Poi si tornò all'eterna fontana
"Then one returns to the eternal fountain"
8.16.2008
8.13.2008
life right now
i find myself in an odd place right now. i do not believe that I'm stagnant in my walk or even sedentary in my thoughts i just feel slow. it is true that my life is very busy and full of friends and activity but i almost feel as if God is trying to reveal or coax me to a different place that He already is. please understand that I'm not complaining about life, not in the least. i could almost argue that its contentment that i feel rather then a variable of speed; slow. its a different kind of contentment that i feel though, its almost a factual feeling. as if God is reinforcing to me that He has been and will always remain there and everywhere for the rest of ever.
7.19.2008
Love or Pride?
Love outside of it's Creator is not Love, but pride. If God is the creator of Love, rather if God is Love (1 John 4:7-11) how then can man love outside of God? Sin is rooted in pride. Pride is rooted in a recognition of self and from others, pride. When love is attempted outside of it's originator we run into a sort of prideful desire for recognition. In turn we create not love but a love of self which destroys the very premise of true love, which is to love others before yourself.
So we come down to the dilema yet again. Life, love, breath and all of the above is useless outside of God, outside of its Creator.
So we come down to the dilema yet again. Life, love, breath and all of the above is useless outside of God, outside of its Creator.
6.27.2008
fire hydrants and shadows
there is a fire hydrant across the street, its silver and it has a shadow. while looking at this hydrant the other night God spoke to me and it, i believe, was and is very poignant.
this hydrant, i noticed, has a shadow. and just like every other shadow there are certain similarities. all shadows are a "cut out" of the original. depending on where the light hits the object they can be the same height and width as the object. now if someone tried to convince you that this shadow had the exact same qualities and value as the main object you would assume this person to be crazy. the shadow serves no purpose beyond that of telling you where the object has taken up space, that's it.
when we as people are living our lives outside of our Creators (God) design and plan we are this shadow. the same applies. if you walked up to someone and told them that there shadow held the same validity in life this person would not only assume you were crazy they would tell you as well. i think that there is a sort of catch though. when we are living in our shadow of our true self we really don't know it. see, the enemy, who is satan, will do everything in his power to try and keep us living outside of God's plan because he knows full well what we (you) were truly created for. he knows that when we submit ourselves to the Master Author the true writing of our lives begins and there is nothing that can be done to stop it. think of it this way. to truly understand a song, poem or play you would go to the author, right? of course. God is this author of our lives. however, you can still run wild on this stage we call life and be completely unaware that you missed your cue. this is due to the fact of our pride, we are convinced that we can do it ourselves. however, how foolish would that actor look on stage if he did not follow the script and all of the other's did?
among many others this is the offering of Christianity, clarity of life. wouldn't it be hard to live as that shadow of the object yet still desire with all of you to be the actual? i'm not going to suppose that this is Christianity in it's entirety because it is not. i believe it is as individual as the individual. however we cannot be someone that we were not created to be and wouldn't it be nice to be the self that you created to be. how else do you, could you, be that self away from your true Creator?
this hydrant, i noticed, has a shadow. and just like every other shadow there are certain similarities. all shadows are a "cut out" of the original. depending on where the light hits the object they can be the same height and width as the object. now if someone tried to convince you that this shadow had the exact same qualities and value as the main object you would assume this person to be crazy. the shadow serves no purpose beyond that of telling you where the object has taken up space, that's it.
when we as people are living our lives outside of our Creators (God) design and plan we are this shadow. the same applies. if you walked up to someone and told them that there shadow held the same validity in life this person would not only assume you were crazy they would tell you as well. i think that there is a sort of catch though. when we are living in our shadow of our true self we really don't know it. see, the enemy, who is satan, will do everything in his power to try and keep us living outside of God's plan because he knows full well what we (you) were truly created for. he knows that when we submit ourselves to the Master Author the true writing of our lives begins and there is nothing that can be done to stop it. think of it this way. to truly understand a song, poem or play you would go to the author, right? of course. God is this author of our lives. however, you can still run wild on this stage we call life and be completely unaware that you missed your cue. this is due to the fact of our pride, we are convinced that we can do it ourselves. however, how foolish would that actor look on stage if he did not follow the script and all of the other's did?
among many others this is the offering of Christianity, clarity of life. wouldn't it be hard to live as that shadow of the object yet still desire with all of you to be the actual? i'm not going to suppose that this is Christianity in it's entirety because it is not. i believe it is as individual as the individual. however we cannot be someone that we were not created to be and wouldn't it be nice to be the self that you created to be. how else do you, could you, be that self away from your true Creator?
