Saturday, December 31, 2005
Vacation Holiday
So I am spending this weekend up in Winter Park hanging out with 11 of the 23 people that I went to Kenya this past summer. It is a great time to catch up with everyone. And we are also getting some time to ski at Winter Park. For those that I not here, miss you all. So this is one of the reasons that I have not been up dating my blog. But I will try to get better at that.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Desert Solitaire
So I know I said that I might not post that much this week, but things change. So I got a gift card from a local bookstore as a Christmas present from my boss. Due to the lack of selection in the Christian section (my usual book purchasing section) I chose to use the gift card on a different kind of read. About a month ago I was camping out in Cayonlands and while on a hike an author by the name of Edward Abbey came up. Abbey is a modern writer that writes about his experiences in places like Moab, UT in a fiction perspective. So the book I bought is called Desert Solitare. I just started reading it today and I am enjoying it. Here is a passage from the beginning of this book.
The wind will not stop. Gust of sand swirl before me, stinging my face. But there is still too much to see and marvel at, the world very much alive in the bight light and wind, exultant with the fever of spring, the delight of morning. Strolling on, it seem sto me that the strangeness and wonder of existence are emphasized here, in the desert, by the comparative sparsity of the flora and fauna: life not crowded upon life as in other place but scattered abroad in sparseness and simplicity, with a generous gift of space for each herb and bush and tree, each stem of grass, so that the living organism stand out bold and brave and vivid against the lifeless sand and barren rock. The extreme clarity of the desert light is equaled by the extreme individuation of desert life forms. Love flowers best in openness and freedom.
The wind will not stop. Gust of sand swirl before me, stinging my face. But there is still too much to see and marvel at, the world very much alive in the bight light and wind, exultant with the fever of spring, the delight of morning. Strolling on, it seem sto me that the strangeness and wonder of existence are emphasized here, in the desert, by the comparative sparsity of the flora and fauna: life not crowded upon life as in other place but scattered abroad in sparseness and simplicity, with a generous gift of space for each herb and bush and tree, each stem of grass, so that the living organism stand out bold and brave and vivid against the lifeless sand and barren rock. The extreme clarity of the desert light is equaled by the extreme individuation of desert life forms. Love flowers best in openness and freedom.
The Devil Made Her do it
Just because your husband is the pastor of the largest church in America that doesn't give the right to go nuts on the plane. Check this article out.
HOUSTON - The wife of the pastor of the nation's largest church was asked to leave a plane after she failed to comply with a flight attendant's instructions, the
FBI said Tuesday Houston Lakewood Church pastor Joel Osteen, his wife, Victoria, and their two children boarded a Continental Airlines flight from Houston to Vail, Colo., Monday. The plane's door had been closed when Victoria Osteen and a flight attendant had a disagreement.
"She failed to comply with the flight attendant's instructions, and they were asked to leave the flight," FBI spokeswoman Luz Garcia said without elaborating on the disagreement.
The FBI reviewed a report from Continental after the incident, Garcia said. No charges will be filed, she said.
The flight was delayed more than an hour while the Osteens' luggage was retrieved, Garcia said. The family took another flight to Colorado, where church spokesman Don Iloff said they were skiing Tuesday.
Iloff called the disagreement with the flight attendant "minor" but would not say what happened.
"In semantics, they might have been asked to be removed," he said. "Really, it was more of a mutual thing."Continental spokeswoman Julie King would not discuss the disagreement but said in a statement that the situation was resolved.Osteen's sermons are broadcast across the country and his book "Your Best Life Now" has become a best seller. His church has more than 30,000 worshippers weekly and meets in a renovated arena where the Houston Rockets once played.
HOUSTON - The wife of the pastor of the nation's largest church was asked to leave a plane after she failed to comply with a flight attendant's instructions, the
FBI said Tuesday Houston Lakewood Church pastor Joel Osteen, his wife, Victoria, and their two children boarded a Continental Airlines flight from Houston to Vail, Colo., Monday. The plane's door had been closed when Victoria Osteen and a flight attendant had a disagreement.
"She failed to comply with the flight attendant's instructions, and they were asked to leave the flight," FBI spokeswoman Luz Garcia said without elaborating on the disagreement.
The FBI reviewed a report from Continental after the incident, Garcia said. No charges will be filed, she said.
The flight was delayed more than an hour while the Osteens' luggage was retrieved, Garcia said. The family took another flight to Colorado, where church spokesman Don Iloff said they were skiing Tuesday.
Iloff called the disagreement with the flight attendant "minor" but would not say what happened.
"In semantics, they might have been asked to be removed," he said. "Really, it was more of a mutual thing."Continental spokeswoman Julie King would not discuss the disagreement but said in a statement that the situation was resolved.Osteen's sermons are broadcast across the country and his book "Your Best Life Now" has become a best seller. His church has more than 30,000 worshippers weekly and meets in a renovated arena where the Houston Rockets once played.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Work Ski Work Ski
So dont be surprised if I dont do much blogging early this week. I started working at the ski resort just north of the town I live in. But you should feel sorry for me because all I will be doing for the next couple of days is working and snowboarding. But do be on the look out for an angery blog later this week.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Obsessed Much
As some of you know I sometimes have an obsession with this writer that I like named Donald Miller. What can I say, I like the guy’s writing. But I am hurt. I did not make the list of his 20 or so closest friends. Oh well there is always next year. At least he was kind enough to share his letter with the world wide web. Here it is.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
I’m writing this years Christmas letter on a Ferry traveling from Orcas Island, Washington to the mainland. It’s about an hour-and-a-half trip, so I’m going to have to make it quick. I’m up here using a friend’s house for a couple months wrapping up one book and starting another. So far, my two weeks on the island have been terrific. God has showed up in ways I never expected, and the break from traveling has proven a needed respite for my soul. The house overlooks the Pacific Ocean, with two islands blocking the mainland, so the mountains behind Vancouver, Canada and Bellingham, Washington provide a backdrop for the miles of water, bald eagles, winter ducks, sunsets, sunrises and low clouds that snag like cotton as they pass through the evergreens. I find myself watching for sunset light every night, and getting in my car to drive across the island if the air is the slightest pink. Often, the sunset is a dud, but there have been times I’ve gotten lucky and seen the sky flame out in the last few minutes of daylight. Flames so bright you think the clouds are alight. It’s a writer’s paradise, and while there are only a few thousand people living on the island, talking to folks in town gives you the impression half of them are trying to wrap up a book.
The year has been a good year. There are times in your life you look back on and wonder how you didn’t know, in the moment, things were going to seem so delightful. And there are times when you know, very well, in the moment, this will be a season you will understand as a time God was choosing to show His love through blessing, through meeting new people He loves and places He took great care in creating. This is one of those seasons. Perhaps each season is, and I am only slow or dull in realizing this truth.
Of the great memories:
I bought my first house this year. My friend Tony Kriz is a mortgage broker and pulled no less than a miracle to get me a loan. As a writer, I hadn’t made much money till last year, so finding a loan meant hard work for Tony. But I found a house near close friends and felt like God was saying buy it. Tony said it probably wasn’t possible, and there were at least two times he called me with the bad news it wasn’t going to happen. I knew each time that if God wanted me to have the house, He would provide, and each time Tony would call with the bad news, he would hang up to call, sometimes minutes later, with odd and sudden hope. The short of it is, I got the house. It’s a small bungalow-type thing near Reed College. I have become obsessive about yard maintenance, and often struggle with the evil pride of comparing my meticulous yard with the neighbors, which is nice but could use fertilizer and a more consistent watering schedule.
I also toured for a little while with a band called Jars of Clay. The band asked me to come on the road and open for them by reading from a yet-to-be-published book. It was a bold move to ask a writer to open by doing a reading, but audiences seemed to be patient and kind and gracious. I spent a total of two weeks traveling with the band, living in a tour bus, sleeping in a bunk the size of a coffin, and staying up late to talk with the guys about music, life, family and what following Christ looks like. I learned a great deal, was convicted by the lives they live, and consider them dear friends. They are working on a new album now, and one of the greatest nights this last year was sitting on the bus after a concert and being able to listen to some new songs for an upcoming record. They are terrific, especially one about not wanting to be left alone. I think it is one of the most powerful songs I’ve heard, and while the album is not out yet, and I’ve only heard it a few times, the chorus rings in my head like some kind of anthem…"Do you know what I mean when I say I don’t want to be alone." I am not sure what the new album will be called, but I whole-heartedly recommend picking it up when it comes out. These guys are the real thing. Also, on that tour, was Sara Groves and her family. Sara is a new favorite musician and songwriter. Her record Add to the Beauty is of the best albums of 2005 and she is a gem.
Early in the year, for reasons I don’t understand, I found myself being quite negative. I didn’t realize it, but I had the bad habit of complaining, and seeing the difficulties in life and not the blessings. One of the things God taught me was that I should not burden people with my problems by complaining and whining, that this sort of thing affects people in a negative way, as though I were asking them to carry heavy baggage, not realizing they had baggage of their own. I realized I was doing this so made a commitment to stop. I noticed, as I stopped complaining about tough stuff in my life and started sharing the reasons I thought life and God were good, I found there was much to feel blessed about, and that, after a while, it was hard to find anything negative. It’s been a change I’m grateful for, and can look back on as something God brought me through, a habit He rescued me from.
Well, I’m grateful that you would take time to read this letter. I know these Christmas letters can be boring because the temptation is to share the good stuff like a publicity piece. Thanks for taking the time. The truth is it has been a good year, and God has done amazing things. I hate not being able to know what is going on in your lives, but I trust we will get time together soon and I can hear your side of the story. Many blessings to you this holiday season, and I hope your journey with God is remarkable in 2006. I know our time here is very short, and there is much to see and do, a Kingdom to participate in, and a King to worship. So I wont keep you any longer. All of His blessings to you…
Sincerely,
Donald Miller
P.S. John MacMurray and my book will be out in February. I am literally writing the last chapter today and tomorrow. The book will be called "To Own a Dragon."
