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Thursday, June 08, 2006
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
False Teachers
So I was reading in 2 Peter Ch. 2 last night and I had something hit me:
18For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. 19They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.I'm not sure why, but it struck me how vunerable we are when we first come to believe in Christ. That while God has His hand on us, we are still susceptible to misgivings and influences from people and things not of God. This, in turn, made me think about how critical a community of Believers that accept and support new Christians is. Those new Christians could easily be handed over to false teachers that will lead them completely astray. Obviously, it isn't just new Christians that can be led astray, but I think this verse makes it clear that false teachers will entice people who are just beginning to turn away from the life they've been leading. So I prayed fervently last night for the protection of many people I know (and those I don't know) in my life that have only recently begun to truly seek God. And I thanked God for my church and the community of people He has placed me in. I can't think of one instance where I've seen anyone in that church or in my circle of friends not accept someone new for who they are.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Dam!
So Chinese engineers blew up the last of the temporary dams at the just-completed Three Gorges Dam. Pretty sweet video of them doing so here. Especially cool is the views of the water levels suddenly rising/dropping. Although the hydroelectric portion of the dam isn't operational yet, it is completed structurally and now holding back a massive body of water. Three Gorges is 5x the size of the Hoover Dam.
Excitement
What am I excited about? Soccer. Why? Because hopefully tonight will be my first night playing with the BMW Soccer Club. And what a great day it is for a little futbol.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Weekend
So I get bored with just relaying the facts about my weekend. In light of this, I'm going to recite the events using only ridiculously short phrases:
Friday: X-men movie, anger, food, Garrison, talk, late, sleep
Saturday: sleep, Karla, Brent, mall, PF Changs, ice skate, laugh, Barley's, new people, more new people, inundated w/ new people, sleep
Sunday: Newspring, grass, run, gym, hours of laundry (thanks Andi and Kenyon for the hookup.) sleep.
There, I did it. Now you can piece together what it means yourself.
Oh, I'm checking out a new bible study group tonight. All I know at this point is that it is a pot-luck dinner and they said b/c I'm new, I don't have to bring anything. I love being a newbie.
Friday: X-men movie, anger, food, Garrison, talk, late, sleep
Saturday: sleep, Karla, Brent, mall, PF Changs, ice skate, laugh, Barley's, new people, more new people, inundated w/ new people, sleep
Sunday: Newspring, grass, run, gym, hours of laundry (thanks Andi and Kenyon for the hookup.) sleep.
There, I did it. Now you can piece together what it means yourself.
Oh, I'm checking out a new bible study group tonight. All I know at this point is that it is a pot-luck dinner and they said b/c I'm new, I don't have to bring anything. I love being a newbie.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Wants...
Just in case anyone might be interested in knowing what music I am currently seeking after:
I've recently really enjoyed the CD Howl Howl Gaff Gaff from the Shout Out Louds. I suggest getting it.
1. Out of the Fierce Parade: Velvet Teen
2. Elysium: Velvet Teen
3. You are Here: +/- (Plus/Minus)
4. Blue Screen Life: Pinback
5. Eyes Open: Snow Patrol
6. Mean Way In: Division Day
I've recently really enjoyed the CD Howl Howl Gaff Gaff from the Shout Out Louds. I suggest getting it.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Needed this...
Mem Day
Here's what I've learned over Memorial Day weekend:
PF Changs is the best darn Chinese food you'll ever have the pleasure of inserting into your digestive track.
Moving sucks. I hate it. But thanks to Melissa, Mom, Garrison, Brian, PJ Angela and Andi, it went quickly and smoothly. And I mean smooth like butta. I think I'm really going to dig G-vegas too. I went running up and down Main Street today and joined Pivotal Fitness. Pivotal: Because I won't have to pay for a bunch of crap I'm never going to use (I.E. raquetball, pool, basketball court).
The movie Cold Mountain is most definitely a chick flick. Unfortunately for me, I was unaware of this fact and was duped into watching it. At no point whatsoever did I find the plot even mildly plausible. While they attempted to parlay the overwhelming estrogen level with short, unrealistic battle scenes, the end result was...well...bad. But, I guess if you're a chick, you can look past all that and simply fantasize that Jude Law is trudging across hundreds of miles on foot after escaping death numerous times simply because you spoke two sentences and kissed him for 5 seconds.
I miss the lake, terribly. I got out on Hartwell for about 2 hours...but then the boat broke. So I had to hotwire the battery to the starter while I'm standing in the lake. I admit, it wasn't smart, but it was necessary. Not long after the engine started running again, the steering cables broke. Ok God, I get it. No lake for today. Then straight to a Memorial Day cookout. Pics here (via Candice) and here (via Paul).