6.16.2008
friends
every Monday night my wife has her Fusion (that would be a college girls small group) and i go to Barnes and Noble's with a good friend of mine, Logan. we sit and talk. about what you ask? everything. tonight we talked about life, Jesus (which really is life!) God, the Holy Spirit, money, work, philosophy, family, friends etc.... its truly a time well spent. now i have realized as of late that God has greatly blessed me with friends, which i do consider family.
every other Sunday night we have all the college kids over here at the house. to do what you ask? to talk and hang out. we drink coffee and speak on the idiosyncrasies of life. God, family, friends, work, life, politics and everything else in between.
what i am trying to get at here is that life is good and God is greater!
every other Sunday night we have all the college kids over here at the house. to do what you ask? to talk and hang out. we drink coffee and speak on the idiosyncrasies of life. God, family, friends, work, life, politics and everything else in between.
what i am trying to get at here is that life is good and God is greater!
6.14.2008
a thought on light
"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." C.S. Lewis from " The Weight of Glory
it's interesting to me how profound yet simple this is. when i gave my life, heart, mind and everything solely to God i saw, and still do see, all things in such perfect clarity. why wouldn't i? you would understand a poem, painting or song if it were explained to you be the creator of said work better then if it were told to you by some on looker. so why wouldn't we see with more clarity when our Creator truly opens our eyes?
in John 9:39 Christ says that He came to "give sight to the blind." now i believe this to be figurative as well as literal, He did and still does both. prior to a life given to Christ we can see, or so we think. the enemy, satan, has blinded us to ourselves and our own self destructive ways. we do not know, until were lying face down on the floor, that we have missed the mark. think of it this way; a man for all his life has lived in darkness, literal darkness, lets say a cave. now you find this man and introduce light to him, keep in mind he has no concept of this, at all. how over stimulated and elated do you think this man would be? for the first time in his life he would truly see.
we, prior to Christ, live in this darkness, and like the man, do not know it. now its easy to assume that this man, having lived in the cave and just shown the light, would be thrilled to show his friends. there would be no hesitation rather complete joy and excitement allowing nothing to stop him from showing his friends and family.
this is why i breath. this is why exist. getting married, holding an occupation, drinking coffee with my friends and ranting on theology and philosophy and (seemingly useless) politics are all well and good but not the reason i live. this is. see i have been shown this light and i'm elated, thrilled and over joyed to tell others.
Matthew 5:16 - "Let your light so shine before men, that the may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven"
6.10.2008
bitter coffee and sin.
let me start this out and make it very clear that i am not saying that coffee is sin, that's just dumb and anyone who knows me would agree that i should own stock in Starbucks with the coffee i go through. i'm simply using it as an analogy, so relax and enjoy that cup o' joe.
coffee, it is great. i, like many people, are drawn to it. i love the aroma, the taste and i have many memories tied into it. but, there is a problem. 95% of the coffee is great, then there is the last 5% that is wretched. its rough. and for anyone that drinks it with some regularity can back me up on this. if you let that coffee get slightly cool its going to be nasty towards the last sip. its going to leave a bitter, nasty taste that lingers in your mouth. no good i say!
now lets go to sin. sin, particularly of the flesh, is like this. sweet, aromatic, enticing, and pleasurable. then towards the end it suddenly turns into this hideous mass of pain, discomfort and shame. by this time its often to late to stop, so we think. (it's horrible to realize that death has been, and is daily, delivered to us in such an enticing way that we cannot help but to peer in.) the enemy will tell us to continue, to see "it" through. our flesh will echo the same. when the feeling or sensation flows over into the nerves, that overflow is the consummation; when the anguish flows over, that physical symptom is the crowning horror.
sin is deceptive. satin is the great liar and deceiver. his ultimate goal is to kill us (john 10:10) and to see us robbed of who God made us to be. so just as that last sip of coffee can all to often be bitter so the same with sin. we train ourselves to get "used to it", to adjust. when this takes place we are only fooling ourselves.