P.S.S. The Ferry is arriving in Anacortes. Perfect timing. I wish we could have done this in person.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
I’m writing this years Christmas letter on a Ferry traveling from Orcas Island, Washington to the mainland. It’s about an hour-and-a-half trip, so I’m going to have to make it quick. I’m up here using a friend’s house for a couple months wrapping up one book and starting another. So far, my two weeks on the island have been terrific. God has showed up in ways I never expected, and the break from traveling has proven a needed respite for my soul. The house overlooks the Pacific Ocean, with two islands blocking the mainland, so the mountains behind Vancouver, Canada and Bellingham, Washington provide a backdrop for the miles of water, bald eagles, winter ducks, sunsets, sunrises and low clouds that snag like cotton as they pass through the evergreens. I find myself watching for sunset light every night, and getting in my car to drive across the island if the air is the slightest pink. Often, the sunset is a dud, but there have been times I’ve gotten lucky and seen the sky flame out in the last few minutes of daylight. Flames so bright you think the clouds are alight. It’s a writer’s paradise, and while there are only a few thousand people living on the island, talking to folks in town gives you the impression half of them are trying to wrap up a book.
The year has been a good year. There are times in your life you look back on and wonder how you didn’t know, in the moment, things were going to seem so delightful. And there are times when you know, very well, in the moment, this will be a season you will understand as a time God was choosing to show His love through blessing, through meeting new people He loves and places He took great care in creating. This is one of those seasons. Perhaps each season is, and I am only slow or dull in realizing this truth.
Of the great memories:
I bought my first house this year. My friend Tony Kriz is a mortgage broker and pulled no less than a miracle to get me a loan. As a writer, I hadn’t made much money till last year, so finding a loan meant hard work for Tony. But I found a house near close friends and felt like God was saying buy it. Tony said it probably wasn’t possible, and there were at least two times he called me with the bad news it wasn’t going to happen. I knew each time that if God wanted me to have the house, He would provide, and each time Tony would call with the bad news, he would hang up to call, sometimes minutes later, with odd and sudden hope. The short of it is, I got the house. It’s a small bungalow-type thing near Reed College. I have become obsessive about yard maintenance, and often struggle with the evil pride of comparing my meticulous yard with the neighbors, which is nice but could use fertilizer and a more consistent watering schedule.
I also toured for a little while with a band called Jars of Clay. The band asked me to come on the road and open for them by reading from a yet-to-be-published book. It was a bold move to ask a writer to open by doing a reading, but audiences seemed to be patient and kind and gracious. I spent a total of two weeks traveling with the band, living in a tour bus, sleeping in a bunk the size of a coffin, and staying up late to talk with the guys about music, life, family and what following Christ looks like. I learned a great deal, was convicted by the lives they live, and consider them dear friends. They are working on a new album now, and one of the greatest nights this last year was sitting on the bus after a concert and being able to listen to some new songs for an upcoming record. They are terrific, especially one about not wanting to be left alone. I think it is one of the most powerful songs I’ve heard, and while the album is not out yet, and I’ve only heard it a few times, the chorus rings in my head like some kind of anthem…"Do you know what I mean when I say I don’t want to be alone." I am not sure what the new album will be called, but I whole-heartedly recommend picking it up when it comes out. These guys are the real thing. Also, on that tour, was Sara Groves and her family. Sara is a new favorite musician and songwriter. Her record Add to the Beauty is of the best albums of 2005 and she is a gem.
Early in the year, for reasons I don’t understand, I found myself being quite negative. I didn’t realize it, but I had the bad habit of complaining, and seeing the difficulties in life and not the blessings. One of the things God taught me was that I should not burden people with my problems by complaining and whining, that this sort of thing affects people in a negative way, as though I were asking them to carry heavy baggage, not realizing they had baggage of their own. I realized I was doing this so made a commitment to stop. I noticed, as I stopped complaining about tough stuff in my life and started sharing the reasons I thought life and God were good, I found there was much to feel blessed about, and that, after a while, it was hard to find anything negative. It’s been a change I’m grateful for, and can look back on as something God brought me through, a habit He rescued me from.
Well, I’m grateful that you would take time to read this letter. I know these Christmas letters can be boring because the temptation is to share the good stuff like a publicity piece. Thanks for taking the time. The truth is it has been a good year, and God has done amazing things. I hate not being able to know what is going on in your lives, but I trust we will get time together soon and I can hear your side of the story. Many blessings to you this holiday season, and I hope your journey with God is remarkable in 2006. I know our time here is very short, and there is much to see and do, a Kingdom to participate in, and a King to worship. So I wont keep you any longer. All of His blessings to you…
Sincerely,
Donald Miller
P.S. John MacMurray and my book will be out in February. I am literally writing the last chapter today and tomorrow. The book will be called "To Own a Dragon."
P.S.S. The Ferry is arriving in Anacortes. Perfect timing. I wish we could have done this in person.
Finally
So it is finally snow in Durango! This means a couple of things. First my gloomy mood of late is gone. Second no more dodge rocks at the ski resort. And last bad drivers making a bad situation worst. Well at least I will be skiing in the morning. Who ever said ski bumming never gets you anywhere never lived in this town.
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Nothing More
This week I had the opportunity to hang out with a good friend of mine Daniel Oliver while I was in Texas. Dan is the bassist for a San Antonio band Nothing More. You should check out their website. Their music is great. I am hearing that their live show is great, if they are playing in a town near you should check them out.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
New Blog
I admit that I am getting addicted to this blogging thing. Thanks a lot Shedden! So I started a new blog today. Actually a photo blog. Here is the URL: http://snakepitsphotoblog.blogspot.com
Monday, December 12, 2005
Big D and I do mean Dallas
I am in Dallas this week visiting my dad. While I am here I am touring two seminaries, catching up with some friends that live here, and taking in some golf. Although I might be wishing I was back in Durango. I was just looking at the weather and it looks like snow. Hope I don’t miss a big dump.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Old School
As a part of my internship for the church I work for I help with the mountain top chapel at the Resort near the town I live in. It is pretty amazing to have any kind of church service at the top of a mountain. On top of that on a snowboard. Today was our first chapel of the season. My pastor and I had prepared to sing the old school but fresh hymm How great thou Art. Being that only one person showed up (not unusal for this time of year) my pastor and I did not want to subject this poor soul to our utterly horrible singing voices. So in stead. He just read the words. This is one of my favorite hymms, but looking out over the vastness of God's creation, the words never had more meaning. Here they are.
How Great Thou Art
How great Thou artHow great
Thou artAnd should I glory
Let me glory in the cross
For when Your blood was spilled
You became greater still
Mine eyes have seen Your glory Lord
How great Thou artVerse
The heavens declare Your glory
The earth sings forth Your praise
Your majesty is manifest in the stars
The wind and the rainBut when You left Your throne in glory
And came to earth to set men freeThat was the day
You became great to me baby wrapped in swaddling clothesIn a manger
He did lieWho would have guessed the King of kings
Had come that He might dieAnd greater than creation was that day at Calvary
For that was the day You re-created me
When we get thereWe'll gather round Your throne dear Lord
And all the things that seem important hereWon't matter anymore
And we will crown You Lord of lordsAnd King of kingsAnd with mighty voice
This blood-washed host will singMisc
For when Your blood was spilledYou became greater still
Mine eyes have seen Your glory LordHow great
Thou artHow great Thou art
How Great Thou Art
How great Thou artHow great
Thou artAnd should I glory
Let me glory in the cross
For when Your blood was spilled
You became greater still
Mine eyes have seen Your glory Lord
How great Thou artVerse
The heavens declare Your glory
The earth sings forth Your praise
Your majesty is manifest in the stars
The wind and the rainBut when You left Your throne in glory
And came to earth to set men freeThat was the day
You became great to me baby wrapped in swaddling clothesIn a manger
He did lieWho would have guessed the King of kings
Had come that He might dieAnd greater than creation was that day at Calvary
For that was the day You re-created me
When we get thereWe'll gather round Your throne dear Lord
And all the things that seem important hereWon't matter anymore
And we will crown You Lord of lordsAnd King of kingsAnd with mighty voice
This blood-washed host will singMisc
For when Your blood was spilledYou became greater still
Mine eyes have seen Your glory LordHow great
Thou artHow great Thou art
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Quick Post
So today was opening day at the ski resort near my town. I have to say it is kind of anti-climatic. I have been waiting all summer for this day, but with snow conditions sub par for this time of year. And the fact that I have already been snowbording 4 times this season at other resorts. I decided not to up today. I will go up tommorow. Instead I went with some others from my church and served breakfast at our local soup kitchen. Sorry for my some what pestimisitc attitude. I am sure there will be plenty of sick powder days this season! For now I am going to go home an watch Warren Miller's: Impact.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Narnia
No I will not be among the crowds of people lining up to see the next big Hollywood blockbuster tonight. I am waiting to see it with a group from my church on Sunday night. No I have reread all of the Chronicles like some people I know in anticipation of the release of the C.S Lewis classic. I think I read The Lion Witch and Wardrobe in the 4th Grade I remembering being just as confused as reading C.S. Lewis today. But I do have nothing but respect and appreciation for Lewis’s work.
I just hope that Hollywerid and much weirder Christian community can find balance in the release this flick. Finding balance as far the makers and stars of the movie dealing the fact that yes C.S. Lewis was a Christian. And for the Christians finding balance in wanting to bombard every movie goer as they come out of the theater with an invitation to a church doing a sermon series on the movie. Let the movie speak for it self.
