biblegateway has started repeating there verses at a year so I've gone to another website for these. At first I'm thinking about how they doubted. I'm also thinking about the many resources right in front of my face. A lot of times the answer is right there and I refuse to believe it. Now a days, I'm more prone to look in front of my face for it. It's like don't think about buying it until you've thought about everything around it. Sip some coffee, I read and think. I think about how impatient I am with timing, and then about how the answer is a lot of time in front of my face but I don't realize it until its time to. I'm reminded of my business partner. He's also the main audio video guy at church. For 30 plus years my church had struggled with there audio video system. They would have guy after guy look at it and fix it, retweek it. Many of the men could mix well. Troubleshooting was a different story. When they hired this new guy about 5 years ago, he actually could give them an answer to every question and it worked. Yet they wouldn't listen. He would explain to them why what they wanted to do wouldn't work and they would say, were going to do it anyway. Or he would say we need to get these things fixed. They would say well give me a list. He would, they did nothing about it. Then they'd ask him why aren't things working right. Because half this stuff needs to be fixed and replaced. What was cool, is that he'd save every email in a folder as proof that he had been reminding them. My partner is much more patient than I am. The church leadership had no idea how big of a background this guy has, the many degrees he had in audio engineering, the megastars he's recorded and rock stars he knows personally. Until they stumbled upon his resume and noticed who they had working for them. They had a gold mine. This guy would always use his close connections if he knew of any to solve problems. Audio visual is so key in church's today, yet my church simply said, "we just wanted it done right and to work, nothing fancy". To that he told them, "then its fine, leave it". To that they said, "no, we need it better". Then we need to get out of small church mode thinking. I had to step in a few months ago and in great fear speak to some of the leadership and remind them of who they had hired. This guy was the first guy in there history to actually give them the correct answer to any technical question they had. He followed there rules and respected there leadership (unlike me a lot of the time). Hits me, how many times has the answer been Christ and I refused to believe it because I already know Christ and I want something different? How many times do I not want to listen to someone who knows more than me because I'm too prideful or because I'm not ready? People still believed in Christ, yet the said "when the christ comes will he do better than this?" It's like when you meet your client for the first time and you don't like what they have to say, it's like trying to use the software you've been using, not understanding it, and finding out later that if you only took some classes in it, you could have learned how to make it do what you want it to do. My knowledge of God needs to increase. I forget his attributes and neglect to trust him, and go else where for help. My partner's not perfect, but he's patient, Christ was patient, his time had not come yet, so they didn't touch him, and sometimes being patient and watching the people suffer and suffering along with them is just what needs to happen until the timings right for them to listen and believe.
Monday, July 30, 2012
when the answer is in front of your face
At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come. Still, many in the crowd put their faith in him. They said, "When the Christ comes, will he do more miraculous signs than this man?"
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Today we bury Grandpa Kinkel
“I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:14 NLT
Today we bury Grandpa Kinkel. I already wrote about this verse last year, but it makes sense for today as well. Visitation was last night, and it was really cool of all the friends and family that came to support ours. It's been a tough week, a long week of evaluated my life. No music this week in the car, just silence in remembering grandpa. I can't count the many people who tell me he's in a better place. Your preaching to the choir. I'm representing our family today. As I jotted down the many memories of grandpa to read at the service, i became numb just numb at times. My business partner had to cancel everything this week because of my family. I just wasn't there mentally. As I sip my coffee, I read and think and just can't but know that grandpa has received his heavenly prize, and he's lead us all there too. He's was grandpa to many people. I honestly don't want to blog this morning, but I know when I feel like that, I have to. I'm reminded of what Susan observed of me when I was working on Lake Powell '06. She said my family were my characters in the video, and was amazed of how much I loved them. I was always told by outsiders that my videos were very unique, but very good. I did them backwards where I layed the soundtrack first and then edited to it, and not last. As I put videos together of the family, each character's part in the video was important. In the movies, I can't but think of characters that motivate me. In this case, this verse reminds me of grandpas character. How he pressed on to the end of the race and received the prize in heaven. His character that he wanted to reflect in our lives, was that of Christ. Grandpa liked to be prompt, when he worked on his projects, they were always exact, they were beautiful. He pressed on with so many things. Always studying new things. Hits me, Grandpas character that he would want me to remember was that of reaching the end of the race, the calling the Christ has given me.
Today we bury Grandpa Kinkel. I already wrote about this verse last year, but it makes sense for today as well. Visitation was last night, and it was really cool of all the friends and family that came to support ours. It's been a tough week, a long week of evaluated my life. No music this week in the car, just silence in remembering grandpa. I can't count the many people who tell me he's in a better place. Your preaching to the choir. I'm representing our family today. As I jotted down the many memories of grandpa to read at the service, i became numb just numb at times. My business partner had to cancel everything this week because of my family. I just wasn't there mentally. As I sip my coffee, I read and think and just can't but know that grandpa has received his heavenly prize, and he's lead us all there too. He's was grandpa to many people. I honestly don't want to blog this morning, but I know when I feel like that, I have to. I'm reminded of what Susan observed of me when I was working on Lake Powell '06. She said my family were my characters in the video, and was amazed of how much I loved them. I was always told by outsiders that my videos were very unique, but very good. I did them backwards where I layed the soundtrack first and then edited to it, and not last. As I put videos together of the family, each character's part in the video was important. In the movies, I can't but think of characters that motivate me. In this case, this verse reminds me of grandpas character. How he pressed on to the end of the race and received the prize in heaven. His character that he wanted to reflect in our lives, was that of Christ. Grandpa liked to be prompt, when he worked on his projects, they were always exact, they were beautiful. He pressed on with so many things. Always studying new things. Hits me, Grandpas character that he would want me to remember was that of reaching the end of the race, the calling the Christ has given me.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Not Him from me, but me from Him
Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it,
will be set apart for destruction. Utterly abhor and detest it,
—Deuteronomy 7:26
Well biblegateway I guess repeats there scriptures yearly. So I've gone to daily bible verse .com. At first I'm thinking, never let a situation ruin a place. Then I'm thinking of many people I have not let into my home, then the many things I have let in my home. This is tough one, because it deals with the sovereignty of God. But God convicts me, and I still live in denial about what's keeping me from Him. Sip some coffee, I read and think. I'm reminded of the shows I watched, the music I listened to, and sometimes the things I brought it. I have often felt that you can tell someones personality by there music collection and there movie collection. When I look at my movie collection, I have a good variety of stuff, I have my comedies, family, action adventure, drama, TV, etc 250 maybe. Then there are the movies that I don't have due to conviction ( I just can't). Some people will ask me, "you of all people, don't have this one?". The movie's that my wife likes compared to my interests are different but similar. We both favor justice oriented movies, like the fugitive, double jeopardy, and Breach. As well as Happy ones, Wedding Singer, Tommy boy, 13 going on 30, Bridget Jones, Sandlot. Then I need my superhero moments, Superman, spiderman. We'll stop what we're doing for Star Wars and Indiana Jones. I like my westerns, man from snowy river, shenandoah, the cowboys, good, bad, ugly. All these things put me a different mood. I tend to seize the moment. Sometimes I need to put worship music on, sometimes a comedy. Then there are moments when I feel I need to get rid of a movie because of how unhealthy it is. I like the actor and the story, but this one scene I just can't handle. God's knocking, get rid of it. I don't. I'm not falling into sin yet because of it. What I let into my home visually and audibly makes a big difference with my families lifestyle. Hits me, I can say "oh, God is sovereign and is bigger than this, so just keep it. The more I draw to God, the more he'll let me know which things will keep me from Him, not Him from me, but me from Him.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Grandpa Kinkel
“I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands.” Psalm 119:60 NLT
This week immediately turned into memorial week again. after finishing a memorial video for dear friends of mine. My own grandpa past away. As I read and think on this scripture this morning I think of all the mugs that my grandpa had, one for each of his seven kids. Each mug represented each child in a unique way. With 7 kids, he had 7 days, he would give them there own day for prayer with there mug during each meal. As i sip from my Disney mug this morning, I'm reminded of how impulsive grandpa was and then of how impulsive I am. This verse reminds me of how every time I asked grandpa what he had to say after 50 and 60 plus years of marriage, he continued to say, keep focused on Christ. Keep Christ the center of your life, every day. Ironically on Monday, it had been a year since I had started putting my thoughts about God online. On Monday grandpa past away. I don't know what that means if anything but I couldn't but reflect on Grandpas passion for God. He was such a simple thinker, always searching and studying, yet when the theological discussion around the dinner table became thick, he would interject with "I'm just so thankful for the grace of God on my life". If you had ever been at the table with Grandpa and grandma and her excellent mexican food, you'd better be ready to meet strangers who quickly became friends. Grandpa wasn't perfect, but he was a great example of a God fearing man. I inhereted his routine oriented style and his bad spelling. Grandpa had his daily routine, his exercises. Grandpa also was into memories, he wanted me to transfer all the 8mm film to vhs back in 2000, and before that make the 50th anniversay video. I have to credit him and my kinkel family for being one of the main sources of my beginning days of video. And now with his memorial video in production, it seems like all of us cousins are putting this together. We're all grown up now. I thought about it today, Grandpa passed away when his kids were grandparents. Hits me, Grandpa would often greet us grandsons with "Hi son!". Grandpa was clumsy, that was because of his passion for what he did, he was such an a artist and precise. Always giving credit to God, even when Susan, Shayne and I went to visit him a week ago, he gave credit to God and the pointed to Grandma to see what she had to say. Grandpa strided to obey God and rushed at any chance to trust Him. 2 hours after he passed grandma put her hand his cold head and said " hi sweaty, your so cold" she looked at my dad with a confused look. He said "mom, dad has passed away, he's in heaven now".For the first time it seemed, I couldn't put my eye to viewfinder, I couldn't hit record. The fact that my dad said what he said, just spoke of the legacy that grandpa had left. Grandpa kept faithful to God and his family for 60 plus years of their married life, he was hard worker. His work ethic has come down to all of us kids 3 and 4 generations. Knowing Grandpa, he ran through gates of glory without delay with his new body. And all us he left behind, will continue to hurry and follow this legacy he left behind. As I finish this mornings entry, I need to get my wife up with her cup of coffee, and we'll talk of God's glory.