coffee, it is great. i, like many people, are drawn to it. i love the aroma, the taste and i have many memories tied into it. but, there is a problem. 95% of the coffee is great, then there is the last 5% that is wretched. its rough. and for anyone that drinks it with some regularity can back me up on this. if you let that coffee get slightly cool its going to be nasty towards the last sip. its going to leave a bitter, nasty taste that lingers in your mouth. no good i say!
now lets go to sin. sin, particularly of the flesh, is like this. sweet, aromatic, enticing, and pleasurable. then towards the end it suddenly turns into this hideous mass of pain, discomfort and shame. by this time its often to late to stop, so we think. (it's horrible to realize that death has been, and is daily, delivered to us in such an enticing way that we cannot help but to peer in.) the enemy will tell us to continue, to see "it" through. our flesh will echo the same. when the feeling or sensation flows over into the nerves, that overflow is the consummation; when the anguish flows over, that physical symptom is the crowning horror.
sin is deceptive. satin is the great liar and deceiver. his ultimate goal is to kill us (john 10:10) and to see us robbed of who God made us to be. so just as that last sip of coffee can all to often be bitter so the same with sin. we train ourselves to get "used to it", to adjust. when this takes place we are only fooling ourselves.
6.05.2008
Romans 7:13-25
13. Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful.
14. For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.
15. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.
16. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good.
17. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
18. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells, for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.
19. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.
20. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
21. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good.
22. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man.
23. But I see another law in my members, waring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?
25. I thank God-through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.
14. For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.
15. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.
16. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good.
17. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
18. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells, for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.
19. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.
20. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
21. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good.
22. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man.
23. But I see another law in my members, waring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?
25. I thank God-through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.
6.01.2008
the good, the bad and the relative
Relativism, which is the doctrine that there are no absolute truths, i.e., that truth is always relative to some particular frame of reference, such as a language or a culture.
this is the basis of relativism and it is flawed from the start. if there are no "absolute truths" how can there be truth at all? even in a small amount? when you ask for the truth would you ever ask for the partial truth? no. we want the whole truth in its entirety.
the relative philosophy will also say that there is no definite good, all ways are good they would say. with the exception of murdering, raping, theivery, etc... the basic moral codes of society. however, the satanist, the hindu, the buddist, the Christian, the moron and so on are all right or good in there own respect, the relativsit would say. however, if one believes that all are right then that person does not believe there is wrong. in turn, they have nothing to reference good off of. so how can all be right if there is no wrong? (i personally believe that this relative mindset or philosophy of living is highly irresponsible and immature at best. this posistioning that individuals take is simply a way to dodge all responsibility and to make sure that everyone is happy with you. if you look at the soceity that we live in it is becoming more and more this way.)
the world that we inhabit dictates to us that there cannot be light without darkness. only a fool would try to convince you that darkness was a mere thought or frivoluos idea. without the darkness light would not stand out, light would not break the darkness, light would not be light. just the same there must be right and wrong, there cannot be one with out the other.
Jesus Christ is the true way, the only way. we have a blessed assurance in the blood of Jesus Christ to know that if we follow after Him we are choosing the right and good way of life.
this is the basis of relativism and it is flawed from the start. if there are no "absolute truths" how can there be truth at all? even in a small amount? when you ask for the truth would you ever ask for the partial truth? no. we want the whole truth in its entirety.
the relative philosophy will also say that there is no definite good, all ways are good they would say. with the exception of murdering, raping, theivery, etc... the basic moral codes of society. however, the satanist, the hindu, the buddist, the Christian, the moron and so on are all right or good in there own respect, the relativsit would say. however, if one believes that all are right then that person does not believe there is wrong. in turn, they have nothing to reference good off of. so how can all be right if there is no wrong? (i personally believe that this relative mindset or philosophy of living is highly irresponsible and immature at best. this posistioning that individuals take is simply a way to dodge all responsibility and to make sure that everyone is happy with you. if you look at the soceity that we live in it is becoming more and more this way.)
the world that we inhabit dictates to us that there cannot be light without darkness. only a fool would try to convince you that darkness was a mere thought or frivoluos idea. without the darkness light would not stand out, light would not break the darkness, light would not be light. just the same there must be right and wrong, there cannot be one with out the other.
Jesus Christ is the true way, the only way. we have a blessed assurance in the blood of Jesus Christ to know that if we follow after Him we are choosing the right and good way of life.
