I name most of my blogs after song titles. I don't think the content of the song and blog match, but the titles are somewhat helpful and generally I'll quote from the song. We'll see here.
Been thinking a lot about.. everything, really. I don't want to sound like a broken record by writing yet another blog about destiny, so I'll shake it up a bit.
Let's talk about coffee. And alcohol.
I think I've heard that it's not possible to purge oneself of insobriety by consuming coffee. I don't know how true that is. I only know that coffee makes me happy.
So I watched, "The Queen" (2006 Miramax) last night [which made for a late nate, considering a 9:30 ferry and work at 9am] and then talked with Mary today at the Center about the real Queen of England and her possible response to the movie's portrayal of her. An interview of the actress who played the Queen (Helen Mirren) on NPR had her answering what she thought the Queen would say. Mirren actually went through a lot of preperation to understand how the Queen acts, etc.. in order to play the part, so her response was based on the understanding she had devoloped over the course of filming. She presumed that the Queen would inevitably succumb to curiosity and watch the movie, and if asked for her oppinion would probably say something like, "Well, that could have been worse. Hand me another gin and tonic."
Just a little funny for you.
So back to the coffee.
I worked the Center this morning. A rather slow day though. Good ol' Pat came for some (typical) unusual request..
[some back story: he used to get a 12oz doubleshot extra extra dry cappuccino. That was easy enough (right..) but then he went to Europe and fell in love with authentic European espresso. So on his return, every drink was a little different, starting with the Macchiatto, then some variation of the Macchiatto, then on to some other drink I can't remember, and now to this:]
..for a doubleshot with steamed heavy cream. It's actually not bad tasting. Della and I made one when he left.
"I'd say I'm the luckiest one you know."
Theres my quote for the song. /laughs
I'm currently waiting on a video to finish rendering. Super Christian Fighting Team. I'll be uploading it to Facebook soon as I get it small enough..
It's a funny video :) Go watch it
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
_short post_ Up and Up
Lately it seems I've felt a need to focus on trusting God / having faith in God's power. It seems lately like so many people are complaining about something; more like worrying about something that is coming in the near future. I myself am not entirely worry-free. But like I said yesterday, "It's not what you think, it's what you say. 'There is the power of life and death in the tongue'. Speak positively" and the positive will become what you think. (I'm pretty sure that's a Mark B. kind of quote) As you do, you become.
That's as you do, you become.
Do negative, become negative.
Do positive, become positive.
Let's take a look at our self-image. If you are a human, then gratz, cause you've been made in the image of God: which is perfect.
If you don't feel adequate, start worshiping God.
Quit talking about bad things.
Quit complaining.
Start speaking positivity.
That's as you do, you become.
Do negative, become negative.
Do positive, become positive.
Let's take a look at our self-image. If you are a human, then gratz, cause you've been made in the image of God: which is perfect.
If you don't feel adequate, start worshiping God.
Quit talking about bad things.
Quit complaining.
Start speaking positivity.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
_short post_ Trapeze
I'll precede this with a note on twisting words:
It may sound as if I'm saying to be completely unsafe and do whatever you want. Thats not what I mean. The purpose here is to rid you of the excuse to be stagnant and non-prosperous. It's time to do something. Make a move.
If you've ever done circus work, more specifically swinging from a bar suspended very high or tight rope walking, you know all about some safety nets. Safety nets are your friend. They keep you from plunging rather quickly to a painful sudden stop.
If you've ever done anything in life, you probably didn't notice how to tended to adhere to the safe side of things: if you are shy, you don't sign up for public appearances and learn to slip through crowds unnoticed; if you are driving you always stay under the speed limit; if you work in a kitchen, you know where hot stuff is and keep your distance as to not burn yourself.
Something in our bodies deals with self-preservation (might watch M. Night Shyamalan's "The Happening") - and who's to say it's not a bad thing? I mean, God didn't put us here to do stupid stuff so we kill ourselves off.
My beef comes when we don't do anything: I mean that -- ANYTHING -- because it might not be safe.