On a more personal note, I'm starting to learn and deal with the idea of "freedom in Christ." While I had heard that phrase so many times, I haven't given much thought to what it really means. What am I free from? Well, the first thing is freedom from the penalty of sin, but Jesus and Paul (in Galatians) talks about being free from sin in a current state. As Christians, we aren't bound by it anymore, even if we feel like it. On the same token, being a Christian isn't a license to sin either. So it sets up two opposing ends: the first being that we don't weigh ourselves down with guilt and legalism; the second being we don't just go do whatever we feel like doing. I'm trying to feel out this "happy medium" and what exactly it means. I can forgive myself for sinning because God has forgiven me, yet how do I stop myself from taking advantage of that? As to be expected, the ultimate answer lies in my relationship with God and doing my best to "live by the Spirit" as Paul states in Galatians 5:16-18:
PF Changs is the best darn Chinese food you'll ever have the pleasure of inserting into your digestive track.
Moving sucks. I hate it. But thanks to Melissa, Mom, Garrison, Brian, PJ Angela and Andi, it went quickly and smoothly. And I mean smooth like butta. I think I'm really going to dig G-vegas too. I went running up and down Main Street today and joined Pivotal Fitness. Pivotal: Because I won't have to pay for a bunch of crap I'm never going to use (I.E. raquetball, pool, basketball court).
The movie Cold Mountain is most definitely a chick flick. Unfortunately for me, I was unaware of this fact and was duped into watching it. At no point whatsoever did I find the plot even mildly plausible. While they attempted to parlay the overwhelming estrogen level with short, unrealistic battle scenes, the end result was...well...bad. But, I guess if you're a chick, you can look past all that and simply fantasize that Jude Law is trudging across hundreds of miles on foot after escaping death numerous times simply because you spoke two sentences and kissed him for 5 seconds.
I miss the lake, terribly. I got out on Hartwell for about 2 hours...but then the boat broke. So I had to hotwire the battery to the starter while I'm standing in the lake. I admit, it wasn't smart, but it was necessary. Not long after the engine started running again, the steering cables broke. Ok God, I get it. No lake for today. Then straight to a Memorial Day cookout. Pics here (via Candice) and here (via Paul).
On a more personal note, I'm starting to learn and deal with the idea of "freedom in Christ." While I had heard that phrase so many times, I haven't given much thought to what it really means. What am I free from? Well, the first thing is freedom from the penalty of sin, but Jesus and Paul (in Galatians) talks about being free from sin in a current state. As Christians, we aren't bound by it anymore, even if we feel like it. On the same token, being a Christian isn't a license to sin either. So it sets up two opposing ends: the first being that we don't weigh ourselves down with guilt and legalism; the second being we don't just go do whatever we feel like doing. I'm trying to feel out this "happy medium" and what exactly it means. I can forgive myself for sinning because God has forgiven me, yet how do I stop myself from taking advantage of that? As to be expected, the ultimate answer lies in my relationship with God and doing my best to "live by the Spirit" as Paul states in Galatians 5:16-18:
16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.I suppose what I'm seeking out is the details on how exactly to go about doing this. What exactly does it mean to be "led by the Spirit?" How does one make sure you are being led by the Spirit? How can you tell the difference between your own sinful nature and those of the Holy Spirit? Sometimes it seems very obvious, others the waters get murky. Man, I think too much...
Friday, May 26, 2006
Baseball and the Current State of Affairs
So I went to a baseball game last night. Yea, baseball. Is it really any wonder that the official "American Pastime" is one of the least athletic sports out of the 4 big 'uns (Football, Basketball, Baseball, Soccer)? Just a thought. And why is it that baseball games must have random injections of pop culture and poorly performed entertainment during the game? Wait...is it because the game itself is not entertaining enough? Could it be?
The one saving grace is that you are outside, and being outside is great, even if you are sitting around eating peanuts and hotdogs the entire time.
But did I have a good time? That, of course, is the question. Of course I did. I did because I was with the right people. I could probably attend a funeral of a deeply loved baby raccoon who had been mauled by gang-banging wharf rats and, with the right crowd at hand, have a blast. Andi's sister and her sister's husband had box seat tickets which is a level of richness and glory I could've never have hoped to attain by my own means. (Thank you) The running commentary on the surroundings alone by all of us was better than 6 hours of watching Clint Eastwood squint.
And that's why people rock. Get the right people around you and any potentially bad situation seems to come out smelling like roses.
Today/Tonight: moving, PF Chiangs, possibly bowling...life freakin' rocks
The one saving grace is that you are outside, and being outside is great, even if you are sitting around eating peanuts and hotdogs the entire time.
But did I have a good time? That, of course, is the question. Of course I did. I did because I was with the right people. I could probably attend a funeral of a deeply loved baby raccoon who had been mauled by gang-banging wharf rats and, with the right crowd at hand, have a blast. Andi's sister and her sister's husband had box seat tickets which is a level of richness and glory I could've never have hoped to attain by my own means. (Thank you) The running commentary on the surroundings alone by all of us was better than 6 hours of watching Clint Eastwood squint.
And that's why people rock. Get the right people around you and any potentially bad situation seems to come out smelling like roses.