5.31.2008
God, family and tattoos
my tattoos, often people ask me what they mean and where i got them, so here goes.
i have a rose on the top of my wrist with the word "family" beneath it, that one is pretty self explanatory. i got in San Juan, Puerto Rico at a parlor on the beach. the dude tattooing me knew as much English as i do Spanish, that equates to "no" and "hi". SWEET! the thing that i failed to take into consideration was that i had been outside at the beach all day, didn't think that maybe i was sun burned. when his gloved hand hit my skin and pulled back i almost jumped out of the chair!
on my left wrist is written purity and on my right wrist is written truth. both of which pertain to God. got them at East End Demographics.
on my right arm is a 1957 Chevy Bel Air Hardtop, light green paint with a white top. side note: the artist who did this tattoo is named Sara "Monster" Kennedy and she has become on of my good friends. when i first met Sara she had her arms folded and she was leaned back in her chair glaring me down. i think that she thought i was looking for tribal work or something. so when she started the peice i was asking a great deal of questions. one of which was, "how much did that gun (i was refering to the tattoo machine she had in her hand) cost you?" she stopped what she was doing, looked up at me and said, "that was a free bee and i'll remember that your IGNORANT to all this. ITS NOT A GUN!" she said sternly. "its a machine!" from then on i have always had a greater respect for the craft of tattooing and the artists. and i must say that i think Sara could beat me up if she wanted to. this was my dad's first car. i really enjoy getting tattoos that symbolize things or people, this is the perfect symbol for him. my dad has been in the automotive business since he was 17 years old in Santa Ana California. he started out doing oil changes and basic tune ups on cars. this is what, i believe, started the love affair he still carries to this day. my father is an awesome man. he has a handle bar mustache. drives a 1969 Volkswagen Baja Bug to this day and loves life. he is one of the oldest kids you'll ever meet!
above the rose and below the bird is written "no compromise". i got this tattoo shortly after Gen Now summer camp last year. the theme of last years camp was "no compromise". coincidence, i think not. this one is more of a reflection of my view on life and more importantly my view on God and Christianity. no grey area, none! that's how i desire to live my life in every way.
above that is the bird. its a sparrow with "est 1983" written beneath it. that's the year that i was born. i got that tattoo at Philadelphia Eddies in Philly. the area is called South street and its awesome, had a great time out there.
on the inside of my forearm is the a-typical "praying hands", written beneath of it is "forgiven". once again that is rather self explanatory.
above that is written "just restin my eyes". this one pays homage to my Grandpa Gibbons who passed away the summer of 2002. every time that we would come over to my Grandparent's house and get ready to back out to lunch or wherever, he would sit down and fall right asleep! i'm talking within 15 seconds the man was out. but when you stirred him he would lift his hat and reply, "i was 'just restin my eyes.'" whats funny about that is my dad recalls all his growing up he would do the same thing. thinking of a tattoo for him proved to be a little challenging. he served during the WWII, landed on D-Day, fought all the way through Europe for 3 straight years, then came home, got a job and started the family. yet, he did not identify with the Army. so i got what reminded me most of him, "just resting my eyes."
on my right bicep i have a tall ship because i served 4 years in the USN.
on the inside of my right bicep i have a rose that say "mom". because i love my mommy! say something!!!!
on the back of my arm, my tricep, have a 1911 model Colt .45 with a silver (grey) oak leaf on the pistol grip. these were the side arms issued to all officers during WWII. my grandpa, Jack Jones, was that officer. we called him PoPo, long story behind that one. he served in the Army for 20 years and retired a Lt.Col. he passed away a few years ago. it was an odd time for me personally. i remember talking with my dad and trying to decide whether i should go visit him while he was alive or wait and go to his funeral, i choose to visit him in the hospital. there were two very distinct features about him that i will always remember. he had piercing blue eyes and a full head of hair. so i flew out to California with the direct intent on seeing him, and i did. it was brief but very good. i prayed with him and spoke for a few minutes then left. after i got back to base (this is while i was in the Navy) that day my dad called me and informed me that PoPo had passed away. looking back on it now i wonder if God kept him here so i could see him one last time.
