Posts
Here's some funny things that i have decided that you can only find or experience in India.
- Only In India (OII) can you find elephants walking on a city street.
-OII can you go into your bathroom and find a frog in the toilet and lizard in the window.(They keep me company)
-OII do people eat with their right hand, clean themselves with their left hand, but use a spoon to eat a doughnut.(Don't ask)
-OII can you buy home made mango icecream off the street, and then eat it off a giant banana leaf.(Tastes great)
-OII can you be packed into a train car and stare eye to eye at the person 2cm from your face the whole way and it not be disrespectful.(Its actually like a contest)
-OII can you find tea on every corner, at ever hour of the night.(i had tea at 4am the first night i was here)
Friday, November 23, 2007
Greetings From india!
Hello everyone! Sorry i haven't updated in so long, i have been trying to build up my e-mailing list for all of my updates.
As most of you know I arrived in India on November 1. It has been one interesting, crazy ride so far but i am loving every minute of it. It is a complete different world! I'm living and doing ministry just an hour and a half outside Mumbai, India's largest city. The Teen Challenge Center where i live and work is in the the outskirts of surrounding mountain ranges and jungle. Its beautiful, away from the crazy city and a little community of its own. We call it Ashagram which means Villiage of Hope. This is where men, women, and children come to recover from the lives of addiction, slavery, and the street. I have the great privelege of working with the boys unit here at Ashagram. 36 boys ageing from (8-16) from all different backrounds, religion, and even countries! I have been teaching their regular evening chapel each night and it has been so amazing. I have been building relationship with each of them and they are really enjoying my creative method of teaching. I really wanted to teach them the bible in a way that is interesting and real to them, a way that is different from anything they have ever experienced, and God has been faithful to give me the material and creativity to do just that.
In December im planning to start a small group with the older boys. God has really put them on my heart, for it was at 16 that God really started molding and shaping who i am today, it was during that time that he put specific people in my life to see me through to the finish and to never quit no matter how hard or impossible it may have seemed. I really want to support these guys, they dont have parents pushing them to do something with their life, or a close friend to tell them to dream and believe for whatever they want. I want to be someone that can stand beside them, dream with them, and encourage and support them in finding their calling, what God has for each individual, and do everything i can to help get them there. Im really excited for this to start and i think God is going to do amazing things through it. It's only about 6 boys that i will be discipling, but my prayer is that i can follow Jesus' example; Pour my life into a few, and witness the change and salvation of many.
As most of you know I arrived in India on November 1. It has been one interesting, crazy ride so far but i am loving every minute of it. It is a complete different world! I'm living and doing ministry just an hour and a half outside Mumbai, India's largest city. The Teen Challenge Center where i live and work is in the the outskirts of surrounding mountain ranges and jungle. Its beautiful, away from the crazy city and a little community of its own. We call it Ashagram which means Villiage of Hope. This is where men, women, and children come to recover from the lives of addiction, slavery, and the street. I have the great privelege of working with the boys unit here at Ashagram. 36 boys ageing from (8-16) from all different backrounds, religion, and even countries! I have been teaching their regular evening chapel each night and it has been so amazing. I have been building relationship with each of them and they are really enjoying my creative method of teaching. I really wanted to teach them the bible in a way that is interesting and real to them, a way that is different from anything they have ever experienced, and God has been faithful to give me the material and creativity to do just that.
In December im planning to start a small group with the older boys. God has really put them on my heart, for it was at 16 that God really started molding and shaping who i am today, it was during that time that he put specific people in my life to see me through to the finish and to never quit no matter how hard or impossible it may have seemed. I really want to support these guys, they dont have parents pushing them to do something with their life, or a close friend to tell them to dream and believe for whatever they want. I want to be someone that can stand beside them, dream with them, and encourage and support them in finding their calling, what God has for each individual, and do everything i can to help get them there. Im really excited for this to start and i think God is going to do amazing things through it. It's only about 6 boys that i will be discipling, but my prayer is that i can follow Jesus' example; Pour my life into a few, and witness the change and salvation of many.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Sunsets and Daydreams
Amazed by your glory
Humbled in awe
The earth declares you are God
Captured by beauty
Silenced in splendor
Let hearts arise in song
Exalting with praise
You alone are worthy
The stars remember your face
Mountains look up
Oceans feel small
Mankind can't fathom your grace
From seed to redwood
Spring to Fall
Is creation alone not a sign?