I just hope that Hollywerid and much weirder Christian community can find balance in the release this flick. Finding balance as far the makers and stars of the movie dealing the fact that yes C.S. Lewis was a Christian. And for the Christians finding balance in wanting to bombard every movie goer as they come out of the theater with an invitation to a church doing a sermon series on the movie. Let the movie speak for it self.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Xbox Madness
I am not a big into video game guy. So maybe that is why I am baffled at the hottest Christmas gift item: the Xbox 360. I mean I don’t have a problem with video games, they are a great way to have fun and relieve some stress. People are going nuts over this thing. I was at a party last night, I heard people talking about there being a 3 month waiting list just to buy one of these things. Go on eBay today and you will find the Xbox 360 going for as much as $800. How crazy is that. This is even crazier Microsoft Corp.’s Chief Executive Steve Ballmer can’t even find one of these for his own kids. You would think the guy that runs the company would have some lackey pull a couple of these things off of the line.
But I do understand the madness of trendy Christmas gifts. I can remember when I was a kid trudging to Toys R US with my dad on a never ending quest to find the only Cabbage Patch Kid in the city. I can also remember how big a deal it was to get an 8 bit Nintendo console. I actually wish I still had my 8 bit today.
But I do understand the madness of trendy Christmas gifts. I can remember when I was a kid trudging to Toys R US with my dad on a never ending quest to find the only Cabbage Patch Kid in the city. I can also remember how big a deal it was to get an 8 bit Nintendo console. I actually wish I still had my 8 bit today.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Back in the Day
Ok, so this may just be a random post, but I am a random kind of guy. My roommate and I choose not to contrbute to the pockets of the rich fat-cat cable executives so we spend most of our time watching DVDs. And my roommate got me hooked on watching season 6 and 7 of Stargate. I am not much of a sci-fi fan, but Stargate is a show that anyone can get into. I mean with Richard Dean Anderson (MacGyver) what more can you ask for. I was noticing the other night in the credits that Peter DeLuise was the supervising director. If you are an 80’s child like myself, you might remember him as one of the stars of 21 Jump Street, which was one of my favorite shows growing up. Being a DVD junkie my mind started racing with the ideas of trying to find the show on DVD. So with a quick search on Google I was excited to find out that there are 4 seasons of the cheese ball 80’s program on DVD. I say cheese ball only because I can remember doing this crazy hand shake imitating Johnny Depp. By the way after watching this show who would of thought that Johnny Depp would ever be a big time actor.
Monday, December 05, 2005
One Simple Verse
Matthew 6:34 (The Message)
34"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
So like I said the other day, I have been reading through the Gospels. I came across the above verse. It struck me hard today. Especially this time of year, this season of remembrance. But I feel it is my responsibility to remember God all the time. All day everyday. Sure Christmas is a great time to reflect of the birth of Christ. But why can’t we remember God all the time? I feel if I really follow these instructions, that my faith walk, my life will be so much less complex. So as I struggle with this Christmas season I challenge you to also look at this in your own life.
34"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
So like I said the other day, I have been reading through the Gospels. I came across the above verse. It struck me hard today. Especially this time of year, this season of remembrance. But I feel it is my responsibility to remember God all the time. All day everyday. Sure Christmas is a great time to reflect of the birth of Christ. But why can’t we remember God all the time? I feel if I really follow these instructions, that my faith walk, my life will be so much less complex. So as I struggle with this Christmas season I challenge you to also look at this in your own life.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
National Champs
So for those of you that know I live in Durango, Colorado home of Fort Lewis College. Now I didn't go to FLC (actually went to school down the road at Adams State. Go Grizzlies) But after you have lived in a place for long enough you get excited when something cool happens. The FLC Men's Soccer team on the NCAA D-II championship early today.
I was actually going to up to my office tonight after church in downtown Durango. As I was going into my offices I heard some girls streaming in the streets, now this is ususally behavior for Downtown Durango. But then I thought hey it is Sunday night (usually a pretty calm night.) Then I figured ti out as two fire trucks started cruising down the street pass me. They had thire lights flashing and horns blasting, escorting the wining team down main street. Pretty Cool.
Go SkyHawks!
I was actually going to up to my office tonight after church in downtown Durango. As I was going into my offices I heard some girls streaming in the streets, now this is ususally behavior for Downtown Durango. But then I thought hey it is Sunday night (usually a pretty calm night.) Then I figured ti out as two fire trucks started cruising down the street pass me. They had thire lights flashing and horns blasting, escorting the wining team down main street. Pretty Cool.
Go SkyHawks!
Friday, December 02, 2005
Bless us! Everyone!
Some people accuse me of being a Humbug around Christmas time. It is not that I like Christmas. I just think that people get too rapped up in the commercial side of Christmas. Instead of thinking about the real meaning of Christmas (Jesus) I think that people put too much thought in what to buy their Uncle Henry. Like Henry is going to remember where he got the ugly tie that you gave him three years from know. I think that we need to remind ourselves more every Christmas of what it is really about. As my Mom use to say when I was a kid, “Jesus is the reason for the Season!” Not your new Ipod or XBOX 360.
So with that said I am currently reading through the gospels. I thought it would be a great way for myself not to get wrapped up in all of the hoopla of this special time of year.
Here is a passage from Matthew 5 from the Message. The sermon on the sermon on the mount. Reading this version really captures that Christ is telling us that we are blessed. Blessed more than we could never know. And blessed because he came, lived, and died for us. Now that is Christmas.
Matthew 5 You're Blessed
1When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down 2and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said: 3"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. 4"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. 5"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are--no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought. 6"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat. 7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being "careful,' you find yourselves cared for. 8"You're blessed when you get your inside world--your mind and heart--put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. 9"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family. 10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom. 11"Not only that--count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. 12You can be glad when that happens--give a cheer, even!-for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
So with that said I am currently reading through the gospels. I thought it would be a great way for myself not to get wrapped up in all of the hoopla of this special time of year.
Here is a passage from Matthew 5 from the Message. The sermon on the sermon on the mount. Reading this version really captures that Christ is telling us that we are blessed. Blessed more than we could never know. And blessed because he came, lived, and died for us. Now that is Christmas.
Matthew 5 You're Blessed
1When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down 2and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said: 3"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. 4"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. 5"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are--no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought. 6"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat. 7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being "careful,' you find yourselves cared for. 8"You're blessed when you get your inside world--your mind and heart--put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. 9"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family. 10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom. 11"Not only that--count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. 12You can be glad when that happens--give a cheer, even!-for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Silent Sitter
Often people that know me well accuse me of being a talker. But tonight I just listened. I attend a small group consisting of 4 other guys and myself. Each week we discuss a different article, most of the time relating to faith. More often than not we get into some pretty deep discussions. Tonight was no different. I consider my inteletic to be towards the bottom of this great group of guys. Among these guys my quite side comes out. Its is not that I feel dumb when I say something. It is just that I feel that I can get more from just listening.
Tonight we read an excerpt from a book called Searching For God Knows What by one of my favorite authors, Donald Miller. It was good to re-read this chapter this week, it provided a boast in my currently seemingly dull (not sharp) faith walk. The following is one of my favorite parts of this book. Miller talks about not taking a lot of stock in formula, when it comes to figuring out Christianity.
From Searching For God Knows What:
I know there are people who have actually gone from misery to happiness, but
they didn’t do it by walking through three steps; they did it because they had a certain set
of parents and heard a certain song and knew somebody who had a certain experience
and saw some movie then read some book then had something happen to them like a car
wreck or a trip to Seattle, and then they called on God and a week later read something in
a magazine or met a girl in Wichita, and when all this had happened they had an
epiphany, and somebody may have helped them fulfill what this epiphany made them
feel, and several years later they rationalized this mystic experience with three steps, then
they told the three steps to us in a book. And I’m not saying they weren’t trying to be
helpful; I bring this up only because life is complex, and the idea you can break it down,
or fix it in a few steps is rather silly. The truth is there are a million steps, and we don’t
even know what the steps are and, worse, at any given moment we may not be willing or
even able to take them and still worse they are different for you and me and they are
always changing. I have come to believe the sooner we find this truth beautiful, the
sooner we will fall in love with God on His terms, who keeps shaking things up, keeps
changing the path, keeps rocking the boat to test our faith in Him, teaching us not to rely
on easy answers, bullet points, magic mantras or genies in lamps, but rather in His
guidance, His existence, His mercy and His love.
Tonight we read an excerpt from a book called Searching For God Knows What by one of my favorite authors, Donald Miller. It was good to re-read this chapter this week, it provided a boast in my currently seemingly dull (not sharp) faith walk. The following is one of my favorite parts of this book. Miller talks about not taking a lot of stock in formula, when it comes to figuring out Christianity.
From Searching For God Knows What:
I know there are people who have actually gone from misery to happiness, but
they didn’t do it by walking through three steps; they did it because they had a certain set
of parents and heard a certain song and knew somebody who had a certain experience
and saw some movie then read some book then had something happen to them like a car
wreck or a trip to Seattle, and then they called on God and a week later read something in
a magazine or met a girl in Wichita, and when all this had happened they had an
epiphany, and somebody may have helped them fulfill what this epiphany made them
feel, and several years later they rationalized this mystic experience with three steps, then
they told the three steps to us in a book. And I’m not saying they weren’t trying to be
helpful; I bring this up only because life is complex, and the idea you can break it down,
or fix it in a few steps is rather silly. The truth is there are a million steps, and we don’t
even know what the steps are and, worse, at any given moment we may not be willing or
even able to take them and still worse they are different for you and me and they are
always changing. I have come to believe the sooner we find this truth beautiful, the
sooner we will fall in love with God on His terms, who keeps shaking things up, keeps
changing the path, keeps rocking the boat to test our faith in Him, teaching us not to rely
on easy answers, bullet points, magic mantras or genies in lamps, but rather in His
guidance, His existence, His mercy and His love.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Cashman
So this past weekend I saw "Walk the Line" a movie biography of the late great Johnny Cash. I have to admit this moive was one of the "biography movies" I have seen. I have always been a fan of Cash's music. My dad would always listen to him when I was a kid, but not until I say this flick did I have an appreciation of the life of "the man, myth, and legend" of J.R. Cash. He was a man that went after what he wanted. What he wanted in his career. Never giving up, whether someone was standing in his way, or wether it was his personal demons. Also what he wanted in his personal life. He loved his wife June Carter- Cash even before she loved him. He never gave up on her.
