we have behaved so adversely to what the Bible has commanded? I cannot proclaim that churches of Christ are following the New Testament as other church leaders would. I can only hope that someone (or many) who have 'rightly' earned the ear of those who proclaim Christ as Lord, is (are) making similar statements. We are a dismembered and decapitated church.

Silence in the 21st Century

2010-11-16T23:52:00.000Z

After reading Richard Beck's, On Silence and Cell Phones, my mind has really given it a lot of thought over the past couple of weeks. I had mentioned deactivating my Facebook account, in a attempt to free up some time that I felt was being wasted. Then that aforementioned blog post came to be and really convicted me to follow through.
Sadly, I think the time I might have saved, has already been swallowed up in other online endeavours, such as Twitter. Currently, I have been restructuring who I "follow". But anyhow that's another distraction to contend with.
What I really wanted to converse about was, How do we as a 21st Century generation that has every means to communicate to the world at large... be silent? In the midst of cell phones (mobiles), twitter, facebook, blackberrys, iPhones and constant communication... how do we detach from all of that and find solitude.
I also remember something (admittedly vaguely) said years ago from Randy Harris, the first Church of Christ Monk (his tagline). He said that 98% of what we say is probably completely unnecessary. I began to think about how that correlates to my online participation. Why is it we feel the need to speak out into the world wide web about every thought that comes through our head? What is our fascination with sharing our every thought with the world at large.
Is it a egotistical view of ourselves? Have we become self-centred? I came across another blog article which put me in my place, yet again. Do I have this subliminal pipe dream to become a great author and speaker of some sort, another voice in the mass of voices calling out Christians, but not discipling and being an example.
At least Paul, writer of half the New Testament spent enough time with those to whom he was writing so that he could say with full confidence:

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." -1 Cor. 11:1(NIV)

We surround ourselves with so much noise. I really do find it a relief to have everything turned off (and Josiah to be napping). It's great to have that occasional silence. If only I would venture away from the computer as well, to eliminate even ocular noise. To spend time in absolute solitude.
Granted it's in solitude that we realise we're never alone. Sometimes that is the best time to talk to God and listen for his answers. If only we could take more time to listen.

The Prayer of a Righteous Man

2010-11-04T23:41:00.002Z

There truly are some hefty promises when it comes to prayer. If you read the gospels, Jesus sounds like he's saying, "Ask and you shall receive (period/full stop)". Well, I've yet to receive that million £s ($1.6million, for you US residents) I've asked for. In all seriousness though, when you look at what the Bible says about prayers and requests... why do we feel like we should offer a way out of God's promises by the ever pervasive quote, "God answers prayers in three ways, 'Yes','No', and 'Wait'". Who started that poppycock (I looked up the origins of that word just now and it made me laugh) anyways? It is in stark contrast to what is taught in God's word.
James seems to be especially revealing, when it comes to prayer. Check out these quotes...

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. -James 1:5-8(NIV)

So asking for something with the mindset that we only might receive it, is double-minded or unstable! That's something really to think about the next time you go to prayer! Pray with belief that you have recieved it at that moment you've asked (Mark 11:24)!
Ok, the reason I haven't received that Million £s yet is, well...

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.-James 4:1-3(NIV)

Well, that's spoken plainly enough. God knows I probably wouldn't be asking for a million £s just to feed the poor with it. Nope, honestly... I would struggle with holding some of it back for myself and we know what happens when you do that (Acts 5:1-11). And, it probably wouldn't do so well for my spiritual wellbeing, something I know God would consider harmful to me (Luke 11:11-12). So what sort of things should I pray for and expect to receive a positive answer?
If our heart is in the right place, then it will have a profound effect on the things we ask for in prayer. I think when it comes to spiritual maturity, God does bless us graciously. Things such as wisdom, like the first verse I quoted James earlier. But continuing on... what are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.-Gal 5:22-25(NIV)

So these things, if we pray for them, we should expect to receive at that very moment. I think it especially appropriate to pray for self-control when we feel we are being tempted.

"how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” -Luke 11:12(NIV)

We are guided by scripture to pray for several things: our government leaders (1 Tim 2:1-2), workers for the 'harvest'(Luke 10:2), all the saints (Eph 6:18), etc.
So there really is no limit to what we can pray for (Eph 3:20). It never hurts to ask. Just remember to have faith in God and trust that he will bless you with good things. Please don't mistake me for preaching a health and wealth gospel here though. But feel free to try asking anyways. If you listen to the prayers we offer up, we tend to pray that way anyhow... how much of our petition is for the health of friends and family, or sometimes ourselves? A good majority of it, I feel pretty safe in saying. But that's okay too...

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. -James 5:13-18(NIV)

It just amazes me that Jesus says plainly, if only we had enough faith, we could move mountains around or cast into the sea(Matt 17:20), whither trees (Mark 11:20-25) or replant them in the sea (Luke 17:6) on a whim if it takes our fancy. It's interesting that the only times Jesus wasn't able to perform miracles were in places where there was no faith in him. Maybe that's why we don't receive what we've asked from him.

Dear Lord my God and Heavenly King who created everything and sustains everything,
Your power and imagination exceeds all our requests. Increase our meagre faith in an age of scepticism. Allow us to glorify you with our prayers. Maybe that is why we have failed to convince the world of your mighty works. We lack the faith and neglect the time to pray. God again I ask, increase our faith. You freely give to those who ask and your riches are endless. There is no end to your treasures stored up for us. If only we'd just ask.
Thank you to Christ through which we can approach your thrown and boldly ask these things in His name. Amen.

Political Warfare

2010-11-02T00:36:00.000Z

It seems that even a move to the UK is not enough to escape from American politics and the typical Christian response. On Facebook, I have many friends who are Christian brothers and sisters, but the hatred expressed for the other half of the nation is detrimental to things that matter much more than whatever the results of the election tomorrow.
In the book unChristian, one of the main reasons young adults from age 18-30 stop coming to church is they perceive us as being too political. Read it for your self! The kind publishers of the book have offered a download of the chapter called 'Christians are too Political' for free. I'm only passing it on as valuable information. We need to realise the Church, Christ's embodiment to the world, is sending the wrong message of what truly is important! What is a young person to think about the Church's values based on what they hear? It's not the good news... it's Fox News.
For too long, Christians have been swept up in the temporary matters of this world. Politics is just another distraction. If only we could have an eternal worldview (as in how we base our values), it would drastically change about how we felt on everything that goes on around us. It bothers me to the core how Christians are so distracted (and that's saying something from someone who suffers with ADD)!
Drop your American dream to turn your government into a Theocracy. It's not going to happen. If God wanted a Theocratic government, he wouldn't have let Christ die on the cross and would have instead made him an earthly king 2000 years ago. He doesn't need an earthly kingdom now. He needs you to be Christ to the world, continuing to do the work that Jesus began in the gospels. Drop your political agendas, pick up your cross and follow Him!
Nations come and nations go... although the US is quite young in comparison to other nations, there have been nations that have had shorter lifetimes than America's. What would happen if the American government dissolved? It's bound to happen, maybe before Christ comes back, but definitely after. Then where would all this effort have gone? Instead, focus in your citizenship to a kingdom that is everlasting.

But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. -1 Corinthians 3:10-15(NIV)

You would make more of a difference for Christ if you were just as passionate to your faith as your are to your political opinions. What are you trying to win people over to? Who cares about 'Obamacare', the National Debt, higher taxes, whatever other issues you have taken up as your lament. Sadly, the impression that I get, isn't your concern for moral issues even, but where 'your' money is going. Whose money is it?

Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”-Mark 12:17(NIV)

My prayer is that you will think about these things tomorrow on election day, whether you choose to vote or abstain. Let God's peace rest in you. Show love to those of differing political opinions. If your a republican, hug a democrat. If you're a democrat, hug a republican. Pray for each other. And not 'that they might see the error of their ways and repent'. Regardless of who gets the majority House and Senate, know that God chose to use you to be His ambassadors (2 Cor 5:20)!

An Open Letter to God

2010-10-25T01:01:00.002+01:00

Dear God,
Okay, I know we should be praying in our closets, but I really felt it was important to write this out to you so that others may read it as well. You know the recent trend to write an open letter to somebody famous for all the world to read, well I thought I would write one to you. I know you won't respond in the 'traditional' sense that we would expect from mere mortals, but I know you will give an answer to those who seek you.
I feel like, as people you have entrusted to fulfil the Great Commission as quoted from Matthew 28:18-20, we have failed you completely. In fact, church numbers are dwindling. Many are closing their doors. Young people are leaving their faith behind in unprecedented percentages! We are losing your sheep to the wolves by the thousands, if not millions.
Other churches look more like businesses serving customers with slogans and marketing campaigns offering everything the 'customer' needs to be kept happy. We have lost our first love. We have loved the world and become very much like the world so that it's difficult to tell who is a Christian anymore. We have become lukewarm. We have been preaching a gospel that really is no gospel at all!
Father, forgive us. For we know not what we are doing. In our failure to make true disciples we have needlessly crucified Christ multiple times over. We have grieved your Spirit on several occasions. We have stretched your patience beyond what Israel's sins had done before their exile. We have adulterated ourselves before gods of money, greed, selfish ambition, sexual perversions, pride etc. You know how great and plentiful our sins have become. They have been a stench to you for decades, centuries, and even more than a millennium.
How great is your patience with us? How long can you stand to watch us fall for Satan's traps? How long do we have to wait until your second coming? How long until you rescue us from this downward spiral? How long will you persist with the sinful nature of those who have called upon your name?
Father, forgive us. Rescue us from the pit of our own despair. Help us to see that we are destroying ourselves from the inside out. Help us to see sin as the vileness you know it to be. Help us to get to that point of disgust with ourselves before falling for Satan's temptations. May your Spirit overtake our natural desires. Dwell in us, so that we may once again be in the likeness of your image. Help us to be how you once created us to be.
Father, I know we have failed to be united as your Son prayed for us to be in John 17. We've failed to bear with one another in our weaknesses. We've failed to love one another and look beyond our quarrelling of words. We've splintered your church into countless factions that no longer function as the body of Christ. We've crippled your kingdom. We've neglected your true word and accepted our traditions above your truths. We have accepted the yeast of the Pharisees, and have become the great hypocrites. We've become the blind guides, leading the blind into pits of despair. We tried putting your new wine in old wineskins and they have burst.
God, help us! Does your mercy extend so far as to rescue those who have carelessly offered your sheep to the wolves? Will the millstone be tied round our necks for the false doctrines we have mistakenly repeated from generation to generation? God, I know we will be held accountable for every word, especially those of us who have exalted ourselves as teachers of your word, but have, again, failed. Father, forgive us. Our false doctrines are many. We favoured division over the unity of love. We favoured sacrifice over mercy. We favoured the rich over the poor. How we have failed you greatly. What grief have we caused you? What sorrow and gnashing of teeth do we face? Is there any sacrifice left for our continued obstinate immaturity?
If no student is greater than his master, why have we become disciples of false teachers? Why have we been content to compare ourselves to each other and dared to think of ourselves as somehow holier than them over there. Why didn't we hold ourselves up to the standard of Christ? Why did we disregard 'Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect'? Father, forgive us for not taking your word seriously.
God, we have not given up everything to follow you. In fact, even now we reserve things for ourselves in this life, because we do not trust in you. Forgive our lack of faith. We have not taken into consideration the cost of Discipleship. We are more like the seed sown on rocks or among thorns. We wouldn't last through trials or persecution and the distractions of this world have left us immature.
God, I am embarrassed to say, that we lack the desire to be with you. We choose to fill our short days on this earth chasing after frivolous endeavours and pleasures. The deeds which you have set aside for us to do, remain undone and your name is not glorified by those who see us unchanged.
Teach us to be disciples, once again. Fill us with your compassion to do good deeds. Fill our lips with long neglected praise. Let us once again learn what it means to hunger and thirst after righteousness. Help us to see the blessings in your statutes. Teach us to love others as you have loved us.
God, I hope your mercy and grace is far reaching. If I make it as one of the least in heaven or as one barely escaping the flames, I will still praise your name eternally. You are a just God, and you know our hearts. Purify us. Give us clean hearts and help us to maintain them. Allow your Spirit to overflow in us.

Sincerely,
a sinner

I Want...

2010-10-21T22:32:00.002+01:00

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." -1 Timothy 6:6-10(NIV)

This verse has become one of my key verses that I'm trying to flesh out in my life. I thought this especially fits after the recent Apple announcement. Usually, Apple manages to turn my attention away from contentment long enough to cause me to regret ever seeing whatever pretty product they have on display.
But the thing I need to remind myself is... I came into the world with nothing! In fact, our whole species was created from dust! To think I have a right to acquire and keep as much stuff as I can lay my hands on is foolishness indeed!

Why is it, we continue to deceive ourselves into thinking that if only we had (fill-in-the-blank with your own desirous objects) we'd only then be happy? And yet Solomon's wisdom can warn us that whatever we may acquire for ourselves in this life is just a vain pursuit that ends in meaningless self-worship.
At some point in time, we must face the fact that the American Dream is an idol we are willing to bow down and worship. We adulterate ourselves to this god every time we seek and desire to have these needless possessions.
It was in Crazy Love, by Francis Chan, that awoken me to the verse among the parable of the sower:

"The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature."-Luke 8:14(NIV)

He's talking to US! No, not U.S. (although, he could very well be). Us, as in you and me! Honestly, if we take an honest look at our life and how much time we dedicate to God, the reason we don't dedicate more time is because we claim we have a lack of it. When in reality, we are doing something as a distraction! How often do we seek our own pleasures before fulfilling the needs of others?
How much money do we spend on ourselves in frivolous things? We claim we NEED this or HAVE to HAVE that. I was realising how spoiled my taste-buds are. I am desiring other foods for lunch, other than sandwiches. How dare I? When I know in less developed countries, they are thankful for a bowl of rice they might get for that day! Much of the world's population survives on rice daily. Not as part of a greater meal, but rice alone.
How can I expect to mature in Christ if I'm not willing to sacrifice my pleasures for the goodwill of my brethren worldwide. The trouble is how do I help those outside of my environment. Sure there are lots of organisations that would gladly take my money, but I can not ensure that they will not take the overhead costs into account and only give a small percentage to who it is originally intended to benefit. That's my open question. How do I help feed and clothe others?
Honestly, I have to face my own selfish-ambitions. There are many things I still 'want'. The more I think about it in this light, the more I sicken myself. Why do I desire such trivial things in this life? I have food (much richer and flavourful than most of the world experiences in a lifetime). I have clothes (more aesthetic and functional, than for modesty and warmth's sake). To add insult... I have both in abundance! Why do I have any reason to complain? I don't. I do not have the right to anything I currently have. I am physically blessed beyond all necessity, and yet I still cry out for more.
God have mercy on me, for it will be-

"easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”-Matthew 19:24(NIV)

But I am comforted by this-

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” -Matthew 19:26(NIV)

God can still save a 'poor' selfish sinner like me.

No NaNoWriMo for Me.

2010-10-21T21:36:00.001+01:00

As much as I would love to write a novel in a month. I have yet to write a novel to begin with. I realise I have been writing some pretty serious posts that confront all of us in our Christian walk. That's what I like to do. To challenge us to walk our best walk.
Anyhow, Cheeky Su, a good friend of mine (who also has completed a Marathon), is participating in NaNoWriMo. A challenge in which writers of all skill levels and experiences attempt to write a 50,000 word novel in one month. November hath 30 days. That equates to 1667 words per day. If someone were able to (THINK and) type at 40 words a minute, it would take them 40 minutes. Sounds easy enough, right? Wrong.

I'm a bit of a march-to-the-beat-of-my-drum kind of guy. I don't like Read the Bible in a Year programs, because I know without a doubt I will fail miserably at it. It takes me more like 18 months to read the Bible in one of those Read in a Year plans, because I neglect it so often. But I still get it done.
So, being inspired by NaNoWriMo, I will not take up the challenge, but rather set a parallel challenge for myself. I will attempt to write a 50,000 word novel. No time restraints, just write it out. It may take me 5 years to do it. And it may even never get completed. But I will start the processes now to prepare and start simultaneously with NaNoWriMo.
Thanks to several friends who have encouraged me. I also realise, you shouldn't ever say you're going to do something in the company of true friends... because they WILL hold you to it. I've never had to give up smoking, but I've heard the agony of smokers and dieters and who-ever-else has told their friends that they were going to do (fill in the blank). So, anyhow... this is my official announcement. From here on out I'm going to attempt to write a novel and not neglect my other duties (which is also a key obstacle). So wish me luck or something like it.
I may release sections of it as it gets written. No promises though. I'll update you how I'm progressing through it though.

What's the best thing about living in England?

2010-10-19T08:20:00.003+01:00

I certainly like the fish and chips. And there's several other benefits, but to narrow it down to the best thing would be very difficult indeed. I like that Josiah gets to grow up around Jen's family and we'll have more vacation time to visit my family, plus a little extra to maybe go on an actual vacation. But I could go on and on about what I like about living in England. It's not been an easy transition though, as I'm still searching for work and we're still living with my in-laws. But I'm sure things will get 'normal' soon.

Ask me anything

Would you ever consider colonizing on Mars if it became habitable? Why?

2010-10-19T08:20:00.001+01:00

Oh, an old question that I never got round to answering. The adventurous part of me part of me would say "Yeah, sure!" but then the reasonable side thinks about how "everything" will not be there. Imports would be really expensive. Shame, otherwise I would jump to the opportunity.

Ask me anything

Another Weakness of Mine...

2010-10-15T22:40:00.001+01:00

Having a low self-esteem, I've found can express itself in many ways. Some act over confident, while others are over dependent. I've found that the way my low self-esteem expresses itself is in the desire for compliments. And then, when I'm paid a compliment, I spend the time knocking it down. I can't just accept it for what it is... "Oh, you're just being nice." "It really isn't that good." etc., etc. Unfortunately, I find myself all too often seeking the praise of 'men' (in which case I really mean mankind and include both genders). And yet, there's another side of me that doesn't care what anyone thinks of me personally. This is were it gets pretty dangerous, because I'll say whatever is on my mind without any consideration for the feelings of others. Mainly, it's because I probably haven't fully thought it through how it will make others feel.
So 1) I seek the compliments of people, but simultaneously 2) I often offend and could care less what others think about certain issues. I can see how I'm a contradiction within myself, and these are just my natural reactions. I'm not sure if that's a characteristic of my ADD or what. But I really have to watch myself and what I post on Facebook, which is so common to find my knee-jerk reactions, especially when they involve issues that I am passionate about and therefore very vocal. I'm not afraid to stamp on the toes of anyone, even the ones closest to me. Regardless of what issue happens to be discussed. I find that it is difficult for me to find a good close friend. Once I move away from a place, it takes me a few good many years before I really can form that bond. Probably because most of the time I draw them away. My wife and mom, hate that I do that.
But even with my closest friends, I don't come to the same conclusions that they might. Politically, it's very difficult to find anyone I can side with. Religiously, I differ from many of the people around me, but even then I'm a little more careful about what I say... although for some reason, I feel the freedom to announce to the world wide web my feelings about somethings. And for a lot of it Religion and Politics is so closely intertwined. Much like science and religion is for me (oh, which reminds me of another blogpost I need to write sometime).
I think that's why I am a big fan of Paul and his letters. He was very blunt when he needed to be. He wasn't afraid of stepping on some toes if he had to.

