go here to read my thoughts from now on...trust me, it will be more appealing to your eyes:
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11.09.2008
10.12.2008
adding to the noise
Everyone's sharing their opinions on the election and the economy.
And if you know me, you know I have opinions about everything.
But in the grand scheme of things, I have very little to offer to a conversation on such topics. Even if I did possess a great intelligence on political issues, my opinion matters no more than anyone else's.
So I'm not going to publish who I'm voting for or what I think we should do in Iraq or which candidate has the better tax plan. However, I would like to address the growing popularity of two types of statements I have heard among Christians that are ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS. I don't like to use my blog to call people out very often, but this NEEDS to be addressed. Why? Because both thoughts are saturated with pride, which is the very reason we're in a desperate state in the first place. So let's stop adding to the problem.
1. To suppose that a United States presidential candidate is the antichrist has no purpose. In fact, it makes American Christians seem rather self-centered, to think that the antichrist will come out of American politics. It seems to be used as a scare tactic, as well as an excuse not to love an individual who may not hold the same opinions on where moral truth is to be found. I'll be the first to disagree with someone if they don't hold true to the biblical model of government and right vs. wrong (which is usually every candidate), but to put an antichrist label on them is extreme.
2. The economy's current downhill pattern isn't a sign that we are approaching the end times. To suggest so is a slap in the face to everyone facing much more difficult hardships in other areas of our world, and again, is developed out of a self-centered attitude. Are we getting closer to the "end times" (whatever that means)? Yes. And we always have been regardless of whether we've been prosperous or in despair. So we feel like our world is crashing because we're losing money. Guess what? There are much more important things than money.
And if you know me, you know I have opinions about everything.
But in the grand scheme of things, I have very little to offer to a conversation on such topics. Even if I did possess a great intelligence on political issues, my opinion matters no more than anyone else's.
So I'm not going to publish who I'm voting for or what I think we should do in Iraq or which candidate has the better tax plan. However, I would like to address the growing popularity of two types of statements I have heard among Christians that are ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS. I don't like to use my blog to call people out very often, but this NEEDS to be addressed. Why? Because both thoughts are saturated with pride, which is the very reason we're in a desperate state in the first place. So let's stop adding to the problem.
1. To suppose that a United States presidential candidate is the antichrist has no purpose. In fact, it makes American Christians seem rather self-centered, to think that the antichrist will come out of American politics. It seems to be used as a scare tactic, as well as an excuse not to love an individual who may not hold the same opinions on where moral truth is to be found. I'll be the first to disagree with someone if they don't hold true to the biblical model of government and right vs. wrong (which is usually every candidate), but to put an antichrist label on them is extreme.
2. The economy's current downhill pattern isn't a sign that we are approaching the end times. To suggest so is a slap in the face to everyone facing much more difficult hardships in other areas of our world, and again, is developed out of a self-centered attitude. Are we getting closer to the "end times" (whatever that means)? Yes. And we always have been regardless of whether we've been prosperous or in despair. So we feel like our world is crashing because we're losing money. Guess what? There are much more important things than money.
9.30.2008
yes, i'm really giving away money to someone who reads my blog...
OK friends, here's the deal.
I really love baseball.
And I really love blogging.
So why not combine the two during one of the most exciting times of the year--Major League Baseball playoffs!
Leave a comment on this post with your predictions on WHAT TEAM will win the World Series AND in HOW MANY GAMES they will do so. There is a prize for the winner valued at $10 in the form of a gift card. So don't forget to make it clear WHO YOU ARE if you leave a comment (and just so you know, even if you don't have a Google account, you still are able to comment anonymously and sign your name).
There may need to be a tie-breaker, but we'll deal with that when the time comes:) All are welcome to participate, even if you don't live in Louisville where I currently reside. Although, if you are an international reader, I can't make any promises. Only requirement is that I have to actually know you in-person...complete strangers will not win anything!
Just in case you need some help, here are the teams in the playoffs: Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Boston Red Sox, or Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
YOU NEED TO RESPOND BY 5:00PM EST ON OCTOBER 2, 2008.