Today/Tonight: moving, PF Chiangs, possibly bowling...life freakin' rocks
Thursday, May 25, 2006
LOST Finale
So, after months of missing Lost, I made it for the season finale...and now I'm more confused than ever. Just kidding. It certainly has resparked my interest in the show so I think I will recap myself on all that I've missed thus far via DVD.
Beyond that, the outdoor viewing went exceptionally well, if I don't say so myself. Wings, stars, people, mosquitos, what's not to love? I have some pictures, but it may be a little bit before getting them up. So, here's links to others.
Will
Ken
Beyond that, the outdoor viewing went exceptionally well, if I don't say so myself. Wings, stars, people, mosquitos, what's not to love? I have some pictures, but it may be a little bit before getting them up. So, here's links to others.
Will
Ken
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
I Mean One More...
Oh yeah....I'M OFFICIALLY A GREENVILLIAN NOW...OR GREENVILLEIAN OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.
One More
So the verse for today on my own blogsite was Romans 12:10:
Such a simple statement yet somehow ridiculously difficult to do in life. That's what is great about being a Christian: you know it's real because it continually flies in the face of what you naturally want to do yet you always have so much more peace living the way Jesus describes. God is an infinite paradox.
So how can I apply this verse? How can I really honor the people around me? How can I lift them up and not myself?
(Yet another list. *sigh* I'm such a sucker for organization and process flows)
1) Talk less about myself, ask more about someone else
2) Tell the truth...always, even when they might get hurt and even when it might make me look really bad.
3) Give of myself to people I don't even know that well
4) Tell someone the good things that I think about them and why. It is easy for us to say, "I think you are great" but I'm wondering what people will walk away feeling like if I say, "I think you're great...and here's why"
So now I've got a plan and a tasking. Now all it takes is a little action...and man I love some action.
Lost party tonight. Food, people, giant pictures of the only non-Simpsons TV show I watch with any regularity.
And oh yeah, I think you're great.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Such a simple statement yet somehow ridiculously difficult to do in life. That's what is great about being a Christian: you know it's real because it continually flies in the face of what you naturally want to do yet you always have so much more peace living the way Jesus describes. God is an infinite paradox.
So how can I apply this verse? How can I really honor the people around me? How can I lift them up and not myself?
(Yet another list. *sigh* I'm such a sucker for organization and process flows)
1) Talk less about myself, ask more about someone else
2) Tell the truth...always, even when they might get hurt and even when it might make me look really bad.
3) Give of myself to people I don't even know that well
4) Tell someone the good things that I think about them and why. It is easy for us to say, "I think you are great" but I'm wondering what people will walk away feeling like if I say, "I think you're great...and here's why"
So now I've got a plan and a tasking. Now all it takes is a little action...and man I love some action.
Lost party tonight. Food, people, giant pictures of the only non-Simpsons TV show I watch with any regularity.
And oh yeah, I think you're great.
Yep
Man, it feels like FOREVER since I wrote on this thing. Wait a minute...it has been! And although I think it's a mild cop-out to say things like, "Things have been really, really busy" and "man, I just don't have time" I must admit that this has been the case for some time. But finally, things are looking up...in terms of actually getting a social life back.
So I remember back in Decemeber how I felt like God was telling me things were going to change and when they did I would be surprised at how quickly they would do so. He could not have been anymore more correct! Here's a recap since January 1, 2006:
1) Moved out of rental house into house with three other guys...haven't had a roommate in 7 years
2) Sold Jeep Wrangler (..sniff) for '88 Toyota Camry (*sigh*)
3) Went to Honduras/Guatamala, found out God wants me to be a missionary pilot (actually makes sense if you know me)
4) Got moved to BMW contract through MAU with huge increase in responsibility and workload...finally love my job.
5) Just found an apt in G-vegas that freakin' rocks. 10min WALK to downtown Main Street for under $500/month. (I've been praying for something like this for a month!)
6)(Soon to come) Will re-initiate my flying lessons to finally get my license!!
So God wasn't kidding. Not....kidding.....at all.
Things really are slowing down at work and are finally getting into a routine. It just makes me laugh to think that I now have 8 employees that I'm directly responsible for. I mean, come on, IT'S ME!
In other news, I've recently been in the midst of a resurgence of new music. Here's some worth noting:
1) Velvet Teen Out of the Fierce Parade
2) Snow Patrol Eyes Open
3) +/- (Plus/Minus) You are Here
4) Clap Your Hands Say Yeah self-titled
5) Dave Barnes Chasing Mississippi
6) Hillsong United United We Stand
So I remember back in Decemeber how I felt like God was telling me things were going to change and when they did I would be surprised at how quickly they would do so. He could not have been anymore more correct! Here's a recap since January 1, 2006:
1) Moved out of rental house into house with three other guys...haven't had a roommate in 7 years
2) Sold Jeep Wrangler (..sniff) for '88 Toyota Camry (*sigh*)
3) Went to Honduras/Guatamala, found out God wants me to be a missionary pilot (actually makes sense if you know me)
4) Got moved to BMW contract through MAU with huge increase in responsibility and workload...finally love my job.
