God, Your light is brighter than the dark is deep!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Today's Writing Prompt: Line
There is this sticky little line in my profession that I feel is crossed way too often.
Intimidation.
I'm not interested in intimidating anyone, especially a child or teen. I do recognize the importance of my residents knowing exactly who is in charge, but there are a lot of different ways of going about that that are more appropriate and Christ-like.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
092811
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12
I count my blessings.
I have no reason to be in tribulation. But I am.
Maybe I just don't know what tribulation is.
Or maybe this is just as close to tribulation as I've ever been before...
I'm finding it difficult to rejoice. I'm trying, but the joy just isn't flowing like I know it should be.
And patience? That's almost laughable.
And prayer.
Oh, prayer...
This one small verse in Romans contains all I need.
All the answers.
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12
Its simple in word, but harder in application.
Where do I start, or restart, rather?
I guess I've already begun... I'm just being impatient.
Impatient in tribulation. Reluctant to rejoice. Sporadic and self-centered in prayer.
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12
I count my blessings.
I have no reason to be in tribulation. But I am.
Maybe I just don't know what tribulation is.
Or maybe this is just as close to tribulation as I've ever been before...
I'm finding it difficult to rejoice. I'm trying, but the joy just isn't flowing like I know it should be.
And patience? That's almost laughable.
And prayer.
Oh, prayer...
This one small verse in Romans contains all I need.
All the answers.
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12
Its simple in word, but harder in application.
Where do I start, or restart, rather?
I guess I've already begun... I'm just being impatient.
Impatient in tribulation. Reluctant to rejoice. Sporadic and self-centered in prayer.
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Today's Writing Prompt: Messy
Well, nearly every area of my life is messy but two particular spots come to mind: my car and my side of the bed.
They're both a wreck.
Remembering Winchester…
Several weeks back I found myself part of a FaceBook group in remembrance of my hometown. Without even as much as pressing “Like,” on the group’s button, my inbox was immediately overflowing with unfamiliar nostalgia and names I only vaguely recollect.
My most prevalent memories of this place and time seem to differ greatly from those of my peers. I don’t recall the small-town camaraderie’s that others do. I just remember being called ‘Queer’ and ‘Faggot’ more often than by my own name.
I’ll save myself from processing any further unpleasant memories, and I’ll save you from reading them. Because I’d rather not remember.
I may still live within the social constraints of certain stereotypes held for soft-spoken men such as myself. But any pain or consequences of those are left behind.
In Winchester.
Where you will not be seeing me for a very long time.
*My parents’ farm is the exception to this. I’d be there sitting around a campfire with Mommacita and Pop in a heartbeat!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Church notes 092511
Read Matthew 15:32-39
Believe: Do we really believe? Do we really believe the miracles of the bible? Or are they just fairy tales?
-he really healed the blind
-he really fed thousands
-he really brought dead the life
-he really rose from the grave
Having issues believing? Read the bible! But first ask God to open your heart to his truths.
Remember: we often forget what God has done for us. We fail to remember our spiritual highs.
-read the bible about what God has done
-journal! Read back into what God has done in your own life to remember the blessings
Be renewed: continually allow God to renew you through and in your belief and remembrance.
There is no stopping what the Holy Spirit can do!
Friday, September 23, 2011
from the mouth of babes: 092211
"Peanut is in the bathroom standing in front of the mirror saying, 'Bloody Mary, bloody Mary, bloody Mary!' I think its working!"
suffering
“More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,” Romans 5:3-4 ESV
Suffering. It's a fascinating thing to me. We all suffer in one way or another. Most of us are suffering right now. But to what degree?
What does your suffering look like?
For some of us its starvation. Others, addiction. Illness. Abuse. Loneliness.
Maybe its financial stress, marital issues, mental health.
We often we hide our suffering. Maybe its pride. Or maybe we're just grateful for the ways we aren't suffering. I think its for a lot of different reasons.
The bible shares a lot with us about the purpose of suffering. The cool thing I've found about it? It connects us all. We've all suffered. It connects us to the One who suffered for us.
So the next time someone asks you how you've been, be honest. Down to the nitty gritty truth, if appropriate. I'm guessing you'll bless that person, and you'll both have renewed hope.