"As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!" -Gal. 5:12(NIV)

And yet, some of my favourite times in the Bible are when these Biblical men stir up trouble, and it's God sanctioned! Even Jesus among the pharisees, sadducees and teachers of the law... he would just rip into them and expose them for who they really were. He knew their innermost desires and brought it to light. Jesus wasn't a people pleaser at all! He didn't seek the compliments of men. He wasn't afraid of hurting someone's feelings and he said what needed to be said at the time. Even if it were to hurt his own family...

"Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.”
He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” -Luke 8:19-21(NIV)

I like how direct Jesus was with the people. He wasn't 'tolerant' of their sins. He just said, "Go and sin no more." or "Stop sinning." Can you imagine what people would accuse Jesus of today? Can you imagine what a conversation with him would actually be like? Can you think what he would actually say to you? I'm sure whatever it is he would say to us, wouldn't be far off from what has already been said and recorded in the gospels. We might not like what he would have to say to us. It might challenge us to our deepest core. But he would say it with the sincerity and the hope that we would be forever changed by that encounter with him.
And it's with this I ask, "Has your encounter with Jesus really changed the way you think? Or are you just a Christian to get into heaven." It's funny how often it's heard, "Don't Judge me!" "It says in the Bible not to Judge." And so in a sense, I feel like they're saying to me... "Don't challenge me to grow! I like my status quo! I'm quite happy to remain a lukewarm Christian!"
Aren't we encouraged in the epistles:

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." -2 Timothy 3:16-4:4(NIV)

So really, if you know me personally, and you see or witness me in some wrong, please come up to me and correct me! How else am I to grow in Christ without the guidance of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ! I welcome it. Challenge me to be better! I don't want to remain in some status quo the residual sinful nature desires for me. It's like in any Art class... you critique each other's works, but it's so that you can improve later on. It may hurt at the time, but it helps you to become a better artist.
Granted I know some of my faults. I know how I stumble and fall. I know I am apt to fail especially if I were to brag otherwise! But please, I welcome anything that will help me to become more Christ-like in this life. I would do the same for you.

What is your passion?

2010-10-08T08:59:00.001+01:00

As a youth minister, I would talk to all sorts of personality types. Some would be considered very shy or quiet. These I would take my time to get to know them. Sometimes it required uncomfortable silences while I asked them various questions. I did consider it my knack to pick up a conversation with just about anyone. The trick I discovered was finding that one thing they felt most passionate about and then genuinely listen to them talk about it. Sometimes I would be surprised at how an otherwise quiet person became suddenly very talkative and excited. They found someone else who shared an interest (or at least was willing to listen) to what they too were interested in.
Some people are passionate about sports, and can rattle off all sorts of numbers and stats that portray their favourite team in the best light. I'm amazed at the dedicated fans of a sports team even though it may have been 50 years since they've had a successful season. I, personally, have never really kept an interest in sports. I will watch the Superbowl or the World Cup with some friends. For the most part, I can leave it behind.
This post was almost titled, "What are you known for?" But I just didn't like how that flowed. Somehow, among my friends, I've been known as the gadget-geek. If someone were to buy a new laptop or camera, they would come to me asking what product I thought they should buy. I'm not exactly sure how I earned that monicker though. Maybe it was because that is what I talked about a lot, inadvertently. In fact, I used to research a lot about the newest products coming out. I still keep an ear out when Apple does a developer's conference or event for the press keynote. It's my version of the Superbowl. But now, I'm trying to change. Although learning about gadgets isn't in itself bad, it is a distraction from other things I could be doing.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." -Hebrews 12:1(NIV)

The commonwealth games is currently going on (or at least it was). If you were to see the sprinters line up and get ready for the 100m run, you would observe the following. They wear the lightest possible clothing and shoes that weigh like a feather. You don't see them strapping on their cellphones and mp3 players just before the race. They leave everything aside, apart from the necessary things to keep them decent and their feet protected. Likewise, if we are to run an effective race, we should aim to throw off everything that is hindering our progress.
What I think is interesting is when Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James and John. After Jesus had just assisted them in making the greatest catch in history, Jesus tells them simply, "Follow me." and their reaction is surprising:

"So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him."
-Luke 5:11(NIV)

They leave EVERYTHING behind. They left the boats. They left biggest catch of fish anyone had ever seen (which would have fetch a wealthy profit). They left the business. They left their families. Everything. A similar thing happens 16 verses later:

"After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him." -Luke 5:27(NIV)

And yet there were a couple of other times when Jesus had offered the opportunity to follow him:

As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
He said to another man, “Follow me.”
But the man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family.”
Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. -Luke 9:57-10:1(NIV)

They missed out on a great opportunity, because they showed hesitation. Granted the things they wanted to go about and do were not bad things in themselves... it just wasn't pertinent compared to following Christ.
And later on when Jesus approached a rich young man:

When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?”
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”
Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!”
“I tell you the truth,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.”-Luke 18:22(NIV)

Okay, let me go ahead and say... I do not plan on leaving my family behind. That should alleviate any worries by my wife. But it does make me think about the other things that serve as distractions in my life. I never really thought about the Parable of the Sower before in this light, but did you realise that three out of the four soils produced a plant, but only one fully matured and multiplied it's crop. The one that concerns me most is this one though:

"The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature."-Luke 8:14(NIV)

I think it might be time to do a little weeding in my garden. So my aim the past couple of weeks has been to try and eliminate the frivolous things that waste my time. I've become knowledgable of several things in my life so far. But each time that I've learned it competently, I get bored with it. There's only been one thing that has kept my interest and I keep going back to it. I hope that my sole purpose and passion can be to seek knowledge of God and glorify Him.

Thinking Humbly

2010-10-04T23:56:00.003+01:00

Being a person of typically low self-esteem, I never thought I'd have to watch myself on pride. In fact, prideful people are very difficult for me to get along with. And yet like David convicting himself in his own sin as revealed by Nathan in 2 Samuel 12, I find myself in that very position. I've found pride sneaking up on me from the unlikeliest of places. Regardless of what I am prideful for, it's still something that I'm disappointed for allowing myself to slip into. And yet, it was probably more evident to those outside myself long before it revealed its conviction in me.

"Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." -1 Corinthians 8:1(NIV)

Ever since I've rediscovered that I have a capable mind (I once knew it at a much younger age when I didn't require the help of teachers to learn new concepts), I have returned to the pleasures of learning. Unfortunately, I'm best tuned in when I am prescribed a medication for my A.D.D. (I'm currently taking Straterra). I'm able to focus much more acutely into the things I read and can understand things more readily. My mind isn't scattered into multiple directions and interests. I'm able to finish books that I start and digest them well.
I've begun to realise that my opinions do not always match up to my fellow Christians, and having read the books that support my own conclusions from scripture, I have become more concrete in my beliefs. But regardless of what I believe, I cannot expect for others what I've come to find as a "higher standard of truth" to have the same hold it has taken on me. In fact, most of the time that I share my findings, I'm given a strong opposition.
And yet my hunger for knowledge of God continues to grow. In a way, I fancy it as how I can love God with all my mind.

"If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."- 1 Corinthians 13:2(NIV)

I've recently begun reading "The Imitation of Christ" by Thomas A. Kempis and what I read in those first few chapters was a much needed humbling. Below is just one such chapter:

HAVING A HUMBLE OPINION OF SELF

Every man naturally desires knowledge; but what good is knowledge without fear of God? Indeed a humble rustic who serves God is better than a proud intellectual who neglects his soul to study the course of the stars. He who knows himself well becomes mean in his own eyes and is not happy when praised by men.
If I knew all things in the world and had not charity, what would it profit me before God Who will judge me by my deeds?
Shun too great a desire for knowledge, for in it there is much fretting and delusion. Intellectuals like to appear learned and to be called wise. Yet there are many things the knowledge of which does little or no good to the soul, and he who concerns himself about other things than those which lead to salvation is very unwise.
Many words do not satisfy the soul; but a good life eases the mind and a clean conscience inspires great trust in God.
The more you know and the better you understand, the more severely will you be judged, unless your life is also the more holy. Do not be proud, therefore, because of your learning or skill. Rather, fear because of the talent given you. If you think you know many things and understand them well enough, realize at the same time that there is much you do not know. Hence, do not affect wisdom, but admit your ignorance. Why prefer yourself to anyone else when many are more learned, more cultured than you?
If you wish to learn and appreciate something worth while, then love to be unknown and considered as nothing. Truly to know and despise self is the best and most perfect counsel. To think of oneself as nothing, and always to think well and highly of others is the best and most perfect wisdom. Wherefore, if you see another sin openly or commit a serious crime, do not consider yourself better, for you do not know how long you can remain in good estate. All men are frail, but you must admit that none is more frail than yourself.

I've also sought to hold myself to the high standard of Christ. Sadly, this can also sneak up as a self-righteousness, or a holier-than-thou attitude. It was not my intention to behave in this way, but only out of a desire to live with a clear conscience (not that I am without my struggles, but I have had a better time of dealing with them since confessing them and being held accountable to them- both Biblical ways of overcoming sin). In fact, I find that the more I strive toward this holiness, like knowledge which as you acquire more, you realise just how much you are lacking. And in comparison to God's great holiness, I lack greatly. Thank Him for Christ, who makes up the difference on our behalf.
What brought me to the realisation of my lack of humility was my thoughts on the following verse:

"Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."-Romans 12:3(NIV)

And so I should seek to be more of a servant to others. I should seek out how to love my neighbour as myself. And in this pursuit of loving others, I should gain more of a knowledge of God.

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory and praise of God." -Phil. 1:9-11(NIV)

One only has to look up 'knowledge' in the concordance to see a great many verses dedicated to this subject, so I will not deny seeking out knowledge for myself, but to realise that I should remain humble in light of the fact that God has created all there is to know, and all Truth originates in Him.

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."- Colossians 2:2-3(NIV)

Waiting Patiently

2010-09-30T23:14:00.001+01:00

Earlier today, I told my son that since he was such a good boy while his mom was away, I'd get him a little treat. I had some other errands to run uptown, so I thought I'd go ahead and make that part of the trip. He was a little trooper and walked most of the time (which is a long way to walk for a little guy). We shopped in all the available shops and neither he or I were able to get what we came for. After we had walked out of the last shop he realised he would be without his treat and he started to cry. I picked him up, looked him in the eye and said, "If you can just wait a little longer, it will come. Trust me." On the way home, he whimpered a little bit realising that his wait was longer than he wanted it to be. He quietly said, "I want a treat." I reassured him it would come along and he just had to wait for it. I told him how mommy and daddy are wanting things right now, but we also have to wait.
I was thinking about it tonight and how that really echoes our relationship with God sometimes. We ask for things in prayer and the hardest part is waiting for an answer. Jen and I have been desiring to move to England to live, work and be closer to her family. It was March of 2009 when we made the decision to take steps to finally make it a reality. But it seemed like there was delay after delay. Our hope originally was to be there by her mom's birthday last october, but that came and went. It was April before we sold the house and were finally in a position to move.
Now it's been five months since we've moved (a year and a half since we first made the decision) and we had thought we'd both have jobs and have set up our own home by the end of the summer. It's now September, and Jen has only just got a job, while I am still applying and being declined for work. We're still waiting for things to fall into place.
When it comes to spiritual matters though, how often do we ask for self-control when it comes to one struggle or another, and yet we still are faced with the temptations.

Then he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.’
“Then the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man’s boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” -Luke 11:5-13

I really like how Jesus qualifies his statement in Luke with that last verse: "how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" If there is one thing that is worth asking God for, it's more of God's Spirit in our life. I've started to ask God for him to fill me with his Spirit. I don't know why I never thought to ask Him before. It seems like that would be something we should have been praying for all along! It seems so obvious now.
Anyhow, back to the story about my son. After his bedtime, Jen and I went on a trip to Tesco's to retrieve some of the things I was looking for earlier. While we were there we also found something to give our son for his good behaviour. So don't worry, he will wake up in the morning and receive his treat. If I know how to give good things to my Son, then couldn't God do immeasurably more than all I can ask or imagine?

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."-Ephesians 3:14-21

I think this would be a worthwhile prayer for all of us to pray and patiently wait until the day God will answer. Amen indeed!

Suffering With Our Christian Siblings

2010-09-30T14:59:00.002+01:00

After posting about needing some time to myself, I realise that some may treat this as an excuse to exodus from church as an institution. Therefore, I must confess that I need people, too. I need fellow brothers and sisters in Christ for encouragement, accountability, exhortation, and for me to serve them as well. There will always be people who make it difficult to want to go to church. I assure you, most of them are not doing this on purpose. Look at it as ways you can extend your own grace and mercy to them. Exercise your imitation of Christ to them.

It seems that when we are hurting, people unintentionally say the most hurtful things when they're trying to help. I am guilty of saying exactly the wrong thing to people as well. It's not their purpose to be pouring salt on your wounds. Their heart earnestly is in the right place, but their tongues are in the wrong time and vocabulary.
People are uncomfortable around those who are suffering. They'd rather be around happy cheerful people who lift them up. In American culture, it's the tendency to rely on everything to be conveniently available to you and that you get it immediately. Unfortunately, that can transfer over into inapplicable and inappropriate situations. Because Christians don't like to see their fellow followers suffering, they like to try and give the fast food style of comfort and support ("We'll have you feeling better in 15 minutes or less!"). Everything must be efficiently done with just a little time, effort and words.
That's why a cliché is often used. It might have been heard somewhere and then it becomes so repeated that soon the words have lost their meaning, and all the while the sufferer grins and bears it. They might be confused when the sufferer suddenly hasn't brightened up for them. "Cheer up! Things will get better!"

I'd like to point out Job's friends:

"When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was." -Job 2:11-13

We give them a lot of flack, but initially... what they did for Job was probably the best thing they could have done. They mourned with him. They even joined him in his sackcloth and ash. They sat with him on the ground for a whole week, saying NOTHING! They made time for him. They made themselves uncomfortable and truly joined Job in his suffering and mourning.

"On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." -1 Corinthians 12:22-26

Just read that section of verses and really meditate on what it's saying about the church as a whole. If God puts suffering Christians in our midst, why are we so quickly trying to get them to cheer up? Maybe we need to take a careful look at our congregations. Who are the people who are hurting? Who are the people that having nothing altogether? Who are the ones we avoid for fear that they'll bring us down from our "spiritual high"? The problem is... everyone has something. Maybe this is why we also fail to confess our hurts and our pains to our own brothers and sisters. Because we've made it a pseudo-sin to hurt, to doubt, to suffer, to be depressed.
The thing we all need to understand is... it's okay to suffer. To be experiencing a mood down in the dumps. It's funny how after my situation, I started to see blog articles about "the dark night of the soul". John Mark Hicks wrote about Psalm 77 and before I wrote my "confession", Richard Beck wrote briefly on Psalm 88 and linked to an earlier article which inspired my own post. The idea that there are Summer and Winter Christians. This was inspiring to me. It wasn't a sin to be hurting, in mourning, or sad. It's okay to experience joy in an entirely different way that doesn't necessarily equate to a bright and shiny smile on our face.
When we have learned how to suffer and mourn with one another, then we can be better equipped to truly help them experience joy later on, rather than unnecessary condemnation from the very ones who should be helping.

Love God

2010-09-28T10:13:00.002+01:00

It’s the most important commandment, as was made clear by Jesus in Mark 12:29-30. But how does someone love a spiritual being that you’ve never physically seen, felt or heard? It’s seems to be a very abstract idea to love God when you really think about it, but as you think deeper, you might begin to realize that it’s no different than when you were courting your spouse. It begins with a constant longing to be with them, to talk with them, discover what makes them happy, and then to do those things for them. You might have written letters to each other or talked on the phone. You sought to spend every waking hour with them. Every moment with them was a blessing.
In the same way, we talk with God in prayer. Sometimes we formalize prayer a bit too much, and then we’re scared into thinking we’re not doing it right. Maybe you might have felt this way before you even begun your relationship with your significant other, but over time you became comfortable with them. It’s the same way with God. Just talk to Him at every moment of the day. There’s no real need to formalize it with ‘Dear God’ or end with ‘Amen’. Do you talk to your spouse like that… ‘Dear Jenny’. I really like how Josiah starts his prayers with ‘Hey God’. It may seem informal, but it’s not irreverent.
When Jen and I were separated by an ocean, we sent letters and emails to each other to keep in touch. I remember reading and pouring over those messages. Getting every bit of information I could from it. I read those letters multiple times. Do you read you Bible in the same way? Do you seek to know what pleases God? Do you want to know more about his character and personality? Do you want to hear how much he loves you?
Finally, when we seek to do things for one another, we bought gifts or made something special for them. Our words were backed by an action. Jesus says “If you love me, you will do what I command” and 1 John gives further instruction that when we love one another, we are loving God. How are you showing your love to God? Beyond the songs and prayers, what are you doing?
Thinking of loving God in these terms helps me to understand Deuteronomy 6:5, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength”. How can we love God with all of our being? Seek to make that the priority of your lives.

Literal Jesus

2010-09-28T10:12:00.002+01:00

The next time you read through the gospels, really try to read them as the first time you’ve come to them without any preconceived ideas. Really take in everything that Jesus does and says while he was here on this earth. Forget all the commentaries and every story as you’ve been previously taught. If we were to only see Jesus as he is often taught to us, we’d assume that Jesus, the meek and mild, never offended anyone. Be careful that the Jesus you believe in is not the sanitized and safe Jesus that promises you health, wealth, and happiness in this life.
Maybe after so long of being a Christian, we see the reissued commands that Jesus makes and water them down to our believed capabilities. ‘Turn the other cheek’ ‘Don’t resist an evil person’ ‘Give to the one who asks you’ ‘Be perfect.’ When Jesus simply said ‘follow me’, the apostles dropped everything to follow him. But when he went to some others, and they had something else they needed to do first… Jesus went on without them. Jesus is speaking to us in the Parable of the Sower, when he talks about the seeds that grew among the thorns:

The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.
–Luke 8:14

How often are we distracted by all that the world offers. We find the time to do the things which entertain us, but rarely find the time to read and pray to God. Not that I’m trying to guilt you into it, but if we really loved God, wouldn’t we seek him out? Wouldn’t we long for the next time we’d pray to him? Wouldn’t we long for the next time we read the Bible and eagerly sought out what it teaches us? We should take the time and examine ourselves. What are we really passionate about? What do we really strive for in this life? If Jesus were to ask you, “Follow Me.” Would you drop everything and go? Would you follow Jesus literally or figuratively?

