While my new Audiostrobelight cd loads, I might have time to finish this blog...yeah, ok, maybe not...
Here goes...
For the past 6ish hours(with the exception of a local show), I've been listening to old school christian rock. And by that I mean: Kutless, Pillar, etc. You know, back when Kutless was good. And I listen to songs like: Treason, Run, You Are Not The End, Sea of Faces, I realize that those were all awesome songs. I mean, I knew that when I was younger, but I never REALLY realized it. And now that i finally realize that(despite it taking me years), I see how much God was actually in my life. I see how much crap and garbage He actually kept me from seeing. You'd think growing up in a house that was part of a not-so-great neighborhood, I would be a punk; but we live on the ONE BLOCK that is actually decent despite all the rest. I'm still a punk, but in a different meaning of the word. I could've gone the soccer route and been one of those kids that learns to run and kick a ball(don't get me wrong, it's still freakin' hard), but I went the martial arts route and learned so much more than just how to kick a problem around and try to get a point rather than dealing with the situation and finding a solution. Throughout my childhood, God has always been there with me. All the choices and things I did that I thought miniscule, turned out to be for something much greater that He has planned.
Random thoughts...just thought I'd share. Hope you ponder these too. And go listen to old school Kutless. They were kind of amazing then...
Peace.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
It's That Time Again!
Oh hey, look at that. It's voting time...again.
Like most of America today, I went out, stood in line and voted for who I believe is the best choice for presidency. But unlike most people, I hope that I hold a slightly different post-voting way of thinking.
Most people follow the normal procedure: Vote. Go home. Turn on the news. Watch every second of the numbers and worry about whether or not their vote made a difference. Me? I prefer to vote then either go rock climbing, or play Halo(any number). It seems so much simpler than fretting over something that I am no longer in charge; something that only God carries with no hardship.
"4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me-practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." - Philippians 4:4-9
This is the glue that should hold us together when times of strife such as election time comes around every 4 years. "Do not be anxious about ANYTHING;" meaning don't be worried about whether the person you voted for is winning or not. The life we've been giving is about so much more then whether Romney or Obama get elected/re-elected. And following in the next part of verse 6, "...but in EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God...". This clearly is telling that if you must worry about whether your vote counted or not, cast the fear, doubt, angst on the one Being that has the ability to handle it all.
But even then, following in verse 8 and 9 reaffirms that what we think of afterwards should be true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and worthy of praise. And the best part is that all those represent, so clearly, God. And by doing all that, a peace that passes all possible human understanding will guard you from the unwanted doubt that you have.
It's so simple, yet so difficult.
Like most of America today, I went out, stood in line and voted for who I believe is the best choice for presidency. But unlike most people, I hope that I hold a slightly different post-voting way of thinking.
Most people follow the normal procedure: Vote. Go home. Turn on the news. Watch every second of the numbers and worry about whether or not their vote made a difference. Me? I prefer to vote then either go rock climbing, or play Halo(any number). It seems so much simpler than fretting over something that I am no longer in charge; something that only God carries with no hardship.
"4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me-practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." - Philippians 4:4-9
This is the glue that should hold us together when times of strife such as election time comes around every 4 years. "Do not be anxious about ANYTHING;" meaning don't be worried about whether the person you voted for is winning or not. The life we've been giving is about so much more then whether Romney or Obama get elected/re-elected. And following in the next part of verse 6, "...but in EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God...". This clearly is telling that if you must worry about whether your vote counted or not, cast the fear, doubt, angst on the one Being that has the ability to handle it all.
But even then, following in verse 8 and 9 reaffirms that what we think of afterwards should be true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and worthy of praise. And the best part is that all those represent, so clearly, God. And by doing all that, a peace that passes all possible human understanding will guard you from the unwanted doubt that you have.
It's so simple, yet so difficult.
Monday, August 13, 2012
I Have Everything!...Or Do I?
In a world that celebrates its own self-destruction, it's hard to find people who truly succeed. Oh sure, there are people who have million dollar houses and cars that would require me to save for the next 500 years, but do material objects really matter when it comes to success?
No.
Answer the obvious question: When you die; you leave this physical form behind; does everything you've ever gained, multiplied, or increased pass to the next "life" with you? Again, the obvious answer here is an "Absolutely not.."