God tends to do cool stuff like that.
Just sayin'...
Suffering. It's a fascinating thing to me. We all suffer in one way or another. Most of us are suffering right now. But to what degree?
What does your suffering look like?
For some of us its starvation. Others, addiction. Illness. Abuse. Loneliness.
Maybe its financial stress, marital issues, mental health.
We often we hide our suffering. Maybe its pride. Or maybe we're just grateful for the ways we aren't suffering. I think its for a lot of different reasons.
The bible shares a lot with us about the purpose of suffering. The cool thing I've found about it? It connects us all. We've all suffered. It connects us to the One who suffered for us.
So the next time someone asks you how you've been, be honest. Down to the nitty gritty truth, if appropriate. I'm guessing you'll bless that person, and you'll both have renewed hope.
God tends to do cool stuff like that.
Just sayin'...
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Snapshot: 092111 1400 PST
Plus, its a lot of fun pretending to be a pirate!
Today's Writing Prompt: Put up with
Working in residential treatment for developmentally delayed and emotionally disturbed youth, I have to put up with a lot of foulness. Foul-mouthed, foul-smelling, foully behaved children.
I love 'em, but dang, they're foul!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
let that be me
a dying hill
unseen hope
a kiss of flame
new life grows
a jagged rock
now fine sand
lifetimes in
the ocean's hand
let that be me
let that be me
unseen hope
a kiss of flame
new life grows
a jagged rock
now fine sand
lifetimes in
the ocean's hand
let that be me
let that be me
Hiyah
Then I felt really cool.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Reassurance
James shared a message today at the Branches from the Book of Matthew. One thing I love about James' teaching (there are several things, btw) is how much 'behind the scenes' info he gives. He offers each story with all this background stuff that really enriches its meaning.
Today he shared about an interaction John the Baptist's disciples had with Jesus. John had sent them to ask Jesus if he was really 'the one.'
What's interesting is that John really already knew the answer. But in the oppression of imprisonment he needed reassurance.
Jesus responded, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me." (Matthew 11:4-6 ESV)
John needed reassurance. He sought reassurance. And he found it.
I think that, from time to time, we all need reassurance. But if you're anything like myself, you might fail to search for it. For me, its because I feel guilty that I would even need reassurance in the first place.
So this little story of reassurance...
was reassuring.
God wants me to find reassurance , and you too.
So let's go after it.
Today he shared about an interaction John the Baptist's disciples had with Jesus. John had sent them to ask Jesus if he was really 'the one.'
What's interesting is that John really already knew the answer. But in the oppression of imprisonment he needed reassurance.
Jesus responded, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me." (Matthew 11:4-6 ESV)
John needed reassurance. He sought reassurance. And he found it.
I think that, from time to time, we all need reassurance. But if you're anything like myself, you might fail to search for it. For me, its because I feel guilty that I would even need reassurance in the first place.
So this little story of reassurance...
was reassuring.
God wants me to find reassurance , and you too.
So let's go after it.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Zzz's Please
I've already taken two sleeping pills almost four hours ago, along with two Ativan.
And yet here I am. It's 2:43am.
I'm chomping on berry flavored Tums like candy while watching the original Dracula on NetFlix.
These are not butterflies I'm feeling. More like a swarm of something angry.
I saw a licensed therapist today for an intake and some diagnostic testing.
Insomnia and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Shocking (sarcasm).
I've been referred to an MD who apparently specializes in sleep mojo and chill pills. Sadly, the MD can't see me for over another month.
So what am I gonna do in the meantime? Beats me.
All I know is that I'm tired, overwhelmed, and anxious. If I could just sleep, I'm sure I'd begin to feel better.
Oh well, at least I can say the first step has been taken. Or something.
So if you're just sitting around all bored and thinking, "Hm... whatever will I do?" perhaps you could throw up a prayer or two for me. That'd be super.
thnx.
And yet here I am. It's 2:43am.
I'm chomping on berry flavored Tums like candy while watching the original Dracula on NetFlix.
These are not butterflies I'm feeling. More like a swarm of something angry.