I Have a Confession...

2010-09-28T01:06:00.000+01:00

I failed to attend Church during the scheduled meeting time. It was the first time I had done so without being physically sick. I was not geographically detained either. I just did not feel like being among people. And because I am no longer a minister, I didn't feel that obligation to go even though I have had that feeling many times in the past but went anyways because I was the paid minister. Although many will argue that I "should have gone", and "you would have felt better for going": I really did not feel like being around another human being that Thursday night (Adam St Church of Christ meets on the non-scriptural Thursday Night, as opposed to the traditional Wednesday night).
I had been having a down day from that very morning. I had to be the stay-at-home father, and many will say I should enjoy that time I have with my son... but I've never been very good with kids, and sometimes I'm not patient even with Josiah. Thursday was one of those days. Josiah was good though. It wasn't anything he had done. In fact, he could tell Daddy was having a down day, so He came and sat in my lap and just hugged me for a long while. I was alright with that. But even that heartfelt hug wasn't enough to bring me out of this despairing pit I had found myself in. I needed a moment ALONE! God was invited though.
And He joined me. I spent the time in prayer. Not that I'm patting myself on the back for anything, but it was time that was much needed. You might argue, that I should have went ahead and gone to church, then prayed alone, but then I wouldn't have been alone to pray and it would not have been quiet enough. I live with my in-laws currently. Just until we can get an income to support ourselves, but job outlooks haven't been good during the worldwide recession. And maybe that played a part in my down day.
But I prayed, and I emptied all my complaints out to God. Everything. I had an article to write for our monthly newsletter and a sermon to prepare for that Sunday. I didn't feel fit to present either. If it hadn't been for that short time alone, I know I wouldn't have been able to do either... Well, I probably could have, in that way ministers do when they're down, but minister anyway. Preaching and teaching out of emptiness.
In my time with God though, I was given a very good answer... or maybe it was just a conclusion my own thoughts came to... but it sure felt like inspiration. And that's what I decided to preach on. When I felt like I was unqualified to present any lesson, I'd use it to praise God. I'll probably expound upon my conclusion in another blogpost. Not only did it help me with being able to present something to the congregation that Sunday... it also prepared me for the next day.
That next day, I was informed my Mom has breast cancer. They had just discovered it. Thankfully, I had spent that time with God, and came to the conclusion... whatever my circumstances are, I shall praise God, because He is holy. Regardless of what life brings us... God remains holy. That is one thing that never changes. God is holy and deserves our praise regardless of our circumstances.

give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
-1 Thessalonians 5:18

You know... it's funny that sentence begins with the phrase "Be joyful always..." I did not feel any joy. And maybe I need to do a little word study on Joy. I'm not convinced we are to be freakishly cheerful in every happenstance. There are some people who hold this truth that you must be 'happy' all the time when you are a Christian. Those people really get under my skin. I'll continue to bear with them in love though.

Critically Thinking About Biblical Critique

2010-09-15T09:27:00.000+01:00

I've been mulling about this topic for a while and have discussed it with a few friends. Which certainly doesn't make me an expert. And yet, I'm sure the more educated of readers who might stumble upon this might roll their eyes and continue on to the next article on their list of things to read (although, I know I'm not listed in a great number of reader's blog rolls 1) because I'm not consistent enough 2) I'm not THAT important).

Although, there is something that has been bothering me lately. When you speak with/read/listen to biblical scholars, why is it that they sometimes deny some of the miraculous stories of the Bible? They rob the story of God's power and make it more 'believable' or 'plausible'. What happened to their faith along the way as they studied in depth the stories of the Old Testament, and even the New Testament? Biblical Critique. That's my simple answer. The more advanced answer will just take longer to write out.

Case in point. The "common" believer, when speaking about Moses and the Israelites escaping Egypt by crossing the Red Sea do not deny that the waters were parted and they crossed safely on dry ground. But if you get into a discussion with an "educated" believer, suddenly the Sea is no longer a large expanse of water but a short walk across a marsh with reeds in it. What happened to God's intervention and the display of physics defying power? Biblical Critique.

How is it that higher education and biblical studies is actually robbing the faith from the greater minds that seek to study it? How is it that another man's thoughts on a topic exceed the biblical accounts? Maybe it's time to take a step back and really think about the sources we gather our intellect from.

Do not mistake me though. I am not promoting an ignorant faith either. For some propose neglecting further study because of it's dangers of destroying one's faith. I am saying that we should consider the source of our information. A man. Albeit, a well-studied man, with lots of degrees no doubt, who wrote a book on his well educated and researched hypothesis about what really happened next to a body of water of debatable size. He probably even quoted several other highly educated men such as himself in his careful research.

Some may challenge me, and say I am the one with the lack of faith if I cannot still believe in a God when all his miracles have been stripped from the stories. But what kind of God do you get when you strip him of every powerful account given in the Bible?

I enjoy reading and dedicating my knowledge to learning more about God, Christianity, Theology, Philosophy, etc. But if I had a choice between being an expert in the law, or the gentile centurion who pleaded with Jesus to heal his servant from a distance- I'd rather want to be greeted with, "I have not found such great faith even in Israel.”, not among the several people Jesus encountered and said, "You of little faith."

Why can't I be an intellectual and simultaneously wonder at the power of our God? These verses ring between my ears:

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength." 1 Cor. 1:18-25

So I'll continue in my foolishness and possible naiveté. I'll continue to read the Bible stories, as I heard them from my childhood, with the acceptance of the magnitude of which God displays his power. I'll fully believe in the wondrous stories of the Old Testament, and I'll speak them to my son. I'll passionately declare the power of my God to anyone who will listen. And I will look like a fool doing so.

"He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." -Matt 18:2-4

Slaves of Men

2010-08-23T14:49:00.000+01:00

On Facebook, I posted a question in my status, that admittedly, could have been phrased better. The exact question I asked was this:

"I wish someone could give a solid defence how a professing Christian supports the military. I realise I have a lot of friends who are soldiers or ex-military, so maybe someone can enlighten me. How does that not conflict with your conscience? It's just something I've never understood."

The resulting conversation was educational, and passionate at times. I didn't want to start quarrelling with my brothers and sisters in Christ, but I wanted to simply gain a better understanding of their position. Unfortunately, I felt the need to reply to the comments that followed to support my own position. The conversation carried on for days and would have continued on, but I felt the need to let it lie. The best argument given for Christians in military service was in this article submitted by a friend in a private message. And yet still, I felt it laid far from what we're commanded in scripture to live by, as I've personally read and studied. America (or any other government for that matter), as a whole, is not interested in completing the mission of God. As a Christian, I can think of several other outlets of personal service in organisations that would be more beneficial and a more direct following of what God's service on earth would have us to do.
Then I was reminded of a verse which has been floating through my mind lately.

Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him. Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you — although if you can gain your freedom, do so. For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to. -1 Corinthians 7:20-24

Not only, as Christians, are we called by Christ to not repay evil with evil, and to not resist someone who inflicts violence on us... but we are not to become slaves to any man. Can a man submit to the military, thus making him subject to the orders he must follow by his government and higher ranking commanders to live the life of a soldier, and not technically have made himself a slave? I don't think so, considering for the next however many years he's committed his life to the military, he is told where he is to live, how he is to live, when and where he will be deployed, and what actions he is to take as a soldier as commanded by his higher ranking authorities. Disobeying these orders can get you into big trouble with the military courts, where they reserve the right to punish disorderly soldiers. This does not strike me as the life of a free man.
Let us live as freed men then, not to be mastered by anything or anyone, but Christ. Let us truly make Christ Lord of our lives and allow him to direct our lives completely and follow Him foolhardily.

Every Knee Should Bow

2010-08-18T16:02:00.001+01:00

I wonder if I'm reverent enough in my worship to God. It's something that I've been thinking about lately.

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”
-Heb. 12:28-29(NIV)

Have I become too comfortable in my prayers to Him? Most of the time when I pray it's just whenever I feel like it throughout the day. I might be walking somewhere, or as I've laid down to sleep. Anybody observing me, might not notice anything. It's like my ultimate prayer closet (Matt 6:6). If anything it looks like I'm just deep in a thought, and sometimes I am. Sometimes, it's like a flow constantly between prayer and deep thought. Who knows when one prayer is concluded and another starts? Who decided we should always begin and end with "Dear God" and the now required "In Jesus Name, Amen"?
Okay, I may be forfeiting my reward in heaven when I reveal this next thing, but hopefully it's for the good (Actually, it may just be admitting that I don't do it very often and is to my shame). Sometimes I do get the urge to change position in prayer. When a standing or sitting prayer just doesn't seem to cut it. Not that I can motivate God to listen to me better, or convince him that my prayers are now worth answering. But there's something to be said about actually kneeling in prayer. And sometimes I'll even lie facedown on the ground for a while. Admittedly, It's not something I do very often at all, but every so often I feel the need or urge to do so.
Like I said before, I don't believe this is out of some desire to manipulate God's ear to my pleas. I don't think it works that way. I do notice something different in how it changes me. By taking a more humble approach to the throne of God, I'm more aware of his actual presence. Not that he's any more present because of my posture, but that I'm taking the stance that the ground I'm laying on is holy because he is there. My approach to him is entirely changed. It's suddenly easier to praise his name and thank him for all that he's done. To humbly come before him as a repentant sinner, instead of the self-righteous confident one (Luke 18:9-14) does change the way you come away from that prayer.
I've noticed that when you read in the OT about people coming into the presence of an angel, most of the time... it's like they've gone rigid and fallen right on their face. I don't think this is a voluntary position, but a natural response of coming into contact with something so holy. And yet the angels time and time again told the silly humans to get up and not bow before them... sometimes they needed help getting back up again! When people realised they were in the presence of God... (BOOM!) face down on the ground.
I think what's most revealing about the nature of Christ and his power while he was on Earth was just before he was led away to be wrongly accused and crucified.

Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.
“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
-John 18:4-6(NIV)

Even these people who had no reverence or fear of Jesus fell to the ground. They had no clue who he was and sought to kill him, and they still had that natural response to just fall to the ground in the presence of true holiness.
This is why I think it's completely appropriate to voluntarily lie facedown in prayer. It may seem awkward at first, and "unnecessary". You may even feel a bit silly doing it, but honestly... it is completely worth it. God is worthy of it, isn't he?
I love this scripture as well, and I know it's a favourite of many...

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. -Phil. 2:6-11(NIV)

You know that's powerful. Christ who humbly came to earth as a newborn helpless baby and lived the lowly life of a servant, was raise to a position so high, that even just his name invokes worship and declaration of who he is!
So again, I've decided that I truly haven't shown the reverence God deserves when I come to him in prayer. Not that I'm suddenly going to be more showy in church, but in my private time with him... I need to recognise that He is indeed "in this place" and "where He is, is holy".

On a side note, my list of things to write about is getting longer and longer, and I've not been taking the time to write them out. I will attempt to write more, because I have been encouraged to do so. Thanks for the encouragement.

DECLARATION OF SENTIMENTS ADOPTED BY PEACE CONVENTION. Boston, 1838

2010-08-17T17:16:00.000+01:00

Below is quoted a declaration of nonresistance to evil as was signed in 1838 and reproduced in Leo Tolstoy's "The Kingdom of God is Within You". I think it's truly revealing a Christian's viewpoint toward war and military service in the 19th century, and even it's position toward national patriotism. Attitudes have greatly changed since then, and to hold such views would probably be looked at rather negatively in many a modern Christian. I think it's worth noting and considering.

"We the undersigned, regard it as due to ourselves, to the
cause which we love, to the country in which we live, to
publish a declaration expressive of the purposes we aim to
accomplish and the measures we shall adopt to carry forward the
work of peaceful universal reformation.

"We do not acknowledge allegiance to any human government. We
recognize but one King and Lawgiver, one Judge and Ruler of
mankind. Our country is the world, our countrymen are all
mankind. We love the land of our nativity only as we love all
other lands. The interests and rights of American citizens are
not dearer to us than those of the whole human race. Hence we
can allow no appeal to patriotism to revenge any national
insult or injury...

"We conceive that a nation has no right to defend itself
against foreign enemies or to punish its invaders, and no
individual possesses that right in his own case, and the unit
cannot be of greater importance than the aggregate. If
soldiers thronging from abroad with intent to commit rapine and
destroy life may not be resisted by the people or the
magistracy, then ought no resistance to be offered to domestic
troublers of the public peace or of private security.

"The dogma that all the governments of the world are
approvingly ordained of God, and that the powers that be in the
United States, in Russia, in Turkey, are in accordance with his
will, is no less absurd than impious. It makes the impartial
Author of our existence unequal and tyrannical. It cannot be
affirmed that the powers that be in any nation are actuated by
the spirit or guided by the example of Christ in the treatment
of enemies; therefore they cannot be agreeable to the will of
God, and therefore their overthrow by a spiritual regeneration
of their subjects is inevitable.

"We regard as unchristian and unlawful not only all wars,
whether offensive or defensive, but all preparations for war;
every naval ship, every arsenal, every fortification, we regard
as unchristian and unlawful; the existence of any kind of
standing army, all military chieftains, all monuments
commemorative of victory over a fallen foe, all trophies won in
battle, all celebrations in honor of military exploits, all
appropriations for defense by arms; we regard as unchristian
and unlawful every edict of government requiring of its
subjects military service.

"Hence we deem it unlawful to bear arms, and we cannot hold any
office which imposes on its incumbent the obligation to compel
men to do right on pain of imprisonment or death. We therefore
voluntarily exclude ourselves from every legislative and
judicial body, and repudiate all human politics, worldly
honors, and stations of authority. If we cannot occupy a seat
in the legislature or on the bench, neither can we elect others
to act as our substitutes in any such capacity. It follows
that we cannot sue any man at law to force him to return
anything he may have wrongly taken from us; if he has seized
our coat, we shall surrender him our cloak also rather than
subject him to punishment.

"We believe that the penal code of the old covenant--an eye for
an eye, and a tooth for a tooth--has been abrogated by Jesus
Christ, and that under the new covenant the forgiveness instead
of the punishment of enemies has been enjoined on all his
disciples in all cases whatsoever. To extort money from
enemies, cast them into prison, exile or execute them, is
obviously not to forgive but to take retribution.

"The history of mankind is crowded with evidences proving that
physical coercion is not adapted to moral regeneration, and
that the sinful dispositions of men can be subdued only by
love; that evil can be exterminated only by good; that it is
not safe to rely upon the strength of an arm to preserve us
from harm; that there is great security in being gentle, long-
suffering, and abundant in mercy; that it is only the meek who
shall inherit the earth; for those who take up the sword shall
perish by the sword.

"Hence as a measure of sound policy--of safety to property,
life, and liberty--of public quietude and private enjoyment--as
well as on the ground of allegiance to Him who is King of kings
and Lord of lords, we cordially adopt the non-resistance
principle, being confident that it provides for all possible
consequences, is armed with omnipotent power, and must
ultimately triumph over every assailing force.

"We advocate no Jacobinical doctrines. The spirit of
Jacobinism is the spirit of retaliation, violence, and murder.
It neither fears God nor regards man. We would be filled with
the spirit of Christ. If we abide evil by our fundamental
principle of not opposing evil by evil we cannot participate in
sedition, treason, or violence. We shall submit to every
ordinance and every requirement of government, except such as
are contrary to the commands of the Gospel, and in no case
resist the operation of law, except by meekly submitting to the
penalty of disobedience.

"But while we shall adhere to the doctrine of non-resistance
and passive submission to enemies, we purpose, in a moral and
spiritual sense, to assail iniquity in high places and in low
places, to apply our principles to all existing evil,
political, legal, and ecclesiastical institutions, and to
hasten the time when the kingdoms of this world will have
become the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. It appears to us
a self-evident truth that whatever the Gospel is designed to
destroy at any period of the world, being contrary to it, ought
now to be abandoned. If, then, the time is predicted when
swords shall be beaten into plowshares and spears into pruning
hooks, and men shall not learn the art of war any more, it
follows that all who manufacture, sell, or wield these deadly
weapons do thus array themselves against the peaceful dominion
of the Son of God on earth.

"Having thus stated our principles, we proceed to specify the
measures we propose to adopt in carrying our object into
effect.

"We expect to prevail through the Foolishness of Preaching. We
shall endeavor to promulgate our views among all persons, to
whatever nation, sect, or grade of society they may belong.
Hence we shall organize public lectures, circulate tracts and
publications, form societies, and petition every governing
body. It will be our leading object to devise ways and means
for effecting a radical change in the views, feelings, and
practices of society respecting the sinfulness of war and the
treatment of enemies.

"In entering upon the great work before us, we are not
unmindful that in its prosecution we may be called to test
our sincerity even as in a fiery ordeal. It may subject us to
insult, outrage, suffering, yea, even death itself. We
anticipate no small amount of misconception, misrepresentation,
and calumny. Tumults may arise against us. The proud and
pharisaical, the ambitious and tyrannical, principalities and
powers, may combine to crush us. So they treated the Messiah
whose example we are humbly striving to imitate. We shall not
be afraid of their terror. Our confidence is in the Lord
Almighty and not in man. Having withdrawn from human
protection, what can sustain us but that faith which overcomes
the world? We shall not think it strange concerning the fiery
trial which is to try us, but rejoice inasmuch as we are
partakers of Christ's sufferings.

"Wherefore we commit the keeping of our souls to God. For every
one that forsakes houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father,
or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for Christ's sake,
shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting
life.

"Firmly relying upon the certain and universal triumph of the
sentiments contained in this declaration, however formidable
may be the opposition arrayed against them, we hereby affix our
signatures to it; commending it to the reason and conscience of
mankind, and resolving, in the strength of the Lord God, to
calmly and meekly abide the issue."

Taming the Tongue: Godless Chatter

2010-08-05T15:06:00.000+01:00

I've been having a lot of thoughts about topics which might be semi-related. So I would say, expect some regularly posted updates here, but I can make no promises.

I would like to call to your attention a few verses that come to my mind on frequent occasions and slightly scare me.

"Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith. Grace be with you."- 1 Timothy 6:20-21(NIV)

"Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly." -2 Timothy 2:14-16(NIV)

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." -Ephesians 4:29(NIV)

I guess what has really stirred these thoughts in me is the verse that I have long struggled with, especially throughout my past time as a youth minister:
"Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check." James 3:1-2(NIV)

I wonder what classifies as Godless chatter. Is it anything that doesn't directly glorify God? Is it every word spoken in jest and in fanciful ideas? Is it in the selfish talk and bragging, or even to the other side of the spectrum when we complain or feel self-pity.