5) Just found an apt in G-vegas that freakin' rocks. 10min WALK to downtown Main Street for under $500/month. (I've been praying for something like this for a month!)
6)(Soon to come) Will re-initiate my flying lessons to finally get my license!!
So God wasn't kidding. Not....kidding.....at all.
Things really are slowing down at work and are finally getting into a routine. It just makes me laugh to think that I now have 8 employees that I'm directly responsible for. I mean, come on, IT'S ME!
In other news, I've recently been in the midst of a resurgence of new music. Here's some worth noting:
1) Velvet Teen Out of the Fierce Parade
2) Snow Patrol Eyes Open
3) +/- (Plus/Minus) You are Here
4) Clap Your Hands Say Yeah self-titled
5) Dave Barnes Chasing Mississippi
6) Hillsong United United We Stand
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Holy Cow
So I'm not dead...yet. I'm still alive. I think I'm still awake, but sometimes I'm not sure...
That "lateral move" I spoke of earlier ended up being a "rocket to another level" move. I'm happy. I really am. I'm working 60+ hours a week and have been given a level of responsibility that I honestly have done nothing to deserve, as far as this company is concerned. I've gone from struggling to figure out how to stop wasting time on the internet at work to trying to figure out how in the world I'm going to maintain a life outside of work! This is something I've prayed for and God has put together and I really couldn't be happier.
Enough vague generalities. I'm working on a contract hiring project with BMW. What a great company. Organized, efficent, and I get to be involved in planning and organizing a major part of this whole hiring process. It is just like planning how a machine is going to put parts out except we are putting out people...not parts.
What is even more interesting is how I'm able to throw myself into this so fully yet still know in the back of my mind that it is only a stepping stone to what God has called me to do. It's work and we do it well but perspective is given to us through our relationship with Jesus.
The only drawback seems to have reared its ugly head today. It's Saturday...and I'm working a 12+ hour day. I had a moment to look at some people's blogs that I haven't seen since I started on this whole project and an overwhelming feeling of social disconnection came over me! I thought, holy cow, do I have friends anymore??? So I went on a 15 person phone call rampage....and no one picked up!!! I just chalk that up as a fluke...for now.
But I'm thankful. I truly am. Even if this takes me away from some other things I really enjoy doing, I know it won't last forever and God has a purpose in all of it. Oh, and Angela, if you read this, I'm needing a back massage like crazy, yo. You rock!!!
That "lateral move" I spoke of earlier ended up being a "rocket to another level" move. I'm happy. I really am. I'm working 60+ hours a week and have been given a level of responsibility that I honestly have done nothing to deserve, as far as this company is concerned. I've gone from struggling to figure out how to stop wasting time on the internet at work to trying to figure out how in the world I'm going to maintain a life outside of work! This is something I've prayed for and God has put together and I really couldn't be happier.
Enough vague generalities. I'm working on a contract hiring project with BMW. What a great company. Organized, efficent, and I get to be involved in planning and organizing a major part of this whole hiring process. It is just like planning how a machine is going to put parts out except we are putting out people...not parts.
What is even more interesting is how I'm able to throw myself into this so fully yet still know in the back of my mind that it is only a stepping stone to what God has called me to do. It's work and we do it well but perspective is given to us through our relationship with Jesus.
The only drawback seems to have reared its ugly head today. It's Saturday...and I'm working a 12+ hour day. I had a moment to look at some people's blogs that I haven't seen since I started on this whole project and an overwhelming feeling of social disconnection came over me! I thought, holy cow, do I have friends anymore??? So I went on a 15 person phone call rampage....and no one picked up!!! I just chalk that up as a fluke...for now.
But I'm thankful. I truly am. Even if this takes me away from some other things I really enjoy doing, I know it won't last forever and God has a purpose in all of it. Oh, and Angela, if you read this, I'm needing a back massage like crazy, yo. You rock!!!
Monday, March 13, 2006
Hillsong Update
Official Info:
It is held at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, GA and starts at 7:30 pm. The doors open at 7:00 pm and seats are available on a first come first serve basis.
Hillsong United will be visiting 7|22 on Tuesday, April 4th. There is no admission charge to 7|22. However, we will take a special offering that night in order to help cover some of the expenses.
For more information on 7|22 please visit our website at 722.org.
It is held at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, GA and starts at 7:30 pm. The doors open at 7:00 pm and seats are available on a first come first serve basis.
Hillsong United will be visiting 7|22 on Tuesday, April 4th. There is no admission charge to 7|22. However, we will take a special offering that night in order to help cover some of the expenses.
For more information on 7|22 please visit our website at 722.org.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Nobody
Nobody else seems to be posting to their blogs today so I'll just post to mine.
