Yes yes, I know Father's Day was yesterday. I wrote this yesterday but forgot to re-write and post it. Then I lost internet connection, until now that is. Sorry! I'll be updating more often.
I love my family a lot. As you all know today* is Father's day, and I just want to quickly say thanks to you Dad for your love and guidance. We've been through some tough times together (though you've seen much more pain than me), but God has always taken care of us.
The best thing about my Dad is how he loves my family and me. I believe the definition of a man, in other words, what specifically makes him a man, is based on his ability to execute hard choices. Furthermore I believe to love with a true, unconditional, self-less love is the hardest choice any person can make--especially since a man with such a lifestyle must make that choice every day. To love much is to suffer much.
I believe that's why so many marriages fail--so many people are unwilling to sacrifice their desires and wants in order to love their spouse. "Love is a choice" my mother would say. There are so many "men" who think only of themselves and nothing or far too little of the needs and wants of those around them. It's easy to love someone when they please you; it's hard when they wrong you.
But my father has always been loving to us.
I don't mean he says "I love you" a lot. He makes mistakes; he's not perfect. No one in my family is! But he always will show us that he loves us. He is always showing (or trying to get us interested in) how to fix a bike or change the brake pads or how to set up an internet server, etc. For example: once my mother's shoe was untied and he just stooped down--without saying anything-- and tied it for her.
Thank you Dad for your example of true love (the kind that can only come from God)
We need more real and true men in our world.
*By today I mean yesterday.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Friday, June 1, 2012
Mark 4:35-40
This passage really struck me the other week.
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”
"Let us go across to the other side."
That's a promise! It's like He's saying, "Relax! We're gonna make it." Think about it: Jesus--God Himself--told His disciples that they were gonna cross to they other side, shouldn't they believe Him?
But then comes the storm, and as the huge waves and mighty winds buffet them, the disciples forget what Jesus said not 20 minutes ago and panic:
"Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?"
Of course He does, He is in the boat too! Besides, He just told you everything is gonna be alright. He is so relaxed, so secure, that He falls asleep!
But what does Jesus do? He delivers them at just the right time. And then He looks at them and says:
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”
"Let us go across to the other side."
That's a promise! It's like He's saying, "Relax! We're gonna make it." Think about it: Jesus--God Himself--told His disciples that they were gonna cross to they other side, shouldn't they believe Him?
But then comes the storm, and as the huge waves and mighty winds buffet them, the disciples forget what Jesus said not 20 minutes ago and panic:
"Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?"
Of course He does, He is in the boat too! Besides, He just told you everything is gonna be alright. He is so relaxed, so secure, that He falls asleep!
But what does Jesus do? He delivers them at just the right time. And then He looks at them and says:
"Why are you so afraid?
Have you still no faith?"