I saw a licensed therapist today for an intake and some diagnostic testing.
Insomnia and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Shocking (sarcasm).
I've been referred to an MD who apparently specializes in sleep mojo and chill pills. Sadly, the MD can't see me for over another month.
So what am I gonna do in the meantime? Beats me.
All I know is that I'm tired, overwhelmed, and anxious. If I could just sleep, I'm sure I'd begin to feel better.
Oh well, at least I can say the first step has been taken. Or something.
So if you're just sitting around all bored and thinking, "Hm... whatever will I do?" perhaps you could throw up a prayer or two for me. That'd be super.
thnx.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
best
I'm going to be completely honest here. Last night, I wasn't my best.
I got a little too into Vegas. Or maybe Vegas got a little too into me.
I didn't wake up with a hangover, but dang, I was expecting myself to...
I'm not bragging. I was not my best.
But God was. And He always is. Even when I'm not. Especially when I'm not.
He is always working. He is always glorious.
I've seen this before, and I saw it last night.
A couple drinks too many into the night, I felt my phone vibrate. It was an e-mail.
Someone had come across some scripture on my blog and God spoke to them through it.
They just wanted me to know.
"Okay, God," I thought, "I got it. The room is spinning and You're still in charge."
"I'm Yours and You're going to use me one way or another."
So, yeah. That's my story. I'd like to not admit I wasn't my best last night.
But I won't sacrifice sharing God's glory for my own reputation.
He is always His best.
I got a little too into Vegas. Or maybe Vegas got a little too into me.
I didn't wake up with a hangover, but dang, I was expecting myself to...
I'm not bragging. I was not my best.
But God was. And He always is. Even when I'm not. Especially when I'm not.
He is always working. He is always glorious.
I've seen this before, and I saw it last night.
A couple drinks too many into the night, I felt my phone vibrate. It was an e-mail.
Someone had come across some scripture on my blog and God spoke to them through it.
They just wanted me to know.
"Okay, God," I thought, "I got it. The room is spinning and You're still in charge."
"I'm Yours and You're going to use me one way or another."
So, yeah. That's my story. I'd like to not admit I wasn't my best last night.
But I won't sacrifice sharing God's glory for my own reputation.
He is always His best.
Monday, September 12, 2011
how to drift from God
1.) Neglect your time with God.
“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water." Psalm 63:12.) If you don’t like your circumstances, blame God!
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:53.) Hang around bad influences.
“Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:334.) Give in to temptation.
“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” James 1:14-155.) Love this world more than you love God.
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15* I love when Pastor Kris is facetious ;o)
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Break Me
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.
The righteous have many problems, but the LORD delivers them from every one.
-Psalm 34:18-19
The righteous have many problems, but the LORD delivers them from every one.
-Psalm 34:18-19
Saturday, September 10, 2011
favorites
Of course, why wouldn't I feel happy? I mean, sure, I always have plenty to be happy about, but today seemed extra special!
It started out with some In-n-Out, then a quick little song practice with Nate (peppered with some playtime with the Canady kiddos ;o)
Kimberly, Allen, Shannon and I then hit the pool! After some much enjoyed lounging, we checked out Cruise 'n Grand (which included a Ghost Busters' replica!) then we ate Fillipi's! Mm mm!!!
After a nice chai latte at Esco Joe's, we caught an evening train to the Oceanside Pier!
A day of favorites!!! So nice!!!
090911
Friday, September 9, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
choices and trust
Life is a series of choices. Some choices should be made carefully, while others require little to no deliberation. And every now and then I come to a choice I can't quite decide how to make.
"Is this just something I dive into, following my gut?"
"Should I put more thought into this?"
"Am I putting too much thought into this?"
Decision making often comes down to faith. What do I believe will happen according to what I choose? For example, I have to trust I can cross the road safely before my feet hit the street.
But when it comes to these particular decisions I'm referring to, the choices I'm unsure how much thought to put into, where does my faith fall? What belief do I hold dearest that will determine the choices I make? Where do I place my trust?
"Is this just something I dive into, following my gut?"
"Should I put more thought into this?"
"Am I putting too much thought into this?"