on my right shoulder i have a wasp but not just any wasp, its Fifenella. it was originally designed by Walt Disney for the Women Air Service Pilots, WASP. my grandma Gibbons was a pilot during WWII. she stayed state side, as most did. what she would do is pick up the plane at the factory in say, Kansas and fly it either the west or east coast. her favorite plane to fly was the AT-6 Texan, it was the fighter of the day. she told me that one of the most nerve wracking times she ever had flying is when she was towing tank targets behind her, that tanks were shooting at! she is still alive and well in Santa Ana California. in July she'll be 87.
written across my chest is "set free" because i am set free from all sin. read the book of Romans.
on my left rib cage, the whole thing, is a spin off of the "rock of ages" work. its a cross on rocks with water around it. beneath of it is written "grace". i need to finish it but i'm scared of the pain. it hurts, a lot!
and lastly (for now) on my upper back is a trinity knot with the words faith, hope and love around it. i started it in Chicago Il. and finished in Clairmonte California.
so you see my tattoos are not an opportunity at rebellion or of anything malicious but simply the story of my God and my family.
hope you enjoyed.
i have a rose on the top of my wrist with the word "family" beneath it, that one is pretty self explanatory. i got in San Juan, Puerto Rico at a parlor on the beach. the dude tattooing me knew as much English as i do Spanish, that equates to "no" and "hi". SWEET! the thing that i failed to take into consideration was that i had been outside at the beach all day, didn't think that maybe i was sun burned. when his gloved hand hit my skin and pulled back i almost jumped out of the chair!
on my left wrist is written purity and on my right wrist is written truth. both of which pertain to God. got them at East End Demographics.
on my right arm is a 1957 Chevy Bel Air Hardtop, light green paint with a white top. side note: the artist who did this tattoo is named Sara "Monster" Kennedy and she has become on of my good friends. when i first met Sara she had her arms folded and she was leaned back in her chair glaring me down. i think that she thought i was looking for tribal work or something. so when she started the peice i was asking a great deal of questions. one of which was, "how much did that gun (i was refering to the tattoo machine she had in her hand) cost you?" she stopped what she was doing, looked up at me and said, "that was a free bee and i'll remember that your IGNORANT to all this. ITS NOT A GUN!" she said sternly. "its a machine!" from then on i have always had a greater respect for the craft of tattooing and the artists. and i must say that i think Sara could beat me up if she wanted to. this was my dad's first car. i really enjoy getting tattoos that symbolize things or people, this is the perfect symbol for him. my dad has been in the automotive business since he was 17 years old in Santa Ana California. he started out doing oil changes and basic tune ups on cars. this is what, i believe, started the love affair he still carries to this day. my father is an awesome man. he has a handle bar mustache. drives a 1969 Volkswagen Baja Bug to this day and loves life. he is one of the oldest kids you'll ever meet!
above the rose and below the bird is written "no compromise". i got this tattoo shortly after Gen Now summer camp last year. the theme of last years camp was "no compromise". coincidence, i think not. this one is more of a reflection of my view on life and more importantly my view on God and Christianity. no grey area, none! that's how i desire to live my life in every way.
above that is the bird. its a sparrow with "est 1983" written beneath it. that's the year that i was born. i got that tattoo at Philadelphia Eddies in Philly. the area is called South street and its awesome, had a great time out there.
on the inside of my forearm is the a-typical "praying hands", written beneath of it is "forgiven". once again that is rather self explanatory.
above that is written "just restin my eyes". this one pays homage to my Grandpa Gibbons who passed away the summer of 2002. every time that we would come over to my Grandparent's house and get ready to back out to lunch or wherever, he would sit down and fall right asleep! i'm talking within 15 seconds the man was out. but when you stirred him he would lift his hat and reply, "i was 'just restin my eyes.'" whats funny about that is my dad recalls all his growing up he would do the same thing. thinking of a tattoo for him proved to be a little challenging. he served during the WWII, landed on D-Day, fought all the way through Europe for 3 straight years, then came home, got a job and started the family. yet, he did not identify with the Army. so i got what reminded me most of him, "just resting my eyes."
on my right bicep i have a tall ship because i served 4 years in the USN.
on the inside of my right bicep i have a rose that say "mom". because i love my mommy! say something!!!!