This week immediately turned into memorial week again. after finishing a memorial video for dear friends of mine. My own grandpa past away. As I read and think on this scripture this morning I think of all the mugs that my grandpa had, one for each of his seven kids. Each mug represented each child in a unique way. With 7 kids, he had 7 days, he would give them there own day for prayer with there mug during each meal. As i sip from my Disney mug this morning, I'm reminded of how impulsive grandpa was and then of how impulsive I am. This verse reminds me of how every time I asked grandpa what he had to say after 50 and 60 plus years of marriage, he continued to say, keep focused on Christ. Keep Christ the center of your life, every day. Ironically on Monday, it had been a year since I had started putting my thoughts about God online. On Monday grandpa past away. I don't know what that means if anything but I couldn't but reflect on Grandpas passion for God. He was such a simple thinker, always searching and studying, yet when the theological discussion around the dinner table became thick, he would interject with "I'm just so thankful for the grace of God on my life". If you had ever been at the table with Grandpa and grandma and her excellent mexican food, you'd better be ready to meet strangers who quickly became friends. Grandpa wasn't perfect, but he was a great example of a God fearing man. I inhereted his routine oriented style and his bad spelling. Grandpa had his daily routine, his exercises. Grandpa also was into memories, he wanted me to transfer all the 8mm film to vhs back in 2000, and before that make the 50th anniversay video. I have to credit him and my kinkel family for being one of the main sources of my beginning days of video. And now with his memorial video in production, it seems like all of us cousins are putting this together. We're all grown up now. I thought about it today, Grandpa passed away when his kids were grandparents. Hits me, Grandpa would often greet us grandsons with "Hi son!". Grandpa was clumsy, that was because of his passion for what he did, he was such an a artist and precise. Always giving credit to God, even when Susan, Shayne and I went to visit him a week ago, he gave credit to God and the pointed to Grandma to see what she had to say. Grandpa strided to obey God and rushed at any chance to trust Him. 2 hours after he passed grandma put her hand his cold head and said " hi sweaty, your so cold" she looked at my dad with a confused look. He said "mom, dad has passed away, he's in heaven now".For the first time it seemed, I couldn't put my eye to viewfinder, I couldn't hit record. The fact that my dad said what he said, just spoke of the legacy that grandpa had left. Grandpa kept faithful to God and his family for 60 plus years of their married life, he was hard worker. His work ethic has come down to all of us kids 3 and 4 generations. Knowing Grandpa, he ran through gates of glory without delay with his new body. And all us he left behind, will continue to hurry and follow this legacy he left behind. As I finish this mornings entry, I need to get my wife up with her cup of coffee, and we'll talk of God's glory.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Mercy is for the weak - Kreese
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NLT
At first, I'm comforted, this verse applies to me, or does it? I've learned this summer that some things aren't from God yet I let them in as if they were. And what happens? I get afraid and discouraged, lol. I'm working on a project that wasn't supposed to turn into crunch time for the deadline but it is, so its been a lot of long days. We're also having Shaynes final party tonight. Sip some coffee, I read and think. I'm reminded of the line from Karate Kid "We do not train to be merciful here. Mercy is for the weak. Here, in the streets, in competition: A man confronts you, he is the enemy. An enemy deserves no mercy." As Kreese is saying this classic line, he notices fear in Johnny's face. Now, I'm not going to lie and say I never get scared but I am going to say that not often. I'm very optimistic 90% of the time. When I have my moments of fear and discouragement, I'm amazed of what lack of faith I have and by just speaking the truth to myself, God listens despite how much doubt I build. Daniel had it pretty rough, in my rejection years I had moments of total doubt that God even cared about my feelings and situation. Daniel was stubborn and determined to fight, but considered weak. Johnny was trained to show no mercy yet learned that when you show no mercy, the results aren't what you expect and he began to fear. I recall moments when I should have feared and didn't, when I showed mercy and shouldn't have. Is mercy for the weak? Or do the weak need mercy and compassion? God's victorious and despite Kreeses threats, Daniel trained with someone who had no fear but good insight. Daniel had to give in and trust Mr. Miyagi that fighting was for defense only. Hits me, God is merciful to me in my weak moments and show's me with his victorious right hand how he holds me up. Sure mercy in a way, is for the weak, and without it, I won't gain my strength.
At first, I'm comforted, this verse applies to me, or does it? I've learned this summer that some things aren't from God yet I let them in as if they were. And what happens? I get afraid and discouraged, lol. I'm working on a project that wasn't supposed to turn into crunch time for the deadline but it is, so its been a lot of long days. We're also having Shaynes final party tonight. Sip some coffee, I read and think. I'm reminded of the line from Karate Kid "We do not train to be merciful here. Mercy is for the weak. Here, in the streets, in competition: A man confronts you, he is the enemy. An enemy deserves no mercy." As Kreese is saying this classic line, he notices fear in Johnny's face. Now, I'm not going to lie and say I never get scared but I am going to say that not often. I'm very optimistic 90% of the time. When I have my moments of fear and discouragement, I'm amazed of what lack of faith I have and by just speaking the truth to myself, God listens despite how much doubt I build. Daniel had it pretty rough, in my rejection years I had moments of total doubt that God even cared about my feelings and situation. Daniel was stubborn and determined to fight, but considered weak. Johnny was trained to show no mercy yet learned that when you show no mercy, the results aren't what you expect and he began to fear. I recall moments when I should have feared and didn't, when I showed mercy and shouldn't have. Is mercy for the weak? Or do the weak need mercy and compassion? God's victorious and despite Kreeses threats, Daniel trained with someone who had no fear but good insight. Daniel had to give in and trust Mr. Miyagi that fighting was for defense only. Hits me, God is merciful to me in my weak moments and show's me with his victorious right hand how he holds me up. Sure mercy in a way, is for the weak, and without it, I won't gain my strength.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Secret Ambition
“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” Romans 1:16 NLT
I really thought I had already blogged about this but I haven't. I think the verse came up but I was too tired to blog. Vacation's over and back to work, we have just a few weeks until busy season begins so it's all hands on deck. A lot of videos to get out in little time. I'm tired this morning. Sip some coffee, I read and think. This past year of blogging as really made me fascinated by the life of Jesus. I hear so many times from the pulpit about the cross, the second coming, the resurrection, etc. I haven't heard much about his life. Recently Susan put in Michael W. Smith's eye2eye cd in the car and secret ambition hit me in a new way. I don't really listen to the words but just the music. The song had so much truth to it.