Man do I relate to those disciples. He has delivered me through and from so much, why should I worry? Why do I become discontent, sad, doubting, confused, afraid, or unsure? Have I still not learned? What reason do I have to worry? I mean, what real reason can I muster? All my questions and worries melt away when brought to Him. God allows us to go through storms, usually to teach us and better us, and He may not always calm them for us, but He has promised that everything will be alright. What comforts me is that even in the dire midst of the storm, Jesus was there. He was always with His disciples, and He is always with us now. Life may become hard and painful at times, but so long as I'm with Jesus, I wouldn't have it any other way. I pray He'll give me strength enough to rest in Him.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Have a good day and watch some clean Christian comedy:
Here's some videos from my two favorite Christian comedians. You'll like them. Enough said
Jeff Allen:
"Happy Wife, Happy Life"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGVoPwKeJek
"Oh that Frosts me"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXlCxGRjNKE
Brad Stine:
"What about the bug rights activists?"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuJsiT9RClk&feature=related
"Atheists Are Irrational"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyKAr-gxxFE&feature=related
"Men Should Get Pregnant"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDrOUjfrMRo&feature=related
Jeff Allen:
"Happy Wife, Happy Life"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGVoPwKeJek
"Oh that Frosts me"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXlCxGRjNKE
Brad Stine:
"What about the bug rights activists?"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuJsiT9RClk&feature=related
"Atheists Are Irrational"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyKAr-gxxFE&feature=related
"Men Should Get Pregnant"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDrOUjfrMRo&feature=related
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Just a quick thought
What a petty, selfish culture we live in. I hate being with "popular people". You know the really pretty girls who flaunt and flirt and make sure you know they're pretty, and the guys who swagger about and talk about said girls all the time. (Ok I don't actually hate being with them, I rarely hate in general, let alone being with someone). It's just that I'd much rather be with children or handicapped kids or some awkward homeschoolers in need of friends than them. Children are so honest, so pure (well, usually). Haha Man, I love kids. They're not worried about college, or drama, or grades, they just want a mother and father that loves them, enough food to fill them up, a cozy bed, and some time to play. They understand what's really important in life. I have some friends who are 8 that understand God's love way better than some of my 18 year old friends! And then we brush them aside like they're too young or weird to merit our attention. What, a shame.
I used to be that lonely awkward kid that no one cares about, (although sometimes I still feel that way.), the kid no one ever talked to because he was too shy to step out and make friends. Well, God brought me out of that. But I relate to them, I see their pain and I want to help them through it. I guess I just don't enjoy being with selfish people--those who never see past their own desires and never strive to show God's love to those around them. I mean, I would much rather talk with a little boy about spaceships and gorillas than talk with a teenager whose about crushes and hair. I know no one's perfect, I'm not, I fail so many times simply trying to be a good friend to those around me. I'm not trying to get on someone. I'm just sad at how my peers are so small minded and self-centered sometimes. We have so much BETTER things to think about (especially you, my Christian brothers and sisters). You wanna change? Pray for your friends, and ask them what you can pray for them about. That's a good start.
Who did Jesus hang out with? "Jesus loved the outcast. He loved the ones the world just loved to hate." Ultimately it comes down to love. Jesus loved them so much that He died for them, are we willing to ask "How are you doing?" Love is not selfish, it thinks of others first, it's a marvelous, wonderful thing and we need more of it.
Just a quick thought
(I struggle with this too, forgive me and my failures and especially if I wrong you.)
I used to be that lonely awkward kid that no one cares about, (although sometimes I still feel that way.), the kid no one ever talked to because he was too shy to step out and make friends. Well, God brought me out of that. But I relate to them, I see their pain and I want to help them through it. I guess I just don't enjoy being with selfish people--those who never see past their own desires and never strive to show God's love to those around them. I mean, I would much rather talk with a little boy about spaceships and gorillas than talk with a teenager whose about crushes and hair. I know no one's perfect, I'm not, I fail so many times simply trying to be a good friend to those around me. I'm not trying to get on someone. I'm just sad at how my peers are so small minded and self-centered sometimes. We have so much BETTER things to think about (especially you, my Christian brothers and sisters). You wanna change? Pray for your friends, and ask them what you can pray for them about. That's a good start.
Who did Jesus hang out with? "Jesus loved the outcast. He loved the ones the world just loved to hate." Ultimately it comes down to love. Jesus loved them so much that He died for them, are we willing to ask "How are you doing?" Love is not selfish, it thinks of others first, it's a marvelous, wonderful thing and we need more of it.
Just a quick thought
(I struggle with this too, forgive me and my failures and especially if I wrong you.)
Sunday, May 13, 2012
I just gotta quickly say:
I LOOVE YOU MOMMAAA!
Seriously, wouldn't be half the (young) man I am today without your wisdom, love, and patience. All you true men out there: you better honor your mother (rule definitely applies to wives and grandmas!). GO out there and buy some chocolate!