on the back of my arm, my tricep, have a 1911 model Colt .45 with a silver (grey) oak leaf on the pistol grip. these were the side arms issued to all officers during WWII. my grandpa, Jack Jones, was that officer. we called him PoPo, long story behind that one. he served in the Army for 20 years and retired a Lt.Col. he passed away a few years ago. it was an odd time for me personally. i remember talking with my dad and trying to decide whether i should go visit him while he was alive or wait and go to his funeral, i choose to visit him in the hospital. there were two very distinct features about him that i will always remember. he had piercing blue eyes and a full head of hair. so i flew out to California with the direct intent on seeing him, and i did. it was brief but very good. i prayed with him and spoke for a few minutes then left. after i got back to base (this is while i was in the Navy) that day my dad called me and informed me that PoPo had passed away. looking back on it now i wonder if God kept him here so i could see him one last time.
on my right shoulder i have a wasp but not just any wasp, its Fifenella. it was originally designed by Walt Disney for the Women Air Service Pilots, WASP. my grandma Gibbons was a pilot during WWII. she stayed state side, as most did. what she would do is pick up the plane at the factory in say, Kansas and fly it either the west or east coast. her favorite plane to fly was the AT-6 Texan, it was the fighter of the day. she told me that one of the most nerve wracking times she ever had flying is when she was towing tank targets behind her, that tanks were shooting at! she is still alive and well in Santa Ana California. in July she'll be 87.
written across my chest is "set free" because i am set free from all sin. read the book of Romans.
on my left rib cage, the whole thing, is a spin off of the "rock of ages" work. its a cross on rocks with water around it. beneath of it is written "grace". i need to finish it but i'm scared of the pain. it hurts, a lot!
and lastly (for now) on my upper back is a trinity knot with the words faith, hope and love around it. i started it in Chicago Il. and finished in Clairmonte California.
so you see my tattoos are not an opportunity at rebellion or of anything malicious but simply the story of my God and my family.
hope you enjoyed.
5.28.2008
4,000 dead each day. 25,000 a week. 109,000 in a month. 1.3 million a year....
....and that's in the U.S. alone.
since legislation was passed in 1973 legalizing abortion over 40 million have been killed.
it's odd how this has passed under the radar. reason being is because it's looked at as a "choice" versus a life long action/decision. when we stop or infringe on some one's choice where looked at as halting there freedom, which i agree with. but what about when someone else's life is on the line? i do understand that that woman is the mother of that child and she, like all of us, have right over our bodies. i do also understand that that woman made the choice to engage in sexual activity, (which leads to pregnancy) thus demonstrating her maturity, or immaturity, in her individual decision making. at any rate, she made a choice. (now in cases of rape and or molestation i would argue the point of still having the child to give that child a chance. some will state the case of it being to painful for the mother, good point. however, that child shouldn't have to pay for someone elses action. Just over 1% of all abortions in the United States happen as a result of rape: Torres A and Forrest JD, Why do women have abortions? Family Planning Perspectives, 1988, 24(4):169-176. http://abort73.com/index.html) by making this choice she also, so we should hope, understood the potential ramifications of it. here in lies the crossroads of the problem. people only want the feeling and do not think further ahead to what the potential consequences could be. so the question remains, why should an unborn child have to be put to death due to one's poor decision making?
lets talk about the word choice some more. if someone rapes another person and while standing before the judge in an attempt to justify that action taken they say, "What?! My body my choice! right???" wrong we would say, right? right! in our criminal, social and ethical (how ever loose the ethics might be) society when you make any decision that hurts or effects the well being of another person in any way shape or form you are in direct violation of that persons right to freedom and choice. as is abortion. its an action that not only effects the woman but also effects the unborn child, who does not have the ability to speak for itself. and as basic social standards tell us this is unjust and highly unlawful.
i firmly believe that when people begin to take responsibility for our individual actions things will start to change. and when we as Christians stand up for love, truth and live our lives by the true statues of God and His word this world will be turned over.
since legislation was passed in 1973 legalizing abortion over 40 million have been killed.
it's odd how this has passed under the radar. reason being is because it's looked at as a "choice" versus a life long action/decision. when we stop or infringe on some one's choice where looked at as halting there freedom, which i agree with. but what about when someone else's life is on the line? i do understand that that woman is the mother of that child and she, like all of us, have right over our bodies. i do also understand that that woman made the choice to engage in sexual activity, (which leads to pregnancy) thus demonstrating her maturity, or immaturity, in her individual decision making. at any rate, she made a choice. (now in cases of rape and or molestation i would argue the point of still having the child to give that child a chance. some will state the case of it being to painful for the mother, good point. however, that child shouldn't have to pay for someone elses action. Just over 1% of all abortions in the United States happen as a result of rape: Torres A and Forrest JD, Why do women have abortions? Family Planning Perspectives, 1988, 24(4):169-176. http://abort73.com/index.html) by making this choice she also, so we should hope, understood the potential ramifications of it. here in lies the crossroads of the problem. people only want the feeling and do not think further ahead to what the potential consequences could be. so the question remains, why should an unborn child have to be put to death due to one's poor decision making?