Not to become overly legalistic, but to continually strive for what is good and right. This has always bothered me, because being ADD, I tend to say things quite impulsively. They might be hilarious at the time, but to think back on all that I've said makes me shutter. I often wonder if I will be among the ones that make it into heaven as one barely passing through the flames (1 Cor 3:15). I envision that would make a brilliant action sequence (which appears in many movies), but a horrible way to make an entrance into the presence of God. Naked, and slightly singed.

As a youth minister, I never felt qualified or confident in my task as a teacher. I knew the risks going into it. Would I have unknowingly led others astray, and tied the millstone around my neck(Matt 18:6). I know my lack of confidence did bother others, and still... even though I am no longer a youth minister... I still eagerly desire to teach others about the word of God. Am I on a spiritual suicide mission? What has possessed me to put myself in these positions?

And yet as I find myself in that teaching position, I feel a great joy in sharing what I believe what God has gifted me with. In spite of what others may believe about it.

I had an awesome opportunity to teach classes at Maplewell Camp and the experience left me counting my blessings. It had me missing my time as a youth minister. (I can not possibly share all the reasons for my decision to leave that career here.) It was a blessing at night to counsel the teen boys and answer whatever questions they had (to the best of my ability). I had great opportunities to share my personal faith with them. I hope that in all that was said... it was for God's glory and was honestly for building up God's kingdom.

But like all men, we all suffer with untameable tongues that speak freely outside the classroom and ruin the teachable moments we have. Or sometimes contradict what was said in the classroom. How are we- as teachers of the word, encouragers and exhorters of God's disciples- to keep a tight reign on our tongues. It seems as if it's not enough to avoid swear words, or avoid frivolous vows. We must also choose every word carefully. What a grand task that is laid before us.

In light of all this, I wonder... if to write a fictional storyline is included in this pointless endeavour of meaninglessness. But I cannot be resolved to be crippled into inaction, because that is idleness. Something I'm already prone to do. Anyhow, I fear I've already spoken/written enough words to condemn me many times over.

New Direction (again)?

2010-08-04T11:58:00.000+01:00

So I think I may try several different things with this blog (once again). It's just difficult to make the time required to write a post. It does take me an unusually long time to post anything to here, because I take time to write things out. You probably wouldn't believe it when you read my outcomes. But it's one of those things that stops me from writing a lot. I feel I need to make enough time to cover it, and if I only have 15 minutes (such as now) I tend to shy away from writing anything.

I think I've already revealed that I will abandoned the Sci-fi story I was writing. So all that is old news.

I think I've come to the conclusion that I have the potential to achieve great things (as I suppose many others are) but the difference between myself and those who have achieved the great things, is that they actually went out and did it, regardless of their knowledge of the outcome. I think I've conversed with God many times on this same subject. I wonder why my tendency is to go and bury the talent in the field, rather than invest it and see it's growth. I'm not suggesting that I would succeed at whatever I pursued (there are a few things that I've discovered I've lack the knack for) but there are a great many directions that I could go. I think I must be more determined and focused in one of these areas, if I'm to achieve something. Not for my glory, but for God's.
The idea of creative writing is starting to appeal to me. Unlike photography were you take a picture of what is already there and you might manipulate it in photoshop, you're still stuck wih what you're given. And with other forms of art, you are open to create whatever your mind can produce. But I think the clever thing about story writing, is how the outcome of the picture seen by the various readers can be very different indeed. This is discovered when we see a movie from a book we've read, and the director has taken the vision to his own interpretation. It would be interesting to paint word pictures and then ask others to create works of art inspired by the literature to see the many different variations.

I wish I had the alone time and the dedication to read more of the classics.

Anyhow, my time is just about up, and I've just proven to myself how much can be accomplished if I just take 15 mins at a time. Although it would be debatable that this was an accomplishment. It was probably more productive than if I had chosen to do anything else with my time... (except looking through the adverts of the newspaper for a job- opps).

Beautiful Homes!

2010-07-07T18:28:00.001+01:00

These are the homes that, if money and location were not an issue, I would love to live in... or at least stay in for a week. Click on the pictures for more views of the homes. Homes are not ordered in preference though.

House #1

This home has some interesting furnishing (including lifesize Spiderman and Stormtrooper, and a Marilyn Monroe print over the bed), but outside that... it's beautiful architecture.

House #2

House #3

House #4

House #5

House #6

We Pledge Allegiance

2010-07-04T08:45:00.001+01:00

The following is a section of the Litany by Shane Claiborne, Jim Loney and Brian Walsh that can also be found in the book Jesus for President. I thought it was especially appropriate for today. The whole piece can be viewed on this video link(for Facebook viewers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Akc_7O9A9-I ), words are written out in the video description.

One: Today we pledge our ultimate allegiance… to the Kingdom of God
All: We pledge allegiance
One: To a peace that is not like Rome’s
All: We pledge allegiance
One: To the Gospel of enemy love
All: We pledge allegiance
One: To the Kingdom of the poor and broken
All: We pledge allegiance
One: To a King that loves his enemies so much he died for them
All: We pledge allegiance
One: To the least of these, with whom Christ dwells
All: We pledge allegiance
One: To the transnational Church that transcends the artificial borders of nations
All: We pledge allegiance
One: To the refugee of Nazareth
All: We pledge allegiance
One: To the homeless rabbi who had no place to lay his head
All: We pledge allegiance
One: To the cross rather than the sword
All: We pledge allegiance
One: To the banner of love above any flag
All: We pledge allegiance
One: To the one who rules with a towel rather than an iron fist
All: We pledge allegiance
One: To the one who rides a donkey rather than a war-horse
All: We pledge allegiance
One: To the revolution that sets both oppressed and oppressors free
All: We pledge allegiance
One: To the Way that leads to life
All: We pledge allegiance
One: To the Slaughtered Lamb
All: We pledge allegiance
One: And together we proclaim his praises, from the margins of the empire to the centers of wealth and power
All: Long Live the Slaughtered Lamb
One: Long Live the Slaughtered Lamb
All: Long Live the Slaughtered Lamb

A Simple Message

2010-06-26T16:37:00.000+01:00

The one I wrote for May's newsletter...

In our Thursday night class, we were talking about I Corinthians chapter one. If we had read a little further, we would have read these words from Paul:
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 3:11
Through the first couple of chapters of 1 Cor. we are reminded that Paul did everything to the best of his ability to preach not out of the wisdom from his high education or respected background: “…whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” (Col 3:7) but he preached the simple message of Christ. The temptation for us is to add all these brilliant ideas to bring people in, but if Christ is not preached, what have we won them over to? What do we beckon them to follow?
The message of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection is powerful in what it has to offer the world. Later on in 1 Cor. Paul says:
“When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Cor. 2:1-2)
It’s amazing that the apostle sent to the gentiles (Paul) was armed with nothing but the gospel of Christ, not with wise words or convincing arguments. Just a simple powerful message- Christ died so that God can forgive you and adopt you as his Child.

Contentment

2010-06-26T16:34:00.000+01:00

I wrote this for June's newsletter for the Church here in Ilkeston...

Contentment is such a difficult thing to acquire in this life. Especially in a culture where everything is driven by the newest thing (eg. a new car, the latest technological device, the newest fashions from Europe, or the best foods). If we continue to think about the things that would be nice to have, our mind begins to trick us into thinking that we “need” it.
Josiah is learning the difference between a want and a need. Some people never stopped learning that distinction, me included. We fill our homes with the stuff we thought we couldn’t live without and 5 years or later find it in the attic having been used a couple of times and then disregarded. We may even laugh at ourselves thinking, “Why did I think I needed this so much?”
Much of what drives us is our desire to be happy. Happiness is directly related to our happenstance. When what we really should desire is Joy, a realization of the blessings we already have. The term “blessed” actually comes from being full after a meal or satisfied. “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For, we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” 1Timothy 6:6-8
What would happen if we were to strive towards this attitude in our lives? What if we were satisfied with everything we already have? I read in Surprised by Hope, the groups of people who are most dissatisfied statistically are the upper class. Because they have it all, nothing ever gave them the long-term satisfaction they were looking for. In Christ we are richly blessed, having all our spiritual needs fulfilled. I hope that our lives can be a testimony to that.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Phil. 4:4-9

Run to Win

2010-06-26T16:31:00.000+01:00

Okay, so I have been writing a little something for the church's monthly newsletter, since I have the opportunity to do so. Here's what I wrote for this upcoming month...

I really like how Paul strived on to be the best he could be and he encouraged other Christians to do the same. It seems among Christians today, that there is a lot of people who would stop at the third verse of “None of Self and All of Thee”(#449) and probably even more who are satisfied to stop at the second verse. Paul encouraged us to run the race in such a way that we may win.
Anybody who watched Brazil and Portugal play the other night would agree that it was a terribly disappointing game. Both teams are renown for their skill in the sport and neither showed an effort during the game. Because both teams were set to make it out of their group, they saw it fit to just run about and play a casual game it seemed. Neither were playing to win the game.
Paul continues on to say that he beats his body, so that he might save himself as well as others. I don’t think this means he was physically abusive to himself. Rather, in the conflict between what his fleshly desires were and what the spirit desires… he would choose to gratify his spirit, thus “beating his body” into submission.
Let us all run the race in such a way as to win. Not like we’re going out for a casual jog toward our goal, but a full on sprint like we’re running for our lives, because we are. Give it your everything and never be satisfied with were your stand in your Christianity. Constantly striving to become more like Christ. Not because that is what will save you, but because He was willing to do it for you.

Try try again...

2010-06-26T15:27:00.000+01:00

How many of these start-up posts have I done in the lifetime of this blog? If there has been one thing I have been consistent at doing, it's being inconsistent. Wait... does that even work? Never mind.

So I supposed I could share with the public at large (very large) what has been happening in my life for the last couple of months... but that might prove to be a much larger post than what I intended to write just now. Maybe I'll just stick to writing a bunch of rambling on again to see what comes out this time.

My story I was writing has discontinued. I'm not sure I liked how it was going. I got bored of the storyline and I'm sure others would have as well. It's amazing what a great idea is until you sit back for a while and think on it. It was going to initially cover how the last humans on earth would attempt the search and contact other possible survivors and the rebuilding of an infrastructure. See, I told you it was going to end up being boring. It was going to get so technically detailed... it would have gone beyond my current knowledge. I found myself doing a research on a lot of current stuff I didn't know about to write the story line. And I'm afraid I buried the storyline (what little of it existed) in the details.

But then I was inspired again by Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. How wonderfully imaginative he could be without any limits to trying to be as scientifically "correct" as possible. It seems there's always rules to sci-fi and even fantasy when it comes to mythological creatures or science facts. When an author deviates from what has been accepted as a creatures traits and weaknesses, we find ourselves thinking... "Nope, that's wrong." (i.e. the now famous twilight series that really qualifies as a romance novel with characters based on vampires and werewolves).
I think that's why I enjoy reading the Sci-fi from before space travel. They weren't limited to what could actually happened. They just wrote whatever sounded like a good idea. Take War of the Worlds or the Time Machine for example... or even C.S. Lewis' sci-fi trilogy. How wonderfully imaginative they could be without the limits of "is this possible".

By the way, I'm still trying to figure out what to do with my life. It's a matter of... "okay, I'm here in England... now what?" I had plans to get a job as a Graphic Designer, but having no degree in such career or experience, has limited my hire-ability in that field. So know I'm back to square one. Know of anyone who wants to hire a person to do work? I'm a quick learner and I'm willing to do just about anything (within moral reason) for a descent income.

If I make an effort, I will try to post more. Which I thought is a bit odd, that there are people out there, that don't mind reading someone just rambling on like I just did... maybe they will after this post.
I'm not a parent posting about the everyday events about their child. I'm not tech geeky enough to review every gadget I can't get my hands on. I'm not a great wordsmith that others are swoon by my gracious literacy. I'm just a bloke from the States who writes on his neglected blog every once in a while.
Thanks for friends who occasionally prod me to post something every once in a while.

Five Love Languages: God Edition

2010-04-18T21:40:00.000+01:00

The following was written as a request for Rose Hill church's Bulletin this Sunday:

I once sat in a class by Randy Harris who told us about different ways we all seek to worship and glorify God. I’ve been thinking about it again lately and how that shapes our family dynamic. It’s almost like Gary Chapman’s Five Love Languages book. None of these ways of worship are in any way wrong or better than the others, but they are all needed in the church. Like many parts of the body, God blesses us with the passion to do these things.

The Expressive Worshiper, this type of worshiper can be seen singing their hearts out to God. They also may lift up a hand or two without shame. They make great songleaders and worship organizers, because they’re really passionate about the worship they offer to God.
The Community Worshiper, this person seeks to glorify God by fellowshipping with his brothers and sisters. They enjoy uplifting and encouraging their fellow Christian and the social aspect of it. They might be seen at every church event and talk with everyone they can.
The Servant Worshiper, as the name suggests, this worshipper feels they are loving God most when they are serving. They’re either cleaning up the kitchen at the house, or finding ways in the community to serve others. They might be volunteering at a soup kitchen or mowing the lawns of others.
The Intellectual Worshiper, this person seeks honor God by learning as much as they can about him. This is the theological philosopher who can be seen reading many books and studying the great book in an effort to gain a greater knowledge of the one they love.
The Spiritual Worshiper, this person seeks alone time with God. They feel they are loving God best by praying on their knees, or fasting, etc.

The interesting thing is, each of these types also has a tendency to look down at the others in an inferior way. As if they’re better at worshipping God then those who don’t act in the same way as them. The thing we fail to notice is that God is glorified in all these acts and each one is required of us. We may have the tendency to be more comfortable doing just a few of these things, but we all need to stretch out of where we feel comfortable and do all of these things.
Also, just as important, recognize our desires to worship God in these unique ways and bless others by taking a leading role or helping organize something. Allow God to use you in the way God has prepared you.
“But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.” -1 Cor. 12:24b-25

Anyone else thought this?

2010-03-23T18:25:00.000Z

Maybe I've been watching a bit too much Toy Story here lately, but I suddenly had the thought that maybe... just maybe these seemingly unrelated stories had similar characters... but only slightly. So I played around with photoshop...

How do you take your coffee/tea? What's your favorite kind?

2010-03-22T17:25:00.001Z

Coffee- Black, Tea- milk. No sugar.

Ask me anything

What is your favorite way to cook/eat eggs?

2010-03-22T17:24:00.001Z

I don't cook very often, but I do like overmedium with the yolk still runny. It'd be John Bullock who got me started on that.

Ask me anything

What are the 7 layers of a 7 layer bean dip?

2010-03-22T17:23:00.001Z

Lessee... um... my ideal seven layer bean dip would be... pinto bean, taco beef, sharp cheddar, black olives, tortillas, salsa, and sour cream.

Ask me anything

Would you rather have the power to be invisible or the power to read minds?

2010-03-22T17:20:00.001Z

I think I wouldn't mind being able to read minds. Maybe that way I would be more effective at... well... everything when dealing with people.

Ask me anything

Would you rather spend the rest of your life without a significant other, or would you rather have a partner who is extremely difficult?

2010-03-22T17:19:00.001Z

Thankfully, I'll never have to know one way or the other. But if it were an ultimatum... I guess I could try to live life without... but that would be not ideal. I like being married to who I am... Love you, Jen!

Ask me anything

Thoughts on today's Sermon

2010-03-14T18:00:00.002Z

I just thought I'd write a little of my own thought progressions that were running through my head as David was up there preaching away. My thoughts were many and they might be a little scattered. Hopefully, I can convey them in a way that will complement the lesson. My thoughts had started when I read the Bulletin article during the offering. And naturally, as David related his sermon to the article, they continued.

David had said that in times of struggle, it is easy to get discouraged and be tempted to move away from God. Whether it's is because of shame for our own sins committed or because we somehow have come to believe that he no longer cares for us because of our hardships.
My mind immediately went to verses that encourage me in times of hardships (things that lie outside of my control)...
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." -Romans 8:18-25
and another great one...
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." -1 Pet. 4:12f
These verses really put things into perspective for me. I know I'm not suffering anywhere near the brutality and persecution those Christians faced, but that they should be comforted with the coming glory should be comfort to me as well. Whatever hardships that come my way, I try to remind myself of these things.
As far as sin is concerned, and the struggles that come up with that... I am continually drawn toward Paul's stance in Philippians. A man who vehemently opposed the gospel and persecuted the church, when faced with Christ made a life change and never looked back. There was shame for what he had done, but it seemed to not hold him down, and this is how I think our attitude should be when we do stumble from our own fleshly desires...
"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained." -Phil 3:13-16
When David mentioned the verse in Proverbs 24:16 "for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity." I didn't think it fit the context of the verse as he applied it to coming back up from stumbling over a sin. I thought, as I read more of the chapter:
"Do not lie in wait like an outlaw against a righteous man’s house, do not raid his dwelling place; for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity. Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him. Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of the wicked, for the evil man has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out. Fear the LORD and the king, my son, and do not join with the rebellious, for those two will send sudden destruction upon them, and who knows what calamities they can bring? "
It really applies to the circumstances which fall out of our control. I believe it's saying that when a man who follows God goes through several hardships, he'll make it through to the other side, because God is watching over him. Contrast that with a man who trusts in himself... and he is doomed when tragedy strikes, because he has no one to lift him up.

I had several other thoughts throughout the sermon as well, but nothing to do with this topic. Some of it to do with a conversation I had last night with my good friend, Tim. I will miss having a good friend to talk theology with. He shares my love of gaining knowledge and understanding about the One we love and serve.

What was the most interesting place you've traveled to?

2010-03-14T17:58:00.001Z

I've been really blessed to travel the places that I've been, and it's hard to label a place as "the most interesting".
I've enjoyed the cultures at each place I've visited and stayed. I hope to have the opportunity to encounter more people and places, and meet the worldwide family of God.

Ask me anything

If you could go back in time 10 years and tell your younger self something, what would it be?

2010-03-14T17:55:00.001Z

This is an interesting question, because I would have just been getting ready to go home from Glasgow, Scotland. I'm not sure I would have told myself to do anything different. I would congratulate myself for making a good choice of fiancé though!

Ask me anything

Incompleteness...

2010-03-12T04:09:00.002Z

Sorry it was incomplete. I had more, but it wasn't at a good finishing point, and neither was this, but I said I'd post something at least once a week. Hopefully the continuation won't be too long in coming.

Oh, and I need a title. Suggestions in the comments would be welcome. Although, it might be a little difficult for you guys to name something you don't know the entire plot to, but hey, humor me.