Well if thats the case, what "things" can go with you? If you know his, you already know they aren't things, in a physical sense. The "things" that should be multiplied, increased, and added to your repertoire, shouldn't be money, it should be compassion. It should be love for others, when you see that complete stranger on the side of the road, your immediate thought would be to help them. Despite that they don't know who you are from Adam.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.". Galatians 5:22-23
Things like these are what we SHOULD be focusing on. Not money; not the opposite sex; not sex. The Fruits of The Spirit. They bring us closer to God and everything He is. Why would we want anything else? He's all we need.
No.
Answer the obvious question: When you die; you leave this physical form behind; does everything you've ever gained, multiplied, or increased pass to the next "life" with you? Again, the obvious answer here is an "Absolutely not.."
Well if thats the case, what "things" can go with you? If you know his, you already know they aren't things, in a physical sense. The "things" that should be multiplied, increased, and added to your repertoire, shouldn't be money, it should be compassion. It should be love for others, when you see that complete stranger on the side of the road, your immediate thought would be to help them. Despite that they don't know who you are from Adam.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.". Galatians 5:22-23
Things like these are what we SHOULD be focusing on. Not money; not the opposite sex; not sex. The Fruits of The Spirit. They bring us closer to God and everything He is. Why would we want anything else? He's all we need.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Blacksburg
A while back, I went up to Blacksburg for a wedding. The wedding itself went smoothly and the party afterwards was a rather lively one. And while the wedding has a slight entrance to what I noticed about that weekend, again, that was only the tip of the iceberg.
As we drove around Blacksburg(despite how little we did), I consistently noticed that almost every store and/or restaurant had maroon and orange attached to their building, whether it be painted on, a flag, or a Hokie bird in the front of the building. And I started pondering the basic concept of unity.
There are a lot of problems going on the world and I would venture to state that most of them have to deal with a lack of unity; whether it be in the government, the home...or the church. If you look around whatever city or county you live in, you'll notice all different types of churches: Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Church of Christ, etc.. And even among each denomination by itself, you have denominations of denominations. And my question is this: Why do we have so many different types of churches, when God has called us to be as *one* body?
The answer, I believe is quite simple:
Selfishness.
We, even today, want what *we* want. We don't wake up in every morning wondering if *insert random name here* will have a great day. It's always about us and what we want.
I believe that if we get away from the thinking that what we do, say, or think comes first, rather than secondary to the needs of others, only then will we begin to understand each other and start thinking in the same mind.
As we drove around Blacksburg(despite how little we did), I consistently noticed that almost every store and/or restaurant had maroon and orange attached to their building, whether it be painted on, a flag, or a Hokie bird in the front of the building. And I started pondering the basic concept of unity.
There are a lot of problems going on the world and I would venture to state that most of them have to deal with a lack of unity; whether it be in the government, the home...or the church. If you look around whatever city or county you live in, you'll notice all different types of churches: Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Church of Christ, etc.. And even among each denomination by itself, you have denominations of denominations. And my question is this: Why do we have so many different types of churches, when God has called us to be as *one* body?
The answer, I believe is quite simple:
Selfishness.
We, even today, want what *we* want. We don't wake up in every morning wondering if *insert random name here* will have a great day. It's always about us and what we want.
I believe that if we get away from the thinking that what we do, say, or think comes first, rather than secondary to the needs of others, only then will we begin to understand each other and start thinking in the same mind.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Lights In The Darkness
There's a lot going on in the world right now. Heck, just America is a stressful place right now. But among the confusion and chaos, I want to look at something that pops up ever so often nowadays: Westboro.
When they first came out of the woodwork, you knew about it. Drawn signs of "God hates fags.," or "Pray for more dead soldiers.," flooded the media channels and stations that would continuously play the same clips of protestors at soldiers funerals.
And I must admit, I jumped in the bandwagon of "Anti-Westboro." But before I go any further, I must make it explicitly clear that I, in no way, agree with them or the message that they express. Now continuing on...Like the rest of America, I became infuriated with a people who would take the name of God, His Son, and His Spirit and drag them through the mud, using them to claim their own message instead of the story, life, and love of Christ.
But while in my storm of fury and fist shaking, there was a different thought that crossed my mind: Pray for Westboro.
And over time, that transformed from praying for them, to love them. And in that exact moment, God took everything He is, was, and will be, and smacked me across the face with it. In all my anger and fury I had built up towards them, I had forgotten the one most important lesson that I was taught for so many years before Westboro: Love the Lord your God; and *love* thy *neighbor* as *thyself*.
Love.
Yes, they have misdirection. Yes, they distort everything Christ. Will I be in their face given the chance I ever see them in person, absolutely! But if I forget to pray for them and live them like Christ loves you and me, then I'm not really any better than who they are.