lets talk about the word choice some more. if someone rapes another person and while standing before the judge in an attempt to justify that action taken they say, "What?! My body my choice! right???" wrong we would say, right? right! in our criminal, social and ethical (how ever loose the ethics might be) society when you make any decision that hurts or effects the well being of another person in any way shape or form you are in direct violation of that persons right to freedom and choice. as is abortion. its an action that not only effects the woman but also effects the unborn child, who does not have the ability to speak for itself. and as basic social standards tell us this is unjust and highly unlawful.
i firmly believe that when people begin to take responsibility for our individual actions things will start to change. and when we as Christians stand up for love, truth and live our lives by the true statues of God and His word this world will be turned over.
5.26.2008
blue or red.....left wing or right wing....
.....democrat or republican....couldn't say.
i wholeheartedly believe that it's important to remain aware of the world around us, to shut it out would be a very immature and irresponsible action. how can we help if we don't know what's going on?
a poll recently took by Relevant Magazine (www.relevantmagazine.com) shows that 1% of Christians will vote democrat, 5% republican and 94% say that neither side is the correct choice. interesting.
a friend of mine said this, "It's not going to matter who gets into office, whether they be a democrat of republican, until the church steps up and does what were supposed to nothing will change." sometimes the most profound statement or thought is the most simplistic.
every social issue, every war, etc... can be solved with Christ.
i wholeheartedly believe that it's important to remain aware of the world around us, to shut it out would be a very immature and irresponsible action. how can we help if we don't know what's going on?
a poll recently took by Relevant Magazine (www.relevantmagazine.com) shows that 1% of Christians will vote democrat, 5% republican and 94% say that neither side is the correct choice. interesting.
a friend of mine said this, "It's not going to matter who gets into office, whether they be a democrat of republican, until the church steps up and does what were supposed to nothing will change." sometimes the most profound statement or thought is the most simplistic.
every social issue, every war, etc... can be solved with Christ.
5.23.2008
untitled
//cutting splitting chopping my mind in two/between here and there/which way to choose?/which way to go?/
//cutting splitting chopping your body in two/between your fathers back and hell/you are the blood for me/the only for me/
//facing separation with no expectation/facing destruction at the the cost of life/life given to let me live/to let us live/dying to live and dying to this so called life we press forth towards the light/
//heaven bound with hell at my heels/power given and strength bestowed/running away from the pain of the past/i find truth in your path/
//this isn't life this isn't truth/false existence under "your" pretence/this world this time is nothing without you//
//cutting splitting chopping your body in two/between your fathers back and hell/you are the blood for me/the only for me/
//facing separation with no expectation/facing destruction at the the cost of life/life given to let me live/to let us live/dying to live and dying to this so called life we press forth towards the light/
//heaven bound with hell at my heels/power given and strength bestowed/running away from the pain of the past/i find truth in your path/
//this isn't life this isn't truth/false existence under "your" pretence/this world this time is nothing without you//
5.19.2008
dream
I had a dream this last friday night that went like so.......
I was in a store, a grocery store I believe. I was shopping around and a small family came down the aisle that I was on. They were in the middle of a conversation and the mother asked the little boy, he couldn't have been more then 8-9 years old, "Who is Jesus?" "Well," the little boy replied. "Jesus was a good guy, did good things but He's not the only way." The mother aggred. I then turned to the family and told them that, "Christ is the only way....." and that's it.
This, Relativism, is something that weighs heavly on my heart. Our society is plauged by it and the avenues of it are endless. This little boy in my dream was stating exactly what is being fed to us on a daily basis thats its okay to mix your character, your God and your destiny with this world. Oil and water. The two cannot mix, it's not possible.
Society and media are slowly, yet subtly, choking out the message of Christ and all to often we buy into it. If you call yourself a follower of Christ seperate yourself from the rest. Don't see that movie that you wouldn't take your Pastor to! Don't assosiate yourself with people who claim to be Christian yet walk as the world walks.