I highly encourage you to be adventurous. Take risks (This kinda goes with my last post on fear)
Trusting God happens one way: when you encounter a point when YOU ACTUALLY HAVE TO TRUST HIM. It's like that whole thing on "if you pray for patience, God will give you opportunities to be patient: for practice". If you want to trust God more, then get to places (or allow yourself to be placed) where you must trust that God is the only thing that can get you through.
Let this be uplifting to you. Don't make your own safety net before doing something exciting: trust God.
It may sound as if I'm saying to be completely unsafe and do whatever you want. Thats not what I mean. The purpose here is to rid you of the excuse to be stagnant and non-prosperous. It's time to do something. Make a move.
If you've ever done circus work, more specifically swinging from a bar suspended very high or tight rope walking, you know all about some safety nets. Safety nets are your friend. They keep you from plunging rather quickly to a painful sudden stop.
If you've ever done anything in life, you probably didn't notice how to tended to adhere to the safe side of things: if you are shy, you don't sign up for public appearances and learn to slip through crowds unnoticed; if you are driving you always stay under the speed limit; if you work in a kitchen, you know where hot stuff is and keep your distance as to not burn yourself.
Something in our bodies deals with self-preservation (might watch M. Night Shyamalan's "The Happening") - and who's to say it's not a bad thing? I mean, God didn't put us here to do stupid stuff so we kill ourselves off.
My beef comes when we don't do anything: I mean that -- ANYTHING -- because it might not be safe.
I highly encourage you to be adventurous. Take risks (This kinda goes with my last post on fear)
Trusting God happens one way: when you encounter a point when YOU ACTUALLY HAVE TO TRUST HIM. It's like that whole thing on "if you pray for patience, God will give you opportunities to be patient: for practice". If you want to trust God more, then get to places (or allow yourself to be placed) where you must trust that God is the only thing that can get you through.
Let this be uplifting to you. Don't make your own safety net before doing something exciting: trust God.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
_short post_ Nothing to Fear
As always, I've been thinking. Over the past few months I've been going over 'fear' and it's purposes. I've pretty much come to the understanding that there's nothing to fear: yeah, it's kinda redundant from the Bible, but seriously.
Think of something you would be afraid of. Now we'll come to the understanding of WHY you shouldn't worry about that.
What's the worst thing that could happen to you? I seriously want to know. Some would say to die, others might say to live severely injured. What is the worst thing that could happen?
America might not be the country that supports freedoms to being a follower of Christ in the future. Does that make you afraid or get you excited?
It gets me excited.
I can't remember where the quote is, but something like, "If God's eye is watching out for little birds, why would you doubt that He would watch out for you, too?"
I would suggest living a little less tied to the things you have. Live with less hold on your life. Everything within you should live to glorify your king; so whatever happens to you would only be in service to your king, also. What an honor! Imagine being killed because you have such a love for God and others that people can't stand it.
It may be mostly related to life and death, but let it trickle down through every aspect of your life: there is nothing to fear!
Think of something you would be afraid of. Now we'll come to the understanding of WHY you shouldn't worry about that.
What's the worst thing that could happen to you? I seriously want to know. Some would say to die, others might say to live severely injured. What is the worst thing that could happen?
America might not be the country that supports freedoms to being a follower of Christ in the future. Does that make you afraid or get you excited?
It gets me excited.
I can't remember where the quote is, but something like, "If God's eye is watching out for little birds, why would you doubt that He would watch out for you, too?"
I would suggest living a little less tied to the things you have. Live with less hold on your life. Everything within you should live to glorify your king; so whatever happens to you would only be in service to your king, also. What an honor! Imagine being killed because you have such a love for God and others that people can't stand it.
It may be mostly related to life and death, but let it trickle down through every aspect of your life: there is nothing to fear!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Talking about the m-word
Yup. Ministry.
Just abandon all your ideas and what-nots.
Start thinking fresh from this post, cause it's really hard to convey an idea when you think you know where I'm going but really you don't...
..well maybe you do, but still just start with a clean thought pattern.
This Sunday was the conclusion of the 'Ministering' series (I actually didn't notice that it was a series until Jason said, "This is the last part of the series" and I was like, "Oh.. I didn't know that") that we've been going through at New Harvest.