Young man up on the hillside
Teaching new ways
Each word winning them over
Each heart a kindled flame
Old men watch from the outside
Guarding their prey
Threatened by the voice of the paragon
Leading their lambs away
Leading them far away
CHORUS:
Nobody knew His secret ambition
Nobody knew His claim to fame
He broke the old rules steeped in tradition
He tore the holy veil away
Questioning those in powerful position
Running to those who called His name
But nobody knew His secret ambition
Was to give His life away
His rage shaking the temple
His word to the wise
His hand healing on the seventh day
His love wearing no disguise
Some say, "Death to the radical
He's way out of line."
Some say, "Praise be the miracle
God sends a blessed sign.
A blessed sign for troubled times."
Then I wondered what side I would have been on? What was society like in Jesus time? What was he up against. I found a helpful link. http://dlibrary.acu.edu.au/staffhome/gehall/xtology2.htm
The link speaks about all the different political groups and there positions in the time period. No wonder Jesus go into so much trouble. Speaking the truth was not a good thing back then. Which is why it had to be done. I was also thinking of his name. How it hasn't been replaced in centuries when its taken in vain. I'm amazed that taking his name in vain wasn't a fad. People still do it. The do the one thing to his name that is the opposite of what his name is meant for, make it meaningless. Christ had a good argument. He was the truth. Why can't I proclaim that? Paul had to say that he was not ashamed. That means that many were and still are. It's a tough battle when you mess with someones heart. When you go there, you're messing with wounds and scars. Hits me, whats my secret ambition? or is it a secret? Am I ashamed? I don't need to be ready, I just need to listen and obey regardless of how i feel. God's got plans i dont' know about its his secret ambition and I just need to obey.
I really thought I had already blogged about this but I haven't. I think the verse came up but I was too tired to blog. Vacation's over and back to work, we have just a few weeks until busy season begins so it's all hands on deck. A lot of videos to get out in little time. I'm tired this morning. Sip some coffee, I read and think. This past year of blogging as really made me fascinated by the life of Jesus. I hear so many times from the pulpit about the cross, the second coming, the resurrection, etc. I haven't heard much about his life. Recently Susan put in Michael W. Smith's eye2eye cd in the car and secret ambition hit me in a new way. I don't really listen to the words but just the music. The song had so much truth to it.
Young man up on the hillside
Teaching new ways
Each word winning them over
Each heart a kindled flame
Old men watch from the outside
Guarding their prey
Threatened by the voice of the paragon
Leading their lambs away
Leading them far away
CHORUS:
Nobody knew His secret ambition
Nobody knew His claim to fame
He broke the old rules steeped in tradition
He tore the holy veil away
Questioning those in powerful position
Running to those who called His name
But nobody knew His secret ambition
Was to give His life away
His rage shaking the temple
His word to the wise
His hand healing on the seventh day
His love wearing no disguise
Some say, "Death to the radical
He's way out of line."
Some say, "Praise be the miracle
God sends a blessed sign.
A blessed sign for troubled times."
Then I wondered what side I would have been on? What was society like in Jesus time? What was he up against. I found a helpful link. http://dlibrary.acu.edu.au/staffhome/gehall/xtology2.htm
The link speaks about all the different political groups and there positions in the time period. No wonder Jesus go into so much trouble. Speaking the truth was not a good thing back then. Which is why it had to be done. I was also thinking of his name. How it hasn't been replaced in centuries when its taken in vain. I'm amazed that taking his name in vain wasn't a fad. People still do it. The do the one thing to his name that is the opposite of what his name is meant for, make it meaningless. Christ had a good argument. He was the truth. Why can't I proclaim that? Paul had to say that he was not ashamed. That means that many were and still are. It's a tough battle when you mess with someones heart. When you go there, you're messing with wounds and scars. Hits me, whats my secret ambition? or is it a secret? Am I ashamed? I don't need to be ready, I just need to listen and obey regardless of how i feel. God's got plans i dont' know about its his secret ambition and I just need to obey.
Monday, July 16, 2012
The Incredibles
“For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10 NLT
I keep on thinking that it says for in Christ we live the fullness of God in our human body. Quit speaking yoda. just say what it is. I'm tired this morning, alot todo this week. Hopefully Shayne won't have a fever this morning and I can get her back to daycare. Sip some coffee, I read and think, I'm reminded of the Incredibles and mainly the beginning story line. How the superheroes being in our society all the sudden had to live according to there secret identity and not their super identity. Mr. Incredible saved someone who didn't want to be saved and got sued. How many times has God knocked on my heart to surrender and it took me forever to listen to him. Christ was on earth for 30 years until he began his ministry. For the longest time the super heros were helping people until society went hey wire. What is more crazy is the desire to help those in need never left Mr. Incredible, every job he got he always fighting his super powers. I find in my life, I'm very impatient when it comes to helping someone. If I see I can help, I jump at the chance without thinking. If someone needed a video, sure I could do it. If I noticed someones tv was not right, I would fix it. Basicly I was disrespectful and couldn't leave well enough alone. I read and think, sure God's fullness lived in Christ, but God waited until it was time to begin healing and speaking to people. I can only imagine in moments when he wished it was time but knew it wasn't. As I mature in my walk with God, he speaks to me about when it's time to use my identity, not to be so impulsive. Mr. Incredible wanted the glory days back, he wanted to be needed and he jumped at the chance when Mirage called for help, only find it was a trap that required his family to come to there true identity. His kids didn't understand that they it was ok to be who they really were, it was time. And when Dash and Violet super instincts came out naturally they learned what there mom meant during the years in hiding. Hits me, God lives in me, he gives me all kinds of ideas and passion about video. Some will never happen and others have already. I can jump at the chance of anything or I can wait till I see a divine moment. It hurts to fight my impulses but when I do, depending on what it is and wait patiently even when I don't understand, God blesses it and I feel more unified with Him. Ya Mr. Incredible had to be rescued by his family, and when I screw things up, God is never saying " crap, he wasn't supposed to do that", and the superheroes came to help which made the city realize how much they were missed. After that they were allowed to be who they were. God doesn't make mistakes with people, he uses me in ways I don't understand even when I think I got it, I don't because he does.
I keep on thinking that it says for in Christ we live the fullness of God in our human body. Quit speaking yoda. just say what it is. I'm tired this morning, alot todo this week. Hopefully Shayne won't have a fever this morning and I can get her back to daycare. Sip some coffee, I read and think, I'm reminded of the Incredibles and mainly the beginning story line. How the superheroes being in our society all the sudden had to live according to there secret identity and not their super identity. Mr. Incredible saved someone who didn't want to be saved and got sued. How many times has God knocked on my heart to surrender and it took me forever to listen to him. Christ was on earth for 30 years until he began his ministry. For the longest time the super heros were helping people until society went hey wire. What is more crazy is the desire to help those in need never left Mr. Incredible, every job he got he always fighting his super powers. I find in my life, I'm very impatient when it comes to helping someone. If I see I can help, I jump at the chance without thinking. If someone needed a video, sure I could do it. If I noticed someones tv was not right, I would fix it. Basicly I was disrespectful and couldn't leave well enough alone. I read and think, sure God's fullness lived in Christ, but God waited until it was time to begin healing and speaking to people. I can only imagine in moments when he wished it was time but knew it wasn't. As I mature in my walk with God, he speaks to me about when it's time to use my identity, not to be so impulsive. Mr. Incredible wanted the glory days back, he wanted to be needed and he jumped at the chance when Mirage called for help, only find it was a trap that required his family to come to there true identity. His kids didn't understand that they it was ok to be who they really were, it was time. And when Dash and Violet super instincts came out naturally they learned what there mom meant during the years in hiding. Hits me, God lives in me, he gives me all kinds of ideas and passion about video. Some will never happen and others have already. I can jump at the chance of anything or I can wait till I see a divine moment. It hurts to fight my impulses but when I do, depending on what it is and wait patiently even when I don't understand, God blesses it and I feel more unified with Him. Ya Mr. Incredible had to be rescued by his family, and when I screw things up, God is never saying " crap, he wasn't supposed to do that", and the superheroes came to help which made the city realize how much they were missed. After that they were allowed to be who they were. God doesn't make mistakes with people, he uses me in ways I don't understand even when I think I got it, I don't because he does.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Lion King
“So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.” James 1:21 NLT
As always, I'm not sure what to think. Again the scriptures are pointing at things I am aware of and not at the same time. This is the last day of our stacation, it's been good, Shayne had some great parties and now she just needs to learn to share her toys. I am about 2 or 3 weeks behind at work, so this week is crunch time. Sip some coffee, I read and think. I didn't know the word of God was planted in my heart, I always thought I had to get rid of evil first before the word could plant itself. I find myself wanting to first get rid of the filth and then focus on God. I find him knocking and saying it's a continued process. It's like having a routine every morning that allows me to be prepared for the day. Regardless of whats on my mind, the routine will have me ready. I'm reminded of the lion king. How symba watched his dad die and felt so guilty and fled. His people thought he was dead. He refused to believe who he was. When his friend found him years later, she had to convince him that he was the king. Why don't I believe and accept this word God has planted in my heart. Symba ran away from who he was. I read and think, I find I look way way way in my past and let it dictate who I am today. Why do I do that? its painful. Why is it so hard to disagree with my filth and evil? Why do I live according to it so much? Symba enjoyed his single life yet he was stuck. Until Scar find him and shows him who he really is. Symba still felt incompetent but it didn't matter. Hits me, I have to face who I am in Christ and take my past battles and see the strength that they've made, get the filth and evil out on a daily basis with humility. Symba took his thrown again because he finally accepted who he was and that's what I need to do, become my own lion king.