Good Morning: Part Two of an Untitled Story

2010-03-12T04:08:00.001Z

A Rude Awakening

“Joshua.”
“Mmm...”, answered a lump from under a thin brown fleece blanket.
“Joshua.”, said a voice now with a slight edge to it.
The inanimate lump was determined to enjoy his slumber for as long as it was possible. Hovering over the lump was a young woman in her teens. She was just as determined to animate the lump so she could begin her own slumber after a long day of work.
“You were supposed to start on the cycles over 15 minutes ago!”, she began with a slight whine and added, “And it’s my turn to get some sleep!”
The lump rotated under the blanket in hopes of avoiding the inevitable and horrible start to his day. With a firm grasp, the young woman took hold of the blanket and pulled it violently away revealing the lump to be a lifeless boy laying on his stomach.
“Uhhhnn.”, the former lump protested and curled up into a ball.
Suddenly, a sharp crack of a flat palm smacking a bare lower back was followed by a shout of agony filling the small room that housed just two aluminium framed military cots, a sink and a row of lockers. Joshua was no longer a inanimate lump. He was writhing with both hands consoling his lower back adorned with a newly imprinted red hand.
“Ow, Lydia! Why’d you go and do that for?”, complained a groggy but now awake Joshua.
“You’re late. You’re always late and I never get my full 8 hours of sleep, because you hog the bed. Now get out and get on the cycle!”, Lydia tried to use an element of guilt on her younger brother. It never worked, even though she tried it every morning.
Lydia was 16 and her younger brother, Joshua, was 14. They’ve never seen the surface of the Earth and have only ever known life underground. This was one of two times they saw each other in the day. The other time was during the eight hours in the day that they both were awake at the same time. Since daylight was a non-issue, sleep happened in shifts, families worked round the clock to support the colony with food and energy. Days were split into three periods: sleep, work, and play. Even though family members had different schedules, the periods were arranged to encourage optimum work time and social interaction. Thus, Lydia and Joshua’s playtimes coincided with the other young people in the community. Work times were split to discourage distractions from peers during work and study time. It was a system that worked for this underground lifestyle.
Joshua had poured himself out of the cot and zombie walked over to the large stainless steel sink to wash himself with a damp rag. He turned the creaky faucet to hear a rattling sound as the water forced itself through the makeshift assembly of pipes. A rush of air preceded the water expected and when it initially gushed it begun as an opaque reddish colour and transitioned to a transparent beige. He rinsed a small square blue rag under the water, turned off the faucet and wiped the night’s sleep away. This ritual in the morning always helped him sober up from his rude awakenings.
A polished steel plate hung above the sink, and was a poor imitation of a glass mirror. Joshua leaned over the sink to look closely at his face, to discover there was no new spots. He knew that too many of them would ruin his handsome complexion but secretly he enjoyed squeezing them. He made note of the crust in the corners of his eyes and wipe them with the rag and placed it on the lip of the sink.
Lydia had already laid down to try and make up for lost rest time, but since her brother hadn’t yet left her in peace, she decided to remind him that he was late, “You know, the more time you spend grooming yourself here, the less time you have to try and beat my 832 watts I did today.”
Joshua opened a locker which contained a freshly cleaned pair of overalls, and stepped into them and quickly zipped them up.
“No problem, I plan on this being the day I break 1000 watts.”, he said as he closed locker and walked out. He shut the large metallic door behind him, and left the room completely black and quiet. Lydia sighed relief in his absence.
Lydia and Joshua competed in everything they did. Especially when it came to how much electricity they had produced during their working hours. The “cycles” as they called them, served as the generators to fuel electricity to the community. Electricity was part of the essentials to survival. It was needed to provide light, not only to be able to see underground, but also to grow food. Everyone did time on the cycles to earn their nourishment. It was usually done while being schooled or accomplishing other non-physical tasks.
An average day’s output was anywhere from 600 to 800 watts for an adult. 1000-1500 watts was considered to be valuable to the colony and rewarded with something special from the gardens. 2000 watts or more was almost unattainable, and was somewhat discouraged, because it meant you burnt too many calories for the day, and you weren’t concentrating on your work. Regardless, if you racked up over 2000 watts on a slow work day, you were rewarded with real meat and a double portion of rice.

On writing a story.

2010-03-10T15:14:00.005Z

Okay, so I haven't got the second post to the story finished yet. And this may sound a bit odd, but when I started the story, I had no plot. No direction. Seems a bit crazy and a bit backwords, and it might not be the correct way of doing things... but from watching shows like Lost, I wonder if that's not how it's usually done.
But great news... I have a plot! And it's a darn good one if I do say so myself. (Granted I'm sure that's what all authors start out saying). I still don't have a good title in my head though. But it is amazing the things you can think of when you set your mind to it. I've been sketching out scenes that were running around in my head and trying to describe them as best as I could. I came up with some interesting gadgets too and ways to interact with them. I've done a bit of research to see what is currently possible, but also tried to make it futuristic enough. Admittedly, by the time I "finish" this book, it might be like tricorders in Star Trek, people are now saying... "what's the big deal behind that, we've got cell phones." But when the story was first created, that was a pretty cool little gizmo.
As technology is advancing, I can see how challenging it is for authors to envision futuristic devices that don't already exist. That is pretty exciting to think about. Even though we don't have our flying cars or rocket packs yet... I think we've progressed into all sorts of technologies. But realistically, I can also see how this progress has made us digress in other ways. We've forgotten how to live with contentment (did we ever learn that, but now it's even more difficult to do so, I think). We've disregarded our God-given first task as caretakers of the Earth and have abused our planet relentlessly. -end rant-
One thing I've learned about writing... if you have never written anything, the best way to start is to just write and see what comes out. I hope I can actually keep this up. I'm sorry if the posts to the story are a bit slow, but it does take me a while to craft a page... and I keep thinking of things to put inbetween paragraphs. It takes me a long time. I've discovered, I don't write linear... it's more all over the place and I try and piece it together in a way that flows and makes since. I try and make notes here and there in my moleskine when I've thought of something I'd like to put into the story so I don't forget it later on.

A Story With No Title...

2010-03-05T05:38:00.003Z

Humanity’s Strength to Survive

It was the last war to ever be fought on Earth’s surface. It, like the first World War, was toted as being “the war to end all wars”. And it was, for good reason. There was nothing that could survive long periods on the surface. The ground in some areas had enough residual radiation to cook a fully clothed healthy adult male in 30 minutes and proved to be one of the most painful ways to die.
The hatred and neglect of history started centuries before, with an unlikely quote echoing beyond the ages, but no-one knew it’s originator or even how long it existed by this point. “History is more or less bunk.” were the words no longer attributed to Henry Ford. Maybe it was a history teacher who had given him an undeserving low grade that spurred this mild hatred which birthed these words.
Math and sciences were uplifted and were considered to be the source of all mankind’s answers to its most probing questions. Arts and Literature, including history, became suppressed in government supported schools. They were labeled too passionate and revealing of mankind’s weaknesses. It was considered too dangerous to even bring those old ideas to mind. Individuality and expressing oneself soon became the warning signs of antisocial behavior.
Religion also became the scapegoat of the world’s problems. It was seen as the cause for man’s wars, greed, hatred, lust, envy, and racism. Many countries barred up places of worship and drove the religious communities underground with strict punishments for any unauthorized gatherings. Soon the guidelines for morality became almost nonexistent. “Survival of the fittest” became the guideline of the modern age.
Many rivaling countries acquired the technology to create nuclear devices small and large. It no longer was just superpower nations that could eradicate all terra firma life. It was also in the hands of lesser governments outside the U.N. who took a vindictive attitude toward those inside the organization trying to keep their eager hands from the desired weaponry.
Earth’s neglect to study history proved itself folly and went on to repeat itself like dark foreshadowing narrative. Only, it wasn’t just a few cities becoming instant ghost-towns with only silhouettes for residents. It was whole regions around major metropolises that disappeared into vapor. Everything within a hundred mile radius of each ground zero was melted. Mankind, animal life, plant life, cars, concrete, and metal were all boiled away. It was as if the surface of the sun had kissed the earth like a crazed aunt after her nephews.
The unlikely survivors were in rural areas, far from once civilized megacities. The warning signs came early via international newscast coverage. Paranoia proved to be a survival trait. Like Noah and the survivors of the great flood, heeding the call to survive Earth’s baptism of fire, they made their Arks underground. Fears of the forgotten cold war were actualized in this generation.
Small farming communities banded together and gathered their farm equipment to dig large and deep tunnels. Ancient abandoned mines proved to be more valuable than the contents for which they were originally dug. Missile silos, ironically, proved to be saviors from the former occupants. Nature provided the caverns to protect life as well (conservationists would cringe at the destruction of stalactites and stalagmites to make room for its new vertical guests). Life would persist, only just.

A Novel Idea

2010-03-05T03:20:00.002Z

Okay, okay. So I have a new idea. I thought I might write an ongoing story. I imagine I'll start it out on this blog and if I continue to stay true to it, I'll launch another blog dedicated to the story. It should be interesting as each part of the story would be comment-able. I'm sure this has already been done by others, that I've just not seen.
I just thought, people watch running TV series and read many books, why could there be a story updated weekly or so that people could "subscribe" to via RSS. With the advent of eReaders and RSS feeds, I can see how this might actually change Literature drastically, how it's published and who contributes. Anyhow... I thought, why couldn't I write something that is ongoing... at least as far as I can see a storyline going.
The thing is... I'm not entirely sure how I want the storyline to follow. I'm pretty sure the genre I want to write is Science Fiction. It contains all the fun scientific stuff with the freedom to allow the imagination run wild. But to write something original in science fiction is going to be very difficult if not near impossible. I'd like to include some Christian symbolism. Not since C.S. Lewis have I read anything that would apply to Christian Science Fiction... but i haven't read much admittedly.
Where to begin is difficult when I've never really seriously wrote anything beyond a creative writing exercise in school and a few articles for our church's youth group. But the only way to get better at writing is to write and read a lot. I will try to do both.
Which there is also another thing that will make this venture a bit difficult. Since I've decided to start this venture, I'm also in the middle of a move and a career change. I think it would do good to work at this as a hobby though. Something to occupy the time.
I realize I'll have a but of research to do, and thankfully it won't have to be terribly accurate as it will be fiction I'm aspiring to write, but close enough to be a plausible outcome for the future I should hope to scribe.
My initial vision is to tell the events leading up to Earth's colonization of outer planets. What led them to venture? What was the necessity to birth invention? And yet I find it slightly amusing that our President has written off the budget Nasa's project to revisit the moon. Who knows if it will get written in there again, or if some other developed countries aspire to reach that goal (India, China, Japan?) before us again. Especially since I saw something about a large amount of frozen water being found on the moon. Hopefully, it won't resemble Dr. Who's outcome in the future (see "The Waters of Mars").
Anyone interested in following a story that has no current plot or plan? I figure I should just write though and see what comes out. Much like this post appeared.

A little Philosophical Theology

2010-03-01T18:21:00.002Z

...never hurt anyone. Or did it?

Okay, so I don't claim to know the mind of God, but a lot of times I think I have an inkling of what he might be "thinking" (Or equivalent to the already Omniscient being that lies outside the confines of material brain matter). Truthfully, its difficult for any finite being to claim any resolute knowledge of the Infinite Almighty. Even what can be deduced from careful study of the Scriptures can go absolutely horrifyingly wrong. Unfortunately, this is a recipe that has been much repeated on numerous occasions, and I plan on not following the course of the many.
Here's an interesting thing about God. In much the same way Gary Chapman has pointed out how we love the same way we'd like to be loved ourselves (in the Five Love Languages), we tend to shape God into the being we wish to see at the end of it all. Not to imply that God's character can even remotely be manipulated by our transcendent metaphysical musings. I think the first time I heard the theory of an American Idol was from Rick Acthley, a preacher at Richland Hills near Dallas, Tx (just so I can give some attribution). The more I think on that, the more I believe it to be a true statement.
I had also seen an interesting quote from someone's status on Facebook... (unfortunately, I can't come across the quote currently, but if someone would enlighten me, I would appreciate it)
Paraphrased it's- The Greeks turned the Gospel into a Philosophy, The Romans turned it into a Government, and Americans turned it into a Business.
It's funny to think how we have transformed everything ever so slightly to fit our own personal gain. I think that's why we have a difficult time interpreting scripture rightly, or pursuing God in a holy manner, or reaching out to others. We retrofit the gospel into our own twisted ideologies and purposes. Instead of holistically giving ourselves to the gospel, we try and fit it into our already existing lifestyle and are surprised when it wasn't quite as joyous as we had hoped it to be. We must observe ourselves and our behaviors at once and ask ourselves... "Do I really love God first and above all things?"
I'm always wondering what is my motivation for doing something. On the surface, I can at least fool myself into thinking my motives were righteous, but realistically, when I dig a little deeper... what I find is less than what I had intended.
So when I come across a situation that is less than ideal... my mind goes to the verse that says "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." in 1 Thes. 5:18. Then I remember God has everything under control. God has put me in my circumstance for some reason... it may not be to benefit MY good, but it IS righteous. And this is where Theology gets dangerous. It is, as we must recognize, Man's substitution for something he cannot understand.

And you thought glossy screens were annoying...

2010-01-13T02:12:00.004Z

I'm not sure what has brought this gadget from CES 2010 into the "Best Of" of many tech blogs, but I'm going to to disagree with them. The transparent screen is pretty cool, in a different application other than a laptop. As much as we complained about glossy screens when they first started being introduced, I have a feeling that this will be welcomed the same way...
Why in the world would anyone want to see through their screen on their laptop? Okay, now to give some applications were I could see this make a good application...

Football Helmet screen- plays could be displayed on a one-way mirror type of glass. Although, the technology would have to be ruggedized somehow.

Racing Helmet Screen- Just imagine a video game like HUD in your helmet as you make your way around the track. Although, just like in a video game when I get distracted by the flashy numbers, it could prove to be dangerous, too.

Maybe with added touchscreen functionality, it would add a few more applications.

Built in GPS/SatNav, HUD in the windscreens of cars.

That altered reality vision would be another good application to this hardware.

In the end, I still think this as gimmicky in its implementation in a laptop. Maybe it's the start of better hardware along the lines of what I mentioned. I still don't think this is a device that belongs amongst the "Best Of CES". But what do I know, I wasn't there. Maybe the "pickins' was slim". Maybe big tech companies feel the pressure of a worldwide recession, too.

Dropping Like Flies

2010-01-12T01:05:00.002Z

So I did a check of friends blogs that I had linked to, but sadly, many of them have neglected to post something new for years. I guess I'm almost as guilty. I have gone months at a time without posting anything. Although, I really doubt anyone is bored enough to read the accounts of randomness from a guy with really nothing happening in his life.
Good blogs with lots of followers usually have some common topic. I'm just too random to stick to one topic though. What would it say if you visited your knitting blog and there was this review about some software? Granted, I doubt I'll ever have a post about knitting, but there might be some references to cool things I've seen like this Super Mario Sweater Vest! Bet you weren't expecting that. Or these completely unique scarves!
Anyhow, I'm up for suggestions on how I can continue my blog. I could attempt to continue on with the spiritual posts of whatever inspiration I find. Although, that could turn out to be dangerous for you and for me. I take seriously the words in James 3:1-2 "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check." Not that I regret ever being a Youth Minister, I just hope that what I've said was absolute truth and has inspired and encouraged others to live a life of gratefulness to God. Otherwise, I don't think I would appreciate the feeling of knowing that I misled others... you know, better to have a millstone round the neck sort of thing. I suppose, that's why I've never really taught confidently, but was open to acknowledge the fact that I could be wrong about some things. I never did a good job of playing the prideful role. And I think in my striving for humility I misconstrued the concept and felt comforted by lowering my own esteem. That isn't true humility though, I've learned over the years. Humility is knowing yourself as God has created you to be, and yet being a servant to all, thinking of yourself last.
Well, I believed I've rambled on long enough about nothing. Please leave a comment about what you think the direction of the blog should be. Although I'll take your suggestions for consideration, it has been my experience that if it is something I'm not truly into... it would quickly die out. And I wouldn't want anything like that to happen. I suppose I could list a few options. And maybe I'll disregard all of it and post whatever I feel like posting. That would somehow be more fitting to the format of this blog anyways. Wouldn't it?

Should I post on
A)Things I find funny, weird or cool.
B)Fatherhood and Josiah
C)A commentary of technology
D)A devotional thought
E)All of the above
F)Quit now and don't waste your time any longer!

Hey, look what I found!

2010-01-11T19:24:00.003Z

Oh goodness. Looks like I've further neglected to continue writing as I had originally planned. Hmm... well, I think it's long overdue an overhaul of theme and everything. Not sure what my life will lead me to, occupationally, at this moment. It is a bit scary. Like graduating from High School again. Except I've already gotten my degree in what I thought was going to be my life's pursuit.
(insert expletive with exclamation mark here)

I suppose I will have to again find a job that requires no former experience or specialized education. Hopefully it will be something worthwhile doing. I'm pretty sure I can do just about anything I set my mind to... and as I've said in the past, that's the most difficult thing for me. I can't see to focus on one topic long enough to make something of my life.

I suppose I should qualify my strengths and play to those. Which are randomness, creativity, and...

Hmm, things typically should come in threes, shouldn't they? It seems our western ideological world has defined that a good anything(i.e. sermon, debate, research paper) must have three good points. And to be honest, randomness doesn't really count as a "good" quality.
Well, I suppose my new career search will also require yet another search of self (a slightly older, less optimistic self).

A friend of mine (or maybe closer to the point, tolerated nemesis) recently started their own blog yesterday entitled "Striving for Greatness". If I still have any readership floating about, I'd encourage you to follow her as well. She's already on a great start of two posts.

Taking Responsibility: "Not my fault"

2009-10-13T15:38:00.003+01:00

I've been noticing over the past couple of years, that for the public at large, moral teaching no longer comes from a church, but from billboards, television ads and shows, and other things funded by companies. The Ad Council is one company that releases several Public Service Announcements. Some more memorable than others. But last night, as I was watching Heroes, I saw a short film funded by Liberty Mutual, an insurance and mutual funds company. The film was entitled "Take Responsibility". Sorry, if you missed it. I wasn't able to find a link to a posted video of it, as of yet.
But the message is a much needed one in our quickly degenerating society, regardless if it does come from a company seeking money from older generations who are won over by their positive message. In this society, especially in the States, we have become a people of "Not my fault" and "Not my problem". These are two sides that I get from "Taking Responsibility".