Side note: Why we should celebrate this holiday? Well, I believe men should honor women. Not because women are better than men (though they're much better than us at a lot of things), or that men are better than women, no, I believe men and women are equals. But equal does not mean identical: there are some things men are better than women at, and there are some things that women are better than men at. And that's okay, we've been purposely designed that way. I believe men should honor women because women have made themselves to be more valuable than men.
How so? Women are better at feeling, and thus are more committed to their relationships--stronger relationships mean stronger families, stronger families = better culture and that means a better world. Men are no good at that. We have to learn how to love.
"Yes dear, I will love you and only you, forever and ever--oh, dah deh look!--there goes another one." *SLAP* (inspired by Brad Stine)
Second: women can become pregnant. That may seem a silly reason to you but seriously, you women can have a life inside you. That blows me away. I will never know what's like to have a life, another human being inside me. And so I honor women, hold doors and whatever, not because I think women need help or couldn't do it themselves, but rather because they deserve that honor.
So get out there and buy some (low fat yet still tasty) chocolate. Somebody will appreciate it, just don't eat all the good ones.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
"Never Give Up On Hope"
Three of my grandparents are dying.
(Oh, I see I have your attention? Heheh. )
But in all seriousness, they are. Two grandpas and a grandma, all are very dear to me. One lost forty pounds and the grandma had a nasty fall, she was in so much pain that she missed my musical. And this was what I've known since Spring break.
It would be easy to worry, to fear, or be afraid of what will happen. To be frank, life in general has been rough. I've been overwhelmed, almost this whole year it seems. Back and forth, I've fought hard to keep my head above water. I have so many things I have to do, so many goals and dreams I want to accomplish; so many little distractions that grab me and become intimidating and huge when so close. There's so much I don't know or understand.
But, I'm not afraid. Tired, and a little weary now and then, but I am...content (Phill. 4:11-13). I'm blessed beyond what I deserve; loved far greater than I ever imagined. I don't know what to pray for, what to expect, what to think. All I know, is this: we'll never be alone. Jesus is always with me, and that is all I need to know.
Haha! Such small problems compared to Christ! What is there to worry about? God does not want us to give up on our dreams, He simply wants us to give them up to Him. They are far better in His hands. Are you worried? God cares much more about it than you do, have you given it to Him? That is painfully hard sometimes, but it is worth it. How do you give something up? Let it go from your grasp and into God's control. In one word: prayer. We have a world to win my friends, and yet we concern ourselves with things that are so very beneath us. Rise above it. We can't be grateful to God for all He's given us when we despair about what we don't have. It's so hard to see God's love and mercy when my eyes are on myself.
Time and time again, I disobey Him, but God just lovingly looks at me/us and says:
“Give me all of you!!! I don’t want so much of your time, so much of your talents and money, and so much of your work. I want YOU!!! ALL OF YOU!! I have not come to torment or frustrate the natural man or woman, but to KILL IT! No half measures will do. I don’t want to only prune a branch here and a branch there; rather I want the whole tree out! Hand it over to me, the whole outfit, all of your desires, all of your wants and wishes and dreams. Turn them ALL over to me, give yourself to me and I will make of you a new self---in my image. Give me yourself and in exchange I will give you Myself. My will, shall become your will. My heart, shall become your heart.”- C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity
You could easily find things to despair about. There are plenty of songs, artists, philosophers, writers, movies, and books, all ready to give you ample reason, and they are more right than not. We live in a horribly wrong world. And I see what's wrong in it--human sin--but, I see something underneath the caked on layers of human filth. Something real, higher, purer, truer, better: Jesus and His handiwork. That Jesus lives gives me hope and joy and life enough!
"I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free.
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me."
Do you need a reason to sing? You will never be alone--Jesus will see to that! It will be hard, but that will be enough.
I am praying for you all. Now, I write all this so that you will be encouraged. We all struggle, so I urge you: be strong! We are conquerors! Rejoice my brothers and sisters, we are loved!