As always, I'm not sure what to think. Again the scriptures are pointing at things I am aware of and not at the same time. This is the last day of our stacation, it's been good, Shayne had some great parties and now she just needs to learn to share her toys. I am about 2 or 3 weeks behind at work, so this week is crunch time. Sip some coffee, I read and think. I didn't know the word of God was planted in my heart, I always thought I had to get rid of evil first before the word could plant itself. I find myself wanting to first get rid of the filth and then focus on God. I find him knocking and saying it's a continued process. It's like having a routine every morning that allows me to be prepared for the day. Regardless of whats on my mind, the routine will have me ready. I'm reminded of the lion king. How symba watched his dad die and felt so guilty and fled. His people thought he was dead. He refused to believe who he was. When his friend found him years later, she had to convince him that he was the king. Why don't I believe and accept this word God has planted in my heart. Symba ran away from who he was. I read and think, I find I look way way way in my past and let it dictate who I am today. Why do I do that? its painful. Why is it so hard to disagree with my filth and evil? Why do I live according to it so much? Symba enjoyed his single life yet he was stuck. Until Scar find him and shows him who he really is. Symba still felt incompetent but it didn't matter. Hits me, I have to face who I am in Christ and take my past battles and see the strength that they've made, get the filth and evil out on a daily basis with humility. Symba took his thrown again because he finally accepted who he was and that's what I need to do, become my own lion king.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Degabah System
“When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.” John 15:10 NLT
I'm not to sure what to think of this one. Sure it makes sense but what does it really mean. It's like an if and then formula, and there are so many version of if and then. It's been a crazy week, Shayne had her 3rd birthday party last night, she made out like a bandit this year. We have one party left to go with my family next week. We're taking the weekend off, Shayne needs a break. Sip some coffee, I read and think. I'm reminded of the Degabah Systems where Yoda lived. This planet of mirky swamps and petrified knarltree forests. Obeying God's commands appears to be like the Degabah systems, from the outside it doesn't look like fun, but painful and I can't wait to leave. Once Luke got to know Yoda and start understanding the force, it became evident what Degabah was for (training and growth.) I looked further down the wikipedia page, I found in Star Wars universe history that another Jedi of Yoda's race confronted a dark jedi and eventually defeated him in a cave and that cave became very strong in the dark side of the force. Yoda used that spot to hide from the emporer in the Empire Strikes back. It was also the same spot that he told Luke to go into to confront his fears. I feel that when I don't obey God's commands, I go to that dark cave without knowing it or knowing it, but when I choose to obey, i remain in his love. I find it being an ongoing battle at times. Luke had to learn to use the force just as I when hearing the spirit call me, need to listen. When I was watching Empire this month, I was amazed that when Luke began experiencing his feeling of the force, he ran with them instead of completing his traininig. How often do I impulsivly jump at the chance when i hear the spirit speak? Sometimes too quick and sometimes way late. Hits me, where's my degabah system? Its in every place I go, I need to remain in God's love by obeying Him. It's surrendering my situation to Him, trusting and obeying even when things don't make sense.
I'm not to sure what to think of this one. Sure it makes sense but what does it really mean. It's like an if and then formula, and there are so many version of if and then. It's been a crazy week, Shayne had her 3rd birthday party last night, she made out like a bandit this year. We have one party left to go with my family next week. We're taking the weekend off, Shayne needs a break. Sip some coffee, I read and think. I'm reminded of the Degabah Systems where Yoda lived. This planet of mirky swamps and petrified knarltree forests. Obeying God's commands appears to be like the Degabah systems, from the outside it doesn't look like fun, but painful and I can't wait to leave. Once Luke got to know Yoda and start understanding the force, it became evident what Degabah was for (training and growth.) I looked further down the wikipedia page, I found in Star Wars universe history that another Jedi of Yoda's race confronted a dark jedi and eventually defeated him in a cave and that cave became very strong in the dark side of the force. Yoda used that spot to hide from the emporer in the Empire Strikes back. It was also the same spot that he told Luke to go into to confront his fears. I feel that when I don't obey God's commands, I go to that dark cave without knowing it or knowing it, but when I choose to obey, i remain in his love. I find it being an ongoing battle at times. Luke had to learn to use the force just as I when hearing the spirit call me, need to listen. When I was watching Empire this month, I was amazed that when Luke began experiencing his feeling of the force, he ran with them instead of completing his traininig. How often do I impulsivly jump at the chance when i hear the spirit speak? Sometimes too quick and sometimes way late. Hits me, where's my degabah system? Its in every place I go, I need to remain in God's love by obeying Him. It's surrendering my situation to Him, trusting and obeying even when things don't make sense.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Truth of the enemy
“But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”” Matthew 4:4 NLT
I had to read further back with this one to find he was speaking with the devil. At first I'm thinking, he's the only one who could take him on. And what did Jesus say so simply? the truth. He was deeper, way ahead of the devil. The devil just wanted him to do a miracle, but Jesus being eternal and truth had to correct him. Shaynes birthday was yesterday, she is now 3 and happy. We have a lot more parties and dinners before the weekend and we're already tired. Sip some coffee, I read and think. This scripture really made me research satan vs. God and why God didn't just eliminate the him quickly? and why Satan even thought he had a chance with God. I found a link that simplified everything pretty well for me. http://www.gotquestions.org/Satan-defeat.html. It never occured to me that satan was a created by God as were all the other angels. But satans mindset as seen in this scripture were far from eternal like God's. Satan merely asks God to turn stones into bread. God being way different, answered with truth and authority and not with an argument. Satan's big thing was pride, which blinded him from reality. How many times have I been in sin and just couldn't see reality? It's like studying your enemy and everything there about. I kind of feel a little fear when I study satan. Something just doesn't seem right about that, yet I like to be prepared for the attack. I'm amazed when the truth is spoken to me. I'm always amazed when I discover someone or I have lied. I feel betrayed. I read and think, I have to remember that satan is from heaven, but kicked out due to his chosen pride. He thought he was right and eternal but he's not. He obviously doesn't think like God if he thinks that turning stones into bread would persuade God. Then why do I let the devil win? Why don't I just let God live in me? Hits me, God is God and satan is on a very tight leash and blinded from reality. Sure I need to physically eat and bread is a big part of that, but if my spiritual lifestyle isn't from the mouth of God but from other sources, then all I'll think God is good for, will be turning stones into bread and life will only be that fullfilling.