Something I recently had "click": how to let go of an uncertain future without making up the answer for yourself. For instance, I would like to be married one day. I think God wants me married one day, but it doesn't seem to be happening. Because of my personality, I almost want to say, "Well, it's just never going to happen" and face that as a fact. It really isn't true, however. All I had to realize was I don't have a wife right now, so it isn't on my list of priorities. Sounds intuitive, but for some reason I just didn't seem to get it. Worry about what I'm doing today and what God has already told me to do. Let God sort the rest out. I can't really understand why it took me so long to figure that one out, but I'm thankful I have. I suppose it is because of my natural tendency to have things planned out to some degree or another. Eh, whatever.
So there may be an opportunity for me to make a lateral move within the company I work for. I'm praying it comes to pass since I think it would be a move that would allow me to do something I'd feel much more successful at.
Something I recently had "click": how to let go of an uncertain future without making up the answer for yourself. For instance, I would like to be married one day. I think God wants me married one day, but it doesn't seem to be happening. Because of my personality, I almost want to say, "Well, it's just never going to happen" and face that as a fact. It really isn't true, however. All I had to realize was I don't have a wife right now, so it isn't on my list of priorities. Sounds intuitive, but for some reason I just didn't seem to get it. Worry about what I'm doing today and what God has already told me to do. Let God sort the rest out. I can't really understand why it took me so long to figure that one out, but I'm thankful I have. I suppose it is because of my natural tendency to have things planned out to some degree or another. Eh, whatever.
So there may be an opportunity for me to make a lateral move within the company I work for. I'm praying it comes to pass since I think it would be a move that would allow me to do something I'd feel much more successful at.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Engage
If you haven't been, you should go. Tuesday night, 7:30pm, Grace Church on Pelham Rd. in G-vegas. I heard one of the most moving sermons I've ever heard there last night. If you can get a podcast, get "why can't I get everything under control" via Wayfarer Ministries podcast. If not, go here to listen online.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Makin' Plans
Hillsong United (greatest youth praise band in existence) is coming to Northpoint Community Church in the ATL on Tuesday April 4th @ 7:30. You know what the best part is? IT'S FREE. That's right, free concert. Holy cow I'm excited. Here's the info.
Also, Stellastar* will be playing at the 40 Watt club in Athens that Thursday. I'll be making road trips that whole week apparently.
Also, Stellastar* will be playing at the 40 Watt club in Athens that Thursday. I'll be making road trips that whole week apparently.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Question
So I just happened to be thinking about something: Does God ever give us a time frame for certain things to be accomplished? I have seen plenty of examples in the Bible where God foretells something to someone (Noah, Abraham, the whole coming of the Messiah thing...) but are there examples in the Bible of God not only saying "_________ will happen." but also that it would happen in a specific amount of time?
Curious...
Curious...
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Now Playing
HillSong United. I just recently purchased More than Life and I honestly can't help but crank the volume when listening to it. I've had Look to You for some time and it's a loud one as well.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Change
Change is good. Most of us agree with that. I, for one, don't usually deal with change that well. At least not big change. But last night, as I was looking out my bedroom window, it occurred to me that it was this time last year that I really began seeking after God in a serious way. This time last year was when I began to really put God first and to fully submit to His Will for my life, no matter what that was.
I've said this before and I will say it again, I can't believe how much God has changed me in the last year. Many people here in Anderson were spared from knowing who I was before I committed myself to God. I say spared because without God, I was a pretty bad person. I was so flippin' selfish, dishonest, angry, and afraid. It is really difficult to put into words because I was still me in terms of my basic personality traits, but everything was skewed. My priorities were out of order. I didn't have much room to really care about other people, even those I truly loved. On the surface, I talked a big game, but I exhibited nothing to back it up in my actions. I often wonder what people who were my friends during that time would think now. Would they believe it? Would they think it was real? Would they see me and see God in me or just somebody who got tired of hurting himself and other people? Would they think of me as a hypocrite? I've prayed that no matter what I had to endure, no matter what was required, I wanted my actions to reflect me and the person that God had made. I have prayed continual that my words and actions would match up. I've prayed knowing that it is easy to tell God "thank you" with my mouth, but I wanted my actions to say "thank you" more than my mouth ever does.
I haven't been perfect, but for the first time in a very long time, I can look back on the last year of my life and not see any regrets. I have made mistakes, but I have no true regrets. What a great feeling. But it wasn't me who did this. All I did was submit myself. All I did was get on my knees and tell God that I was tired of being that way, of hurting myself, other people, and Him. All I did was tell Him that no matter what it was, I wanted His Will for my life and not mine. The rest was ALL HIM.