Of a master, creator
Father of all
The one outside of time?
Is the sun not shining?
Moon not glowing?
Do your ears hear, and eyes see?
Then sing, praise
Shout and dance
For life abounds to thee
Seconds don't hesitate
They leave no legacy
Unless a change is made
To bring to life
Every lasting moment
To accept what our Savior paid
Freedom, purpose
Life in the fullest
Friendship with the Father himself
We can have nothing
And yet have everything
For true Life, is true wealth
Amazed by your Glory
Humbled in awe
The earth declares you are God!
Humbled in awe
The earth declares you are God
Captured by beauty
Silenced in splendor
Let hearts arise in song
Exalting with praise
You alone are worthy
The stars remember your face
Mountains look up
Oceans feel small
Mankind can't fathom your grace
From seed to redwood
Spring to Fall
Is creation alone not a sign?
Of a master, creator
Father of all
The one outside of time?
Is the sun not shining?
Moon not glowing?
Do your ears hear, and eyes see?
Then sing, praise
Shout and dance
For life abounds to thee
Seconds don't hesitate
They leave no legacy
Unless a change is made
To bring to life
Every lasting moment
To accept what our Savior paid
Freedom, purpose
Life in the fullest
Friendship with the Father himself
We can have nothing
And yet have everything
For true Life, is true wealth
Amazed by your Glory
Humbled in awe
The earth declares you are God!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Jesus Light My Fire!!
Jesus and I are relighting the fire in our relationship. I recently returned from the Desperation Conference in Colorado this last week and i seriously had an encounter with the living God. I came home and about 6 hours later after a 22 hour drive home, i was back on the road headed to another camp in Santa Cruz...crazy huh,,,,it seemed like it was two weeks of Jesus Camp..lol. It has been so crazy lately because really i haven't been able to "feel" the crazy intense power of God physically at these camps, but my heart and soul see it everywhere in my life the more i run to Him and pursue him wholeheartedly. Through these camps i have truly been equipped with not only an experience, but tools for life in following Christ. I look back on my life and see how God has taken care of me, and even day by day how he provides and makes a way for me. God really challenged me this last week to build my love for Him, finding new ways to truly worship, and build our relationship. I love my God, and He is so worthy of all praise and adoration. Let me explain...
Think of that one person you absolutely love, the person that seems to make the world go away, and when you look into their eyes everything just seems right and their words so assuring, think of the corny smile you have when you talk to them and how your heart fills with joy when they're around...now times that by a hundred, shake, stir and let it boil... there you have the amazing love that i have found, and will continue to find in the arms of God. I'm so excited about this new love that i have found and i want to encourage you to seek to love God in new ways, if someone said they loved you everyday for the rest of their lives it wouldn't mean much if they didn't make that love true, real, and growing each day right?? God we're in pursuit of a growing love relationship with you, because you first loved us!
Think of that one person you absolutely love, the person that seems to make the world go away, and when you look into their eyes everything just seems right and their words so assuring, think of the corny smile you have when you talk to them and how your heart fills with joy when they're around...now times that by a hundred, shake, stir and let it boil... there you have the amazing love that i have found, and will continue to find in the arms of God. I'm so excited about this new love that i have found and i want to encourage you to seek to love God in new ways, if someone said they loved you everyday for the rest of their lives it wouldn't mean much if they didn't make that love true, real, and growing each day right?? God we're in pursuit of a growing love relationship with you, because you first loved us!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Searching For Silver
Well i'm back, reality took very little time to set in. I have a lot ahead of me, from district apps and references to the daily grind of whatever my day brings. It's not something that was unexpected or caught me off guard, because i knew eventually i would feel this way. I've got the chance to pick up alot of the teams coming home from mission trips this summer. It's so great to hear their stories, what God did, what they ate, or where they went. I remember the same kind of feeling, not this crazy mountaintop experience or anything, but enough to affirm me in my calling and what God has for me. So now I'm back to "regular" life, whatever that means, and it's time to feed myself again.