And in case you care, I really really really would like the White Sox to win...and preferably, over the Cubs in however many games it takes. But that's not my actual predictions, it's just wishful thinking:)
I really love baseball.
And I really love blogging.
So why not combine the two during one of the most exciting times of the year--Major League Baseball playoffs!
Leave a comment on this post with your predictions on WHAT TEAM will win the World Series AND in HOW MANY GAMES they will do so. There is a prize for the winner valued at $10 in the form of a gift card. So don't forget to make it clear WHO YOU ARE if you leave a comment (and just so you know, even if you don't have a Google account, you still are able to comment anonymously and sign your name).
There may need to be a tie-breaker, but we'll deal with that when the time comes:) All are welcome to participate, even if you don't live in Louisville where I currently reside. Although, if you are an international reader, I can't make any promises. Only requirement is that I have to actually know you in-person...complete strangers will not win anything!
Just in case you need some help, here are the teams in the playoffs: Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Boston Red Sox, or Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
YOU NEED TO RESPOND BY 5:00PM EST ON OCTOBER 2, 2008.
And in case you care, I really really really would like the White Sox to win...and preferably, over the Cubs in however many games it takes. But that's not my actual predictions, it's just wishful thinking:)
9.29.2008
Steve the Spider
Last week, I discovered that I had a spider living behind the mirror on the driver's side of my car. I didn't have time to kill it, but I planned on attacking it in the near future. Like most people, I generally don't like bugs or spiders or any creepy-crawly organism of that nature.
The Wendy's drive-thru lady noticed the web it had spun between the mirror and the car door later that afternoon. She simply reached out and destroyed the sticky threads with her bare "touches the food you eat" hands (but that's a completely different issue). I assumed it was the last I would see of the spider.
But the next morning, the spider was sitting on a newly spun web. And I left it. I don't know why, but I admired its determination. As I got in my car and drove to work, I noticed that Steve (yes, I named the spider) could hold on to his web while I was going 15 mph, then 25, then 35...I was amazed at his feats of strength!
Every now and then, his web gets destroyed. I try to prevent it from happening--for example, my car REALLY needs washed, but I just couldn't do that to Steve. Today, I was driving on the interstate. As I began to accelerate to 65 mph, I may have shouted (with people in the car...), "Steve, don't fall Steve, crawl behind the mirror!!!" He listened. Steve is really smart. And just in case you were wondering, his web is still intact despite the high rates of speed.
I suppose you could say I have a new appreciation for spiders. I'm not too sure how long Steve is going to stay, but it's kind of nice to be fascinated outside of the "let's see what this looks like when I smash it on the pavement" way by a piece of creation.
The Wendy's drive-thru lady noticed the web it had spun between the mirror and the car door later that afternoon. She simply reached out and destroyed the sticky threads with her bare "touches the food you eat" hands (but that's a completely different issue). I assumed it was the last I would see of the spider.
But the next morning, the spider was sitting on a newly spun web. And I left it. I don't know why, but I admired its determination. As I got in my car and drove to work, I noticed that Steve (yes, I named the spider) could hold on to his web while I was going 15 mph, then 25, then 35...I was amazed at his feats of strength!
Every now and then, his web gets destroyed. I try to prevent it from happening--for example, my car REALLY needs washed, but I just couldn't do that to Steve. Today, I was driving on the interstate. As I began to accelerate to 65 mph, I may have shouted (with people in the car...), "Steve, don't fall Steve, crawl behind the mirror!!!" He listened. Steve is really smart. And just in case you were wondering, his web is still intact despite the high rates of speed.
I suppose you could say I have a new appreciation for spiders. I'm not too sure how long Steve is going to stay, but it's kind of nice to be fascinated outside of the "let's see what this looks like when I smash it on the pavement" way by a piece of creation.
9.23.2008
no, i'm not on writing sabbatical
As I write, I sit in an apartment where the carpet desperately needs to be vacuumed. And tomorrow morning, I'll wake up, take a shower, and use a towel that's been used a few too many days in a row because I haven't done laundry in a few weeks. I suppose instead of writing I could return a few phone calls, but writing can sometimes be my sanity in the midst of a "need to do" list. Tomorrow is a day for productivity...