I've said this before and I will say it again, I can't believe how much God has changed me in the last year. Many people here in Anderson were spared from knowing who I was before I committed myself to God. I say spared because without God, I was a pretty bad person. I was so flippin' selfish, dishonest, angry, and afraid. It is really difficult to put into words because I was still me in terms of my basic personality traits, but everything was skewed. My priorities were out of order. I didn't have much room to really care about other people, even those I truly loved. On the surface, I talked a big game, but I exhibited nothing to back it up in my actions. I often wonder what people who were my friends during that time would think now. Would they believe it? Would they think it was real? Would they see me and see God in me or just somebody who got tired of hurting himself and other people? Would they think of me as a hypocrite? I've prayed that no matter what I had to endure, no matter what was required, I wanted my actions to reflect me and the person that God had made. I have prayed continual that my words and actions would match up. I've prayed knowing that it is easy to tell God "thank you" with my mouth, but I wanted my actions to say "thank you" more than my mouth ever does.
I haven't been perfect, but for the first time in a very long time, I can look back on the last year of my life and not see any regrets. I have made mistakes, but I have no true regrets. What a great feeling. But it wasn't me who did this. All I did was submit myself. All I did was get on my knees and tell God that I was tired of being that way, of hurting myself, other people, and Him. All I did was tell Him that no matter what it was, I wanted His Will for my life and not mine. The rest was ALL HIM.
Remaking Bish
I recently decided that I would "make" myself a morning person. Historically, I haven't been much for waking up early. I've been somewhat forced into through my military experience, but I usually dread getting up anytime earlier than 30 minutes prior to when I need to be somewhere. But I decided I didn't like that about myself and I knew I needed some form of motivation to get me out of bed other than relying upon me and the alarm clock. I needed a reason.
The reason has become running. I've always run at night, but when I heard that a crew from Newspring were training for a marathon early in the morning, I figured what better way to motivate myself than to do the same. So since last week, I've been getting up at 5:15am to start running at 6am for however many miles they are doing. I probably won't actually run the marathon, but the point isn't that; it is to get my butt out of bed in the morning.
One thing I've already come to see is how much I enjoy the sun coming up. I think God probably came to visit Adam and Eve in the mornings (it says he came walking in the garden during the "cool of the day" which could mean early morning). I found myself looking forward to it. You should check it out sometime if you don't already make a habit of it.
The reason has become running. I've always run at night, but when I heard that a crew from Newspring were training for a marathon early in the morning, I figured what better way to motivate myself than to do the same. So since last week, I've been getting up at 5:15am to start running at 6am for however many miles they are doing. I probably won't actually run the marathon, but the point isn't that; it is to get my butt out of bed in the morning.
One thing I've already come to see is how much I enjoy the sun coming up. I think God probably came to visit Adam and Eve in the mornings (it says he came walking in the garden during the "cool of the day" which could mean early morning). I found myself looking forward to it. You should check it out sometime if you don't already make a habit of it.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
In honor:
In honor of Chuck Norris, today I'd like to pay hommage to my personal top 10 list of Chuck Norris facts, in no particular order:
1: Chuck Norris went to a fortune teller once. She predicted pain.
2: Chuck Norris beat IBM's Deep Blue in chess in under 30 seconds, then killed the families of the engineers who designed it because Chuck Norris has no patience for incompetence.
3: The "Chuck" in Chuck Norris is not short for Charles, it's short for Chuck Norris.
4: Chuck Norris does not hunt because the word hunting infers the probability of failure. Chuck Norris goes killing.
5: Blitzkrieg is the German word for Chuck Norris.
6: Filming on location for Walker: Texas Ranger, Chuck Norris brought a stillborn baby lamb back to life by giving it a prolonged beard rub. Shortly after the farm animal sprang back to life and a crowd had gathered, Chuck Norris roundhouse kicked the animal, breaking its neck, to remind the crew once more that Chuck giveth, and the good Chuck, he taketh away.
7: Chuck Norris knows the trouble you've seen. Chuck Norris knows your sorrow. In fact, there's a greater than 95% chance he caused it.
8: If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you. If you can't see Chuck Norris you may be only seconds away from death.
9: One time after Chuck Norris stubbed his toe, he killed everyone in Ohio.
10: The chief export of Chuck Norris is pain.
1: Chuck Norris went to a fortune teller once. She predicted pain.
2: Chuck Norris beat IBM's Deep Blue in chess in under 30 seconds, then killed the families of the engineers who designed it because Chuck Norris has no patience for incompetence.
3: The "Chuck" in Chuck Norris is not short for Charles, it's short for Chuck Norris.
4: Chuck Norris does not hunt because the word hunting infers the probability of failure. Chuck Norris goes killing.
5: Blitzkrieg is the German word for Chuck Norris.
6: Filming on location for Walker: Texas Ranger, Chuck Norris brought a stillborn baby lamb back to life by giving it a prolonged beard rub. Shortly after the farm animal sprang back to life and a crowd had gathered, Chuck Norris roundhouse kicked the animal, breaking its neck, to remind the crew once more that Chuck giveth, and the good Chuck, he taketh away.
7: Chuck Norris knows the trouble you've seen. Chuck Norris knows your sorrow. In fact, there's a greater than 95% chance he caused it.
8: If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you. If you can't see Chuck Norris you may be only seconds away from death.