(BTW, To everyone who knows me: you may always count on me to be your true friend--to pray, or talk with you, or help however I may. Just let me know.)
Let me leave you with a song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncwfhqm14y8&feature=endscreen&NR=1
(Oh, I see I have your attention? Heheh. )
But in all seriousness, they are. Two grandpas and a grandma, all are very dear to me. One lost forty pounds and the grandma had a nasty fall, she was in so much pain that she missed my musical. And this was what I've known since Spring break.
It would be easy to worry, to fear, or be afraid of what will happen. To be frank, life in general has been rough. I've been overwhelmed, almost this whole year it seems. Back and forth, I've fought hard to keep my head above water. I have so many things I have to do, so many goals and dreams I want to accomplish; so many little distractions that grab me and become intimidating and huge when so close. There's so much I don't know or understand.
But, I'm not afraid. Tired, and a little weary now and then, but I am...content (Phill. 4:11-13). I'm blessed beyond what I deserve; loved far greater than I ever imagined. I don't know what to pray for, what to expect, what to think. All I know, is this: we'll never be alone. Jesus is always with me, and that is all I need to know.
Haha! Such small problems compared to Christ! What is there to worry about? God does not want us to give up on our dreams, He simply wants us to give them up to Him. They are far better in His hands. Are you worried? God cares much more about it than you do, have you given it to Him? That is painfully hard sometimes, but it is worth it. How do you give something up? Let it go from your grasp and into God's control. In one word: prayer. We have a world to win my friends, and yet we concern ourselves with things that are so very beneath us. Rise above it. We can't be grateful to God for all He's given us when we despair about what we don't have. It's so hard to see God's love and mercy when my eyes are on myself.
Time and time again, I disobey Him, but God just lovingly looks at me/us and says:
“Give me all of you!!! I don’t want so much of your time, so much of your talents and money, and so much of your work. I want YOU!!! ALL OF YOU!! I have not come to torment or frustrate the natural man or woman, but to KILL IT! No half measures will do. I don’t want to only prune a branch here and a branch there; rather I want the whole tree out! Hand it over to me, the whole outfit, all of your desires, all of your wants and wishes and dreams. Turn them ALL over to me, give yourself to me and I will make of you a new self---in my image. Give me yourself and in exchange I will give you Myself. My will, shall become your will. My heart, shall become your heart.”- C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity
You could easily find things to despair about. There are plenty of songs, artists, philosophers, writers, movies, and books, all ready to give you ample reason, and they are more right than not. We live in a horribly wrong world. And I see what's wrong in it--human sin--but, I see something underneath the caked on layers of human filth. Something real, higher, purer, truer, better: Jesus and His handiwork. That Jesus lives gives me hope and joy and life enough!
"I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free.
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me."
Do you need a reason to sing? You will never be alone--Jesus will see to that! It will be hard, but that will be enough.
I am praying for you all. Now, I write all this so that you will be encouraged. We all struggle, so I urge you: be strong! We are conquerors! Rejoice my brothers and sisters, we are loved!
(BTW, To everyone who knows me: you may always count on me to be your true friend--to pray, or talk with you, or help however I may. Just let me know.)
Let me leave you with a song:
"A Reason to Sing"
-All the Sons and Daughters
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncwfhqm14y8&feature=endscreen&NR=1
When the pieces seem too shattered
To gather off the floor
And all that really matters
Is I can't feel you anymore
No, I can't feel you anymore
I need a reason to sing
I need a reason to sing
I need to know that you're still holding
the whole world in your hands
I need a reason to sing
When I'm overcome by fear
And I hate everything I know
If this waiting lasts forever
I'm afraid I might let go
I'm afraid I might let go
There be a victory
You sing it over me now
Your peace is the melody
You sing it over me now
To gather off the floor
And all that really matters
Is I can't feel you anymore
No, I can't feel you anymore
I need a reason to sing
I need a reason to sing
I need to know that you're still holding
the whole world in your hands
I need a reason to sing
When I'm overcome by fear
And I hate everything I know
If this waiting lasts forever
I'm afraid I might let go
I'm afraid I might let go
There be a victory
You sing it over me now
Your peace is the melody
You sing it over me now
That is a reason to sing
Edit: Ok, ok, I know I'm editing this again, buuuut I have more songs! Dealz wid it yo. My blog, my rules. I'm putting 'em up. Cut ya some slack though, I won't list out all the lyrics, just links
I love these guys!