For all of those eagerly anticipating the end of my dating series...it will come soon. I'm feeling rather uninspired to write any longer about that topic, so instead of trying to force it, I'll just wait and ask you to be patient.
There's something that's been weighing on my mind as of late. Maybe this comes with working at a church, but suddenly I find myself with a great sense of urgency to make God known to those who do not have the hope and joy in Christ. Now, before one declares my desires as righteous or holy, I must confess to you...I'm doing very little about it. And therein lies the problem. The reason I feel anxiety. The reason why my mind has very little peace at night.
And it's crazy, because I spend 40+ hours a week in a cubicle with the primary goal of connecting 20-somethings to Jesus and His Church. So when I say "I'm doing very little about it", I don't mean as though I am lazy or apathetic, although I've fought those battles before. What I mean is that I desperately need to reevaluate my motivation.
Last night, in the silence of a moment with God, He spoke to me about my heart. And it was made clear to me that most of my energy has been put into answering the question, "How am I sharing the Gospel?" The problem is that this approach still is "me"-centered--it focuses on the whens and the wheres and the hows. It's beneficial to evaluate effective methods for teaching others about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; but I've developed a habit of asking myself that question and being satisfied in my own abilities to communicate rather than being focused on what really matters.
What really matters is people receiving the Gospel. God has already made known, through His Word, that the knowledge of His glory will fill the earth by HIS doing, not mine. Sometimes I wonder if, internally, I celebrate more in the act of sharing the Gospel than I do when a brother or sister comes to believe the Gospel. If so, I'm putting more faith in my words than God's. I spend time obsessing over things that are out of my control, and very little time praying that seeds would be planted and grow in the hearts of those that have been opened by God. I'm limiting myself for the sake of my own glory instead of living in freedom that the Spirit has given me undeservingly.
For those that find themselves in my situation--that are more concerned with how they are sharing rather than people receiving--I challenge you with this final thought. If we truly lived as Christ has commanded to, we wouldn't categorize some experiences into "opportunities where we were able to share the Gospel." Because the truth is that we are to be sharing the Gospel at ALL times. For me, this means that I need to listen with the intent of celebrating--the arrival of joy, the forgiveness of sin, the victory over a trial.
For all of those eagerly anticipating the end of my dating series...it will come soon. I'm feeling rather uninspired to write any longer about that topic, so instead of trying to force it, I'll just wait and ask you to be patient.
There's something that's been weighing on my mind as of late. Maybe this comes with working at a church, but suddenly I find myself with a great sense of urgency to make God known to those who do not have the hope and joy in Christ. Now, before one declares my desires as righteous or holy, I must confess to you...I'm doing very little about it. And therein lies the problem. The reason I feel anxiety. The reason why my mind has very little peace at night.
And it's crazy, because I spend 40+ hours a week in a cubicle with the primary goal of connecting 20-somethings to Jesus and His Church. So when I say "I'm doing very little about it", I don't mean as though I am lazy or apathetic, although I've fought those battles before. What I mean is that I desperately need to reevaluate my motivation.
Last night, in the silence of a moment with God, He spoke to me about my heart. And it was made clear to me that most of my energy has been put into answering the question, "How am I sharing the Gospel?" The problem is that this approach still is "me"-centered--it focuses on the whens and the wheres and the hows. It's beneficial to evaluate effective methods for teaching others about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; but I've developed a habit of asking myself that question and being satisfied in my own abilities to communicate rather than being focused on what really matters.
What really matters is people receiving the Gospel. God has already made known, through His Word, that the knowledge of His glory will fill the earth by HIS doing, not mine. Sometimes I wonder if, internally, I celebrate more in the act of sharing the Gospel than I do when a brother or sister comes to believe the Gospel. If so, I'm putting more faith in my words than God's. I spend time obsessing over things that are out of my control, and very little time praying that seeds would be planted and grow in the hearts of those that have been opened by God. I'm limiting myself for the sake of my own glory instead of living in freedom that the Spirit has given me undeservingly.
For those that find themselves in my situation--that are more concerned with how they are sharing rather than people receiving--I challenge you with this final thought. If we truly lived as Christ has commanded to, we wouldn't categorize some experiences into "opportunities where we were able to share the Gospel." Because the truth is that we are to be sharing the Gospel at ALL times. For me, this means that I need to listen with the intent of celebrating--the arrival of joy, the forgiveness of sin, the victory over a trial.