Being on the missionfield you live and breathe service to God, ministering to people and helping people. Its like a constant filling emptying and refilling of Gods spirit. And then you come home, and you run off that for a while, thanking God for what he's done, and all of a sudden its back to the daily choices, trials, and temptations of life. That same life and breath of service to God is no longer as easy as it was, but now a constant choice. I'm learning and have learned that almost everything in life is a choice. The choice to do good, the choice to do evil, the choice to be unproductive, the choice to engage. With everything comes a breaking point in which you will choose to further Gods kingdom, slow it down, break it down, or simply be happy with the way it is. I have found that the answer or at least primary thing we must seek with all these choices is wisdom. Proverbs 2 instructs us to ask God for wisdom because he will grant us that wisdom when we cry out for insight. It says to search for wisdom like we would search for silver or treasure and then we will understand the fear of the lord and gain knowledge of Him. God can and will give us the wisdom we need to get through times of choice...which for me is everyday.
Along with that James 1:5-6 says in the NMT(New Manuel Translation)..lol "Go ahead and ask for wisdom from God, because he will give it to you. But make sure you trust in the wisdom he has given you, not doubting what he has spoken" Sometimes when God gives us the wisdom to make a decision, we are still tempted to go against what we know He wants us to do. The bible describes people like that as waves in the sea tossed back and forth. I don't know about you, but i only want to move forward with my lord, not stationary, and definitely not away. So lets search, receive, and use the wisdom that God has so graciously made available!
Being on the missionfield you live and breathe service to God, ministering to people and helping people. Its like a constant filling emptying and refilling of Gods spirit. And then you come home, and you run off that for a while, thanking God for what he's done, and all of a sudden its back to the daily choices, trials, and temptations of life. That same life and breath of service to God is no longer as easy as it was, but now a constant choice. I'm learning and have learned that almost everything in life is a choice. The choice to do good, the choice to do evil, the choice to be unproductive, the choice to engage. With everything comes a breaking point in which you will choose to further Gods kingdom, slow it down, break it down, or simply be happy with the way it is. I have found that the answer or at least primary thing we must seek with all these choices is wisdom. Proverbs 2 instructs us to ask God for wisdom because he will grant us that wisdom when we cry out for insight. It says to search for wisdom like we would search for silver or treasure and then we will understand the fear of the lord and gain knowledge of Him. God can and will give us the wisdom we need to get through times of choice...which for me is everyday.
Along with that James 1:5-6 says in the NMT(New Manuel Translation)..lol "Go ahead and ask for wisdom from God, because he will give it to you. But make sure you trust in the wisdom he has given you, not doubting what he has spoken" Sometimes when God gives us the wisdom to make a decision, we are still tempted to go against what we know He wants us to do. The bible describes people like that as waves in the sea tossed back and forth. I don't know about you, but i only want to move forward with my lord, not stationary, and definitely not away. So lets search, receive, and use the wisdom that God has so graciously made available!
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Monday, July 02, 2007
Brazil 07'
When i describe my experience in Brazil i find myself saying the word "amazing" over and over again because everything was truly amazing! My team, the ministry, food, people, culture, and landscape was like nothing i've experienced before. I'll try to break it down but understand that words cannot even begin to explain the AMAZING things that happened.
The Team:
Most of my team was from Oakdale where Pastor Andrew Huson, the trip leader lives and pastors. We had about 14 people on the team and each individual did their part to serve and be open to whatever God wanted to do during our time there. We worked with Pastor Rodney Huson and his wife Corral during our time in Brazil. They have been missionaries to Brazil for quite some time along with most of the Huson lineage. Our team clicked right off the bat and we were able to have effective ministry because we were united together as well as with the father.
Ministry:
Ministry ran through our veins for 12 days, everything you could think of; church services, youth convention services, street outreach, school service, church building projects we did it all. We had a great human video we did at least once at every church we visited, we also had a 4 part skit we did for our youth convention services. Each church service was full of the power and conviction of Christ, Pastor Andrew did an amazing job in his obedience to the word the God gave him for the people of Brazil, even though we heard the same message each night, it carried fresh annointing and power each night, i think i got saved at least 7 times...haha. We also did a worship song here and there if churches wanted,with Tommy on guitar, Tina singing, and me on drums, "Shout to the Lord" proved to be a current hit in most towns. Spending time at a beautiful school that a missionary started was so great. Escuela Anntoinette Johnson in Vargina was full of kids who loved and understood Christ's love, it was such a blessing just to play soccer, jump rope, and run around with the children. We also got the privelage of working on a church building project for two days while in Vargina. During that time we helped make, pour, and shovel concrete, move a large pile of dirt, and clean up the construction site itself. After completion the new church will seat up to 1,500 people and should be finished by November 08'. While in Rio de Janeiro we held an evening service at a park, we were able to set up the PA system and preach the word openly with the park and streets full of people. During our time in Brazil we saw a little more than 70 people come to Christ for the first time and many filled with the Holy Spirit. We greeted, smiled, and prayed for hundreds and we know that God fulfilled His work in each one.