Cash put out some great music. I just borrowed a his last CD that he put out before he passed. It contains some great songs including The Man Comes Around, and two covers of songs that I grew up with Hurt, and Personal Jesus. You should check it out.
Here are the lyrics to The Man Comes Around: Cash says that this song might have taken the longest to write out of all the songs he wrote. The lyrics are based on passages from the bible, mostly coming out of Revelations.
The Man Comes Around
And I heard as it were the noise of thunderOne of the four beasts saying come and see and I saw
And behold a white horse. There's a man going around taking names and he decides
Who to free and who to blame every body won't be treatedQuite the same there will be a golden ladder reaching down
When the man comes around
The hairs on your arm will stand up at the terror in each
Sip and each sup will you partake of that last offered cupOr disappear into the potter's groundWhen the man comes around
CHORUS
Hear the trumpets hear the pipers one hundred million angels singing
Multitudes are marching to a big kettledrum
Voices calling and voices crying
Some are born and some are dyingIts alpha and omegas kingdom come
And the whirlwind is in the thorn trees
The virgins are all trimming their wicks
The whirlwind is in the thorn trees
It's hard for thee to kick against the pricks
Till Armageddon no shalom no shalom
Then the father hen will call his chicken's home
The wise man will bow down before the thorn and at his feet
They will cast the golden crowns
When the man comes around
Whoever is unjust let him be unjust still
Whoever is righteous let him be righteous still
Whoever is filthy let him be filthy still
Listen to the words long written down
When the man comes around
Cash put out some great music. I just borrowed a his last CD that he put out before he passed. It contains some great songs including The Man Comes Around, and two covers of songs that I grew up with Hurt, and Personal Jesus. You should check it out.
Here are the lyrics to The Man Comes Around: Cash says that this song might have taken the longest to write out of all the songs he wrote. The lyrics are based on passages from the bible, mostly coming out of Revelations.
The Man Comes Around
And I heard as it were the noise of thunderOne of the four beasts saying come and see and I saw
And behold a white horse. There's a man going around taking names and he decides
Who to free and who to blame every body won't be treatedQuite the same there will be a golden ladder reaching down
When the man comes around
The hairs on your arm will stand up at the terror in each
Sip and each sup will you partake of that last offered cupOr disappear into the potter's groundWhen the man comes around
CHORUS
Hear the trumpets hear the pipers one hundred million angels singing
Multitudes are marching to a big kettledrum
Voices calling and voices crying
Some are born and some are dyingIts alpha and omegas kingdom come
And the whirlwind is in the thorn trees
The virgins are all trimming their wicks
The whirlwind is in the thorn trees
It's hard for thee to kick against the pricks
Till Armageddon no shalom no shalom
Then the father hen will call his chicken's home
The wise man will bow down before the thorn and at his feet
They will cast the golden crowns
When the man comes around
Whoever is unjust let him be unjust still
Whoever is righteous let him be righteous still
Whoever is filthy let him be filthy still
Listen to the words long written down
When the man comes around
blog blog blog
So yeah as my buddy reminds me daily I have not updated my blog in a while. I think he is the only one beside myself that actually notices. I have been busy lately, but just been real lazy. This is the first week in a month that I have not bee traveling. So I am going to try to do a better job of keeping my blogdom up to date.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Random News
So I always find some crazy news on the internet. The other day it was some guy in Boulder was sewing a major hardware store because he accidentally was the butt of a practical joke by some of the stores employees. (He got his rear-end glued to a toilet seat) HAha. That makes me laugh. Today I ran across the following about some dude in Cali trying to beat the system by putting a dummy in his passenger seat as he cruised the HOV lane by himself. Check it out. I am hoping to find some more crazy stories like the following. If you find some feel free to post them as comments.
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. - Say what you want about police officers, but they are no dummies. The California Highway Patrol gave Kevin Morgan, 28, of Petaluma, a $351 citation for driving in a high occupancy vehicle or "HOV" lane with a kickboxing dummy propped in the passenger seat. The dummy was wearing a Miami Dolphins windbreaker and a baseball cap, but Officer Will Thompson noticed that the "passenger" had no legs. "When I looked inside his window, I thought, 'Oh, that's cute,'" Thompson said. "I didn't even ask him where he got it. I think he was pretty embarrassed because all the people driving by were laughing." Thompson often parks next to a car pool lane and stands on his car door rail to look down into passing vehicles. His point of view allowed him to see the legless dummy. "I think about the only thing he said was, 'Well, that didn't help me very much today, did it?'" Thompson said. "I said, 'No, it didn't.'
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. - Say what you want about police officers, but they are no dummies. The California Highway Patrol gave Kevin Morgan, 28, of Petaluma, a $351 citation for driving in a high occupancy vehicle or "HOV" lane with a kickboxing dummy propped in the passenger seat. The dummy was wearing a Miami Dolphins windbreaker and a baseball cap, but Officer Will Thompson noticed that the "passenger" had no legs. "When I looked inside his window, I thought, 'Oh, that's cute,'" Thompson said. "I didn't even ask him where he got it. I think he was pretty embarrassed because all the people driving by were laughing." Thompson often parks next to a car pool lane and stands on his car door rail to look down into passing vehicles. His point of view allowed him to see the legless dummy. "I think about the only thing he said was, 'Well, that didn't help me very much today, did it?'" Thompson said. "I said, 'No, it didn't.'
Friday, November 04, 2005
Where is the Snow?
So it is November 4th and it is 56 degrees. What is the deal. A typical November in Colorado means cold rainy short days. But instead I have to put up with these nice warm, not a clould in site days. And the ten day forcast does not show any promise of any precipiation, not even a drop of rain. If we had a weather man in this town, I would punch him in the face.
Now you might be asking yourself why the pestimistic attitude? Well those of you that know me, know that I spend every single spare moment I have on the ski mountain. And these blue-bird days are not contributing to my habit at all. I am hoping and praying for a good base to start forming soon. I hope in a month from now that I can post about my exploits on the mountain after a sick powder day, and not horror story about shreading rocks.
Now you might be asking yourself why the pestimistic attitude? Well those of you that know me, know that I spend every single spare moment I have on the ski mountain. And these blue-bird days are not contributing to my habit at all. I am hoping and praying for a good base to start forming soon. I hope in a month from now that I can post about my exploits on the mountain after a sick powder day, and not horror story about shreading rocks.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
So what is Church?
So I am attending a Collegiate Minitry Conference for the domination that I work for (to protect the innocent, the I will not name the demination) this week. I was listening to this guy speak today and asked for a definition fo church. The 30 or so dudes in the crowd (no woman at this party. bummer) began to scratch their heads. Then they started spouting out answers, "Well I think it is this" and "I think it is that" they said. I just sat back and listened, as I came up with my own answer in my head. Then to my shock the gentleman that was leading the disscusion gave his educated answer.
Here it is: Church: A group of Christ followers who funication as a body of Christ in community and believe themsevles to be.
Now I didn;t think that he was too far off,until his next question. Which was "Could non-Christ followers be included in this definition? He said no. But I say yes.
Is it not true that Jesus called us to love everybody? So who are we to be so exclusive to not include. Non-Christ followers. A lot of my friends are non-Christ followers, but I would for sure include them in my church. And I think that Jesus would too.
Here it is: Church: A group of Christ followers who funication as a body of Christ in community and believe themsevles to be.
Now I didn;t think that he was too far off,until his next question. Which was "Could non-Christ followers be included in this definition? He said no. But I say yes.
Is it not true that Jesus called us to love everybody? So who are we to be so exclusive to not include. Non-Christ followers. A lot of my friends are non-Christ followers, but I would for sure include them in my church. And I think that Jesus would too.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Big Winner
So in case any one cares, I did not win the Powerball Jackpot last night. So I will probadly go on with life and try to forget that I did not waste that dollar. But you know what they say, you cant win if you dont play. Some people are just luckier than others or cursed. Yes I would love to have $340 million. Who wouldn't. My advise the guy in Oregon is to pay some bum $100 clean him up and have him go claim the money for you. That way you won't have third uncles named Lenny from Flordia crawling out the wood work. But really what would you do with $340 million or $200 million after Uncle Sam gets his cut. I would probaly keep like $50 mil save $25 Mil (get rich off the interest) pay off all my debt, but a couple of houses for my parents. Buy a house somewhere I could golf in the summer and ski in the winter and just sit on my fat can and watch tv.
So your thinking that there is still $125 mil left over. Yeah I would just give the rest to way. I would just run out on the streets and throw money at everyone. Intstead I would give it to people that genuine people. Now some of you that know me pretty well might think that I would be on the first plan to Africa and give all my moeny to people there. Well you are wrong. I would probadly give some to bulid some churches. But beyond that I would give my money to the average Joe Blow American that is just trying to make a living in America. Enough so he could really stand a chance to live in this place.
So your thinking that there is still $125 mil left over. Yeah I would just give the rest to way. I would just run out on the streets and throw money at everyone. Intstead I would give it to people that genuine people. Now some of you that know me pretty well might think that I would be on the first plan to Africa and give all my moeny to people there. Well you are wrong. I would probadly give some to bulid some churches. But beyond that I would give my money to the average Joe Blow American that is just trying to make a living in America. Enough so he could really stand a chance to live in this place.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Cards lose Cards lose.