Not My Fault

The first, "Not my Fault", has been a lie we have been fed over and over again by our psychiatrists and our lawyers. Did you spill coffee on yourself while you're driving? Sue the ones who served it to you! Did you break your leg, falling through a sunroof to a house you were breaking into? Sue the homeowners! These reference actual lawsuits that have been filed and won in a testimony of our increasing lack of responsibility fueled by Lawyers and the pursuit of happiness in the form of monetary wealth.
It's as if we never learned to stop blaming things on our siblings as we did when we were children. That invaluable life lesson never got implanted. We instead learned the hideous worldly value that "If you can get away with it, do it." regardless of whether it's right or wrong. In business, your errors should be blamed on someone else, because to own up to them might cost you your job, but instead you offer up your integrity to save your income. All too often, we have sustained this dualistic life. A life that lives one way in the company of our brothers and sisters in Christ, and a completely different dark alley when we're in our worldly environs. Some even proclaim that "It just doesn't work that way in the real world." Really? So we're to look like the rest of the world in spite of everything the word tells us to live by?
Take God out of the box, that building you call a church because you've forgotten that God dwells in you always. That's not to scare you, but to comfort you. To know that you don't have to go it alone. He's always there for you. So live life accordingly. The word Hypocrite originally comes from a meaning that meant the actors in plays. They typically wore masks and played a role that wasn't their own personality. I'm sure if we were to meet the actors of our favorite movies, it would shock us that they're not really like who they play in a movie. Would we be just as shocked if we were to spend a week with you outside of church? It's time we all took a step back and realize who we really are and who God calls us out to be, all the time.

But I can't help it!
Alcohol, Heroin, Sex, Food, Shopping, Internet, and Video Games are just some of the ever increasing list of addictions being added to the DSM-IV, a guide book of psychological disorders. It's amazing how many different things people can become attached. We live in the culture of being able to get just about anything our imaginations can dream up. Whether it's a specific addiction or a certain disorder we can blame our parents for... we have accelerated ourselves into the attitude of "Not my fault."
We've simply let go of all responsibility for any wrong we habitually do. Even the ones that aren't innately bad, but become damaging with addictive behavior. There comes a time we when must accept that we have weaknesses and should make adjustments to our life if we are ever going to get better. It does no good to continually blame your faults on your addiction and take no steps to improve your disposition while sinking deeper into gratifying your fleshly desires. Paul says in one of his letters:
"'Everything is permissible for me' — but not everything is beneficial. 'Everything is permissible for me' — but I will not be mastered by anything." -1 Cor 6:12 (NIV)
There are a lot of things we can become hooked to, but we really need to take a step back, analyze our lives and think about what has become a god to us. It might have snuck in there, and we haven't acknowledged it as something we worship, but it is something that takes away from the first and most important commandment, "Love the Lord your God." It also takes away from the second most important commandment, "Love your neighbor as yourself." One, you're not truly loving yourself. Two, you're ignoring other relationships to fulfill your insatiable hunger for more. Jesus offers some advice to take drastic action when we've realized we're helpless to our faults:
"If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where “‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’" -Mark 9:43-48 (NIV)
Hopefully, it will never come to the dismemberment of your bodily parts, but it does offer some invaluable advice. Avoid the things that lead you to your addiction. Avoid the places and the things that trigger those addictions. Some addictions will be harder to overcome, simply because we are surrounded by it in our culture, but keep struggling against it. If it means taking a different route to work to avoid a billboard or store, do so at the expense of more gas. Do whatever it takes.
If you really want to overcome your addictions or habitual sins, ask yourself if you have really repented. It's not enough to feel sorrow and guilt for what you have done. It's not enough to just promise that you'll never ever do it again. It requires more than that, since you've probably already tried both of those and failed over and over again. It requires a meaning of repentance that we have lost over time... a change of mind. Completely change your attitude of that addiction or sin. Can you see it the way others in your family see it, or is it not as bad as someone else's struggle? Are you comparing yourself to others, saying "At least I'm not as bad as so-and-so." Do you truly despise that part of yourself? It takes a continually despising that sin or struggle to really free yourself from it. It takes reminding yourself how much you hate that part as soon as it comes up in a temptation. Then flee from it. Physically and mentally. Paul offers this as something that has helped me overcome many mental battles:
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." -Phil 4:8-9 (NIV)
Take steps to separate yourself mentally from the temptation. Find a distraction. Call a good friend. In fact, it might be a good idea to make a friend you can entrust your secrets to and depend on round the clock. Someone you can call in a pinch if you need to escape your present situation, or you just need some additional prayers. James offers:
"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops." -James 5:13-18 (NIV)
Hopefully, you've found this little thought flow helpful. Sometime, I'll continue this with the "Not my Problem" side of "Taking Responsibility", but for now I feel I've written long enough and need to attend to other things.

Faithful Prayer

2009-10-05T02:03:00.000+01:00

This was a great week for answered prayer. We all know that Cindy Carnes had been diagnosed with cancer and how serious was her case. It was in these last two weeks that we saw results of our persistent prayer on her be- half. She baffled the doctors after these last two tests. Everything was cleared much earlier and more sudden than they had expected. Why else would they still want her to finish out those chemo treatments? I think they might be
a bit confounded. If your faith has not been increased by that, then maybe you’re in denial of the power that God still has in this world.
Why should we be surprised by God’s answer to our prayers? But then it begs the question... why this one and not that other prayer be answered. We watched a video by Rob Bell a while back about prayer. How sometimes, things just don’t come out the way we wanted them to come out. Sometimes the answer just doesn’t make any sense. Does that mean we should doubt God? There’s a lot of questions that come up when you really think about it.
We are only told to pray consistently and persistently, and to have faith like a little child. It’s part of the seeking and knocking. You keep asking and you take action to see that those prayers get answered with expectation. Almost like a divine “May I please have the salt?” at the table. You expect it to come to you when you ask. But if the salt is already within reach, maybe God is just saying... “Take it then.” Maybe he hands the salt to you long before you’ve even asked, because he knows what you need before you ask. You just needed to be aware that it was there for you. James chapter one instructs us to pray for wisdom as if we will recieve it. This is especially true when we are asking for fruits of the spirit to be in our life.
Derik and I were talking in the car the other day, and something that I had read came up in my thoughts again. It was addressing the spiritual discipline of fasting (and it might be in the book Celebration of Discipline by Richard Fos- ter). In it, he describes that the intention of fasting isn’t to help improve your chance of prayers getting answered, as if it will convince God to listen more to you since you fasted while you prayed, but it’s an act of reception. In a sense, persistent prayer changes us, as much as it does to change what we’re pray- ing for. Maybe it’s to increase our faith, or to widen our patience and improve our character. But simply put... prayer simply isn’t about bending God’s will to our own needs, wants, and desires. It is about bending our needs, wants, and desires to God’s perfect will.
When you pray, think about what changes God wants to see in your life. Think about how he might be changing you to be an answer to your own prayer. Have faith and trust in God that he will bless you as a father who is pleased to give his children gifts.

Convictions

2009-10-05T02:02:00.000+01:00

It’s interesting to me how our consciences will lead us to make dras- tically different decisions in life. It is evident we will undoubtedly have differing opinions of what is correct and incorrect as far as the things not directly defined by the Bible. I know I’ve been guilty of expressing an opinion on my Facebook status or in the classroom that isn’t exactly how others believe, and it results in a plethora of ideas that flow from it in con- flicting comments.
Both “sides” (sometimes, there will be more than two sides of opinion) will argue their ideas and convictions with scriptures to back them up. The important thing, when it comes to these differing ideas is that we above all things Love One Another. I think that is the most beautiful thing about the body of Christ (that is the Church)... we are so different and diverse, yet made one in the body of Christ.
In the end it makes me look forward to the hope we have when we will eventually “...in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. “ (Eph 4:15-16)
But for the time being we are called to be united with one another and above all we are to “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Col 3:13)
Romans 14 is a great passage helping to reframe this. Go ahead and read that right now. Done yet? Ok.
Undoubtedly, Paul came across many differing opinions. Especially, when it came to the Jews and Gentiles. They came from completely dif- ferent backgrounds, and yet the beautiful thing (as is mentioned in Ephe- sians 1) was that Christ broke down the barriers and made the two... ONE.
There will be things that will come up that will cause lines to be drawn and sides to be chosen. It is my hope and decision to strive more towards the unity of the faith, as expressed by one of Jesus’ last recorded prayers in John 17. In spite of sport teams, political ideals, artistic styles, or whatever else you can get into an argument over... Christ should reign supreme in our hearts.

Convictions

2009-09-24T20:28:00.002+01:00

It’s interesting to me how our consciences will lead us to make drastically different decisions in life. It is evident we will undoubtedly have differing opinions of what is correct and incorrect as far as the things not directly defined by the Bible. I know I’ve been guilty of expressing an opinion on my Facebook status or in the classroom that isn’t exactly how others believe, and it results in a plethora of ideas that flow from it in conflicting comments.
Both “sides” (sometimes, there will be more than two sides of opinion) will argue their ideas and convictions with scriptures to back them up. The important thing, when it comes to these differing ideas is that we above all things Love One Another. I think that is the most beautiful thing about the body of Christ (that is the Church)... we are so different and diverse, yet made one in the body of Christ.
In the end it makes me look forward to the hope we have when we will eventually “...in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. “ (Eph 4:15-16)
But for the time being we are called to be united with one another and above all we are to “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Col 3:13)
Romans 14 is a great passage helping to reframe this. Go ahead and read that right now. Done yet? Ok.
Undoubtedly, Paul came across many differing opinions. Especially, when it came to the Jews and Gentiles. They came from completely different backgrounds, and yet the beautiful thing (as is mentioned in Ephesians 1) was that Christ broke down the barriers and made the two... ONE.
There will be things that will come up that will cause lines to be drawn and sides to be chosen. It is my hope and decision to strive more towards the unity of the faith, as expressed by one of Jesus’ last recorded prayers in John 17. In spite of sport teams, political ideals, artistic styles, or whatever else you can get into an argument over... Christ should reign supreme in our hearts.

Everlasting Joy

2009-09-11T21:14:00.001+01:00

In the United States Declaration of Independence, the most remembered and quoted phrase is:
“We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Many will uphold this phrase as their own guideline to life and will defend it to the death. I would like us to think about the danger in that last phrase though, “the pursuit of Happiness”, that leads many people to chase after the things which only provide temporary reward. Unfortunately, this can be a hedonistic philosophy of life (meaning that the pursuit of pleasures is the ultimate goal of life). Many feel the need to strive towards this, many times, at the expense of others. Another phrase of worldly wisdom, “Do what you will, but harm none.” That phrase is actually a foundational phrase of the Wiccan religion.
Unfortunately, it may take a long time for many of you to realize that the purpose of life isn’t actually to achieve the “Happily Ever After” of fairy tale stories. Some may never discover this little bit of wisdom that I’m about to share with you.
Happiness is a fleeting emotion. The more you depend on it to find fulfillment in this life, the more you will experience the ups and downs, and this life wreaks havok on your emotions. Happiness will disappoint you if you depend on it. But pursue everlasting joy. Joy is something entirely different from happiness. Joy is only offered and given through one pursuit and one pursuit only.
“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” -Psalm 37:4
The first time I came across that verse, I thought I understood it immediately. I was wrong, but not entirely. Later on, life and wisdom taught me differently.
Jesus says this...
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” -John 15:9-11
If you didn’t understand that, simplified it means, “Follow God and you will find an ongoing joy.” This how we can rejoice in our sufferings as Romans 5:3, 1 Peter 1:6, and 1 Peter 4:13 instructs us. It’s how the apostles were able to rejoice when punished for spreading the gospel (Acts 5:41). In their desire to seek God first in their life, situations faded away, and the ever present reality became aways before them.
If you think joy is found in the possession of material goods or the pleasures this world has to offer, you’ve missed the point and your insatiable hunger will consume you (Eccl 5:10). But if you seek God with all your heart, I can absolutely promise you, you won’t be disappointed.

1st Impressions: Matthew

2009-08-15T03:44:00.001+01:00

It had been a typical day. Many people would walk by the booth giving us dirty looks. After all, we were considered the worst of traitors to our kind, the Jews. Not only had we sympathized with the occupation of the Romans, but we were in charge of doing their dirty work, collecting taxes. Nobody likes the taxman. Especially, when some were known to estimate the taxes a little bit higher than necessary in order to keep more of the share. I admit, I was guilty of the same. It was the only thing at the time I thought was worth living for... money. But even with having everything we could ever want, our lives still seemed oddly empty.
It was around this time I had been thinking a lot about life and what purpose there could be to it. Then this man came up to the booth and simply said, “Follow me.” Those were the words I had longed to hear since being a small boy in school learning about the Torah and memorizing the scriptures. You see, Rabbis would pick the best students to follow them, learn from them and to become just like them. I appearently wasn’t a good enough student in the eyes of the Rabbis, so I was never picked. I went on with my life, discovering this job as an easy way to make money.
This man who I had never met before, just approached me and asked me to follow Him. He approached me not as if I were a taxcollector, but as a human being. I hadn’t been treated so kindly in a long time. I think it was mostly out of curiosity, but there was a sense that I would find a deeper meaning to life if I just did what this man said. So I got up from my chair, left the table with the pouches full of money and followed this man for the day. After spending time simply walking and talking with Him, He very quickly revealed to me a purpose in life through the scriptures that I had never seen before. I decided to have Him over to my house for a party and invite all my friends to meet this amazing guy!
Later on that night some Pharisees showed up at the door to show their disdain for our display of dishonest gain. Apparently, they also had a bone to pick with the man I had decided to follow earlier in the day. They questioned why He would hang out with people like us. His reply was something I will never forget... it was full of wisdom, righteousness, and at the same time compassion for us. He was the doctor that came to heal all our illnesses acquired from life. Guilt, lack of self-worth, and escapism from reality plagued us. He offered hope, forgiveness, redemption, and love.
Before I thought I had no chance of being right with God, no amount of sacrifices could pay for what I had done and was doing. Jesus had simultaneously gave me my purpose and showed me His. My life was to be forever changed thanks to Him. (Matt 9:9-13, Mark 2:13-17, Luke 5:27-32)

1st Impressions: Peter

2009-08-07T16:42:00.002+01:00

The following was an article I wrote for the Youth Newsletter. The idea was to write from the perspective of Peter when he first encountered Jesus.

He was like no one else I had ever met before. From first appearances you could tell something was different about this man. It was the way He walked. His stride was confident, but without the pride the Priests had made sure to exhibit. There was something in His eyes, it was deeper. You know, like the window into a person’s soul? Only this man’s soul happened to be God!
It was the way He looked at me that struck me most though. It was like He already knew me for a very long time. In fact, like He knew me better than I knew myself (and He later proved that many times over). It wasn’t just that He knew me inside and out, but that He knew me (including my deep dark secrets) and still loved me greatly. A love I had never encountered before. Not even from my wife! This was a pure love. It had no selfish motives, He just loved me for who I was, fish smell and all!
Did I mention I was a fisherman before I met Him? I’m sure you can hardly believe it now. I had a mouth that could make the most vile Pagan blush! But all that changed from the first day I met this man.
We had been working hard all night long out on the Galilean Sea. I was ready to come home, clean up and spend a bit of time with the family before trying to catch up on my sleep. If you’ve ever worked nights, you know what I mean. Anyhow, we had just docked with nothing to show for our hard work, again. All that week was a bad week. Then this guy randomly steps into our boat and starts preaching to a crowd that had followed Him here. I’m not much for listening to some guy blether on and on, but He was different. It made sense, you know? Somehow, it just made perfect sense, like it was right. Not like the other teachers who just talk over my head saying “so and so said this and that”.
Well, I had just about finished repairing and cleaning up the nets when He turns around and tries to tell us where the fish are! I hate cleaning nets, but to think I was just going to have to do it all over again was making my blood boil. But whether to prove that a carpenter’s son doesn’t know anything about fishing, or because I was slightly curious about this man’s assurance of fish, we shoved off into the deep... completely in the wrong place at the wrong time of day for fishing.
As soon as we had cast those nets, the water was churning up like a boiling pot. I had never in all my years of fishing seen anything like it. As we tried to retrieve the net water poured into the side of the boat and the repairs I had made on the net were failing. This was the motherload! We called over James and John to come help us, and filled both boats to the rim with the best fish we’ve seen all year. We were all laughing with joy.
And then it suddenly hit me like a giant wave, a chill up my neck and my eyes welled up with tears. I couldn’t help it. I was in the presence of something I couldn’t humanly explain. I just fell over face first into the fish right in front of Him. I told Him what He already knew: I was a sinner and unworthy to be in His presence. Then he did what I least expected. He picked me up, looked me staight in the eyes with a big smile and said, “Follow me. I will make you a fisher of men.” (Matt 4:18-22, Luke 5:1-11)

N'awlins- Wednesday

2009-06-04T03:16:00.002+01:00

This week has been a really great week and we have really learned a lot about each other. That's been the great thing about this trip. Although with little sleep, hard work, hot humid dusty environments, little water, and practically inaccessible toilets during our work day... it all adds to tension and we can end up being a little short and sensitive with each other. I would like to go ahead and ask for prayers for our group as we are finishing out this week. For strength, forbearance, and extra kindness to one another.

This morning I was among other volunteers who served the homeless in our building. We eat the same things they serve them only earlier. Its humbling to see how much gratitude all these men and women had for the food that was served them. Food that was either wasted or not received well with the fortunate ones who ate our breakfast before. Each one finished heaping plates of grits, oatmeal, eggs and sausage with speed. Many smiles of varying shapes and shades greeted us on their way out as well. I wondered what story each of them would have to tell about how they got were they were.

We went back to the house that we had worked on Monday. Picking up pretty much where we had left off. There were many complicated pieces that had to be cut to fit ornate accents from doorways and staircase railing. I understand why today's houses lack the style that houses from earlier decades preserve... it's difficult to cut sheet rock with so much detail without it crumbling. We're all learning as we go along though.

Today, I learned more of the story about Fridella and her house. After the flood, her insurance company had given her $70,000 to repair her home, but still a far cry from what it would actually cost. Unfortunately, with the aftermath of the hurricane, it also attracted a lot of corrupt contractors. She had given the check to her contractor who had made several promises but fulfilled none of the duties. Later, he was jailed, but she was never refunded the money and now house was left undone. Unfortunately, this is a common story here as well. Apparently, 30% of New Orleans homes are still vacant, abandoned and almost condemned without repairs.

During lunch we had ventured to other parts of the city as we tried to find somewhere that apparently didn't exist. We have tried to find some things using our GPSs, but occasionally we find some unexpected surprise at the destination it had set out for us. Like Sam's Food Mart... was not Sam's the Walmart derivative, it was a small local store. As we had been driving though, it becomes clear how wide spread the destruction Katrina and the following floods had caused.

Tonight, we decided to join in fellowship with the Carrollton congregation. A small church that has done great things for this community in spite of its size. They've helped start Operation Nehemiah, continued to work on their own building, and planted a new congregation. We ate a meal with them and enjoy a time of prayer and song. We were thanked a lot for our efforts. And the thanks goes on beyond the church to random people on the street who notice us and thank us. They appreciate the very fact that we even came to visit their city. A city that also relies on tourism on top of its other industries.

Little did I know how much oil is shipped here for refinery. Or the other byproducts that come from this little now forgotten place. Much of the nations natural gas actually originates from here. You might recognize the name Entergy if you have gas in your home.