Alive - All Sons and Daughters
- Rend Collective Experiment
Monday, May 7, 2012
Psalm 40 (thanks Biblegateway)
Last Sunday we--the church choir--performed a piece written by our director(s) Mrs. (and Mr.) Fata, and we beat boxed in it! (Which was very fun. p-p-ts, k-p-p-tsss. yeaaaah) The piece was based upon Psalm 40, and I'd like to share it with the world! How great His love for us, like David said, my cup overflows with His blessings. So much that I can no longer find dry land untouched my His hand.
2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the [b]miry clay,
And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;
Many will see and fear
And will trust in the Lord.
Psalm 40 (New American Standard Bible)
God Sustains His Servant.
For the choir director. A Psalm of David.
40 I waited [a]patiently for the Lord;
And He inclined to me and heard my cry.2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the [b]miry clay,
And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;
Many will see and fear
And will trust in the Lord.
4 How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust,
And has not [c]turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.
5 Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done,
And Your thoughts toward us;
There is none to compare with You.
If I would declare and speak of them,
They would be too numerous to count.
And has not [c]turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.
5 Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done,
And Your thoughts toward us;
There is none to compare with You.
If I would declare and speak of them,
They would be too numerous to count.
6 [d] Sacrifice and meal offering You have not desired;
My ears You have [e]opened;
Burnt offering and sin offering You have not required.
7 Then I said, “Behold, I come;
In the scroll of the book it is [f]written of me.
8 I delight to do Your will, O my God;
Your Law is within my heart.”
My ears You have [e]opened;
Burnt offering and sin offering You have not required.
7 Then I said, “Behold, I come;
In the scroll of the book it is [f]written of me.
8 I delight to do Your will, O my God;
Your Law is within my heart.”
9 I have proclaimed glad tidings of righteousness in the great congregation;
Behold, I will not restrain my lips,
O Lord, You know.
10 I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart;
I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation;
I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation.
Behold, I will not restrain my lips,
O Lord, You know.
10 I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart;
I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation;
I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation.
11 You, O Lord, will not withhold Your compassion from me;
[g]Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me.
12 For evils beyond number have surrounded me;
My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see;
They are more numerous than the hairs of my head,
And my heart has [h]failed me.
[g]Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me.
12 For evils beyond number have surrounded me;
My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see;
They are more numerous than the hairs of my head,
And my heart has [h]failed me.
13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me;
Make haste, O Lord, to help me.
14 Let those be ashamed and humiliated together
Who seek my [i]life to destroy it;
Let those be turned back and dishonored
Who delight [j]in my hurt.
15 Let those be [k]appalled because of their shame
Who say to me, “Aha, aha!”
16 Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
Let those who love Your salvation say continually,
“The Lord be magnified!”
17 Since I am afflicted and needy,
[l] Let the Lord be mindful of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
Do not delay, O my God.
Make haste, O Lord, to help me.
14 Let those be ashamed and humiliated together
Who seek my [i]life to destroy it;
Let those be turned back and dishonored
Who delight [j]in my hurt.
15 Let those be [k]appalled because of their shame
Who say to me, “Aha, aha!”
16 Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
Let those who love Your salvation say continually,
“The Lord be magnified!”
17 Since I am afflicted and needy,
[l] Let the Lord be mindful of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
Do not delay, O my God.
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