9: One time after Chuck Norris stubbed his toe, he killed everyone in Ohio.
10: The chief export of Chuck Norris is pain.
Full Circle:
It has come, my friends. Yes, it has come. Is it possible for a human to conceive of an event so wrought with power? Dare I say not! See the infamous Chuck Norris interviewed by Tony Danza. What I wouldn't give to just have seen Chuck roundhouse kick Tony to the face instantly ending his existence then stand over his contorted body and in true Walker, Texas Ranger style say, "Who's the boss now, Tony. Who, I ask?" Watch the video and salivate.
via david putnam.
via david putnam.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
So....
A lot has happened. And by a lot I mean a great deal. And by a great deal I mean if anyone is reading this, you'll have to ask me in person because I'm not going to cram it all into this little webspace....
Have you ever been "tasked" by God? I mean have you ever experienced something and heard yourself saying, "Man, it feels like I was built for this." I can now say that I've joined the ranks of those whom this has happened to.
I took a Missions Education Tour of Honduras and Guatemala for the last two weeks. As I posted a little while ago, it was a miracle I even got there because God really showed up for me financially. But we toured different missions projects, both urban and rural, for the two countries and had a fantastic time. No seriously, it was a really great time, I'm not just saying that. Although I would've preferred to not travel so much (seemed like we were traveling somewhere new every day) I can truly say it was a great learning experience. While in a very isolated part of Honduras, I opted to spend a few days with a missionary pilot to see what his life/job was like. I couldn't stop laughing. Not because it was funny, but because it was fun! I couldn't believe someone got to do this everyday. We flew a 6 seater Cessna at 120 knots (roughly 140mph) right over tree tops which is an impossibility here in the states (silly cell phone towers). Then we landed in a village, watched the chickens scurry away from the plane and got rushed by a bunch of village children. I seriously laughed out loud! After speaking with another missionary named John Taylor for a length of time concerning mission work I learned the following:
- Mission work is essentially just obeying the Bible as opposed to my previous view of it being some illustrious and supremely holy calling. Jesus tells us to go...so go already. It doesn't always mean foreign missions, but we are all called to spread the Word somewhere.
- Foreign missions typically requires people who are "jack of all trades" types. Thank God. I thought I'd never find something that would fit that aspect of me. The pilot I stayed with was obviously a pilot but he was also a minister, a 24/7 ambulance, a mail carrier, a handyman and also a father/husband. I like variety.
But the nail in the coffin was not the discussion nor was it the flying. Roughly an hour after speaking with John, I became viciously and horribly sick with food poisoning. No, it wasn't the deer meat I had for breakfast. It was commercially packaged Honduran chocolate cookies. Imagine that coming back up. Ewwww, I'm gross. But that was it. I knew then I had made the right decision to pursue this goal because it was a blatant attack. God was not going to arrange all He had to get me to that place, setting me up to hear about missionary aviation and then tell me this was not something I was supposed to do. But he allowed that to solidify the decision so that when I second guessed myself later on (as I am accustomed to doing) I could remember that I had made the right decision and didn't buckle under an attack.
So I got one of my two goals accomplished for that trip: I heard from God. And I got called. I don't know where to or exactly when and there is a process that might take some years before I'm ready to leave, but I'm going. However, I didn't get to see a monkey (goal #2). Maybe I'll have one for a pet one day...
-
Have you ever been "tasked" by God? I mean have you ever experienced something and heard yourself saying, "Man, it feels like I was built for this." I can now say that I've joined the ranks of those whom this has happened to.
I took a Missions Education Tour of Honduras and Guatemala for the last two weeks. As I posted a little while ago, it was a miracle I even got there because God really showed up for me financially. But we toured different missions projects, both urban and rural, for the two countries and had a fantastic time. No seriously, it was a really great time, I'm not just saying that. Although I would've preferred to not travel so much (seemed like we were traveling somewhere new every day) I can truly say it was a great learning experience. While in a very isolated part of Honduras, I opted to spend a few days with a missionary pilot to see what his life/job was like. I couldn't stop laughing. Not because it was funny, but because it was fun! I couldn't believe someone got to do this everyday. We flew a 6 seater Cessna at 120 knots (roughly 140mph) right over tree tops which is an impossibility here in the states (silly cell phone towers). Then we landed in a village, watched the chickens scurry away from the plane and got rushed by a bunch of village children. I seriously laughed out loud! After speaking with another missionary named John Taylor for a length of time concerning mission work I learned the following:
- Mission work is essentially just obeying the Bible as opposed to my previous view of it being some illustrious and supremely holy calling. Jesus tells us to go...so go already. It doesn't always mean foreign missions, but we are all called to spread the Word somewhere.
- Foreign missions typically requires people who are "jack of all trades" types. Thank God. I thought I'd never find something that would fit that aspect of me. The pilot I stayed with was obviously a pilot but he was also a minister, a 24/7 ambulance, a mail carrier, a handyman and also a father/husband. I like variety.