So just a quick catch-up, then
1) Ministering to the Lord
2) Ministering to the people in the church
3) Ministering to the community
A very big point in this whole thing is not to think of your personal ministry as limited to one of those: you need to have all of them functioning at some capacity.
In the book of Luke, more specifically Luke 10:25-..? is a story about a man asking Jesus whats the most important law, or something like that. Jesus asks the man what the scriptures say, and he says, "Love God with [everything] and love your neighbor as you love yourself." There again we see that it isn't a matter of 'serving' or 'ministering to' God OR church-folk OR the community: we are to love everyone in balance.
The rest of that chapter in Luke is a 'parable' (or cryptic analogy-based story with a moral) about a man getting all kinds of beat up and being left for dead. Several people pass by him and no one helps him out, until this one guy comes along and takes him to the nearby hotel. This man, the Samaritan, actually carries this beat up dude to town, pays for his stay and medical bills, and then promises to pay any other bills that might be accrued. And at the end of this story Jesus asks the man "who is the neighbor in this story" - the 'importantest law' man says, 'the man who took care of him' - and Jesus pretty much says, "yeah, so now it's your turn to do the same"
Who is your neighbor? Anyone you encounter.
You are responsible for your neighbor, and your responsibility expands with exposure (to more neighbors)
Jason then showed several pictures of people from our community (and one that we support through World Vision, Kalasinga in Tanzania) and introduced us, also giving some back story into their lives. He explained how we might have not known them, or maybe not even have seen them before, but we now know of them, and that they are our responsibility in times of need.
Loving God doesn't matter if it doesn't overflow to loving others
We've been talking about the Kingdom of God for quite a while now (and hopefully it will become part of daily conversation). We realized that the Kingdom of God is here and now, and that Jesus wasn't explaining how the earth sucks now and when we finally go to Heaven we'll all be happy. Sure theres not gonna be any bad stuff in Heaven, but the point isn't Heaven, it's the Kingdom of God, and all those examples that Jesus gave were meant to be used NOW, not in the future.
Heres a hard part
Matt 25:14-..I think the end of the chapter
It's another parable, this time about 'talents' (apparently a talent was worth more than a thousand bucks). So theres this land owner, and he has several servants whom he gives different amounts of talents to while he goes on vacation. 5, 2 and 1, respectively. When the land owner comes back, the servants present his monies. The one that was given 5 talents made a profit and had 10 at the end. The one that got 2 also made a profit (of 2) and had 4 to give back. The guy that only got 1 talent, though, thought it best to bury it in the ground so no harm would come to it. And the land owner comes down pretty harsh on him about it. It goes like this,
The part thats hard is relating it to our stuff. First, material things we have. Second, physical and mental abilities that we have. Are they used? Or are they kept clean and safe, waiting to be returned later?
God is looking for a good investment. We may say, "Pay off our building, God, please!" - but is it a worthy investment?
The part about making it personal is this:
What can use, that I already have, for God's purpose?
Just abandon all your ideas and what-nots.
Start thinking fresh from this post, cause it's really hard to convey an idea when you think you know where I'm going but really you don't...
..well maybe you do, but still just start with a clean thought pattern.
This Sunday was the conclusion of the 'Ministering' series (I actually didn't notice that it was a series until Jason said, "This is the last part of the series" and I was like, "Oh.. I didn't know that") that we've been going through at New Harvest.
So just a quick catch-up, then
1) Ministering to the Lord
2) Ministering to the people in the church
3) Ministering to the community
A very big point in this whole thing is not to think of your personal ministry as limited to one of those: you need to have all of them functioning at some capacity.
In the book of Luke, more specifically Luke 10:25-..? is a story about a man asking Jesus whats the most important law, or something like that. Jesus asks the man what the scriptures say, and he says, "Love God with [everything] and love your neighbor as you love yourself." There again we see that it isn't a matter of 'serving' or 'ministering to' God OR church-folk OR the community: we are to love everyone in balance.