So because of the year I spent in Missouri for college I can't help but pull for the redbirds. Too bad they went down in defeat tonight. Sorry Brittany, Scott and the rest of the folks in the Show-Me state. Well they "showed" us something alright, they showed us even they were the defending National Leauge champs, they still couldn't pull it out. Not RedSox. No RedBirds. What is a Reds fan to do. Well there is always next season.
World Series: White Sox V. Astros. All I have to say is that Shoeless Joe is probadly rolling over in his grave, and Nolan Ryan is sleeplessly waiting by his phone hoping that the Stros will call him out retirement.
World Series: White Sox V. Astros. All I have to say is that Shoeless Joe is probadly rolling over in his grave, and Nolan Ryan is sleeplessly waiting by his phone hoping that the Stros will call him out retirement.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Are hymns Hip??
So I might be a little behind on this but, that is nothing new I was always a late bloomer. B that ut I have noticed lately hymns are making a come back. Especially in the Christian market. You know what they say, every thing old will make a come back. I thought I would never say this, but I really like hymns. Well I do now. Here is some thoughts about hymns.
The one thing that I remember about the church that I grew up in besides wearing tight penny loafers is the hymns. I was never a big fan of them. I don't know if it was the words, the organ, or the choir, but hymns never did it for me. Now that I am older. I am starting to dig them more. I think I now realize that it is not the organ or the choir, or words for that matter. It is the imate bond between you an Christ. Some might say, that the words to songs especially "worship songs" are the most important part. But I so no. I say it is the meaning behind the songs. How each peron intperts and gets out of the experience.
I mean I am a big fan of worship music. After my experience in Africa this summer my outlook on worship really changed. It is not about the music, or the person playing guitar. It is about me and God.
Singing worship songs is just one expression of worship. As one of my friends says, "Worship music is not worship, it is praise." Whatever it is, it is great. And I think the song does matter. To are an organic way of praising God. They bring you back to the roots of Christian's.
And some artist do a great job of bringing these old has-been songs back to life.
Albums like Passion: accient hymns make worship just a really rich time.
A couple weeks ago at the church I go to our worhip leader played one of my favorite hymns "Come Thou Fount" and to my surprise the sound level of the congregation increased two fold. And for a having a room full of college students, and adults mostly under 30 that is a pretty amazing.
Maybe this is just another trend that will die out sooner than later, but I am saying no. I am thinking that hymns are here to stay, just as they have for hundreds of years.
The one thing that I remember about the church that I grew up in besides wearing tight penny loafers is the hymns. I was never a big fan of them. I don't know if it was the words, the organ, or the choir, but hymns never did it for me. Now that I am older. I am starting to dig them more. I think I now realize that it is not the organ or the choir, or words for that matter. It is the imate bond between you an Christ. Some might say, that the words to songs especially "worship songs" are the most important part. But I so no. I say it is the meaning behind the songs. How each peron intperts and gets out of the experience.
I mean I am a big fan of worship music. After my experience in Africa this summer my outlook on worship really changed. It is not about the music, or the person playing guitar. It is about me and God.
Singing worship songs is just one expression of worship. As one of my friends says, "Worship music is not worship, it is praise." Whatever it is, it is great. And I think the song does matter. To are an organic way of praising God. They bring you back to the roots of Christian's.
And some artist do a great job of bringing these old has-been songs back to life.
Albums like Passion: accient hymns make worship just a really rich time.
A couple weeks ago at the church I go to our worhip leader played one of my favorite hymns "Come Thou Fount" and to my surprise the sound level of the congregation increased two fold. And for a having a room full of college students, and adults mostly under 30 that is a pretty amazing.
Maybe this is just another trend that will die out sooner than later, but I am saying no. I am thinking that hymns are here to stay, just as they have for hundreds of years.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Not something orginal
So I promise to post something orginal soon. Does anyone really read my blog anyway? Post a comment if you do. No but I ran across the below tonight. Reading it really made me think about my life right now. My happy little stagnet life. Time for me to get off my duff and make something of this life.
The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards (1722-1723)
Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly
entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are
agreeable to his will, for Christ's sake.
Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory, and my
own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any
consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad's of ages hence.
Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and
advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet
with, how many and how great soever.
2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and
contrivance to promote the aforementioned things.
3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of
these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.
4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or
more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.
5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable
way I possibly can.
6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the
last hour of my life.
8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been
so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or
failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote
nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my
own sins and misery to God.
9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common
circumstances which attend death.
10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to
do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don't hinder.
12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any
such account, immediately to throw it by.
13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.
14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.
15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.
16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor,
more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and
when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.
19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it
would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.
20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.
21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should
count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of
him.
(Resolutions 1 through 21 written in on setting in New Haven in
1722)
22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other
world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea
violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be
thought of.
23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most
unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original
intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God's glory, to
repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.
24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I
come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more,
and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.
25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is,
which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my
forces against it.
26. Resolved, to east away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.
27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the
glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.
28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as
that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor
that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will
answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.
30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion,
and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.
31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is
perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to
mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and
failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything
against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.
32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Prov. 20:6,
"A faithful man who can find?" may not be partly fulfilled in me.
33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing
and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other
respects. Dec.26, 1722.
34. Resolved, in narration's never to speak anything but the pure and simple
verity.
35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that
my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question
was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.
36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call
for it. Dec. 19, 1722.
37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been
negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at
the end of every week, month and year. Dec.22 and 26, 1722.
38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of
laughter on the Lord's day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.
39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as
that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be
lawful or no; except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.
40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in
the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.
41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year,
wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.
42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was
made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the
communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of
January, 1722-23.
43. Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own,
but entirely and altogether God's, agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday,
January 12. Jan.12, 1723.
44- Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any
of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any
otherwise than the religious end will carry it. Jan.12, 1723.
45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection
at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what
helps religion. Jan.12 and 13.1723.
46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my
father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least
alteration of speech, or motion of my eve: and to be especially careful of it, with
respect to any of our family.
47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to
a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peace_able, contented, easy,
compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent
and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper;
and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly
every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning. May 5,1723.
48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest
scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have
truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any
negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.
49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.
50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most
prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.
51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done,
if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.
52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to
live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall
wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.
53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest
frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and
confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have
assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.
54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it
would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it. July 8, 1723.
55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had
already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. July 8, 1723.
56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my
corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether ~ have
done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will
as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. June 9, and
July 13 1723.
58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in
conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. May27,
and July 13, 1723.
59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger,
that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to
manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be
disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July ii,
and July 13.
60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order,
when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity
without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4, and 13,
1723.
61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and
relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I
may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc.
May 21, and July 13, 1723.
62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do
it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; "knowing that
whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord." June
25 and July 13, 1723.
63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the
world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a
right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing
excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed:
Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one,
who should live in my time. Jan.14' and July '3' 1723.
64. Resolved, when I find those "groanings which cannot be uttered" (Rom. 8:26),
of which the Apostle speaks, and those "breakings of soul for the longing it hath,"
of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the
utmost of my power, and that I will not be wear', of earnestly endeavoring to vent
my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and August 10,
1723.
65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, viz. with the
greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my
soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires,
and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton's 27th Sermon
on Psalm 119. July 26, and Aug.10 1723.
66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting
and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that
duty requires otherwise.
67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good
I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.
68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either
infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case
to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.
69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do
it. Aug. 11, 1723.
70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak. Aug. 17, 1723
The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards (1722-1723)
Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly
entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are
agreeable to his will, for Christ's sake.
Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory, and my
own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any
consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad's of ages hence.
Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and
advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet
with, how many and how great soever.
2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and
contrivance to promote the aforementioned things.
3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of
these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.
4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or
more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.
5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable
way I possibly can.
6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the
last hour of my life.
8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been
so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or
failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote
nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my
own sins and misery to God.
9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common
circumstances which attend death.
10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to
do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don't hinder.
12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any
such account, immediately to throw it by.
13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.
14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.
15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.
16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor,
more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and
when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.
19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it
would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.
20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.
21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should
count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of
him.
(Resolutions 1 through 21 written in on setting in New Haven in
1722)
22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other
world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea
violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be
thought of.
23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most
unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original
intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God's glory, to
repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.
24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I
come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more,
and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.
25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is,
which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my
forces against it.
26. Resolved, to east away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.
27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the
glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.
28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as
that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor
that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will
answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.
30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion,
and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.
31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is
perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to
mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and
failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything
against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.
32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Prov. 20:6,
"A faithful man who can find?" may not be partly fulfilled in me.
33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing
and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other
respects. Dec.26, 1722.
34. Resolved, in narration's never to speak anything but the pure and simple
verity.
35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that
my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question
was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.
36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call
for it. Dec. 19, 1722.
37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been
negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at
the end of every week, month and year. Dec.22 and 26, 1722.
38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of
laughter on the Lord's day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.
39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as
that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be
lawful or no; except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.
40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in
the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.
41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year,
wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.
42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was
made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the
communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of
January, 1722-23.
43. Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own,
but entirely and altogether God's, agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday,
January 12. Jan.12, 1723.
44- Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any
of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any
otherwise than the religious end will carry it. Jan.12, 1723.
45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection
at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what
helps religion. Jan.12 and 13.1723.
46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my
father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least
alteration of speech, or motion of my eve: and to be especially careful of it, with
respect to any of our family.
47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to
a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peace_able, contented, easy,
compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent
and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper;
and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly
every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning. May 5,1723.
48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest
scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have
truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any
negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.
49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.
50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most
prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.
51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done,
if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.
52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to
live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall
wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.
53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest
frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and
confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have
assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.