In our minds, thoughts, actions and words there should be no grey area in this matter.
I was in a store, a grocery store I believe. I was shopping around and a small family came down the aisle that I was on. They were in the middle of a conversation and the mother asked the little boy, he couldn't have been more then 8-9 years old, "Who is Jesus?" "Well," the little boy replied. "Jesus was a good guy, did good things but He's not the only way." The mother aggred. I then turned to the family and told them that, "Christ is the only way....." and that's it.
This, Relativism, is something that weighs heavly on my heart. Our society is plauged by it and the avenues of it are endless. This little boy in my dream was stating exactly what is being fed to us on a daily basis thats its okay to mix your character, your God and your destiny with this world. Oil and water. The two cannot mix, it's not possible.
Society and media are slowly, yet subtly, choking out the message of Christ and all to often we buy into it. If you call yourself a follower of Christ seperate yourself from the rest. Don't see that movie that you wouldn't take your Pastor to! Don't assosiate yourself with people who claim to be Christian yet walk as the world walks.
In our minds, thoughts, actions and words there should be no grey area in this matter.
DC
Christa (the wife) and I went up to DC this last weekend. It was a two fold trip. One because it's our one year anniversary on the 20th and two because some sweet peoples we know had there inaugarual church kickoff! It was a great time.
One of the highlights for me this weekend was church. Not just church, The City Church, D.C.( www.thecitydc.org ) The presence of God resides in that house and in the people. I felt just as comfortable sitting in that church as I have ever felt at my home church.
Richmond, D.C. and all over the east coast is about to blow up! I can feel it in my bones! Lets keep the momentum going and be excited for what God's doing!
One of the highlights for me this weekend was church. Not just church, The City Church, D.C.( www.thecitydc.org ) The presence of God resides in that house and in the people. I felt just as comfortable sitting in that church as I have ever felt at my home church.
Richmond, D.C. and all over the east coast is about to blow up! I can feel it in my bones! Lets keep the momentum going and be excited for what God's doing!
5.16.2008
give up the fight.
we must give up this fight we call life. give up trying to be your own person. give up trying to find yourself because i can promise that you won't find yourself in yourself. give up trying to live this life on your own strength, we weren't made to.
we are a people of a God of love and truth.
i have seen His hand move before me, His word does not come back void. we are built for greatness we just have to submit to our great Father. this life is not your so give it up and bend your knee to God and He will lift you up. He'll fulfill your dreams and the desires of your heart. your life will be strong and your countenance will be that of joy and peace regaurdless of this world. you are made for love and made from love.
we are a people of a God of love and truth.
i have seen His hand move before me, His word does not come back void. we are built for greatness we just have to submit to our great Father. this life is not your so give it up and bend your knee to God and He will lift you up. He'll fulfill your dreams and the desires of your heart. your life will be strong and your countenance will be that of joy and peace regaurdless of this world. you are made for love and made from love.
be the change.
we have been seeing change and growth in our church and in our community, lets keep it going. so often we complain that nothing is happening, that nothing is changing. what we fail to realize is that we are the change that is needed. what must take place is for us to step up and start something. as men and women of God we are not called to sit back and complain about what should happen, rather we are called to be a light and to make our voice heard. we need to remember that we are making our voice's heard every single day weather we say anything or not. when we keep silent to things around us that we know are wrong we scream that we don't care. however, when we step up, speak out and speak against evil God is heard! i want to encourage us all to remember that we ALL are loved more then we will ever be capable to imagine. lets continue in what we do for God and give Him all the glory.
seed
the potential of a seed is incredible. that one seed can produce a tree, that tree an orchird, and so on. why is it that we abort the seed before it even has a chance to grow....even to be planted. we see the seed in it's infancy and don't like what we see so, and we think its the logical thing to do, we kill it.
we know of planting seeds in others, its a very common topic in the church. we know to nuture, water and cultivate those seeds in others. what about the seeds that the Lord is placing in our hearts everyday? we need to, i need to, step up more and more and cultivate the seeds that God is placing on my heart, on our hearts.
we know of planting seeds in others, its a very common topic in the church. we know to nuture, water and cultivate those seeds in others. what about the seeds that the Lord is placing in our hearts everyday? we need to, i need to, step up more and more and cultivate the seeds that God is placing on my heart, on our hearts.
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