Food:
For the first few days it seemed like all we did was eat! Brazilian food is great and they wanted us to take EVERY opportunity to eat it! You could find meat, rice, and beans at every meal no matter what and thats just the bare minimum! They also made us a few different kinds of spaghetti and made sure we had some mashed potatoes...interesting combo i know. Brazil officially has the BEST SODA EVER it tastes great and is made from a special berry only found in Brazil its called Guarana. We had our fill of Guarana for sure, every meal we would down at least 6 liters of this stuff as a team. Too bad they don't sell it in the states.Brazillian coffee is also by far the best i've had. puts Starbucks to shame!! If your ever in Brazil you have to visit what they call a Chuhascaria. Its a very nice restaurant where about 4 waiters circle your table for about an hour offering different kinds of meat. The meat is cut right in front of you and is the best ever. I had about 6 different types of meat that night including Ram which tasted alot like New York steak,,,mmm. I also had caviar (spellings probably off) as well as sushi for the first time. After all the meat guys stopped circling us, we had desert... about 3 plates of desert!! The Brazilians love to eat, if it was a sport they'd win every game.
People/Culture:
Love the people. So hospitable and kind it felt like home everywhere we went. They love soccer and if your favorite team differs from theirs, prepare for battle...haha Like i said they love to eat...no complaining here. Also something i thought was interesting is that everyone looks a lot younger than what they are. We kept on getting surprised at the ages of some of the people we met...its something in the water. I can't deny it, the woman of Brazil are truly beautiful, not a lot of make up or expensive clothes...just beautiful. I've learned while being in Brazil that it is illegal to have your elbow out the window while in the car, no matter your weight men wear speedos at the beach, and that apparently i resemble Trey from Highschool Musical and my all-time favorite... Harry Potter.
Terrain, Weather, Attractions Ect.:
The beaches were gorgeous, the water warm, and the weather just right. It was actually winter while we were there but you would never guess. The jungle was pretty jungly lol we never did find the anacondas though...we did see a bunch of monkeys though. All kinds of tourist attractions mainly in Rio de Janeiro. We visited Christ the Redeemer which gave us a beautiful view overlooking the city. The last morning we were in Rio a few of us got up at like 6:30 and went swimming in the Atlantic, in the rain, watching the sun come up as the tide came in..one of the coolest experiences i've ever had. I'll be back in Rio someday, somehow...HONEYMOON BABY!!
I had the time of my life in Brazil, intense ministry and intense play time. It was the perfect balance of both and it made for an incredible trip!
The Team:
Most of my team was from Oakdale where Pastor Andrew Huson, the trip leader lives and pastors. We had about 14 people on the team and each individual did their part to serve and be open to whatever God wanted to do during our time there. We worked with Pastor Rodney Huson and his wife Corral during our time in Brazil. They have been missionaries to Brazil for quite some time along with most of the Huson lineage. Our team clicked right off the bat and we were able to have effective ministry because we were united together as well as with the father.
Ministry:
Ministry ran through our veins for 12 days, everything you could think of; church services, youth convention services, street outreach, school service, church building projects we did it all. We had a great human video we did at least once at every church we visited, we also had a 4 part skit we did for our youth convention services. Each church service was full of the power and conviction of Christ, Pastor Andrew did an amazing job in his obedience to the word the God gave him for the people of Brazil, even though we heard the same message each night, it carried fresh annointing and power each night, i think i got saved at least 7 times...haha. We also did a worship song here and there if churches wanted,with Tommy on guitar, Tina singing, and me on drums, "Shout to the Lord" proved to be a current hit in most towns. Spending time at a beautiful school that a missionary started was so great. Escuela Anntoinette Johnson in Vargina was full of kids who loved and understood Christ's love, it was such a blessing just to play soccer, jump rope, and run around with the children. We also got the privelage of working on a church building project for two days while in Vargina. During that time we helped make, pour, and shovel concrete, move a large pile of dirt, and clean up the construction site itself. After completion the new church will seat up to 1,500 people and should be finished by November 08'. While in Rio de Janeiro we held an evening service at a park, we were able to set up the PA system and preach the word openly with the park and streets full of people. During our time in Brazil we saw a little more than 70 people come to Christ for the first time and many filled with the Holy Spirit. We greeted, smiled, and prayed for hundreds and we know that God fulfilled His work in each one.