I had to read further back with this one to find he was speaking with the devil. At first I'm thinking, he's the only one who could take him on. And what did Jesus say so simply? the truth. He was deeper, way ahead of the devil. The devil just wanted him to do a miracle, but Jesus being eternal and truth had to correct him. Shaynes birthday was yesterday, she is now 3 and happy. We have a lot more parties and dinners before the weekend and we're already tired. Sip some coffee, I read and think. This scripture really made me research satan vs. God and why God didn't just eliminate the him quickly? and why Satan even thought he had a chance with God. I found a link that simplified everything pretty well for me. http://www.gotquestions.org/Satan-defeat.html. It never occured to me that satan was a created by God as were all the other angels. But satans mindset as seen in this scripture were far from eternal like God's. Satan merely asks God to turn stones into bread. God being way different, answered with truth and authority and not with an argument. Satan's big thing was pride, which blinded him from reality. How many times have I been in sin and just couldn't see reality? It's like studying your enemy and everything there about. I kind of feel a little fear when I study satan. Something just doesn't seem right about that, yet I like to be prepared for the attack. I'm amazed when the truth is spoken to me. I'm always amazed when I discover someone or I have lied. I feel betrayed. I read and think, I have to remember that satan is from heaven, but kicked out due to his chosen pride. He thought he was right and eternal but he's not. He obviously doesn't think like God if he thinks that turning stones into bread would persuade God. Then why do I let the devil win? Why don't I just let God live in me? Hits me, God is God and satan is on a very tight leash and blinded from reality. Sure I need to physically eat and bread is a big part of that, but if my spiritual lifestyle isn't from the mouth of God but from other sources, then all I'll think God is good for, will be turning stones into bread and life will only be that fullfilling.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Godly thinking vs. thinking
““O Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!” Jeremiah 32:17 NLT
At first I'm thinking of how this one influences me but how I don't realize what it's saying. Today's Shaynes 3rd Birthday, her and mommy are still asleep (it is 5:20 am). We are so thankful we're not in the hospital this year. Shaynes been battling a cold the last month and we took a trip to the E.R. last friday. We have lots of plans today and the rest of the week. Sip some coffee, I read and think, I'm amazed of how much of God I take for granted. Why is it, that when someone does something like making the heavens and the earth, I really push them aside? Why is it that when someone screws up, its in the headlines. Yet when I talk things out with my wife behind closed doors, we feel were fine. Why can't I just trust God since he made the heavens and the earth? What else does God need to do to earn my trust? I have no problem with trusting people I know that can easily fail me. Hits me, I have to remember that God does not think the way I think, he doesn't, and he doesn't consider it tough to get me to think the way he does.
At first I'm thinking of how this one influences me but how I don't realize what it's saying. Today's Shaynes 3rd Birthday, her and mommy are still asleep (it is 5:20 am). We are so thankful we're not in the hospital this year. Shaynes been battling a cold the last month and we took a trip to the E.R. last friday. We have lots of plans today and the rest of the week. Sip some coffee, I read and think, I'm amazed of how much of God I take for granted. Why is it, that when someone does something like making the heavens and the earth, I really push them aside? Why is it that when someone screws up, its in the headlines. Yet when I talk things out with my wife behind closed doors, we feel were fine. Why can't I just trust God since he made the heavens and the earth? What else does God need to do to earn my trust? I have no problem with trusting people I know that can easily fail me. Hits me, I have to remember that God does not think the way I think, he doesn't, and he doesn't consider it tough to get me to think the way he does.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
when life give you lemons, make lemonade
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6 NLT
At first I'm thinking that I need to be reminded of this. I'm thinking that God is different than I am. That's why he began it and I didn't. I'm tired this morning, Shayne turns 3 tomorrow and I'm feeling older. Already had my coffee, but I'm still tired. I'm reminded of the phrase "when life brings you lemons, make lemonade. I have to remember that this verse does not say the good work I do for God he will continue. It says the work he began in me, he will continue. Even when God gives me what I think is rotten and terrible, its his work because he began it. Gotta love the lemonade.
At first I'm thinking that I need to be reminded of this. I'm thinking that God is different than I am. That's why he began it and I didn't. I'm tired this morning, Shayne turns 3 tomorrow and I'm feeling older. Already had my coffee, but I'm still tired. I'm reminded of the phrase "when life brings you lemons, make lemonade. I have to remember that this verse does not say the good work I do for God he will continue. It says the work he began in me, he will continue. Even when God gives me what I think is rotten and terrible, its his work because he began it. Gotta love the lemonade.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
a sinful nations Great God
“Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Proverbs 14:34 NLT
At first I'm thinking, "what a great verse". But then I'm thinking, why is it so hard to trust God at times? God is not an old name, His name is the most abused name ever, it has never been replaced, only taken in vain. Yet, what do I do, fight sin on a daily basis and disgrace him. Sip some coffee, I read and think. I'm tired this morning, both Shayne and I are fighting colds. I'm feeling a lot better than I did yesterday though. I'm reminded of the attibutes of God:
I like lists what can I say (as pasted from Wikepedia)
Enumeration:"God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth."
Aseity: God is so inedependant He does not need us
Graciousness: The graciousness of God is a key tenet of Christianity.
Transcendence is that God is outside space and time, and therefore eternal and unable to be changed by forces within the universe.[17] It is thus closely related to God's immutability, and is contrasted with his immanence.
In the New Testament, Jesus says in John 3:36, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."
With all that, I still fail to trust Him. Actually after reading each one, I feel my faith strengthened. I read and think, hits me. This eternal being with a resume like this, calls me His child and I disobey him for it. He wants to live in me and make me like Him.
Holiness
The holiness of God is that he is separate from sin and incorruptible. Noting the refrain of "Holy, holy, holy" in Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8, R. C. Sproul points out that "only once in sacred Scripture is an attribute of God elevated to the third degree... The Bible never says that God is love, love, love."[7]Immanence
The immanence of God refers to him being in the world. It is thus contrasted with his transcendence.Immutability
Immutability means God cannot change. James 1:17 refers to the "Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" (NIV).Impassibility
The doctrine of the impassibility of God is a controversial one. It refers to the inability of God to suffer.Impeccability
The impeccability of God is closely related to his holiness. It means that he cannot sin.Incorporeality
The incorporeality or spirituality of God refers to him being a spirit. This is derived from Jesus' statement in John 4:24, "God is spirit." Robert Reymond suggests that it is the fact of his spiritual essence that underlies the second commandment, which prohibits every attempt to fashion an image of him."[8]Incomprehensibility
The incomprehensibility of God means that he is not able to be fully known. Louis Berkhof states that "the consensus of opinion" through most of church history has been that God is the "Incomprehensible One". Berkhof, however, argues that "in so far as God reveals Himself in His attributes, we also have some knowledge of His Divine Being, though even so our knowledge is subject to human limitations."[9]Infinity
The infinity of God includes both his eternity and his immensity. Isaiah 40:28 says that "Yahweh is the everlasting God," while Solomon acknowledges in 1 Kings 8:27 that "the heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you". Infinity permeates all other attributes of God: His love is infinite, his powers are infinite...Jealousy
Exodus 20:5-6, of the Decalogue says, "You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments" (NIV). J. I. Packer sees God's jealousy as "zeal to protect a love relationship or to avenge it when broken," thus making it "an aspect of his covenant love for his own people."[10]
Love
1 John 4:16 says "God is Love." D. A. Carson speaks of the "difficult doctrine of the love of God," since "when informed Christians talk about the love of God they mean something very different from what is meant in the surrounding culture."[11] Carson distinguishes between the love the Father has for the Son, God's general love for his creation, God's "salvific stance towards his fallen world," his "particular, effectual, selecting love toward his elect," and love that is conditioned on obedience.Mission
While the mission of God is not traditionally included in this list, David Bosch has argued that "mission is not primarily an activity of the church, but an attribute of God."[12]Omnibenevolence
The omnibenevolence of God refers to him being "all good". God's goodness encompasses his grace, love, mercy and patience. Also see Thirteen Attributes of Mercy for Old Testament references.Omnipotence
The omnipotence of God refers to him being "all powerful". C. S. Lewis clarifies this concept: "His Omnipotence means power to do all that is intrinsically possible, not to do the intrinsically impossible. You may attribute miracles to him, but not nonsense. This is no limit to his power."[13]Omnipresence
The omnipresence of God refers to him being present everywhere. Berkhof distinguishes between God's immensity and his omnipresence, saying that the former "points to the fact that God transcends all space and is not subject to its limitations," emphasising his transcendence, while the latter denotes that God "fills every part of space with His entire Being," emphasising his immanence.[14] In Psalm 139, David says, "If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there" (Psalm 139:8, NIV).Omniscience
The omniscience of God refers to him being "all knowing". Berkhof regards the wisdom of God as a "particular aspect of his knowledge."[15] Romans 16:27 speaks about the "only wise God".Oneness
The oneness of God refers to his being one and only. See Monotheism and also Trinity.Providence
While the providence of God usually refers to his activity in the world, it also implies his care for the universe, and is thus an attribute. A distinction is usually made between "general providence," which refers to God's continuous upholding the existence and natural order of the universe, and "special providence," which refers to God's extraordinary intervention in the life of people.[16]Righteousness
The righteousness of God may refer to his holiness, to his justice, or to his saving activity.Simplicity
The simplicity of God means he is not partly this and partly that, but that whatever he is, he is so entirely. It is thus related to the unity of God.Sovereignty
The sovereignty of God is similar to his omnipotence and providence, yet it also encompasses his freedom.