54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it
would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it. July 8, 1723.
55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had
already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. July 8, 1723.
56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my
corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether ~ have
done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will
as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. June 9, and
July 13 1723.
58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in
conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. May27,
and July 13, 1723.
59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger,
that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to
manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be
disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July ii,
and July 13.
60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order,
when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity
without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4, and 13,
1723.
61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and
relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I
may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc.
May 21, and July 13, 1723.
62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do
it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; "knowing that
whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord." June
25 and July 13, 1723.
63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the
world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a
right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing
excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed:
Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one,
who should live in my time. Jan.14' and July '3' 1723.
64. Resolved, when I find those "groanings which cannot be uttered" (Rom. 8:26),
of which the Apostle speaks, and those "breakings of soul for the longing it hath,"
of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the
utmost of my power, and that I will not be wear', of earnestly endeavoring to vent
my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and August 10,
1723.
65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, viz. with the
greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my
soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires,
and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton's 27th Sermon
on Psalm 119. July 26, and Aug.10 1723.
66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting
and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that
duty requires otherwise.
67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good
I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.
68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either
infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case
to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.
69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do
it. Aug. 11, 1723.
70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak. Aug. 17, 1723
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Follow with a Brave Heart
So I gave a sermon on Sunday. The MP3 is coming to a neigborhood near soon.
My sermon was entlilted The Edge.......not living a lukewarm faith walk.
As I was reading for a small group the other day I came across an excerpt from Frangois Fenelon article.
Those who fear to see too cleary what this love asks fool themselves by thinking that they have this watchful and devoted love. There is only one way to love God: to take not a single step without him, and to follow with a brave heart wherever he leads.
All those who live the Christian life, and yet would very much like to keep a little in with the world, run great risk of being among the lukewarm of whom it is said they will be "spewed out of the mouth of God."
God has little patience with thise weak souls who say to themselves, "I shall go this far and no farther." Is it up to the creature to make the law for his Creator? What would a king say of a subject, or a mastor of a servant, who only sered him in his own way, who feared to care too much for his interest, and who was embarrassed in public because of belonging to him? What will the King of Kings say to us if we act like these cowardly servants?
My sermon was entlilted The Edge.......not living a lukewarm faith walk.
As I was reading for a small group the other day I came across an excerpt from Frangois Fenelon article.
Those who fear to see too cleary what this love asks fool themselves by thinking that they have this watchful and devoted love. There is only one way to love God: to take not a single step without him, and to follow with a brave heart wherever he leads.
All those who live the Christian life, and yet would very much like to keep a little in with the world, run great risk of being among the lukewarm of whom it is said they will be "spewed out of the mouth of God."
God has little patience with thise weak souls who say to themselves, "I shall go this far and no farther." Is it up to the creature to make the law for his Creator? What would a king say of a subject, or a mastor of a servant, who only sered him in his own way, who feared to care too much for his interest, and who was embarrassed in public because of belonging to him? What will the King of Kings say to us if we act like these cowardly servants?
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Kenya Day 5
Here is another excerpt from my Journal frommy Kenya mission trip this summer.
6/7/05 Day 5
Kenyan life iss so different that life in the states. There are too many differences to write down now. But just to name a few. Kenyans live at a slower pace of life, but they are still very efficient. We had a meeting with the youth pastors from Shiloh last night to plan a youth retreat for this weekend. It was one of the simplest meetings I have ever been involved with. They made decisions very slow and deceivably. They make sure everyone is in agreement before they continue. It is very different from business meetings in the states. But I think if you would combine style they would make a very effective model.
10:32 pm Today was great. Door to Door went much better today. Praise the Lord for answer of prayer for more confidence during door to door. For life is much better when you are proclaiming the word of God in a confident manner.
We went to a Christian Union gathering at Kilmo High School today. There were about 200 kids there. It was so amazing to see a room full of black faces. God has created such a beautiful world and I am finally seeing part of it.
I shaved outside yesterday. I had a group so wtotos (little children) lined up staring at me the whole time. Pastor John said that they had never seen a muzngu (white man) shave before.
6/7/05 Day 5
Kenyan life iss so different that life in the states. There are too many differences to write down now. But just to name a few. Kenyans live at a slower pace of life, but they are still very efficient. We had a meeting with the youth pastors from Shiloh last night to plan a youth retreat for this weekend. It was one of the simplest meetings I have ever been involved with. They made decisions very slow and deceivably. They make sure everyone is in agreement before they continue. It is very different from business meetings in the states. But I think if you would combine style they would make a very effective model.
10:32 pm Today was great. Door to Door went much better today. Praise the Lord for answer of prayer for more confidence during door to door. For life is much better when you are proclaiming the word of God in a confident manner.
We went to a Christian Union gathering at Kilmo High School today. There were about 200 kids there. It was so amazing to see a room full of black faces. God has created such a beautiful world and I am finally seeing part of it.
I shaved outside yesterday. I had a group so wtotos (little children) lined up staring at me the whole time. Pastor John said that they had never seen a muzngu (white man) shave before.
VW Bus
Its amazing when you become more aware of something you start seeing it every where.
So I am reading the new Donald Miller book "Through Painited Deserts" It is a break from his brilliant deep theological thoughts of his last two books.
This one is about a road trip that he and his buddy took about ten years ago from Texas to Oregon in a VW bus.
So everywhere I go I see a VW bus. Two days in a row I have seen one. This might just be that I am more aware of my surroundings.
Or it just might be that I am obsessed with Don Miller. Yes this is probadly it. There is not a lot that I would not do to meet this guy. I still want to interview him for this blog. I am not a pshyco crazed fan or anything. I just thing the guy speaks volume to guys like me that are still trying to figure out this faith thing.
Check this book out if you get a chance.
So I am reading the new Donald Miller book "Through Painited Deserts" It is a break from his brilliant deep theological thoughts of his last two books.
This one is about a road trip that he and his buddy took about ten years ago from Texas to Oregon in a VW bus.
So everywhere I go I see a VW bus. Two days in a row I have seen one. This might just be that I am more aware of my surroundings.
Or it just might be that I am obsessed with Don Miller. Yes this is probadly it. There is not a lot that I would not do to meet this guy. I still want to interview him for this blog. I am not a pshyco crazed fan or anything. I just thing the guy speaks volume to guys like me that are still trying to figure out this faith thing.
Check this book out if you get a chance.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Blog Blog Blaah
Ya ya Matt is has been a while since I wrote on my blog. So sue me like Falconburgs.
So its been a while since I wrote on the ole blog. Not a lack of stuff to write about just lack of time and motivation.
So I had a bar-room debate with my buddy the other night. Don't worry it didn't lead to any broken bottles over the head, just brused egos.
Instead of divulging the details of our discussion I would rather share a verse that I heard the other day. It really reminded me of my friend. I felt bad about comeding him but this verse really talked to me. If we live in the spirit we will not desire the sin that life offers.
Life by the Spirit
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.
19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
In case any body but me, myself and I and Matt read this I just want to dislcaim that I and not writing about my blog to air my dirt laundry. Writing is my therpery in dealing with things that stress me out things that are on my heart and mind.
So its been a while since I wrote on the ole blog. Not a lack of stuff to write about just lack of time and motivation.
So I had a bar-room debate with my buddy the other night. Don't worry it didn't lead to any broken bottles over the head, just brused egos.
Instead of divulging the details of our discussion I would rather share a verse that I heard the other day. It really reminded me of my friend. I felt bad about comeding him but this verse really talked to me. If we live in the spirit we will not desire the sin that life offers.
Life by the Spirit
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.
19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
In case any body but me, myself and I and Matt read this I just want to dislcaim that I and not writing about my blog to air my dirt laundry. Writing is my therpery in dealing with things that stress me out things that are on my heart and mind.
Monday, August 29, 2005
My Kenya journal vol. I
This is an excerpt from my journal while I was in Kenya this summer.... this is the first of many volumes.
Day 2 June, 3 2005
Today was our first day in Kenya we arrived last night about 9:00 local time. It is weird to arrive in a place at night you really don’t get the full effect of the place unless you are landing in a place like Las Vegas. Night to me makes the places different. So when we got in the airport I don’t really think it hit me that we were in Kenya. I don’t know if it has hit me yet or when it will. So once we cleared customs, which was the easiest entry I have ever done we grab our bags and we were greeted buy Nicki and Amy Jo who are the base RA for AIM. They have been in country for about 10 months now. Once we loaded our almost 3500 lbs of luggage in to at small Mazda pick up with a frame rack in the bed we off in our Matus (Swahili for van) We were off to Kibera our home for the first couple of nights of our trip. Kibera is one of the largest slums in Africa.
So the ride to Kibera was kind of erie. I road in the front with Francis a Kenyan from the church that we will be working with. I had 13 of the team members with me and I tell you could hear a pin drop. I mean I was excited about being here but I could tell there was some culture shock setting in or maybe just vivid realization that we are really in Kenya. Who know what the next two months will have in store for us.
*********************************************
So today was our first day in Kibera. Waking up the morning was kind of weird, at first I didn’t know where I was, and then I remembered. But I was kind of excited to see this place in the day light. The guys and I are staying in our own house. It is actually a nice set up. You walk in and there is a court yard and then two rooms with three beds in each room. And then another separate living room a small Kitchen a shower room, with running water (didn’t expect that) and then a toilet with a western (doesn’t flush very well).
So we walked across the street to the girls house. And let me tell you it was strange. For one of the first times in my life I felt out of place.
After breakfast we had cultural training with Amy Jo and Nicki I think most of us were still in shock. And then we met Pastor Timothy our host pastor here.