Thank you very much for your comments, encouragement and prayers. Please continue to pray on our behalf as we finish out the weak. We will need the strength that only comes from God to continue on.

N'Awlins- Tuesday

2009-06-03T03:54:00.002+01:00

This morning we headed out to a different job. We helped weed a community garden that was made in an abandon lot, then bought and maintained by people in the neighborhood. It was a job we managed to finish early in the day though. Not without some great pictures though... I'm working on uploading them now. I'll update with a link to the pictures when they're finished uploading.

After our work day we set out to do some tourism. We watched Hurricane on the Bayou at the Imax theater here. Afterward, we went through their aquarium. Among the unique attractions was a white alligator with dark blue eyes. It was found in the wetlands here in Louisiana.

Today was Amber's birthday, so the cook and another staffer here at Operation Nehemiah were thoughtful enough to get her a couple of giant cookies to share with all of us. It was also a delicious dinner of chicken, spaghetti(not macoroni) and cheese, and baked beans. But it wasn't as bland as it sounds, because there was some extra spices that made it absolutely all very delicious. Many of us had seconds.

After dinner we went for some famous stuffed snowballs... where the guy who started Operation Nehemiah, Fred Franke, has a special item not on the menu... let me explain... it's a shaved ice snowball (what you might call a snowcone) with soft serve icecream in the middle. His particular flavor is chocolate syrup with chocolate soft serve icecream with sweetened condensed milk on top. Let me tell you... it's YUMMY!

Anyhow... I will post again when all the photos manage to upload.

N'Awlins- Monday

2009-06-02T03:34:00.002+01:00

We had our first workday today. My morning started at 5:30am along with a few others. Breakfast was scheduled at an early 6:30am and ended at 7:15 before the homeless are welcomed into the St. Jude Community Center (where we are also staying) to eat a meal. Some of us choose to stay out and help serve the food while others moved to make room for the people.

We had our orientation as well this morning... we were praised for coming after even so many years had passed. We were encouraged to not forget the people we serve here and to remain in touch with them on a monthly basis. Finally, we were charged with taking this Mission home to reach our neighbors, communities, and those in the city of Columbus.

Fred had mentioned how he personally had lost $180,000 home and were paid by the insurance company a measly $23,000, 2 years after the tragedy of Katrina had happened. "There's a lot of hurting and needy people here in New Orleans", he explained.

Today we receive our duties and parted ways with the other group. The Snellville group split into two separate groups and did projects to beautify a local park and a neighborhood garden. Our group went to a two story house owned by a lady named Fridella. She was quite bitter and skeptical of how our government and insurance companies had failed to offer the help they had once promised.

We had gone to this home to help with sheetrocking. She told us how the water had surge up over the second story windows and then receded to about a foot above the base boards. We could see the water mark where water had settled for weeks around some doorframes.

There was a few of us who had done some sheetrocking in the past, but for most of us, we were learning for the first time. I had floated around personally trying to learn a little in each step (I also took pictures), but I stuck with a few of the guys measuring, cutting and hanging the drywall. I also learned a little bit about mudding. We didn't finish the house, but I think we may be returning tomorrow.

We had made plans to have snowballs tonight, but some last minute diversion caused us to alter our plans. Some went into the French Quarter and the Ferry across the river again. I went with a few to pick up some supplies from Wal-Mart. When we got back, I managed to parallel park a 15 packer. I did have the help of someone to help me judge distances in the back.

Until next time... keep praying for us. I think that some are already starting to get a bit tired.

N'Awlins- Sunday

2009-06-01T02:14:00.004+01:00

Last night was an interesting night. Let's just say I hardly got any sleep. Everyone else was able to sleep just fine, but for some reason I could not stay asleep. Then 5:30am came around too quickly. Jon and I had to move our vehicles because the parking time expired at 6am. We both found some free spots on the weekend though and all was good.

We had decided to attend church with a new church plant called Hollygrove church of Christ. They just launched January of this year. They are an effort supported by the local congregation Carrollton church of Christ and other churches around the nation. The worship there was very uplifting. It was a small congregation mostly consisting of the youth from the neighborhood at the moment, with a few adults from the Carrollton congregation. Most of the songs were led by the young men and God's spirit was in this place, because they had Soul. It was an excellent way to start the week and the preacher was encouraging the young member to not be satified with being a church bench warmer, but a church disciple.

Walmart made our afternoon for some last minute requirements (fans, water, etc.). Then some decided to venture together into the French Quarter to check out the shops on Decatur. Nothing spectacular especially.

The other church that was to arrive today... arrived. The Snellville Church of Christ from Snellville, Ga. Our groups are currently mingling in a couple of heated games of Uno and something else. The other youth minister apparently had the same idea about writing a daily blog report of our trip. Here's a link to their blog... http://sccneworleans09.blogspot.com.

Tomorrow, we will discover what our first duty is. The reason for the unknown is because of the weather or supplies or a few other situations that could come up. Among the possible duties would be transferring bunk beds from one location to another for a incoming large group of volunteers the next week.

It's been a good trip so far. I'm looking forward to starting work tomorrow. Keep us in your prayers that we will glorify God in this place.

N'Awlins- First Night

2009-05-31T03:48:00.002+01:00

So I just thought I'd write a quick summary of all that we did today.

We traveled from 9pm to 4pm (our time) and stopped a couples times because people got hungry. Apparently David has a feeding every 3 hours or so. This could become problematic. We did arrive in N'awlins though, only to find that parking on the weekends is ludicrously expensive. It was $20 and I have to get up before 6am to put more money in that machine before we even leave for church.

For dinner we were going to walk to Mother's, a oyster and shrimp place that happens to be quite famous, but on the way a local heard where we were headed and directed us to another place with a shorter line. It was pretty good though, can't remember the name of the place though.

Then we walked to the ferry and crossed the Mississippi. It was supposed to be the best view of the city (apart from a helicopter) at night, but we saw it as the sun was going down. It was pretty, so I took a few pictures of it. (Sorry about not posting a picture now... I can't be bothered to break out the camera just now to import the pics.)

We took a streetcar up Canal St. to Antonio Brocata's gelato italian ice cream. It was pretty good. And there was a really nice Expresso machine (brass and gold), I was fiening for some nice coffee, but it was too hot to bother with it.

David had the bright idea to walk back from the Ice Cream shop, which really ended up being a little bit (read, a lot) further than we realized after riding the streetcar. My feet are a little dirty and blistered. Okay, Ryan says they're black.

Anyhow... hope to get a chance to write a little something on our trip each night... maybe.

B rate movie...

2009-05-21T16:55:00.004+01:00

So I told you about trying to implement the idea of putting Creation into a present tense, conversational piece? Well, the reason you haven't seen a version of that posted yet is, I tried writing it and when I got to envisioning the conversation God would have with himself (Father, Son and Spirit), I came up with a poor excuse for a conversation. It was like a B-rate movie or like many of the scripts of 80s cartoons. It was woeful.
I can safely say my strength is not in carrying a conversation in literate form. But maybe that's where the practice of writing will improve over time. I thought from my first piece incorporating Ed the Id, Igor the Ego and Edgar the Superego, I should be able to come up with a somewhat decent transcript conversation.
On a plus note... I did find a online distribution for documents, much like I was envisioning before. It's called Scribd (after the Web 2.0 fashion of dropping out vowels for no apparent reason). So if I ever get around to writing this book, or release the chapters... this will possibly be where I will send you to get a copy. Unless I already have your email and I wanted you to read it for my sake as a friend and critique/editor. I may take advantage of this and release a lot of my still saved newsletter articles... I have a bunch I've foolishly deleted, but maybe I can salvage a few decent articles for your reading pleasure, or displeasure as the case may well turn out to be.

Making it Better

2009-05-20T02:35:00.002+01:00

Well, I want to go ahead and thank Derik, who majored in English and was able to tell me what I could do to make my account of Creation hit my intentions of what I wished it to be. I knew something wasn't quite right about it, but I couldn't put my finger on it. And with two quick suggestions (well possibly a third) he managed to target exactly what was missing from my writing.
The first thing he suggested was putting it into present tense because I wanted the reader to feel as if he was witnessing the event. This will require rewriting the work as it stands, but I think it will definitely give that punch that it was missing. The second thing he mentioned was to make it more conversational, as in having the three persons of God talk among each other as they are creating.
This second suggestion makes the writing a bit more difficult, because it presupposes that I would know what was going through God's mind as he was creating the heavens and the earth. This makes me a little weary, because I don't want to say anything blasphemous. But I think I can avoid this for the most part. I just need to really think about what kind of relationship the three have and how they would interact with one another, although this means again I'm limited by my finite simple mind yet again.
Anyhow, I hope that I will continue to receive helpful tips and that my writing will improve over time. It just takes consistency. I was hoping to write something on Sunday, but things got in the way, and then again yesterday, but again... things got in the way.
It's just a little tough when we already have a full schedule trying to get the house ready to sell and everything. But things are coming together and God is providing a lot of the strength and help we need to get where we're going. Your prayers are appreciated in all the things I've mentioned here. From career changes, to moving, family, parenting, church, writing, etc. We just have a lot to pray for.

Untamed and Untrained

2009-05-16T13:10:00.002+01:00

I realize that as I attempt to write, that I'm not a professional writer. Nor am I a properly trained theologian or philosopher. That is, I don't have a doctorate or a masters in divinity. I have no idea how long this stint of writing flurry will last. Or if I will eventually burn out on it. But it is kind of fun in the meantime. Something that I never thought I would enjoy. It's kind of like the first time I read something for fun instead of for some school assignment. Maybe that's the problem with writing, that because it was a school assignment, it also had become something neglected that could have been nurtured earlier on as something for enjoyment.
I also remember actually attempting to write a story on the old Commodore 64K that I had set up in a window nook of my upstairs bedroom in suburban Kentucky. Mostly I played M.U.L.E. or Microsoft Flight Simulator, but occasionally wrote a few things on it. I imagine their existence is long gone now... demagnetized on a five and one quarter inch floppy disk in the sun baked attic of my parent's house in Oklahoma. My dad doesn't throw anything away. I can't remember what exactly I wrote about. Probably some love story about a boy seeking after a girl. I was quite a lovesick fellow growing up which also led me through a lot of heartbreaks, depression and unfulfillment. I guess that might be revealing a little too much about myself, but that was by the by and a long time ago. I've found fulfillment in God and he has in returned blessed me with the things I longed for then.
Anyhow, I hope that as you read my fictional account of Creation, that you'll realize that is all it is... fiction. I don't attempt to sway you toward any particular theological slant or persuade you to believe in a certain way. Much like Dan Brown writes with some truths and research to back up his fictional story, it still doesn't make it true. It's funny how some Christians had gotten so worked up about that book, and forgot it's original intent as a fictional piece of entertaining material. I guess that's the danger in rewriting a Biblical account of something with the intent to entertain in a fictional way. I don't desire there to be a following or misconstrued idea of the Creation born from my writing, I just want the freedom to write out something I hold dear to me and sometimes envision differently than what is typically portrayed in children's Bible illustrations. Little do we realize how much even those drawings shape the way we view the scriptures at times.
I was drawing out Samson in the Dagon temple as he was about to push it down upon himself and the partygoers. I actually had the audacity to draw him with short hair... according to some members who had just had their paradigms poked and irritated.
Which brings me to the original thing that brought me to write this blog post. It occurred to me as I was thinking about the creation of man, would God have created him as a complete man around the age of 25-30 or would he have nurtured, raised and trained him from the very beginning of life as a human? Essentially, I'm asking the "chicken or the egg" question with a different species in mind. I quite like the idea of God nurturing and sustaining a baby, raising him as a boy, even playing with him in the garden growing up. It brings a different character of God to mind that we often don't think about... the Father figure quite literally.
But then I'm left to wonder about the creation of Eve... would she have gotten to share the same experiences that Adam did... growing up with God as her direct caretaker?
I hope you don't think I'm being misleading or evil about my intent for this narrative. Again, my intention is to entertain, and to hopefully bring people back an interest of reading the bible again, in it's original form. As well as the overall intent to bring glory and praise to God.
I remember the first time I read through the Chronicles of Narnia, and C.S. Lewis' account of creation in the land of Narnia as depicted in The Magician's nephew... I quite literally teared up and cried at the beauty I imagined as Aslan laid out the ground and all the things created there.

Creation

2009-05-16T06:49:00.002+01:00

Just thought I would share what I came up with tonight. I can't really sleep, since my mind is stirring with images and words of how I visualize the creation would happen.

The Beginning

There was darkness. Nothing filled the nothingness. Space was all there was. No molecules to carry sound. No light to see, but that didn’t even matter because there was no matter for it to reflect off and still yet no one to see it. There was no matter to transfer energy and create heat or motion. There was no warmth, and there was no cold. If there was anything to feel... it felt empty, lifeless, pointless, and at the same time, very disturbing. Nothing.
Nothing except a Being that always has been and always will be. This Being was filled with love. He, as we’ll call Him, was love. He was actually three persons, but one entity. These three persons were in perfect unity with one another. There was no hierarchy and nothing to divide them. Yahweh, the Word, and the Spirit. They desired to create something. Something that would bring glory to their greatness, because that was what was right and just. There was nothing egotistical about their desire to be praised and glorified, for that was what they were... worthy of praise for all eternity. Just as two parents choose to start a family out of love, He created out of a deep desire to love deeply, purely, and wholly.
A spiritual realm and a physical realm were created. Two new dimensions that overlap one another. One was to be called Heaven and the other, Earth. In Heaven, there was created other beings of the spiritual realm. They had not physical bodies, but spiritual ones. They were created as servants, messengers, and deliverers. They were created to serve and bring glory to God. These are known as the angels. Very powerful and beautiful things, but not as great as the God who created them.
Yet among these servants, there was already a dissension being born. A early division that was to bring the creation to come into utter turmoil, suffering, and wrongness. They were jealous, hateful, envious, and prideful of their beauty and power. They wanted more than what they were created for, and they devised a scheme how they would try to obtain it.
In the physical realm, Earth, a small sphere is formed yet formless and devoid of life. On it was the substance of all nonexistent life, water. This substance was created from three relatively simple atoms, two hydrogen and one oxygen. Yet these atoms are astoundingly complex with infinitesimally smaller parts. A nucleus bound together by an unknown yet knowable power with electrons that refuse to spin off the course of its orbit around the nucleus. Water, as a simple element, still baffles the minds of scientists today with the unique properties. It’s molecular structure changes from gas, to liquid, and to a solid. It’s the only element that expands when freezing from a liquid to a solid, creating a unique strong hexagonal structure that also allows it to float on itself. This property and others were essential to the life it would soon sustain. God creates matter perfectly and with purpose.
The Spirit was hovering over the surface of this deep dark empty and endless water. Just as It would when the Word would resurface from His baptism to come. Just as It even now does in anticipation to dwell within the soon created physical beings after their baptisms.

The First Day

A deep rich voice echoes through the darkness, somehow bringing with it a sense of fear and love all at the same time. It sounds like a deep bass and a playful flute. Scratch that. It sounds more like a whole symphony starting a crescendo, building up to a beautiful concerto led by a voice like a cello and an orchestra of accompanying angels dancing in harmony and praise like the bows of violins bouncing up and down in sweet melodies.
“Let there be light.”
And the angels applauded as the source of light originated from the glory of God. From the very mouth of God, light radiated in a brilliant full spectrum illuminating the once dark cold blue planet. Pure white light radiating from an unknown source. Nothing was containing it. Nothing was sustaining it, other than the Creator who had just made it.
God called this light “Day”, and the darkness he called “Night”. God caused the small blue planet to rotate on a tilted axis of 23.5° (again planning for a future purpose) to create the first nightfall. From the surface of the earth it would not have been a spectacular sight to see, as the sunsets are today. The light would fade into darkness, until an endless black took over the horizon. No stars yet filled the sky. God’s creation was far too empty and unfinished.

Full of Inspiration...

2009-05-16T02:59:00.002+01:00

So I thought of another interesting writing exercise that will be fun to carry out. I'm not sure if it's already been done before, but it probably has countless times. My idea is this, simply to write out some of the Bible stories in descriptive detail. Something a little less factual than a commentary, but hopefully more entertaining to read. There's something exciting about reading something so familiar, but in a new way that hasn't been experienced before. That was the appeal of the Message Bible, a paraphrase written by Eugene Peterson.
I thought I'd start out with Creation, seeing as it's the first story in the Bible... it would be a good beginning point. So I'm going to take my time with this one. Make the time to write it out and give it my best shot. I choose Creation first because when I ask the question "If you could go back in time to witness any event in the Bible, what would it be?" Hands down, this always ends up being the winner, for whatever reason. So if I can write it in a way that the reader could feel like he was witnessing this amazing work of God... maybe it would be a good launching point. Anyhow, I think I'm going to go write it up as much as possible, I'm excited about it already. I just thought I'd share my idea with you.
Just to clarify, this is going to be classified as fiction based on the Bible. It is meant to entertain, not to inspire some spiritual change, although if it accomplishes that... it would be a bonus, but only if it guides the reader into a desire for God's word. Alright... on to write it up! And if you so wish you could write your own accounts... it could be interesting to see the different viewpoints.