Transcendence
Trinity
The Trinity of God refers to him being three in one. God is understood to be a unity of Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.Veracity
The veracity of God means his truth-telling. Titus 1:2 refers to "God, who does not lie."Wrath
Moses praises the wrath of God in Exodus 15:7. Later in Deuteronomy 9, after the incident of The Golden Calf, Moses describes how: 'I feared the furious anger of the LORD, which turned him against you, would drive him to destroy you. But again he listened to me.' (9:19) In Psalm 69:24, the psalmist begs God to: 'consume' his enemies 'with your burning anger'.In the New Testament, Jesus says in John 3:36, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."
With all that, I still fail to trust Him. Actually after reading each one, I feel my faith strengthened. I read and think, hits me. This eternal being with a resume like this, calls me His child and I disobey him for it. He wants to live in me and make me like Him.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Honestly, its Honesty
“Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” Romans 12:3 NLT
At first I can't but think of the church. I can't but think of the competition I have felt many times. I've blogged many times about this too. I don't consider myself to be egostistical, however there are moments when I do. I read and think, the word honesty sticks out most to me. There's nothing more irritating to me than working with a dishonest person. I'm amazed of how long it took me to come from dishonest to honest, honestly. Last summer, Intentional living was having a sharathon and they wanted people to call in about what one thing they were doing to be intentional. So I called in and said "honestly, its honesty. Randy Carlson, gave me the father voice and said "have you been dishonest?" I said yes, "when someone asks me if I can help them, or for a price, its very challenging for me to be honest and say no or the actual price". He told me something I already knew, but it was helpful to hear it again. He said "if you're afraid of them not being happy with your answer, and are dishonest because of that, then no one will be happy". I read and think, I'm amazed of how the enemy creeps into my thought life about all kinds of things. I get tempted to think I'm no good, my work is nothing, I'm a terrible person. I have to remember that the enemy calls me by "I", God calls me by my name. I had that revelation in High School. Everytime I go on a shoot, I always get a little concerned about production. That's healthy, because I've gone on shoots before completely over confident and things didn't work out very well. I'm amazed of how much I have yet to learn, yet the amount I already know. I see in this scripture that its the faith the God has given us, not in the faith I have in myself and what I know. I often think I know more movie lines than I know scripture, I know more about celebrities than I know about characters in the bible. I have more movies than there are books in the bible. Yet where does my credit go to? Hits me, its not about bashing myself or thinking I'm the man, or being honest with people out of fear, its seeing myself through God's eyes and respecting Him for that. Once I can respect Him for how he made me and accept how He wants to change me, the challenges won't be so hard.
At first I can't but think of the church. I can't but think of the competition I have felt many times. I've blogged many times about this too. I don't consider myself to be egostistical, however there are moments when I do. I read and think, the word honesty sticks out most to me. There's nothing more irritating to me than working with a dishonest person. I'm amazed of how long it took me to come from dishonest to honest, honestly. Last summer, Intentional living was having a sharathon and they wanted people to call in about what one thing they were doing to be intentional. So I called in and said "honestly, its honesty. Randy Carlson, gave me the father voice and said "have you been dishonest?" I said yes, "when someone asks me if I can help them, or for a price, its very challenging for me to be honest and say no or the actual price". He told me something I already knew, but it was helpful to hear it again. He said "if you're afraid of them not being happy with your answer, and are dishonest because of that, then no one will be happy". I read and think, I'm amazed of how the enemy creeps into my thought life about all kinds of things. I get tempted to think I'm no good, my work is nothing, I'm a terrible person. I have to remember that the enemy calls me by "I", God calls me by my name. I had that revelation in High School. Everytime I go on a shoot, I always get a little concerned about production. That's healthy, because I've gone on shoots before completely over confident and things didn't work out very well. I'm amazed of how much I have yet to learn, yet the amount I already know. I see in this scripture that its the faith the God has given us, not in the faith I have in myself and what I know. I often think I know more movie lines than I know scripture, I know more about celebrities than I know about characters in the bible. I have more movies than there are books in the bible. Yet where does my credit go to? Hits me, its not about bashing myself or thinking I'm the man, or being honest with people out of fear, its seeing myself through God's eyes and respecting Him for that. Once I can respect Him for how he made me and accept how He wants to change me, the challenges won't be so hard.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Impulsive Repentence
“The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” 2 Peter 3:9 NLT
At first I'm reminded of a shirt I wore in cross-country back in Jr. High. It was intitled "I may be slow but I'm ahead of you". But I already used this as an illistration in a blog, last year. Sip some coffee, I read and think. Recently I've been notified about how impulsive I can be. After analyzing myself, I agree. Yet I have reason for it. Although I don't like it. This makes me wish I was someone else at times. I live in a society of instant access, its all at my finger tips, as is God. But he wants to be first. I'm amazed of the ideas and dreams I get, and then how impatient I get to see them happen. Yet God wants me to surrender those thoughts to him. I guess I believe a lie that He's not about business but only family. No wonder I get so stressed about my company. I need to surrender it to Him. God is really patient with me these days. I find I'm very patient with technology because I can control it, I'm not patient with people, because I can't control them. Even though God is patient with my impulses, he just waiting for my repentance. Why can't I rush to repent? Because he's growing me by every impulse to show me how. Every time I repent it'll mean something different.
At first I'm reminded of a shirt I wore in cross-country back in Jr. High. It was intitled "I may be slow but I'm ahead of you". But I already used this as an illistration in a blog, last year. Sip some coffee, I read and think. Recently I've been notified about how impulsive I can be. After analyzing myself, I agree. Yet I have reason for it. Although I don't like it. This makes me wish I was someone else at times. I live in a society of instant access, its all at my finger tips, as is God. But he wants to be first. I'm amazed of the ideas and dreams I get, and then how impatient I get to see them happen. Yet God wants me to surrender those thoughts to him. I guess I believe a lie that He's not about business but only family. No wonder I get so stressed about my company. I need to surrender it to Him. God is really patient with me these days. I find I'm very patient with technology because I can control it, I'm not patient with people, because I can't control them. Even though God is patient with my impulses, he just waiting for my repentance. Why can't I rush to repent? Because he's growing me by every impulse to show me how. Every time I repent it'll mean something different.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
On the other hand - Tevye
““Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:18 NLT
At first I'm thinking, this doesn't fit my situation. But I remember when it did many times. This in my opinion, is the main battle with how my personality vs. my upbringing will depict the result. I'm tired this morning, we had a nice date night last night. I'm amazed in my business how much work we've done that has nothing to do with what our main business objective is. Finally yesterday, we started story boarding for videos to help draw customers to people's websites. Sip some coffee, I read and think. I'm amazed of my upbringing and of my personality and how the two differ and yet are the same. I'm reminded of Fiddler on the Roof, of how the Tevye kept talking to God and listening regardless of what was going on in the town. Everytime I'd watch those scenes I could relate and relate. It was this battle he was having with how tradition was and then how God really is. He used the phrase "on the other hand" a lot. When I was younger, I would get raged about things. When I look back, I know exactly why I was doing it. I didn't like my life, I had friends with what I called "better families" and so wanted that love in my family. It just wasn't there all the time. I was amazed later in my years of how you can't fix people until you fix yourself. Why? I read and think, but love your neighbor as yourself? its such a different calabor. I find I want to be depressed when I get attacked. Or get back or just lash out in impulse and really show them how hurt I feel. I do it in my marriage without thinking. It's this chemical imbalance fight I feel going on inside me. Let the waters calm first. Tevye was in a constant conversation with God and himself, which in so many ways I find myself alot. Having decisions to make and only God to go to. He had to marry his daughters off, but who they chose just didn't fit the tradition. His town was about to go through a revolution too. He had a lot of crazy things happening. Hits me, just like Tevye, God is with me wherever I go, especially when I feel He's not. When I get into moments of grudge and revenge, I need to look at my other hand and then the other hand and then the other hand and keep pacing and walking. I need to do that until I can love my neighbor, my wife, my Lord, my whoever as I see myself, praying to see them the way God see's them.