I love this man already. He has so much energy and he is fire for the Lord. He gave us a welcome speech that really turned into a sermon. It was amazing! He told us his testimony of how he was saved by an American Missionary. I had images running in my head of the people that we will be coming into contact with and the lives that we will be changing while we are here. Pastor Timothy took us on a tour of the slums. To tell you the truth I was not prepared for what we experienced today. You cant even imagine this place. I mean the roads if you can call them that are just dirt roads that are rutted out beyond be drivable, but they do drive on them. There is trash everywhere, there are pieces of plastic bags everywhere, water, waste and who know what else.
As we walked in the slum one of the girls in on our team told me that she thought this place might be what hell was like. If this is hell is like there are a lot of people here that are going to hell here. But on the other hand there are a l lot of people that need to be saved. When we are here in another I pray that we will have so many amazing opportunities to minister to people here.
We have already met a couple of cool guys that are use to Americans. They hung out with the AIM group that was here before us.
We talked to Francis last night. This guy is so smart; I swear that he is going to be the president of Kenya some day.
Day 2 June, 3 2005
Today was our first day in Kenya we arrived last night about 9:00 local time. It is weird to arrive in a place at night you really don’t get the full effect of the place unless you are landing in a place like Las Vegas. Night to me makes the places different. So when we got in the airport I don’t really think it hit me that we were in Kenya. I don’t know if it has hit me yet or when it will. So once we cleared customs, which was the easiest entry I have ever done we grab our bags and we were greeted buy Nicki and Amy Jo who are the base RA for AIM. They have been in country for about 10 months now. Once we loaded our almost 3500 lbs of luggage in to at small Mazda pick up with a frame rack in the bed we off in our Matus (Swahili for van) We were off to Kibera our home for the first couple of nights of our trip. Kibera is one of the largest slums in Africa.
So the ride to Kibera was kind of erie. I road in the front with Francis a Kenyan from the church that we will be working with. I had 13 of the team members with me and I tell you could hear a pin drop. I mean I was excited about being here but I could tell there was some culture shock setting in or maybe just vivid realization that we are really in Kenya. Who know what the next two months will have in store for us.
*********************************************
So today was our first day in Kibera. Waking up the morning was kind of weird, at first I didn’t know where I was, and then I remembered. But I was kind of excited to see this place in the day light. The guys and I are staying in our own house. It is actually a nice set up. You walk in and there is a court yard and then two rooms with three beds in each room. And then another separate living room a small Kitchen a shower room, with running water (didn’t expect that) and then a toilet with a western (doesn’t flush very well).
So we walked across the street to the girls house. And let me tell you it was strange. For one of the first times in my life I felt out of place.
After breakfast we had cultural training with Amy Jo and Nicki I think most of us were still in shock. And then we met Pastor Timothy our host pastor here.
I love this man already. He has so much energy and he is fire for the Lord. He gave us a welcome speech that really turned into a sermon. It was amazing! He told us his testimony of how he was saved by an American Missionary. I had images running in my head of the people that we will be coming into contact with and the lives that we will be changing while we are here. Pastor Timothy took us on a tour of the slums. To tell you the truth I was not prepared for what we experienced today. You cant even imagine this place. I mean the roads if you can call them that are just dirt roads that are rutted out beyond be drivable, but they do drive on them. There is trash everywhere, there are pieces of plastic bags everywhere, water, waste and who know what else.
As we walked in the slum one of the girls in on our team told me that she thought this place might be what hell was like. If this is hell is like there are a lot of people here that are going to hell here. But on the other hand there are a l lot of people that need to be saved. When we are here in another I pray that we will have so many amazing opportunities to minister to people here.
We have already met a couple of cool guys that are use to Americans. They hung out with the AIM group that was here before us.
We talked to Francis last night. This guy is so smart; I swear that he is going to be the president of Kenya some day.
Vice President of What?
Ok ok so I have been lacking in the blog department. No excuse really, other that life is crazy.
So I was golfing the other day and to my surprise I was told I was golfing infront of one of our former vice presidents. I actually asked vice present of what? Then I was told it was former vice - president Dan Quayle. At first I was kind of giddy to be in the mist of a famous politicatal figure. And then I starting thinking. What did this guys ever do for our country. I mean besides spell potato wrong and rag on Murphy Brown. I mean really what did he do? Please someone tell me. Please.
Ok so I know I keep saying I am going to start posting blogs about Africa. Well I am finally going to do it. I mean besides Matt I don't know if anyone actually reads my blog. Well I will keep bloging until I get published. And then maybe I will keep bloging.
Well leave a comment if you please, call me anything you want just dont call me late for dinner.
So I was golfing the other day and to my surprise I was told I was golfing infront of one of our former vice presidents. I actually asked vice present of what? Then I was told it was former vice - president Dan Quayle. At first I was kind of giddy to be in the mist of a famous politicatal figure. And then I starting thinking. What did this guys ever do for our country. I mean besides spell potato wrong and rag on Murphy Brown. I mean really what did he do? Please someone tell me. Please.
Ok so I know I keep saying I am going to start posting blogs about Africa. Well I am finally going to do it. I mean besides Matt I don't know if anyone actually reads my blog. Well I will keep bloging until I get published. And then maybe I will keep bloging.
Well leave a comment if you please, call me anything you want just dont call me late for dinner.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
8 Days!!
8 days unitl the new Donald Miller book "Through Painted Deserts" comes out!
Ok, ok as some of you know I am a little obbessed with Miller. I think this summer while I was in Kenya I talked about him more than my own dad.
But I think that Mr. Miller does a great job of presenting the gospel in a way that kids my age can understand it.
If you are unfaimlar with Mr. Miller, he has written books like "Blue Like Jazz" and "Searching for God Knows What"
The cool thing about this guy is that he is just a normal guy. He is not a pastor, or a theoilgan, he is just like you and me. He is a full time writer and speak who devotes all of his time talking about God to anyone that will hear.
You should check out his website, www.bluelikejazz.com He has put the first chapter to his new book on there. You should give it a read and then pass it to a friend.
I tell you this, you have never heard the gospel in the way Miller writes about it.
So go to his website, or your local bookstore and preorder you copy of his newbook today! I am!
Ok, ok as some of you know I am a little obbessed with Miller. I think this summer while I was in Kenya I talked about him more than my own dad.
But I think that Mr. Miller does a great job of presenting the gospel in a way that kids my age can understand it.
If you are unfaimlar with Mr. Miller, he has written books like "Blue Like Jazz" and "Searching for God Knows What"
The cool thing about this guy is that he is just a normal guy. He is not a pastor, or a theoilgan, he is just like you and me. He is a full time writer and speak who devotes all of his time talking about God to anyone that will hear.
You should check out his website, www.bluelikejazz.com He has put the first chapter to his new book on there. You should give it a read and then pass it to a friend.
I tell you this, you have never heard the gospel in the way Miller writes about it.
So go to his website, or your local bookstore and preorder you copy of his newbook today! I am!
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Generation Now Part 1
2 "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." 3 What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun?4 Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. 5 The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises. 6 The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course. 7 All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again. 8 All things are wearisome, more than one can say.The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing. 9 What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. 10 Is there anything of which one can say, "Look! This is something new"? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time. 11 There is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow. Ecclesiastes 1:2-11 NIV
No this is mot a bible comementary. Don't I have not gone to seminary yet. These are the words of the psalmist David. Not Michelangelo David, be the David from the bible. And he is right everything is meaningless!
If you did not know already I returned from Kenya, East Africa about a week ago. And I am I changed man.
I cannot really explain it in words but I felt like a found my purpose in Africa. I did not go there in search of purpose, purpose just found me there. Some say it takes years to discover your purpose, well it has. And I believe my purpose is to tell the world about Africa. Not the Africa that you see on the evening. That Africa we know. I am taking about the issuses that you don't hear coming from your TV while you are cooking dinner.
The Africa where Aids patients are shunned from the home churches, the Africa that my friend Alex gets kicked out of school because he does not have school fees, and the Africa that the roads are in horrible condition because tax money does not make it to the government. This was the purpose of God sending me to Africa.
Coming back to the states I have found the about verse to be true everything is meaningless! Now as I have said before, when you come back from a place like Africa everyone expects you to come back acting if you have the answer for all of the worlds promblems. Well I will say it again I don't have all of the answers, if I did I would go back to Africa in a second.
But what I have come back with is awareness. Awareness of how we should be counting our blessing everyday that we live in this country. Some of us complain everyday about how our government runs things. Well I am here to tell you that it could be worse. And it is worse other places.
So before I get off my soapbox until my next post I just have to get something off of my chest.
I was in Dallas this past weekend and I reluctantly went in a trendy hipster upscale retail outlet (in which I will not name) with my Dad. Talk about culture shock! Of course afetr living in a mud house for a month many things are. But this place was nuts. I mean it was my worse nightmare. It was like the surban night of the living dead. Countless twenty-something wanna be hipsters guys with spiked hair and paid shorts, as well fake tan short shirt wearing barbis walking around everywhere. It was a feeding freenzy. I kind wanted to yell FIRE! and see how many would run outside. I mean just looking at the prices in this place gave me a heart attack. $72 for a shirt with any alligator on it.
And I am not going to sitt here and say that I have never bought designer clothes, because I have. But after the way I witnessed how people lived in Africa, never again!
Now I not track to attack every frantically frat-boy and prettied up girl. Because I have love for everyone.
I am just trying to point out of a few things about our culture. Especially the twentysomething crowd. I mean come on, is it our goal in live to spend the most money that we can before we die! Who are we trying to impress? The oppoistie sex? Try writing a letter!
An old t-shirt comes to mind "He who has the most toys, wins." More like he who dies with the most debt loses. Maybe it is just me be our generation is all about status. We want to have it better than our parents. It that really what is important in life?
It is time that we stop thinking about ourselves and stop thinking about others.
There is not enough time for me to tell you how to get involed. But if you want to know email me and I will tell you.