There's the challenge. Is it accepted?
When they first came out of the woodwork, you knew about it. Drawn signs of "God hates fags.," or "Pray for more dead soldiers.," flooded the media channels and stations that would continuously play the same clips of protestors at soldiers funerals.
And I must admit, I jumped in the bandwagon of "Anti-Westboro." But before I go any further, I must make it explicitly clear that I, in no way, agree with them or the message that they express. Now continuing on...Like the rest of America, I became infuriated with a people who would take the name of God, His Son, and His Spirit and drag them through the mud, using them to claim their own message instead of the story, life, and love of Christ.
But while in my storm of fury and fist shaking, there was a different thought that crossed my mind: Pray for Westboro.
And over time, that transformed from praying for them, to love them. And in that exact moment, God took everything He is, was, and will be, and smacked me across the face with it. In all my anger and fury I had built up towards them, I had forgotten the one most important lesson that I was taught for so many years before Westboro: Love the Lord your God; and *love* thy *neighbor* as *thyself*.
Love.
Yes, they have misdirection. Yes, they distort everything Christ. Will I be in their face given the chance I ever see them in person, absolutely! But if I forget to pray for them and live them like Christ loves you and me, then I'm not really any better than who they are.
There's the challenge. Is it accepted?
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Slow Numbing
Commonly know around the gaming world, E3 showed off quite a few new gadgets that will keep young kids and some young adults entertained for a few years. But among the new things shown at this expo, one of the newer apps you can soon buy is Internet Explorer...for your Xbox.
The words, "I told you so," come to mind.
And while I think the idea to be able to stay connected to the world a singular device in a home other than a computer is cool, it also adds into an ever growing problem: Communication.
While having to go on the Internet on your Xbox or other said object is cool, it takes away from personal reaction to and with other humans. It takes away from the personal relationships that can be grown through the five senses we were given. It takes away from people being people and not robots. This is a flippant guess, but I would venture to say that this is/could be part of the reason most people have weight problems, especially kids. This is why kids have a hard time discussing the issues they have from school/work/other activities they may do.
I will not deny that technology has its perks, but if we forget one of the most crucial attributes to a functioning human society, we forget, in a way, how to be human. If something isn't used or done on a regular basis, the concept and actual application of said thing/attribute is slowly forgotten. And that is something that needs to be desperately avoided.
Make sure you always communicate with the people around you. Despite the technology increase in the past decade, don't lose communication with your family or friends.
The words, "I told you so," come to mind.
And while I think the idea to be able to stay connected to the world a singular device in a home other than a computer is cool, it also adds into an ever growing problem: Communication.
While having to go on the Internet on your Xbox or other said object is cool, it takes away from personal reaction to and with other humans. It takes away from the personal relationships that can be grown through the five senses we were given. It takes away from people being people and not robots. This is a flippant guess, but I would venture to say that this is/could be part of the reason most people have weight problems, especially kids. This is why kids have a hard time discussing the issues they have from school/work/other activities they may do.
I will not deny that technology has its perks, but if we forget one of the most crucial attributes to a functioning human society, we forget, in a way, how to be human. If something isn't used or done on a regular basis, the concept and actual application of said thing/attribute is slowly forgotten. And that is something that needs to be desperately avoided.
Make sure you always communicate with the people around you. Despite the technology increase in the past decade, don't lose communication with your family or friends.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Furthering Progression
I have gotten used to the ground I walk on. I have gotten used to the places I go on a weekly basis. I have become accustomed to the things I do. And at this time, I am slowly becoming sick of the lack of progression I am making. I have become comfortable; and I do not like it.
This will not be a note of teaching. This will be a request of continuous prayer. I am having difficulty figuring out which direction I am to head. And part of that is that I do not know what I want to do for the rest of my life. I am at an age that something needs to change or I will be stuck here permanently. And I want so sorely to do something new. Maybe it'll be traveling, maybe it'll be manual labor. Either something, it needs to change. So I ask that you pray for me and ask for guidance in my journey forward. Because that should be the only way I should be going.
This will not be a note of teaching. This will be a request of continuous prayer. I am having difficulty figuring out which direction I am to head. And part of that is that I do not know what I want to do for the rest of my life. I am at an age that something needs to change or I will be stuck here permanently. And I want so sorely to do something new. Maybe it'll be traveling, maybe it'll be manual labor. Either something, it needs to change. So I ask that you pray for me and ask for guidance in my journey forward. Because that should be the only way I should be going.
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