Writing Excercises

2009-05-15T21:18:00.002+01:00

I'm told by many that the best way to write a book, is similar to how you would run a marathon. Just like you would start out running a mile here and there, working your way up to 5-10 miles a day or so. I guess cheeky wee su would be able to inform me more on how that really is achieved than just what I wrote there.
So I'm going to try and write something on the blog every once in a while (notice how I slyly didn't write daily, thus risking an empty promise). Maybe I'll try to just sit here and write whatever comes to my mind for the day (opps, maybe I implied it here). I don't know. I figure I've been running my miles (figuratively speaking) for quite some time now once a week. Maybe it's time I wrote a little bit longer articles, or just try writing something, anything on a regular basis. Hence, the blog should be revived. I'm not writing to entertain or for any matter of purpose (this is your warning that you would be reading a lot of blathering on about nothing) other than to practice the art of expressing thoughts on a page. I will warn you it will be quite raw, unedited (not inappropriate, just expect mistakes, nonsense, and general randomness) and untrained for quite some time.
I have only recently discovered that I like to write something every once in a while. Where this came from, I haven't the slightest idea. Probably similar to many of the other hobbies I've picked up along the way (i.e. photography, graphic design, web design). Although a lot of these hobbies have never been really explored to their full potential. I guess I what I really need to do is focus in on a few of those things and run it's course. Ideally, it would be nice to make a career out of one of my hobbies. Although, that would be referencing an earlier post. Wouldn't it? And it would almost be contrary to what I mentioned about motives in another previous post. I sure know how to contradict myself.
And really, I ought to explore why I haven't been motivated to really see these things out to there full potential. Not to brag on myself, but I'm pretty decent at most things I try my hand at, but to see it through to professionalism and consistency is quite another thing.
This is the part of writing a book that I doubt I'll see through to the end. Yet another unfinished project. Maybe that's the thing about having ADD... it's great for coming up with ideas, as long as it can be completed almost immediately, there shouldn't be a problem. That's part of the reason I got into photography... instant art. From the time you hit the shutter button, you've created a potential masterpiece image in the time of whatever shutter speed you've chosen.
Writing a book is more like an oil painting. I understand that with oil, sometimes it takes days to dry before you can add something on top of it. Hence, why acrylics have become more popular than oil know. But even in my short experience with acrylic, I was still to quick to mess with something before it had time to dry. With a book, you write the articles, then you mull over then for a time, rewrite then and reorder it as necessary. I can't imagine trying to write a book on even a typewriter. My thoughts come out so randomly that it would be difficult to tame in that orderly of a fashion.
I guess one of the goals of writing is to be able to evoke an emotion in your writing that the read is able to pick up on and feel, empathize with. But it's also to be able to draw out a descriptive picture in the mind of the reader. There's a certain artistry that holds true for writing as well. I have a high appreciation for those who can write really well and lead their readers into empathizing with a character, to draw a picture with the mind so that you can envision the surroundings so clearly, or hear the atmosphere crackling, smell... and appeal to all the senses accordingly. I like how Terry Pratchett is able to draw you into his jokes and hit you in the forehead with a pun or parody from a familiar story or real world situation. Or how Dan Brown is able to carry a suspenseful drama, making you wonder if his main character would be so lucky as to escape his pursuers and simultaneously solve the mystery before him.
But writing a book in the genre of Christian literature as I am supposing to write is a different kind of element. Some writers have chosen to stay dry and factual, never really evoking any emotions, but bringing out some truth of God that still brings knowledge and inspiration. I guess it's appropriate here to mention that it is frequent that I fall asleep reading these types of books all too often. With some books that I read, it seems like there is less care in the factual then in evoking deep emotions. Occasionally, I'll read something I don't agree with and write a comment promptly and hastily in the margins with these type of books.
It's funny though... in the end, I must remember that reading hasn't always been a joy of mine. ADD makes it difficult to enjoy reading most of the time. I either get distracted in the middle of a page while thinking of something completely different, or there's too much going on in the room I choose to read in to take in any of the information. It's very frustrating. I have a desire to read now that didn't exist 12 years ago (Here is where I apologize to the many teachers who tried getting me to read books by requiring a book report written... honestly, I did what many did... read the back cover and guess from there what the book as a whole was about.) I desire the knowledge that comes from books now, in spite of Solomon's warning in Ecclesiastes that this too is meaningless.
So, anyhow... I think I wrote something that few will even bother to read wholely. I don't mind though, because this exercise (even though talking about writing a book) is purely for my fascination. To submit random data to the internet, that some poor readers with nothing better to do will stumble upon and either stop within the first paragraph, or by some odd self-punishment read through the whole thing to claim perseverance in spite of boredom. If you have managed to read this far, I apologize, for I have sincerely unwittingly wasted your time with nothing of value. Please accept my apology and don't sue me for carelessly releasing such dribble as this.

Book Outline and Motives

2009-05-15T16:20:00.003+01:00

Okay, so I've been thinking a lot about what type of book would I write first off. And I thought about writing a book about my Theology based on my experience as a son and a father, which has turned out to be the greatest lessons in Theology that I've come across. I will also plan to keep it very biblical as well. I'm aiming for something that's as casual to read as Donald Miller, Jim McGuiggan, Jeff Walling, Max Lucado or Rob Bell... and there's varying degrees into how much they refer to other books. Anyhow I thought I'd share my outline that I'll base my chapters on and build from there.

Outline

God the Father: Simple Theology for the Simple Man
Qualities of the Father
• Creator
• Love
• Discipline- Power and Gentleness
• Gifts/Blessings/Generosity
Qualities of His Children
• Made in His Image- Creative Beings
• Love - God, Family, Church
• Disappointments- Self-Discipline, Self-Control
• Heirs/Lives of Gratitude

This is the first outline I wrote out real quickly so I wouldn't forget, but I think I may change it up so that it is alternating the God and Human aspects, if you noticed how the points relate to each other.
I'm also thinking it would be fun to write one on Christology, and Santos Pneumology(yeah, I totally made up that term). Thanks for the encouragement I've recieved so far.

Motives

It was also important that I explored my personal reasons and desires for writing a book. I realize there's lots of reasons out there. For most people, it's a way to make a living, or so that they might somehow profit from this. I don't think that is my motive however, because it seems like the ones who do it for the money don't do quality work. Some might seek posterity, as in fame. I don't see this as my desire either. To be honest, my motive is purely for the Glory of God. I think that if I can bring people a understanding of the God I serve in the way that I understand him to be... it will strengthen their faith in Him, and inspire devotion to Him. Granted, this is not a simple task, because I realize there's a lot of book out there vying for the attention of the masses. I don't even desire that so much as if I can write it and release it chapter by chapter to friends and family. If it gets published (which I doubt), it's only God choosing to bless my efforts.
I am a bit nervous about releasing this as written out material. I don't want to get into some kind of debate with anyone about the wording of everything, because in the end, I've found that to be mostly fruitless. In the end, sometimes people are arguing the same point using different words. And I try to live by this verse when dealing with argumentative people: "Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen." -2 Tim. 2:14
Granted I'm an argumentative person by nature, which is something I need to keep in check always. Especially when trying to teach the truth in love and gentleness.
I'd appreciate your prayers in this, that I take the time in writing and reading and thinking and rightly representing God in words that don't add to the scriptures, but brings a clearer understanding to the word (that is, the Bible). Thanks in advance.

Career Interest Results

2009-05-15T15:49:00.008+01:00

So I wonder exactly where I got the idea to go into youth ministry in the first place. Although, I realize God uses all types of people, and I do enjoy learning more and more about the God I serve. And I do have a passion/desire to lead youth into a personal relationship with God... and maybe that's all it took. I don't think I could leave ministry altogether even. But I realize it's time to move on to something else. It's time to explore a bit...
Anyways, I thought I'd share with you the results of some career surveys I took just now... Not sure how they'll translate as attachments on this blog article, but we'll see.

This kind of surprised me on the Engineering, Industrial Technological being the highest result. Here's a list of jobs it gives based on that area...

Well, maybe that result was because of the specialty of the Technical College the survey was on... but heres a list of careers dealing with the artistic side of things...

Well, that's closer to what I think my natural skills are, but I don't want to totally write off the technical side of things because I took another survey with results in three job areas (and I tried not to lean towards the engineering/technical questions this time):

Hmm... interesting. Anyways, I would appreciate prayers as I try to narrow this down, get myself a new education or an apprenticeship in one of these areas. It's not easy to do, but I feel it necessary at this point in my life. I hope people will understand. I don't think I can ever totally drop out my involvement with church. Which is why I think it would be beneficial to go into vocational ministry. I could work, glorifying God in my work, reach out to my coworkers, and continue to uplift the church in what ways I can. I have more opportunities to do this in small churches needing dedicated members... hence, why I'm looking at moving to England. God has definitely been opening doors for us, too. It's exciting, scarey, daring, trusting, and probably seems foolish to a lot of people observing our decisions. In the end I hope to bring Glory to God, and that is my ultimate goal. To use my talents and be blessed spiritually in my efforts. Thanks in advance for your prayers.

The Conversation in My Head

2009-05-08T21:28:00.001+01:00

The following dialogue is going on in my head at the moment:

Character Descriptions-
Edward the Id (Ed for short)- the optimistic, fly by the seat of the pants one…

Igor the Ego- the pessimistic, realist one who takes things slow with a slightly negative tone. Okay, a full on negative tone.

Edgar the Superego- the guy who tries to please both of them and mediates the conversation.

The Conversation-
Ed- Hey, I think we should write a book!

Igor- What?!? We’ve never written anything beyond 7 pages in our life. How are we supposed to manage writing a book?

Ed- We never thought we could write a bulletin article every week, either. And now look at us… people like the stuff we write. We get complements and everything!

Edgar- Hey guys, what are you arguing about now?

Igor- Ed here thinks we can write something more than a couple of pages. He wants to write a whole book.

Ed- It can’t be that hard. It’s just a flow of consciousness, right?

Igor- Yeah, and so is a blog… but nobody reads those anymore. What makes you think anyone is going to want to read a book by us? Let alone if we even manage to write and publish it!

Edgar- Well, why don’t we just play around with the idea for a while. Maybe test the waters a bit and see what other people think.

Ed- Why wait?!? We could start writing it right now!

Igor- And what exactly are you going to write it on?

Ed- Uh… um… er… Christianity?

Igor- A little generic, don’t you think? And besides aren’t there a ton of already well written books by authors much more qualified than you in this same genre?

Ed- Yes, but…

Edgar- Now, lets not just shoot this idea down altogether yet. I mean I’m sure we can organize a book by subject and chapters before we start writing out the “flow of consciousness” and even if it’s just a personal thing for us to share with family and friends, that would be okay. Right?

Igor- Did you just say “organize”? Do you realize who you’re talking about?

And so the conversation goes…

I just thought I’d share that with you to see what you guys thought of me writing a book. I mean you’ve read some of my stuff. Would it be a pipedream or something pursuable? Could you be bothered to read it? Simply write “Yes” in the comments if you think I should attempt to even organize to write a book, or “No” if you think it’s not worth the time or effort.
In the end, I can just stick to sharing my thoughts in 140 characters or less on Twitter.

I get my news from the Internet

2009-04-07T23:38:00.001+01:00

Why people like me are contributing to the death of the newspaper.

It's easier to scan titles at will and click the news items that catch my eye. Also, being able to choose how you want to intake your news via pictures, text, or video is definitely difficult to do with any other medium.

In the event of: Zombies!

2009-04-07T05:16:00.001+01:00

What any sensible person would do... run for the rural areas where there also happens to be lots of shotguns, ammo and farming equipment. Can't go wrong there. Apart from a steady food supply... I might have to make risky trips into high density areas for stock raids in that case. But spending nights in rural bomb/tornado shelters would feel pretty cozy compared to a zombie making me into a midnight snack.

Where the Wild Things Are brings me back

2009-04-07T05:09:00.001+01:00

I was always enamored at the artwork. And how the boy of the story wasn't scared of them, but walked among them. I don't really remember much about the storyline though.

How I'd spend $1,000

2009-02-03T00:26:00.001Z

A thousand is not quite enough for the big ticket items on my "wishlist", it is however enough to cover a lot of smaller things. So what would be the first things to get? Possibly update the living room media (A new TV and HD DVR)... but then again I guess in all reality, I'd have to spend it on less exciting things like Credit Card Bills, or Student/Car Loans.

But while we're being all practical, it could most likely go towards a new Dining Room Set (tables and chairs).

If I had easy access to a helicopter, I'd fly to New York, Ny this weekend

2009-02-03T00:18:00.001Z

New York... New York...

Simply because when I asked my wife where she wanted to go... she said this place. I imagine she'd go shopping, but I would at least see some cool urban stuffs. Not sure where we'd land, but it might add to the adventure. Plus seeing the city from a helicopter would be pretty cool. Would definitely have to take my camera on the trip... maybe invest in a tilt-shift lens for the occasion.

If I could have a wild animal for a pet...

2009-02-02T15:22:00.001Z

...it would be a platypus.

Platypus Rex by Paul Downey (psd)

I think it would be fun to have a duck-billed platypus for a pet. I wouldn't want to be stung by it so I would have its back spurs removed if possible (yes, they're poisonous, but not deadly). Besides, I wouldn't have to worry about bites from a beak... right?

When I realized I was a grown-up

2009-02-02T13:19:00.001Z

I think I realized I was a grown-up somewhere in-between living on my own, being married and getting my first job after graduating from University. At times, I sometimes wonder even if I've reached "there" yet. It's the never ending adolescence that seems to have followed me even to my thirties. Maybe that's what makes youth ministry such an appealing career to me. Maybe it's trying to help others actualize their own adulthood.

"Purity of the Heart" is a difficult read.

2009-02-02T12:40:00.001Z

Soren Kierkegaard is very deep, but I try to get into it every once in a while. My mind can only take one chapter at a time though. Very profound stuff.

LOL! Goodbye.

2008-12-11T05:26:00.000Z

I just happened upon this little popup, that Firefox somehow missed. But it's still funny, because it's the virus that has been hitting a lot of friend's computers.
I doubt they wrote it for Mac OS, much less a PowerPC structure.
How did I get rid of it? Close Window. No force quit, just... Close Window. Apple "W".
I guess "creahes" roughly translates into "crashes". I also like the first line... "If your computer is hit by THE spyware," Clues me in that English might not be their first language.

Josiah's 1st Birthday

2008-12-09T23:32:00.003Z

Okay, I doubt anyone besides grandparents will enjoy the following video. But, I won't be too surprised if a few of you do. It's the first video of what will be two parts of Josiah's first birthday. This video pretty much just covers his actual birthday and when we gave him presents from family. It's been online since midmorning so you might want to register and add me as a friend to be notified when new videos come up.

Also, if you haven't already found them... there's also new pictures on the flickr site...Click HERE.

A bit complex...

2008-11-25T03:42:00.004Z

It took a few hours to come up with a machine that would traverse the last level of this game. But after several tests, tweaking, and late night thinking in bed, I manage to come up with the contraption below. It uses 30 different keys to control the machine. I also happened to learn that this game only recognizes 4 key presses at a time. I'll try to document the controls below if you want to give your hand to trying it out. I may build a level myself in sandbox mode to use with this machine**. Look below the Flash game for controls to the "Behemoth". Have fun!

Controls

Wheels

Spinning general movement
Left and Right Arrows
Shocks for jumping and stretching over gaps
Left- expand=T contract=G
Middle- expand=Y contract=H
Left- expand=T contract=G
Tilt for "stepping" over objects
Left- cw=1 ccw=2
Middle- cw=3 ccw=4
Right- cw=5 ccw=6

Robotic Arm

Claw- C+V
"Wrist"- Q+W
"Elbow"- A+S
"Shoulder"- Z+X
Lower Hydralic- expand=E contract=D
Upper Hydralic- expand=R contract=F

Gun*

Angle- B+N
Fire- Space Bar
Reset- M

*Note- To fire the gun, you will need to create "bullets" using the circle or rectangle tool. For a challenge, put them on the ground, and pick them up with the arm to load into the gun.
**Update- I built a small play area for the behemoth, and that's what you see here.

Another Phun Phlash Physics Game.

2008-11-24T02:22:00.003Z

The object below is from a flash game called IncrediBots. You build the machines to overcome different obstacles. What you see below was my solution to shooting 3 targets with some "bullets". It's the most complex machine I've had to build, so I wouldn't be surprised if you find the controls difficult. Hit play on the right side to start playing with the crane and catapult. I highly encourage you to try playing the game if you enjoy building things and solving problems. Just hit Main Menu in the game to start your own and play the levels in the upper right for a tutorial.

Josiah's First Birthday

2008-11-22T13:24:00.002Z

We will be streaming live starting between 5-6pm.
Hope you can join us. Hopefully I can juggle the webcam, videocam, and camera today. If so, check this post later on for some video and photos as well. This is going to be one well media coverage event, maybe.

Streaming live video by Ustream

How it was decided in Georgia...

2008-11-05T05:53:00.003Z

This speaks volumes.

More IE Hate

2008-09-09T00:14:00.003+01:00

Found in one of the CSS scripts of CMSMS while I was adjusting things.

/** fix stupid ie bug with display:block; **/
* html #menu_vert li a { height: 1%; }
* html #menu_vert li hr { height: 1%; }
/** end fix **/

Anyone in Web Design...

2008-09-08T01:55:00.005+01:00

...Hates Internet Explorer

I've been looking through a lot of open source code lately for our youth website, and most often I see some form of disdain towards Internet Explorer. But most recently I was looking at Lytebox's javascript source and found this...

"// We need to know the certain browser versions (or if it's IE) since IE is "special" and requires spoon feeding.
/*@cc_on
/*@if (@_jscript)
this.ie = (document.all && !window.opera) ? true : false;
/*@else @*/
this.ie = false;
/*@end
@*/
this.ie7 = (this.ie && window.XMLHttpRequest);

Regardless if you understood the following lines, you understood the first one clearly. I just thought that was funny and would share it with anyone who might get a laugh out of it too. So the moral of this story is, Get Firefox!

No really, this is the last one...

2008-08-22T20:22:00.002+01:00

Okay, just one more...

2008-08-22T20:10:00.002+01:00

2008-08-22T19:56:00.002+01:00

clicking the comic above will open the comic's website in a new window

I think this has to be one of the funniest geek comics around (xkcd.com). I found this one hilarious, considering I'm sitting in a Starbucks with my laptop typing this... I could see myself being guilty of this same action.

Oh, and I noticed it's been a long time since I've posted anything. Sorry, it wasn't about Josiah. Maybe next post... in the near to distant future.

Youth Website 2008

2008-07-10T04:31:00.004+01:00

I've officially started work on the youth website. I'm currently brainstorming ideas. So far I just have a logo...

and a "coming soon" page.

If you haven't guessed where I'm going with this it's from Ephesians 4:2-6...

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

What book should I take with me to camp?

2008-07-08T17:08:00.003+01:00

I was going to start a poll on the left side, but that feature is currently broken apparently (update: or maybe it isn't now). So I'd like to ask you, my few readers, which book I should take to camp with me, because I will be finished with "Jesus In the Margins" by then, and Kierkegaard will be impossible to concentrate on that intensely (it's that kind of book). So I have two books in my line up that I'm considering, both are hardback (a good choice for camping).

I would appreciate it if you left a comment (or vote if the poll is working for you) for your choice by this Friday at 5pm Eastern Time (that's 4pm for Central). Thanks!

Bipolar Josiah

2008-07-04T20:48:00.000+01:00

More books!

2008-07-04T17:35:00.004+01:00

Since I finished the last two books that I reviewed, I replaced them with another two.
I've started reading "Purity of the Heart is to Will One Thing" by Kierkegaard. It's a very heady book that will take some time to read, but I'm enjoying what little I have read of it!
And I'm also reading "Jesus in the Margins" by Rick McKinley. Essentially, it talks about how people who live in the margins don't have everything going for them, but Jesus purposefully put himself in the margins to reach these people. In a sense we should be doing the same thing to reach the people in the margins and stop putting up the facade at church that everything is hunky dory. The Hunky Dory facade (my words not his) is actually putting people off, making them think that they are not welcome becuase of their problems. Then they imagine God as someone looking down on them, and their insufficiency.

Thanks to Tim the Youth Minister for getting me a copy of "Velvet Elvis" by Rob Bell. I can now take that off of my Amazon Wishlist and put it in my list of books to read. Tell me what you guys are reading/want to read!