But what I am saying is get involed! Find out how you can help in your community, at your school, in your world. Trust me it will change your outlook on life.
Going through life worrying how your 401K is doing is not way to live, besides you cant take it with you.
So dont let your life be meaningless! Make everyday count!
No this is mot a bible comementary. Don't I have not gone to seminary yet. These are the words of the psalmist David. Not Michelangelo David, be the David from the bible. And he is right everything is meaningless!
If you did not know already I returned from Kenya, East Africa about a week ago. And I am I changed man.
I cannot really explain it in words but I felt like a found my purpose in Africa. I did not go there in search of purpose, purpose just found me there. Some say it takes years to discover your purpose, well it has. And I believe my purpose is to tell the world about Africa. Not the Africa that you see on the evening. That Africa we know. I am taking about the issuses that you don't hear coming from your TV while you are cooking dinner.
The Africa where Aids patients are shunned from the home churches, the Africa that my friend Alex gets kicked out of school because he does not have school fees, and the Africa that the roads are in horrible condition because tax money does not make it to the government. This was the purpose of God sending me to Africa.
Coming back to the states I have found the about verse to be true everything is meaningless! Now as I have said before, when you come back from a place like Africa everyone expects you to come back acting if you have the answer for all of the worlds promblems. Well I will say it again I don't have all of the answers, if I did I would go back to Africa in a second.
But what I have come back with is awareness. Awareness of how we should be counting our blessing everyday that we live in this country. Some of us complain everyday about how our government runs things. Well I am here to tell you that it could be worse. And it is worse other places.
So before I get off my soapbox until my next post I just have to get something off of my chest.
I was in Dallas this past weekend and I reluctantly went in a trendy hipster upscale retail outlet (in which I will not name) with my Dad. Talk about culture shock! Of course afetr living in a mud house for a month many things are. But this place was nuts. I mean it was my worse nightmare. It was like the surban night of the living dead. Countless twenty-something wanna be hipsters guys with spiked hair and paid shorts, as well fake tan short shirt wearing barbis walking around everywhere. It was a feeding freenzy. I kind wanted to yell FIRE! and see how many would run outside. I mean just looking at the prices in this place gave me a heart attack. $72 for a shirt with any alligator on it.
And I am not going to sitt here and say that I have never bought designer clothes, because I have. But after the way I witnessed how people lived in Africa, never again!
Now I not track to attack every frantically frat-boy and prettied up girl. Because I have love for everyone.
I am just trying to point out of a few things about our culture. Especially the twentysomething crowd. I mean come on, is it our goal in live to spend the most money that we can before we die! Who are we trying to impress? The oppoistie sex? Try writing a letter!
An old t-shirt comes to mind "He who has the most toys, wins." More like he who dies with the most debt loses. Maybe it is just me be our generation is all about status. We want to have it better than our parents. It that really what is important in life?
It is time that we stop thinking about ourselves and stop thinking about others.
There is not enough time for me to tell you how to get involed. But if you want to know email me and I will tell you.
But what I am saying is get involed! Find out how you can help in your community, at your school, in your world. Trust me it will change your outlook on life.
Going through life worrying how your 401K is doing is not way to live, besides you cant take it with you.
So dont let your life be meaningless! Make everyday count!
Thursday, August 04, 2005
The New Me
So life goes on..... I am adjusting to life back in the States. When you leave the country for 2 months you really opposite the simple things. For me it is hot running water, a toilet that flushes on the first try, ice, taco bell, and driving my car on a smooth paved highway at 70, just to name a few. A friend emailed be the other a day and said that I had into a hippie and had become earthy. I disagree I think I have become a realist. My eyes have been opened to more of a world view. My view is beyond life in the states. Being in Africa for 2 months changed my life. The person I was before I left is no more. Some say that a traumatic experience will change your life. Well my trip to Africa was traumatic, in the way that I figured out that I need to live my life differently. Before this trip I had no idea which direction my life was headed. My friend James and I call it a 1/4 life crisis (assuming we will live to 100.)
You are out of college, quite your job, become a ski bum, then you do something crazy like go to Africa. That is what I did and I have no regrets.
Now I come back from Africa changed. Done with my crisis. Not saying that I have life figured out, just that I know now that I have matured from this experience and ready to become a mature adult.
I know that I went through this "crisis" for a reason. It was God's purpose for my life. He knew that I had no idea what I was doing with my life. He knew that I would go to Africa and come back like I have. He sent me half way across the world to find purpose in life, to find purpose in Him. For me it took letting go. Letting God take over my life. If someone would of told me a year ago that I would quite my job and become a missionary and then go into full time ministry, I would of laugh; no I would of peed my pants laughing so hard.
But it took giving God total control of my life. Letting him be the polite of my life if you will. Letting Him take me to far off crazy places in a matted in Kenya. And for me to be the co-pilot, to sit up front not touching anything, just letting Him know about air traffic and the weather. In other words letting him km owe what is going on in my life. Telling him when to pull me up and when I need to land.
So as the days go on I am challenging myself to be changed everyday. Not to be the same lazy guy I was before I left. To take a stand. To accomplish the thing I set out to accomplish years ago.
So if you see me on the road, at the golf course, coffee shop, or my favorite dining establishment. Asked me what I have done today. Not what I have done for myself, but what have I done for others. Ask me how I am challenging myself today.
What about you? Are you tired of the life you are living? Want to change it for the better?
Change it forever? Email me and I will tell you how.
Grizzlyadams02@yahoo.com
You are out of college, quite your job, become a ski bum, then you do something crazy like go to Africa. That is what I did and I have no regrets.
Now I come back from Africa changed. Done with my crisis. Not saying that I have life figured out, just that I know now that I have matured from this experience and ready to become a mature adult.
I know that I went through this "crisis" for a reason. It was God's purpose for my life. He knew that I had no idea what I was doing with my life. He knew that I would go to Africa and come back like I have. He sent me half way across the world to find purpose in life, to find purpose in Him. For me it took letting go. Letting God take over my life. If someone would of told me a year ago that I would quite my job and become a missionary and then go into full time ministry, I would of laugh; no I would of peed my pants laughing so hard.
But it took giving God total control of my life. Letting him be the polite of my life if you will. Letting Him take me to far off crazy places in a matted in Kenya. And for me to be the co-pilot, to sit up front not touching anything, just letting Him know about air traffic and the weather. In other words letting him km owe what is going on in my life. Telling him when to pull me up and when I need to land.
So as the days go on I am challenging myself to be changed everyday. Not to be the same lazy guy I was before I left. To take a stand. To accomplish the thing I set out to accomplish years ago.
So if you see me on the road, at the golf course, coffee shop, or my favorite dining establishment. Asked me what I have done today. Not what I have done for myself, but what have I done for others. Ask me how I am challenging myself today.
What about you? Are you tired of the life you are living? Want to change it for the better?
Change it forever? Email me and I will tell you how.
Grizzlyadams02@yahoo.com
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
The World Beyond this One.
Well the road trip begins. Today I hit the open road. I will be traveling to Louisiana for about a week, then then headed back to Durango, via Dallas.
As I wake up each day after my trip to Africa to say I am a changed man is an understatement. And that is what most of the writings in my blog will consist of. To quote an exuberant African pastor, I am tried of being a "noise maker" now it is time for me to be a "news maker"
I am going to stand on my soap box for quite a while, until I am blue in the face.
You might be saying to your self, "just because this guy went to Africa and saw a lot of bad stuff he can come back here and fix everything that is wrong with the world." Well your wrong I know I can't change the world but I can sure as it is light outside give you my opinion on what can be done and share my experiences.
The only thing that was fixed after going to Africa is me. The things I saw, the experiences I had, the people that I met all changed me for the better. I like to saw I have some what of an world view on things now.
Living in a madhouse for a month builds character, and it make you fully aware of the comfort in which you live at home.
Quote of the day: "Now is the time, why wait?"
As I wake up each day after my trip to Africa to say I am a changed man is an understatement. And that is what most of the writings in my blog will consist of. To quote an exuberant African pastor, I am tried of being a "noise maker" now it is time for me to be a "news maker"
I am going to stand on my soap box for quite a while, until I am blue in the face.
You might be saying to your self, "just because this guy went to Africa and saw a lot of bad stuff he can come back here and fix everything that is wrong with the world." Well your wrong I know I can't change the world but I can sure as it is light outside give you my opinion on what can be done and share my experiences.
The only thing that was fixed after going to Africa is me. The things I saw, the experiences I had, the people that I met all changed me for the better. I like to saw I have some what of an world view on things now.
Living in a madhouse for a month builds character, and it make you fully aware of the comfort in which you live at home.
Quote of the day: "Now is the time, why wait?"
Monday, August 01, 2005
The Blog Begins
Ha, this is my Blog and no one can take it away from me. Finally a open forum to say what I want. Well I have always done that but now everyone can hear it.
No for real, I want to use this blog to express my thoughts, feeling and all of that mushy stuff. I really want to ust this blog to describe to the world the journey I just returned from. This summer I co-lead a group of 21 university students from to States on a Mission trip to Kenya. Hopefully I can give justice to this life changing trip.
I am also planning on posting some essays and original thoughts of my own. Like everyone else in the word I am an inspiring writer. So if you want to publish my works please let me know. Until then I will keep writing for the pure enjoyment.
Late.
No for real, I want to use this blog to express my thoughts, feeling and all of that mushy stuff. I really want to ust this blog to describe to the world the journey I just returned from. This summer I co-lead a group of 21 university students from to States on a Mission trip to Kenya. Hopefully I can give justice to this life changing trip.
I am also planning on posting some essays and original thoughts of my own. Like everyone else in the word I am an inspiring writer. So if you want to publish my works please let me know. Until then I will keep writing for the pure enjoyment.
Late.
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