Food:
For the first few days it seemed like all we did was eat! Brazilian food is great and they wanted us to take EVERY opportunity to eat it! You could find meat, rice, and beans at every meal no matter what and thats just the bare minimum! They also made us a few different kinds of spaghetti and made sure we had some mashed potatoes...interesting combo i know. Brazil officially has the BEST SODA EVER it tastes great and is made from a special berry only found in Brazil its called Guarana. We had our fill of Guarana for sure, every meal we would down at least 6 liters of this stuff as a team. Too bad they don't sell it in the states.Brazillian coffee is also by far the best i've had. puts Starbucks to shame!! If your ever in Brazil you have to visit what they call a Chuhascaria. Its a very nice restaurant where about 4 waiters circle your table for about an hour offering different kinds of meat. The meat is cut right in front of you and is the best ever. I had about 6 different types of meat that night including Ram which tasted alot like New York steak,,,mmm. I also had caviar (spellings probably off) as well as sushi for the first time. After all the meat guys stopped circling us, we had desert... about 3 plates of desert!! The Brazilians love to eat, if it was a sport they'd win every game.
People/Culture:
Love the people. So hospitable and kind it felt like home everywhere we went. They love soccer and if your favorite team differs from theirs, prepare for battle...haha Like i said they love to eat...no complaining here. Also something i thought was interesting is that everyone looks a lot younger than what they are. We kept on getting surprised at the ages of some of the people we met...its something in the water. I can't deny it, the woman of Brazil are truly beautiful, not a lot of make up or expensive clothes...just beautiful. I've learned while being in Brazil that it is illegal to have your elbow out the window while in the car, no matter your weight men wear speedos at the beach, and that apparently i resemble Trey from Highschool Musical and my all-time favorite... Harry Potter.
Terrain, Weather, Attractions Ect.:
The beaches were gorgeous, the water warm, and the weather just right. It was actually winter while we were there but you would never guess. The jungle was pretty jungly lol we never did find the anacondas though...we did see a bunch of monkeys though. All kinds of tourist attractions mainly in Rio de Janeiro. We visited Christ the Redeemer which gave us a beautiful view overlooking the city. The last morning we were in Rio a few of us got up at like 6:30 and went swimming in the Atlantic, in the rain, watching the sun come up as the tide came in..one of the coolest experiences i've ever had. I'll be back in Rio someday, somehow...HONEYMOON BABY!!
I had the time of my life in Brazil, intense ministry and intense play time. It was the perfect balance of both and it made for an incredible trip!
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Repetetive Words
I wrote this last year....at the time i wrote it because on of my friends was choosing to go against what they knew was right. I read it today and thought there have been times in my life...and maybe yours too when I acted the same way or gone against what i knew was right....
To whom it may concern:
You know who you are
You expose the obvious yet stand so far
Expressions thrive but spirits weaken
Compromising everything just for the weekend
A consuming cycle of filling the void
I love you my friend but im really annoyed
With how you press on, on your own
And reap disaster from seeds you've sewn
Grab hold of the Truth that was revealed
To your heart no longer concealed
Let go of yourself your wants and "needs"
Grab on to Life and finally be
The light in shadows blazing fierce
No longer persuading itching ears
Once again a change of desire
Not of yourself but of something higher
It hurts my heart to see you this way
And thinking of all the things i tried to say
To change your heart and open your eyes
But i guess i dont know i guess they're just lies
Cross-fading from white to gray
I dont think it was meant to be this way
But decisions were made you counted the cost
Gambling on what you gained not what was to be lost
My heart is heavy and i dont know why
I thought this ended back in July
I can only pray that God gives you grace
To overcome the obstacles you have chosen to face
And that the ones you chose to be so close
Would not begin to feel the blows
Of pain and sorrow not by intention
Did guilt an shame forget to be mentioned?
All for a price and always you pay
When Truth takes a back seat and His will is in your way.
harsh i know....just to let you know...the friend i was talking to in this poem is doing amazing and i can't wait to see what God is going to do through him!