But the nail in the coffin was not the discussion nor was it the flying. Roughly an hour after speaking with John, I became viciously and horribly sick with food poisoning. No, it wasn't the deer meat I had for breakfast. It was commercially packaged Honduran chocolate cookies. Imagine that coming back up. Ewwww, I'm gross. But that was it. I knew then I had made the right decision to pursue this goal because it was a blatant attack. God was not going to arrange all He had to get me to that place, setting me up to hear about missionary aviation and then tell me this was not something I was supposed to do. But he allowed that to solidify the decision so that when I second guessed myself later on (as I am accustomed to doing) I could remember that I had made the right decision and didn't buckle under an attack.
So I got one of my two goals accomplished for that trip: I heard from God. And I got called. I don't know where to or exactly when and there is a process that might take some years before I'm ready to leave, but I'm going. However, I didn't get to see a monkey (goal #2). Maybe I'll have one for a pet one day...
-
Monday, January 16, 2006
How Could You?
Yes, God; how could you be so good to me?
So I'm going on a trip soon. Yep, takin' a trip. A trip to see what God has in store for me regarding foriegn mission work. A trip God obviously wants me to take. How do I know? I'll tell you:
I needed approx $900 dollars to finish paying off the cost of this trip. Not that much when you have a few months, but I needed it in a week. So, I had a yard sale, and I made an astounding $300 off the crap I was selling. There wasn't even that many people that showed up to look! It just so happened that God sent people that would buy my junk!
Some of my very good friends threw a benefit lunch yesterday in which I raised $250 for the cause. Once that was over, a person who doesn't even know me that well gave me a check for $400. Tally it up people...God gave me $950, more than enough!
For the first time in my life, I really depended on God in a conscious way and He showed up. I wish I could fully explain everything. It would probably take pages, but words just will never do it justice. Indescribable.
I'm so thankful, God. I pray my actions AND my words will demonstrate that.
So I'm going on a trip soon. Yep, takin' a trip. A trip to see what God has in store for me regarding foriegn mission work. A trip God obviously wants me to take. How do I know? I'll tell you:
I needed approx $900 dollars to finish paying off the cost of this trip. Not that much when you have a few months, but I needed it in a week. So, I had a yard sale, and I made an astounding $300 off the crap I was selling. There wasn't even that many people that showed up to look! It just so happened that God sent people that would buy my junk!
Some of my very good friends threw a benefit lunch yesterday in which I raised $250 for the cause. Once that was over, a person who doesn't even know me that well gave me a check for $400. Tally it up people...God gave me $950, more than enough!
For the first time in my life, I really depended on God in a conscious way and He showed up. I wish I could fully explain everything. It would probably take pages, but words just will never do it justice. Indescribable.
I'm so thankful, God. I pray my actions AND my words will demonstrate that.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
A deity
Apparently, I have achieved diety status. Sweet.
On another note, I have decided to pass the Jeep on. No, I did not buy the Trooper I had considered. Instead I went for a 1988 Toyota Camry from my brother. It's clean, in good condition and only cost me $800. (and it gets 32 mpg!). As of yet, I have not sold the Jeep, although it is officially for sale. I know, I know, I just lost SO MANY cool points. I might have been able to retain a few had I purchased another SUV, but instead I traded all my points in for a 4-door sedan.
Some people have asked why I chose to get rid of the Jeep and I must say that the answer isn't exactly clear. In other words, I don't really WANT to sell it, but it has been made clear to me by God that I NEED to sell it. Whatever He has planned for me, it involves dumping all debts and packing away the cash. Not only that, but as I was telling a friend last night, I have known since I first purchased that Jeep that it was a gift from God himself. I could not afford what it was worth, but God made it possible. That being so, I don't want to be someone who takes a gift from God and harbors it to themselves with a death grip never to offer it back to Him. No, I'd rather be someone who accepts the gifts from God and freely offers them back to Him in thankfulness for what He has done.
On another note, I have decided to pass the Jeep on. No, I did not buy the Trooper I had considered. Instead I went for a 1988 Toyota Camry from my brother. It's clean, in good condition and only cost me $800. (and it gets 32 mpg!). As of yet, I have not sold the Jeep, although it is officially for sale. I know, I know, I just lost SO MANY cool points. I might have been able to retain a few had I purchased another SUV, but instead I traded all my points in for a 4-door sedan.
Some people have asked why I chose to get rid of the Jeep and I must say that the answer isn't exactly clear. In other words, I don't really WANT to sell it, but it has been made clear to me by God that I NEED to sell it. Whatever He has planned for me, it involves dumping all debts and packing away the cash. Not only that, but as I was telling a friend last night, I have known since I first purchased that Jeep that it was a gift from God himself. I could not afford what it was worth, but God made it possible. That being so, I don't want to be someone who takes a gift from God and harbors it to themselves with a death grip never to offer it back to Him. No, I'd rather be someone who accepts the gifts from God and freely offers them back to Him in thankfulness for what He has done.
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