Decision making often comes down to faith. What do I believe will happen according to what I choose? For example, I have to trust I can cross the road safely before my feet hit the street.
But when it comes to these particular decisions I'm referring to, the choices I'm unsure how much thought to put into, where does my faith fall? What belief do I hold dearest that will determine the choices I make? Where do I place my trust?
Today's Writing Prompt: Fire
Write about a memory involving fire.
I have a lot of great memories involving fire. Campfires were a regular thing growing up. We'd sit around the fire under the stars and listen to all the nighttime noises, smelling the smoke. Its just a very peaceful feeling.
Monday, September 5, 2011
randomness 090511
- Jose Cuervo + Tylenol PM = desperate attempt to sleep
- Today a co-worker busted my chops on a lapse of judgment I made. It was refreshing.
- I'm officially off work for a week! Sure, I have a mandatory meeting on Wednesday, but I'm not counting that...
- Excited for our guests to arrive!!! Allen and Shannon will be here Thursday. I can't wait!
- God is in control.
- Banana Slurpee?
- Beginning to see some faces at the Branches consistently. Non-family member, non-church launch team member faces. I like it.
- Today a co-worker busted my chops on a lapse of judgment I made. It was refreshing.
- I'm officially off work for a week! Sure, I have a mandatory meeting on Wednesday, but I'm not counting that...
- Excited for our guests to arrive!!! Allen and Shannon will be here Thursday. I can't wait!
- God is in control.
- Banana Slurpee?
- Beginning to see some faces at the Branches consistently. Non-family member, non-church launch team member faces. I like it.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Dear Apple Store Guy,
You don't know me, but today you did a huge favor for me.
I've kinda had a bad week. My life is good and I shouldn't complain, but I still do. My wife is incredible. My friends are awesome. My family is great. All my needs are met daily.
I've just had a crummy week; the kind of week where you can't sleep at night and you make dumb mistakes and you just feel crappy about almost everything.
Well, today was no exception. At about 10:11am, just about 34 minutes before service began, I realized that really important white plug-in thingy that connects my Mac to the projector was missing.
What service? Oh, yeah, I forgot you don't know me. Well, I'm a part of this awesome church plant thing and I run music and service slides and announcements all from my Mac. The Mac I lost the cord for.
I almost cried.
I know, I'm lame.
But I really almost did.
I hate letting people down. Especially when I'm already feeling like pooh. So when you kindly sold me that white plug-in thingy a half hour before you were technically even opened.... sigh. It was a relief. A huge relief. Like a, "Oh, yeah! God is in control!" kind of relief. And so began a day of continuous reminders that everything will be okay. That everything IS okay.
So yeah. Thanks!
-Happy customer
I've kinda had a bad week. My life is good and I shouldn't complain, but I still do. My wife is incredible. My friends are awesome. My family is great. All my needs are met daily.
I've just had a crummy week; the kind of week where you can't sleep at night and you make dumb mistakes and you just feel crappy about almost everything.
Well, today was no exception. At about 10:11am, just about 34 minutes before service began, I realized that really important white plug-in thingy that connects my Mac to the projector was missing.
What service? Oh, yeah, I forgot you don't know me. Well, I'm a part of this awesome church plant thing and I run music and service slides and announcements all from my Mac. The Mac I lost the cord for.
I almost cried.
I know, I'm lame.
But I really almost did.
I hate letting people down. Especially when I'm already feeling like pooh. So when you kindly sold me that white plug-in thingy a half hour before you were technically even opened.... sigh. It was a relief. A huge relief. Like a, "Oh, yeah! God is in control!" kind of relief. And so began a day of continuous reminders that everything will be okay. That everything IS okay.
So yeah. Thanks!
-Happy customer
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Thursday, September 1, 2011
Today's Writing Prompt: Fix-it
One time, the bathroom of the office I was working in had a urinal in it that never stopped running. It was really showing on our water bill, and I could hear the water always running as I sat at my desk, which drove me crazy. So one day I decide I was going to give fixing it my best shot, and to my amazement I fixed it! All it took was a wrench and a few minutes on Google! I'd never fixed anything before, so I was really excited about it!
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