Thursday, October 9

Being Mad

I've heard it many times in my life whenever the discussion of future, life, dreams, purpose, career, or anything like that comes up. I've ever said it myself. If there is anything that truly makes you made, so mad that you have to do something about it - then do it. That is what you are supposed to do.

Well, I had a catalyst moment in my life a few weeks ago in which I truly got mad about a lot. Once that began to happen I eventually realized that one of the reasons I am mad is because it is me. God also told me the reason that I can't do anything about it now is because I have not yet dealt with it in my life.

God's words are tough to swallow most of the time. I am thankful for that. If it was easy then God wouldn't be amazing to me. I love how I can listen to thousands of words spoken and written and isn't even worth remembering...but when God whispers a word or a phrase it cannot be ignored and is usually life altering.

Thank you God. Please continue to bombard me with conviction from your Holy Spirit.

Wednesday, October 8

Crazy Love

So, I know I haven't blogged in months. That is how important what I am about to say is. Crazy Love by Francis Chan in one of the most amazing books I have ever had the pleasure reading.

Seriously, read this book. I'd love to tell you all about it and how much it has spoken into my life, but I don't have the time nor the energy. But what I will say is this - if you can get through Chapter 4 without completely evaluating your life than you are definately a better man than me. And then maybe you should reread it once or twice more.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan - a must read.

Friday, August 8

Crazy July, August in the Zoo

Sorry for not posting any blogs lately. July is crazy. I have been home a total of around 10 days with only a few of those days consecutive. I was at three weeks of camp, a couple weekends of vacation, and the rest planning for September. Monday will have a new post.

But for now, something to think about. I just read a blog by Mark Batterson and he is giving a few looks at his new book "Wild Goose Chase" coming out Aug 19.

He asked if we treat people in churches similarly to animals in a zoo. Do we allow freedom or do we restrict it? Is that right or wrong? What are your thoughts, I'd love to hear them!

Friday, July 4

Happy Fourth

Have a great Fourth of July!

We've talked about truth in entertainment all week. Any other forms of entertainment that have spoken and/or motivated you?

Thursday, July 3

Truth in Entertainment (We are Marshall!)

I've often wondered what would happen if more of us could unite ourselves. As a church, imagine what could happen if we united more than we divided. This is one reason why I love this whole One Prayer idea Craig Groeschel decided to do that so many others have joined in with.

What if we could, politically, decide on what needs to change is just find a way to do it in unity? Imagine how powerful a united front could become when people decided that the end what much more important than the means.

This is what happens in We are Marshall in several different parts. The one that stands out the most to me is when the remaining football players rally together and rally the entire student body and town to protest the removal of the Marshall football team. Then, as a the School Board meets, they begin to chant. It's an amazing portrayal of unity.

Try to do more to unite, especially for Jesus, then divide and get in the way.

Any time that you have experienced unity? What did that do for you and for your cause?

Wednesday, July 2

Truth in Entertainment (Rocky, Rocky!)

Good ol' Rocky. Recently I watched Rocky Balboa (definately not my favorite of the series, but I still love it.) The scene that inspires me so much is when Rocky is giving "the speech" to his son and he tells him "It's not how hard you can hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and get back up!"

This motivates me to be more tenacious in my life. I give up too easy. But, the funny thing is, sometimes I do think we need to quit. We just have to somehow instinctively know when that is. But still, whenever I get hit hard, I wanna get back up. I wanna keep going. I want to move along and continue to pursue my goal. If that goal is happiness/joy (Monday's post), or if it's to shine on (Tuesday), striving to be more like Jesus, trying to improve my character, influencing those around me, or pursuing anything else!

Get back up!

When is a time you were motivated to get back up?

Tuesday, July 1

Truth in Entertainment (Shine On)

This comes from a song called "Shine On" by needtobreathe. If you have not heard then you need to check it out with whatever you use for music.

The song also has a music video in which several people walk around lit up with Christmas lights on them and whenever he/she comes into contact with someone else - the other person also lights up.

So, when is the last time you affected someone with your light? I'll be honest by saying that I'm not really sure. I can give the answer that pastors like me are supposed to give, but I just don't know, for real, when I really passed "my light" onto someone else.

It's time for me, and maybe you, to "shine on."

When is the last time you influenced someone in this way?