To whom it may concern:
You know who you are
You expose the obvious yet stand so far
Expressions thrive but spirits weaken
Compromising everything just for the weekend
A consuming cycle of filling the void
I love you my friend but im really annoyed
With how you press on, on your own
And reap disaster from seeds you've sewn
Grab hold of the Truth that was revealed
To your heart no longer concealed
Let go of yourself your wants and "needs"
Grab on to Life and finally be
The light in shadows blazing fierce
No longer persuading itching ears
Once again a change of desire
Not of yourself but of something higher
It hurts my heart to see you this way
And thinking of all the things i tried to say
To change your heart and open your eyes
But i guess i dont know i guess they're just lies
Cross-fading from white to gray
I dont think it was meant to be this way
But decisions were made you counted the cost
Gambling on what you gained not what was to be lost
My heart is heavy and i dont know why
I thought this ended back in July
I can only pray that God gives you grace
To overcome the obstacles you have chosen to face
And that the ones you chose to be so close
Would not begin to feel the blows
Of pain and sorrow not by intention
Did guilt an shame forget to be mentioned?
All for a price and always you pay
When Truth takes a back seat and His will is in your way.
harsh i know....just to let you know...the friend i was talking to in this poem is doing amazing and i can't wait to see what God is going to do through him!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
If I Die before I wake....
Philippians 2:16-18
16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.
I've been learning lately that the decisions i make everyday not only effect me but all those around me as well. If i have a bitter attittude, others will be effected by my choice to act that way. In chapter 2 12-15 of Philipians, Paul thanks the people of Philipi for following his instruction thus far in living as children of light, honoring God and others by that pure and innocent lifestyle. But then at verse 16 it almost seems like he switches directions and starts talking about Christ's return, service and offering.
So I asked myself why would Paul talk about living as children of light, and then start talking about rejoicing in losing his life and offering it to God?
I came to this....By living as children of God, being a witness to others by our lifestyle, attitudes, and speech we leave the impression of something different than this world is so used to.....we offer ourselves, we give up our rights. We can't help but live each day, and others can't help but notice. So what I think Paul was saying is that even when Christ returns, even if we do lose our life we have the power leave a legacy for others to follow, learn, and live by. Even if we die, we have lived for purpose and truth in service to Christ. Giving the Life that was given to us, back to Him as an offering. So rejoice in this, that everyday we have the choice to live for Him and make a difference.
You dont have to be a prophet, pastor, great teacher or evangelist to live a life that reflects Christ. We all have the power to live a life that shows our love for Him.
"Minister the Gospel daily, when necessary use words"
16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.
I've been learning lately that the decisions i make everyday not only effect me but all those around me as well. If i have a bitter attittude, others will be effected by my choice to act that way. In chapter 2 12-15 of Philipians, Paul thanks the people of Philipi for following his instruction thus far in living as children of light, honoring God and others by that pure and innocent lifestyle. But then at verse 16 it almost seems like he switches directions and starts talking about Christ's return, service and offering.
So I asked myself why would Paul talk about living as children of light, and then start talking about rejoicing in losing his life and offering it to God?
I came to this....By living as children of God, being a witness to others by our lifestyle, attitudes, and speech we leave the impression of something different than this world is so used to.....we offer ourselves, we give up our rights. We can't help but live each day, and others can't help but notice. So what I think Paul was saying is that even when Christ returns, even if we do lose our life we have the power leave a legacy for others to follow, learn, and live by. Even if we die, we have lived for purpose and truth in service to Christ. Giving the Life that was given to us, back to Him as an offering. So rejoice in this, that everyday we have the choice to live for Him and make a difference.
You dont have to be a prophet, pastor, great teacher or evangelist to live a life that reflects Christ. We all have the power to live a life that shows our love for Him.