The rest of that chapter in Luke is a 'parable' (or cryptic analogy-based story with a moral) about a man getting all kinds of beat up and being left for dead. Several people pass by him and no one helps him out, until this one guy comes along and takes him to the nearby hotel. This man, the Samaritan, actually carries this beat up dude to town, pays for his stay and medical bills, and then promises to pay any other bills that might be accrued. And at the end of this story Jesus asks the man "who is the neighbor in this story" - the 'importantest law' man says, 'the man who took care of him' - and Jesus pretty much says, "yeah, so now it's your turn to do the same"
Who is your neighbor? Anyone you encounter.
You are responsible for your neighbor, and your responsibility expands with exposure (to more neighbors)
Jason then showed several pictures of people from our community (and one that we support through World Vision, Kalasinga in Tanzania) and introduced us, also giving some back story into their lives. He explained how we might have not known them, or maybe not even have seen them before, but we now know of them, and that they are our responsibility in times of need.
Loving God doesn't matter if it doesn't overflow to loving others
We've been talking about the Kingdom of God for quite a while now (and hopefully it will become part of daily conversation). We realized that the Kingdom of God is here and now, and that Jesus wasn't explaining how the earth sucks now and when we finally go to Heaven we'll all be happy. Sure theres not gonna be any bad stuff in Heaven, but the point isn't Heaven, it's the Kingdom of God, and all those examples that Jesus gave were meant to be used NOW, not in the future.
Heres a hard part
Matt 25:14-..I think the end of the chapter
It's another parable, this time about 'talents' (apparently a talent was worth more than a thousand bucks). So theres this land owner, and he has several servants whom he gives different amounts of talents to while he goes on vacation. 5, 2 and 1, respectively. When the land owner comes back, the servants present his monies. The one that was given 5 talents made a profit and had 10 at the end. The one that got 2 also made a profit (of 2) and had 4 to give back. The guy that only got 1 talent, though, thought it best to bury it in the ground so no harm would come to it. And the land owner comes down pretty harsh on him about it. It goes like this,
26-27"The master was furious. 'That's a terrible way to live! It's criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest.
28-30"'Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this "play-it-safe" who won't go out on a limb. Throw him out into utter darkness.' (taken from 'the Message')
The part thats hard is relating it to our stuff. First, material things we have. Second, physical and mental abilities that we have. Are they used? Or are they kept clean and safe, waiting to be returned later?
God is looking for a good investment. We may say, "Pay off our building, God, please!" - but is it a worthy investment?
The part about making it personal is this:
What can use, that I already have, for God's purpose?
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
It's not about 'me'
Seems the time of the year has come again where I am required to attend school. I have actually applied more than two days before classes start this year (I'm doing good). Taking algebra and 'college success'.
I always feel bad for not taking a full load, but at the same time I don't think I would be able to (for one I don't have the money and for two [kinda still part of one] I need to work for extra expenses during the year) I'm pretty sure college is designed to make you owe money. You're somehow forced into a college experience so that you'll be able to get a good job, but you are left with a huge debt that you'll get a job to pay off so that you'll be like the rest of the system. Seriously, I understand that you need money (in this modern world) to survive.
I just have this chill in my spine when I think of things like that.. Theres so much confusion when thinking about how Jesus lived in His time and how things happened in His life to shape those around Him. Obviously we aren't there, instead we are here and thus given our own chance at making things right on our time. (I recall a part of the Bible that mentions not owing anyone anything)
In short, I don't agree. Or at least don't think it should have to be that way.
If the whole purpose to living is to pay to keep living, then why don't we all just die and save everyone the effort? I mean, we have people that have debts that were received in order to pay off other debts that would later be established in order to make it possible to 'live'. I suppose the only dynamic in the equation is 'what level of luxury are you willing to extend your debts for?'
Why is it so strange to consider living in a home with more than just your immediate family? I've been talking with Sarah about how much money we'd save if we all joined together.. Look at the price for rent when it's split between three or four people. There are some other things that combine to make things easier. Work around the house is split. You'd also never get lonely. The money saved on rent can pay off other stuff faster. Now look at that same scenario split among eight or more people/families.
If you are already thinking of ways you are going to get ripped off by the other tenants, then you need a mental refreshing. If you are a Christian, then all of your stuff shouldn't mean that much to you in the first place.