8.25.2008
myths on dating // "we're just friends."
I may have set myself up for failure on this one. Typically, I write about things I feel as though I have a good grasp on. But I can't say as though I'm anywhere near being an expert on this next entry. However, I feel as though this topic is important, and I've already built up anticipation by telling you that I'd be writing about it. So, for the sake of honesty and vulnerability, here are my humble thoughts.
It is a great challenge to learn how to have a healthy dating relationship. It is another great(er--at times) challenge to learn how to have healthy friendships with those of the opposite sex. And how you conduct yourself in friendships with the opposite sex matters. Most of these entries are based off the different roles God has given men and women--this one is devoted to the same calling that has been placed on both genders: to be people of integrity and high character. This is what marks true biblical manhood and womanhood.
I'm not going to tell you whether "guys and girls CAN be friends" or "guys and girls CAN'T be friends." Here's what I will tell you: sometimes it's easy to fool ourselves. Sometimes it's easy to think that we are fooling others. Either way, we're just being foolish. The following list was made in an effort to promote wise living:
Six warning signs that you aren't "just friends":
1. If you are waiting for time to change your relationship.
Someone isn't "just friends" with someone else if they are secretly wishing that the person they are "just friends" with will someday want to be more than "just friends." I'm all for building dating relationships on the foundation of a solid friendship, but I also know that it's easy to cling to rather insignificant "signs" that keep your hopes up while the other person doesn't even realize what they are doing.
2. If you haven't had a conversation about the state of your friendship/relationship/friend-lationship(?).
Obviously, the best resource you have in helping define the state of your relationship is the other person involved--not your best friend or nosy co-worker. The healthiest thing you can do for yourself is ask for clarification, even if it may be awkward; because without it, you have nothing to go on (let's face it, your best friend will tell you exactly what you want to hear, which doesn't make he/she a very reliable source). And after the conversation, make sure your actions dictate the verdict...easier said than done in some cases.
3. If you can't be friends with their significant other.
If the person you are "just friends" is, or starts, dating someone else, it's a true test of your "just friend"-ness. If you can't befriend the person your friend is dating, then there's going to be a problem...and you probably weren't "just friends" with them in the first place.
4. If the sheer number of your friends of the opposite sex outweighs your friends of the same sex.
You know what I've always found interesting? There's a lot of guys who claim, "I have always been better friends with girls." And there's a lot of girls who claim, "I just relate better to guys." Uh...anyone else see a problem with this? I'm going to make a bold statement by saying that a lot of young people who claim this find their security in these relationships. "Not liking drama" is not a reason for girls to have very few friends of the same sex--according to the popularity of the above statement, there's other girls who feel the very same way. And feeling like you can "be more open" with girls does not give guys an excuse to put no effort in building up friendships with other men.
5. If the information you disclose is not equivalent to your other friendships.
I'm mainly talking to my girls on this one, because women tend to manipulate words to gain emotional comfort. Examine what your motivations are in sharing what you do with your guy friends. If you can't, or don't take the effort to, share the same with another girl, it's probably not appropriate. And guys--knowing that girls have a tendency to do this, do your best to guard yourself against these situations.
6. If you've dated them.
No explanation needed. If you've attempted it, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, just take our word for it.
It is a great challenge to learn how to have a healthy dating relationship. It is another great(er--at times) challenge to learn how to have healthy friendships with those of the opposite sex. And how you conduct yourself in friendships with the opposite sex matters. Most of these entries are based off the different roles God has given men and women--this one is devoted to the same calling that has been placed on both genders: to be people of integrity and high character. This is what marks true biblical manhood and womanhood.
I'm not going to tell you whether "guys and girls CAN be friends" or "guys and girls CAN'T be friends." Here's what I will tell you: sometimes it's easy to fool ourselves. Sometimes it's easy to think that we are fooling others. Either way, we're just being foolish. The following list was made in an effort to promote wise living:
Six warning signs that you aren't "just friends":
1. If you are waiting for time to change your relationship.
Someone isn't "just friends" with someone else if they are secretly wishing that the person they are "just friends" with will someday want to be more than "just friends." I'm all for building dating relationships on the foundation of a solid friendship, but I also know that it's easy to cling to rather insignificant "signs" that keep your hopes up while the other person doesn't even realize what they are doing.