"Minister the Gospel daily, when necessary use words"
Thursday, February 15, 2007
All Of The Above
Its the feeling when not everything is perfect
But life couldn't get much better
Its the adrenaline that drives
And the reality that settles
Its standing in the rain
And not caring that I'm drenched
Its a significant thirst
That waits to be quenched
Its the feeling when God is in control
and that He made me for such a time
Its looking back from where I came
And knowing I followed every sign
Its falling facedown
Simply amazed
Its rising above reason
and accepting it that way
Its the feeling that is so much more
than a feeling in itself
Its intangible
its an inner wealth
Its embracing each day
to prepare for the next
Its anticipating the future
Learning from yesterdays wreck
Its like waiting for Christmas
In the beginnings of March
and knowing my amazing gift
before winter even starts
Its something so complex
Yet something so sure
It knows no regret
And was made so pure
So many have tried to define it
So many have had success
So many have recieved it
So many have also expressed
But none have come closer
to its fullness and core
Than the maker Himself
Christ Jesus our Lord
One day I'll define it
But until that day comes
The only way to describe it
Is all of the above
But life couldn't get much better
Its the adrenaline that drives
And the reality that settles
Its standing in the rain
And not caring that I'm drenched
Its a significant thirst
That waits to be quenched
Its the feeling when God is in control
and that He made me for such a time
Its looking back from where I came
And knowing I followed every sign
Its falling facedown
Simply amazed
Its rising above reason
and accepting it that way
Its the feeling that is so much more
than a feeling in itself
Its intangible
its an inner wealth
Its embracing each day
to prepare for the next
Its anticipating the future
Learning from yesterdays wreck
Its like waiting for Christmas
In the beginnings of March
and knowing my amazing gift
before winter even starts
Its something so complex
Yet something so sure
It knows no regret
And was made so pure
So many have tried to define it
So many have had success
So many have recieved it
So many have also expressed
But none have come closer
to its fullness and core
Than the maker Himself
Christ Jesus our Lord
One day I'll define it
But until that day comes
The only way to describe it
Is all of the above
Sunday, February 11, 2007
The Art of Breaking
Ok so i apologize for not updating since forever, but i think i finally can do this.
Im currently just sittin in my car in the parking lot at the church and decided to finally blog about the good, the bad, and the ugly in my life.
Lets start with the bad and ugly....since my last blog i am still a sinner(shocker huh?) and still need a lot of discipline as far as school and my daily attitude goes..although there has been alot of growth, my desire is to never be satisfied or become comfortable with where i am spiritually, mentally, and even physically. My desire is to press forward in every aspect of life.
Ok the good....i cant begin to describe the amazing things that God is doing in my life.....seriously....i cant. lol Lately ive been praying that i would choose to grow everyday in the decisions, actions, and words that i say. That i would not pray to be a successful leader or man of God "someday". but that i would take each day to be a success, and take each moment to mold and shape who i will be for tomorrow. By change and discipline i pray that everyday i would build my strengths and work out my weaknesses. Its so exciting to realize that everyday i have the chance to improve who i am; my character,personality,gifts,and relations with others and with God. The steps i take today will lead me to where i'll be tomorrow. My desire is to take steps forward and to be in continuous motion, even when it gets hard and to use the help of others that want to see me succeed. God is up to something amazing, and with all this intense preparation and growth i can only expect the best from Him. He is so good.
I encourage ya'll to do the same. Never become comfortabe with your relationship with God or ministry, make every effort to find a deeper love. Even when it changes all that we know or all we have been doing all our lives, its the art of breaking complacency, and the choice to pursue an intimate growing relationship with our God.
Love ya guys and i'll try to keep ya updated :)
Im currently just sittin in my car in the parking lot at the church and decided to finally blog about the good, the bad, and the ugly in my life.
Lets start with the bad and ugly....since my last blog i am still a sinner(shocker huh?) and still need a lot of discipline as far as school and my daily attitude goes..although there has been alot of growth, my desire is to never be satisfied or become comfortable with where i am spiritually, mentally, and even physically. My desire is to press forward in every aspect of life.
Ok the good....i cant begin to describe the amazing things that God is doing in my life.....seriously....i cant. lol Lately ive been praying that i would choose to grow everyday in the decisions, actions, and words that i say. That i would not pray to be a successful leader or man of God "someday". but that i would take each day to be a success, and take each moment to mold and shape who i will be for tomorrow. By change and discipline i pray that everyday i would build my strengths and work out my weaknesses. Its so exciting to realize that everyday i have the chance to improve who i am; my character,personality,gifts,and relations with others and with God. The steps i take today will lead me to where i'll be tomorrow. My desire is to take steps forward and to be in continuous motion, even when it gets hard and to use the help of others that want to see me succeed. God is up to something amazing, and with all this intense preparation and growth i can only expect the best from Him. He is so good.
I encourage ya'll to do the same. Never become comfortabe with your relationship with God or ministry, make every effort to find a deeper love. Even when it changes all that we know or all we have been doing all our lives, its the art of breaking complacency, and the choice to pursue an intimate growing relationship with our God.
Love ya guys and i'll try to keep ya updated :)
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