I've also been taking life a little less.. fearfully? single-routed? I'm not sure really how to describe it. The idea that if something bad happens then it's part of a plan for life thats bigger than myself. I think thats kinda the point.. it's not about 'me'.
I always feel bad for not taking a full load, but at the same time I don't think I would be able to (for one I don't have the money and for two [kinda still part of one] I need to work for extra expenses during the year) I'm pretty sure college is designed to make you owe money. You're somehow forced into a college experience so that you'll be able to get a good job, but you are left with a huge debt that you'll get a job to pay off so that you'll be like the rest of the system. Seriously, I understand that you need money (in this modern world) to survive.
I just have this chill in my spine when I think of things like that.. Theres so much confusion when thinking about how Jesus lived in His time and how things happened in His life to shape those around Him. Obviously we aren't there, instead we are here and thus given our own chance at making things right on our time. (I recall a part of the Bible that mentions not owing anyone anything)
In short, I don't agree. Or at least don't think it should have to be that way.
If the whole purpose to living is to pay to keep living, then why don't we all just die and save everyone the effort? I mean, we have people that have debts that were received in order to pay off other debts that would later be established in order to make it possible to 'live'. I suppose the only dynamic in the equation is 'what level of luxury are you willing to extend your debts for?'
Why is it so strange to consider living in a home with more than just your immediate family? I've been talking with Sarah about how much money we'd save if we all joined together.. Look at the price for rent when it's split between three or four people. There are some other things that combine to make things easier. Work around the house is split. You'd also never get lonely. The money saved on rent can pay off other stuff faster. Now look at that same scenario split among eight or more people/families.
If you are already thinking of ways you are going to get ripped off by the other tenants, then you need a mental refreshing. If you are a Christian, then all of your stuff shouldn't mean that much to you in the first place.
I've also been taking life a little less.. fearfully? single-routed? I'm not sure really how to describe it. The idea that if something bad happens then it's part of a plan for life thats bigger than myself. I think thats kinda the point.. it's not about 'me'.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Family (We All Need Love)
So I find it important these days to work on family relationships. I find it amazing how in just the little town of Surry we have a group of teens and their siblings that range from 20's to months-old, and every one of them gets along. At any one given time we can pull together an impromptu party or sports night. The element of family can not be stressed enough these days.
My family is up from Florida this week. We've been going over all the things they have in Florida that aren't here and they miss (mostly just a city vs country battle, but also some things literally confined to southern states - that does not include sweet tea) as well as what things are in Virginia that we just shrug off as "yeah, duh, they're here" and my cousins all find it amazing. Things like ground hogs, deer, possum, raccoon, and fire flies. Wow.
The important thing is that for the past few days, I've been interacting with people that are like me by blood, and we all naturally care for each other. No plans, just spending time together. Why is it that time with others is so amazing?
The bonds you make with people are worth more than anything.
I've learned to take more risks as well. Talking here about risks with relationships and expressions of love. Someone said that loving isn't risk free and in order to enjoy it to its fullest one must make himself vulnerable. That is something I highly encourage.
I'll end with a quote I like from C. S. Lewis,
My family is up from Florida this week. We've been going over all the things they have in Florida that aren't here and they miss (mostly just a city vs country battle, but also some things literally confined to southern states - that does not include sweet tea) as well as what things are in Virginia that we just shrug off as "yeah, duh, they're here" and my cousins all find it amazing. Things like ground hogs, deer, possum, raccoon, and fire flies. Wow.
The important thing is that for the past few days, I've been interacting with people that are like me by blood, and we all naturally care for each other. No plans, just spending time together. Why is it that time with others is so amazing?
The bonds you make with people are worth more than anything.
I've learned to take more risks as well. Talking here about risks with relationships and expressions of love. Someone said that loving isn't risk free and in order to enjoy it to its fullest one must make himself vulnerable. That is something I highly encourage.
I'll end with a quote I like from C. S. Lewis,
"...[F]ree will, though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having... The happiness that God designs for His higher creatures is the happiness of being freely, voluntarily untied to Him and to each other in an ecstacy of love and delight.."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)