At first I'm thinking, this doesn't fit my situation. But I remember when it did many times. This in my opinion, is the main battle with how my personality vs. my upbringing will depict the result. I'm tired this morning, we had a nice date night last night. I'm amazed in my business how much work we've done that has nothing to do with what our main business objective is. Finally yesterday, we started story boarding for videos to help draw customers to people's websites. Sip some coffee, I read and think. I'm amazed of my upbringing and of my personality and how the two differ and yet are the same. I'm reminded of Fiddler on the Roof, of how the Tevye kept talking to God and listening regardless of what was going on in the town. Everytime I'd watch those scenes I could relate and relate. It was this battle he was having with how tradition was and then how God really is. He used the phrase "on the other hand" a lot. When I was younger, I would get raged about things. When I look back, I know exactly why I was doing it. I didn't like my life, I had friends with what I called "better families" and so wanted that love in my family. It just wasn't there all the time. I was amazed later in my years of how you can't fix people until you fix yourself. Why? I read and think, but love your neighbor as yourself? its such a different calabor. I find I want to be depressed when I get attacked. Or get back or just lash out in impulse and really show them how hurt I feel. I do it in my marriage without thinking. It's this chemical imbalance fight I feel going on inside me. Let the waters calm first. Tevye was in a constant conversation with God and himself, which in so many ways I find myself alot. Having decisions to make and only God to go to. He had to marry his daughters off, but who they chose just didn't fit the tradition. His town was about to go through a revolution too. He had a lot of crazy things happening. Hits me, just like Tevye, God is with me wherever I go, especially when I feel He's not. When I get into moments of grudge and revenge, I need to look at my other hand and then the other hand and then the other hand and keep pacing and walking. I need to do that until I can love my neighbor, my wife, my Lord, my whoever as I see myself, praying to see them the way God see's them.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Henry Poole is Here
“Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” says the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:24 NLT
At first I'm thinking of the hiding place, and then of the games we used to play as kids. It's been a good week. It's amazing of what God teaches me as a business owner and producer. There's a lot of work to do. I"m routine oriented so it's easy for me to fit something in my day. Then there's the forgetting family things. Things my wife told me to get done. Sip some coffee, I read and think. I"m reminded of a movie I watched yesterday at my mother in law's house called Henry Pool is here. Henry who recently finds out he'll be dying soon, buys a house to live out his last days. Unbeknownst to him a nosey neighbor discovers a watermark on his outerwall resembling the face of Jesus, Henry spends the rest of the movie battling the other neighbors about who he is and what faith is. The movie was full of symbolism and was pretty dark, yet important. In the movie Henry writes "Henry Poole was here' at the end he replaces the "was" with an "is". In reality he was hiding from his past and escaping the only way he knew. How many times have I wanted to escape and hide, thinking God couldn't see me. Or knowing God could see me, I did it anyway. With this watermark on his wall due to a bad stucko job, the neighbor lady would just keep bugging him about it. She became very annoying, then the other neighbors began attempting to convince him that this was the really a healing moment for him. I was telling Susan the other day about how when I was growing up, the feelings I got during a worship service, I wanted to help give to others. I also had a passion for audio and video. I just love helping contribute to the atmosphere, I'll enjoy it on my own time. Did I hide behind the gear? In a way I was, I didn't know what to think of the atmosphere, but I liked it. It was never mentioned in what Henry was dying of, but his reaction made him isolate himself. I'm amazed when I escape to my own thoughts. I'm pretty optimistic but there are moments when I just get angry about the way I am. Why do I not believe and accept that I can't hide from God? It's like God is my way out, but since I hooked on my circumstance and not on Him, I refuse to see it. Hits me, Henry poole eventually takes an axe to his wall out of anger how much privacy he doesn't have. The roof comes down on him and he's hospitalized. While in the hospital he learns that he doesn't have the disease and won't be dying. At that point he reaches for the hope that everyone was presenting to him. How many secret places do I have? my phone, my thoughts, movies, videos, remote control boat, researching technology, best buy. When Henry bought the house his realtor had the wall re stucko because she didn't like it. It was a bad stucko job which resulted in a watermark resembling christ's face. It doesn't matter where I try to hide, Christ will be watermarked on me. I can choose not to see him or accept Him, but he's there, and more importantly using me more than I think.
At first I'm thinking of the hiding place, and then of the games we used to play as kids. It's been a good week. It's amazing of what God teaches me as a business owner and producer. There's a lot of work to do. I"m routine oriented so it's easy for me to fit something in my day. Then there's the forgetting family things. Things my wife told me to get done. Sip some coffee, I read and think. I"m reminded of a movie I watched yesterday at my mother in law's house called Henry Pool is here. Henry who recently finds out he'll be dying soon, buys a house to live out his last days. Unbeknownst to him a nosey neighbor discovers a watermark on his outerwall resembling the face of Jesus, Henry spends the rest of the movie battling the other neighbors about who he is and what faith is. The movie was full of symbolism and was pretty dark, yet important. In the movie Henry writes "Henry Poole was here' at the end he replaces the "was" with an "is". In reality he was hiding from his past and escaping the only way he knew. How many times have I wanted to escape and hide, thinking God couldn't see me. Or knowing God could see me, I did it anyway. With this watermark on his wall due to a bad stucko job, the neighbor lady would just keep bugging him about it. She became very annoying, then the other neighbors began attempting to convince him that this was the really a healing moment for him. I was telling Susan the other day about how when I was growing up, the feelings I got during a worship service, I wanted to help give to others. I also had a passion for audio and video. I just love helping contribute to the atmosphere, I'll enjoy it on my own time. Did I hide behind the gear? In a way I was, I didn't know what to think of the atmosphere, but I liked it. It was never mentioned in what Henry was dying of, but his reaction made him isolate himself. I'm amazed when I escape to my own thoughts. I'm pretty optimistic but there are moments when I just get angry about the way I am. Why do I not believe and accept that I can't hide from God? It's like God is my way out, but since I hooked on my circumstance and not on Him, I refuse to see it. Hits me, Henry poole eventually takes an axe to his wall out of anger how much privacy he doesn't have. The roof comes down on him and he's hospitalized. While in the hospital he learns that he doesn't have the disease and won't be dying. At that point he reaches for the hope that everyone was presenting to him. How many secret places do I have? my phone, my thoughts, movies, videos, remote control boat, researching technology, best buy. When Henry bought the house his realtor had the wall re stucko because she didn't like it. It was a bad stucko job which resulted in a watermark resembling christ's face. It doesn't matter where I try to hide, Christ will be watermarked on me. I can choose not to see him or accept Him, but he's there, and more importantly using me more than I think.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
skill vs creator
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 NLT
At first I'm not sure what to think, I thought I had already blogged about this one but according to my blog searches, hadn't. This reminds me of the book by elizabeth elliott about her husband Jim elliott who lived by this verse. But what does it mean? Sip some coffee, I read and think. Living is the hardest part I find, i live and then I don't, and it repeats itself. I find I stop by but I don't live. there's plenty of room for me to set up camp but I don't do it. When I do, I do find rest in the shadow of the almighty. Then why do I leave? Because I don't believe I'm worthy of living there. I get distracted and believe that I'm worthy of everywhere else but that. I find I set my worth on the wrong things. Every day is a chance to get back in that shelter. I find this is where a lot of people give up. Then others, don't and you see them as being so joyful all the time. I wonder how they stay there. They don't have a problem with believing in there identity like I do. What happened to me? My struggle is different, I can't judge them. My identity I find is based on how think of myself in a given situation. How I portray myself, if I say what I feel are the right things to help someone out. Or to give instruction in a way that I think is helpful. Usually I'm too intense in all this. So that belief is wrong, I might think its helpful but its intruesif. Or when someone is telling me something and instructing me. I find I'm way ahead of them already in my mind and trying to get them there. When they accuse me of not listening, I accuse them of being stupid and not being able to keep up. My identity is too much in what I'm doing and not enough in who created me to do it. My identity is too much in my skill and not in who skilled me. My worth is too much in what I've done and not in who gave me the ability to accomplish everything. I can't believe how I get trapped like this. Hits me, I'm amazed of how patient God is, how he lets me run away from him, knowing I'll be back. It's like the software wanting to be the operating system too. You can't do that. It's one or the other.