2. If you haven't had a conversation about the state of your friendship/relationship/friend-lationship(?).
Obviously, the best resource you have in helping define the state of your relationship is the other person involved--not your best friend or nosy co-worker. The healthiest thing you can do for yourself is ask for clarification, even if it may be awkward; because without it, you have nothing to go on (let's face it, your best friend will tell you exactly what you want to hear, which doesn't make he/she a very reliable source). And after the conversation, make sure your actions dictate the verdict...easier said than done in some cases.
3. If you can't be friends with their significant other.
If the person you are "just friends" is, or starts, dating someone else, it's a true test of your "just friend"-ness. If you can't befriend the person your friend is dating, then there's going to be a problem...and you probably weren't "just friends" with them in the first place.
4. If the sheer number of your friends of the opposite sex outweighs your friends of the same sex.
You know what I've always found interesting? There's a lot of guys who claim, "I have always been better friends with girls." And there's a lot of girls who claim, "I just relate better to guys." Uh...anyone else see a problem with this? I'm going to make a bold statement by saying that a lot of young people who claim this find their security in these relationships. "Not liking drama" is not a reason for girls to have very few friends of the same sex--according to the popularity of the above statement, there's other girls who feel the very same way. And feeling like you can "be more open" with girls does not give guys an excuse to put no effort in building up friendships with other men.
5. If the information you disclose is not equivalent to your other friendships.
I'm mainly talking to my girls on this one, because women tend to manipulate words to gain emotional comfort. Examine what your motivations are in sharing what you do with your guy friends. If you can't, or don't take the effort to, share the same with another girl, it's probably not appropriate. And guys--knowing that girls have a tendency to do this, do your best to guard yourself against these situations.
6. If you've dated them.
No explanation needed. If you've attempted it, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, just take our word for it.
8.14.2008
myths on dating // "you complete me."
This blog is short and sweet (it's rare that I use this few of words to share my view on something, so enjoy it!). Although it is a rather romantic idea to have one person "complete" another one, it's not the truth.
There are a few dangers present in this thought. First, it takes away from the focus of the work Christ does in us when we receive the Spirit (check out Colossians 2 for a description).
Second, even though men and women have opposites, they are still complete people independent from each other. If you believe otherwise, you'll find yourself waiting until you get married to start your life. Opposites can attract--but in the end, it doesn't mean that you have "completed" yourself if you find someone whose strength is your weakness. Similarities are sometimes underrated in relationships, but for long-term success, they need to be present.
And third, as a single man or a single woman, you are just as complete as if you were married. The church doesn't always do a good job of telling you that, and for that I sincerely apologize. Your worth is not found in another person, but in Christ--so live that out!
So just because Renee Zellweger fell in love with Tom Cruise in "Jerry Maguire" over this line doesn't mean it works in real life...and I think we've all learned that just because Tom Cruise says something doesn't mean it's very valid (for further evidence, search his name on YouTube).
There are a few dangers present in this thought. First, it takes away from the focus of the work Christ does in us when we receive the Spirit (check out Colossians 2 for a description).
Second, even though men and women have opposites, they are still complete people independent from each other. If you believe otherwise, you'll find yourself waiting until you get married to start your life. Opposites can attract--but in the end, it doesn't mean that you have "completed" yourself if you find someone whose strength is your weakness. Similarities are sometimes underrated in relationships, but for long-term success, they need to be present.
And third, as a single man or a single woman, you are just as complete as if you were married. The church doesn't always do a good job of telling you that, and for that I sincerely apologize. Your worth is not found in another person, but in Christ--so live that out!
So just because Renee Zellweger fell in love with Tom Cruise in "Jerry Maguire" over this line doesn't mean it works in real life...and I think we've all learned that just because Tom Cruise says something doesn't mean it's very valid (for further evidence, search his name on YouTube).
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