At first I'm not sure what to think, I thought I had already blogged about this one but according to my blog searches, hadn't. This reminds me of the book by elizabeth elliott about her husband Jim elliott who lived by this verse. But what does it mean? Sip some coffee, I read and think. Living is the hardest part I find, i live and then I don't, and it repeats itself. I find I stop by but I don't live. there's plenty of room for me to set up camp but I don't do it. When I do, I do find rest in the shadow of the almighty. Then why do I leave? Because I don't believe I'm worthy of living there. I get distracted and believe that I'm worthy of everywhere else but that. I find I set my worth on the wrong things. Every day is a chance to get back in that shelter. I find this is where a lot of people give up. Then others, don't and you see them as being so joyful all the time. I wonder how they stay there. They don't have a problem with believing in there identity like I do. What happened to me? My struggle is different, I can't judge them. My identity I find is based on how think of myself in a given situation. How I portray myself, if I say what I feel are the right things to help someone out. Or to give instruction in a way that I think is helpful. Usually I'm too intense in all this. So that belief is wrong, I might think its helpful but its intruesif. Or when someone is telling me something and instructing me. I find I'm way ahead of them already in my mind and trying to get them there. When they accuse me of not listening, I accuse them of being stupid and not being able to keep up. My identity is too much in what I'm doing and not enough in who created me to do it. My identity is too much in my skill and not in who skilled me. My worth is too much in what I've done and not in who gave me the ability to accomplish everything. I can't believe how I get trapped like this. Hits me, I'm amazed of how patient God is, how he lets me run away from him, knowing I'll be back. It's like the software wanting to be the operating system too. You can't do that. It's one or the other.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
shooting the world with your soul
“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” Mark 8:36 NLT
At first I'm thinking, how can that be? Then I'm thinking, how did it happen to me? I think of anakin Skywalker again, who was just angry about his mothers death and then when his wifes life was going to be lost during child birth, he was seduced to the dark side with the mindset that his anger would save her, instead it killed her. Which made him more angry. Things happen over time, over the decisions I make. I have a problem with being too impulsive. This has done me good at times and bad in others. More bad than good I can say. I read and think, I'm reminded of my home theater days, when we were trained to think of the customer's needs first and then what products would make us the most money. I was able to stick to my guns on what they needed, but the other guys quickly went with what was going to make them money. I didn't last long due to not profitting much. But I didn't lose my soul. Which was my problem in general business, I thought too much of what the customer wanted and didn't count my price andcosts enough. What I'm amazed with is that the spirit all along the way taps on my shoulder about what to do, not later, but all along the way. Hits me, its one for the other. It's God or its the world. Its cheating or being honest and truthful. Its following God's word or it isn't. Its following the spirit or its following the world. It's those split second moments that make a big difference. It's thinking before I act or speak. It's being nice to people, doing what I know is right when its time to do that. In video its setting your white balance and framing your shot before you hit record. Because depending on the camera, once your recording, its too late. I have to examine my environment and figure out how to best shoot it as to capture it for my audience. I can't lose my soul in it. It's my soul that has to show through it.
At first I'm thinking, how can that be? Then I'm thinking, how did it happen to me? I think of anakin Skywalker again, who was just angry about his mothers death and then when his wifes life was going to be lost during child birth, he was seduced to the dark side with the mindset that his anger would save her, instead it killed her. Which made him more angry. Things happen over time, over the decisions I make. I have a problem with being too impulsive. This has done me good at times and bad in others. More bad than good I can say. I read and think, I'm reminded of my home theater days, when we were trained to think of the customer's needs first and then what products would make us the most money. I was able to stick to my guns on what they needed, but the other guys quickly went with what was going to make them money. I didn't last long due to not profitting much. But I didn't lose my soul. Which was my problem in general business, I thought too much of what the customer wanted and didn't count my price andcosts enough. What I'm amazed with is that the spirit all along the way taps on my shoulder about what to do, not later, but all along the way. Hits me, its one for the other. It's God or its the world. Its cheating or being honest and truthful. Its following God's word or it isn't. Its following the spirit or its following the world. It's those split second moments that make a big difference. It's thinking before I act or speak. It's being nice to people, doing what I know is right when its time to do that. In video its setting your white balance and framing your shot before you hit record. Because depending on the camera, once your recording, its too late. I have to examine my environment and figure out how to best shoot it as to capture it for my audience. I can't lose my soul in it. It's my soul that has to show through it.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Tough Mudder
“The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13 NLT
Man i feel distracted this morning. With father's day tomorrow, I think about how I am as a father. Am I tender and compassionate? most the time. I do get frustrated though. I'm reminded of James Stewart in Shenandoah, he was stern dad but very tender. Every man has a soft spot, even though we a lot of times don't want to show it, we do. I think of the fears I have being a father. Providing, integrity, failure. I see so many times scriptures like this about the woman being tender and compassionate. But now the man. Fearing God is respecting Him. Make sure I capitalize the H. Do I respect God as my father seek his tenderness and compassion? I don't think about it. I came across Tough Mudder this morning on facebook. It reminds me of young life and mainly of the atomic relay that Scott Scherckenbeck would put on. As I read through the website. I came across the point of the whole thing. They said it's NOT a race but a challenge. How many times have I looked at a life as a race and not a challenge. Its so mental, as I looked at the videos, I just got a rush, like "i can do this". I read through the training, you need to run 5 miles twice a week, and be able to do 6 pullups. You're not alone ever. You count on your team to help build you up physically and mentally. Bring your fears, makes this personal. I remember learning how to work when I was younger. Mowing lawns while my other friends watching Saturday morning tv (I had my share of plenty of tv watching though). I hated it, but now I'm one of those few who's kept my job in the economy crash. What is my tough mudder? How do i prepare for the obstacles in my life? My heavenly father always gives me opportunities to prepare by throwing an obstacle in my way. Its when I don't fear my father that I fail and feel alone. God puts people in my life to help me through my obstacles. Sometimes I don't listen because I'm stubborn and just don't understand and sometimes even if I don't understand I just do what they say. Because sometimes I don't need to understand I just need to do. As I looked at the photos on tough mudder tears began to form. Everyone had a different reason for taking the challenge. They didn't want you to be too serious and be first to finish, they wanted you to challenge yourself. there last rules is I'll over come all fears. Why do things trap me so quickly at times? Hits me, My heavenly father draws me to him through obstacles in my life regardless of what they are. With his tender heart and hand he's helped me through all of them regardless of how I've felt at the time.
Man i feel distracted this morning. With father's day tomorrow, I think about how I am as a father. Am I tender and compassionate? most the time. I do get frustrated though. I'm reminded of James Stewart in Shenandoah, he was stern dad but very tender. Every man has a soft spot, even though we a lot of times don't want to show it, we do. I think of the fears I have being a father. Providing, integrity, failure. I see so many times scriptures like this about the woman being tender and compassionate. But now the man. Fearing God is respecting Him. Make sure I capitalize the H. Do I respect God as my father seek his tenderness and compassion? I don't think about it. I came across Tough Mudder this morning on facebook. It reminds me of young life and mainly of the atomic relay that Scott Scherckenbeck would put on. As I read through the website. I came across the point of the whole thing. They said it's NOT a race but a challenge. How many times have I looked at a life as a race and not a challenge. Its so mental, as I looked at the videos, I just got a rush, like "i can do this". I read through the training, you need to run 5 miles twice a week, and be able to do 6 pullups. You're not alone ever. You count on your team to help build you up physically and mentally. Bring your fears, makes this personal. I remember learning how to work when I was younger. Mowing lawns while my other friends watching Saturday morning tv (I had my share of plenty of tv watching though). I hated it, but now I'm one of those few who's kept my job in the economy crash. What is my tough mudder? How do i prepare for the obstacles in my life? My heavenly father always gives me opportunities to prepare by throwing an obstacle in my way. Its when I don't fear my father that I fail and feel alone. God puts people in my life to help me through my obstacles. Sometimes I don't listen because I'm stubborn and just don't understand and sometimes even if I don't understand I just do what they say. Because sometimes I don't need to understand I just need to do. As I looked at the photos on tough mudder tears began to form. Everyone had a different reason for taking the challenge. They didn't want you to be too serious and be first to finish, they wanted you to challenge yourself. there last rules is I'll over come all fears. Why do things trap me so quickly at times? Hits me, My heavenly father draws me to him through obstacles in my life regardless of what they are. With his tender heart and hand he's helped me through all of them regardless of how I've felt at the time.
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