The Question

Time froze.

He sat there looking at all his friends. As they stood in their little groups and laughed together. They looked so happy. They're lives looked so beautiful. But, as he sat there people began to disappear before his eyes. Like a ghost they turned to dust and floated away. He looked toward the door and yet more people walked in. They drew into circles again and laughed and talked. Then he looked to another side of the room and there was a circle of people that had just broken up. They looked angry. He could overhear words filled with anger about things like carpet and orange juice. Then he saw some of them disappear. Then he saw one man slowly fading. He was there, but he was slowly disappearing into the fog.

The man sat quietly and sadly looked down. Here was his life. These people were his friends. But what are friends? Friends become distant. Time passes and horns grow on others. The hate for one another kindles slowly. He felt sadness. He couldn't tell if he was the one. Was I the cause for the anger and the strife and the goodbyes? He never wanted to say goodbye but people left. "What have I done to wrong them," he cried in his heart. The pain agonizes him. Every person he sees disappear from his world is like his heart is being wrenched to pieces.

The man groaned in sadness. He got up to talk to his friends. But they didn't appreciate his love for blue butterflies because they loved red butterflies and left him angrily. He sadly sat down again. He could hear them talking about him, but couldn't hear the words distinctly as they left the room. He didn't know what to say or how to say it. No matter what he said hurt him or others around him.

As his life went on he saw the hopelessness of depending on friends. They cheated him and left him.

Nearing the end of his life the man looked around and saw very few people left. But he always questioned their love. He had become a hardened old cynic. Then, all around him began to fade as a light began to pulsate through the room. A man in a white garment entered the room. This man had a light and a smile to him that he had never seen before. His hands looked as if they had been pierced through and through. And he felt as if they had been pierced for him. This shining man looked at him and smiled and said, "Greater love hath no man than this, then that a man lay down his life for his friends."

At this the man couldn't contain himself and tears flowed down his face. Too much had he cared all his life that those around him love him. Instead of laying down his life, instead he had wanted to be pleased and taken care of. Instead of moving on when he was offended instead he should have allowed himself to be trodden on and love them more. And then he felt peace.


_______________

Myself:
This has really been on my heart lately. It's so difficult for me when friends who you used to know disappear and sometimes you don't know why they're gone. It's hard for me because I had trouble seeing the hope in continuing relationships. Just seeing all the divorce, the hate that children have for their parents, and the ever wide open front and back door of church, I had and still have the tendency to see hopelessness in relationships. But, at the same time I see how life isn't perfect and I know that I'm not perfect and am probably the one who does alot of the offending. Plus, other people aren't perfect. I think it's helped me to realize that I need to obey God and not worry about what others are doing, whether it be right or wrong.

At times I've wanted to close myself into my shell and never let myself be hurt. But, Christ is the perfect example. He laid down his life for the very people who put him on the cross.

So going into this life I am going to seek to strive to love God and love others more. The question is, "what can I do to serve today? What nails can I take?"

Love in Christ,
Daniel

Sin of the Internet - Pornography

This post kind of follows the previous one.

Even as I sit here typing into my computer edifying words(I hope), in 5-10 letters you could just as easily fill your mind with filth.

__________

The streets were full of them. They were there, so close. They looked perfect in their airbrushed similitude. He turned his head quickly and moved to the other side of the street. He could literally feel the grime between his fingers. The seduction from all around. It felt like there were thousands of them. He dashed into a store to escape them, but even as he ran in he saw racks of magazines with inappropriate images. Finally without hesitation he closed his browser, pushed back from the computer, and breathed a sigh of relief.

With power comes responsibility. The age of the internet. The power to find out anything in seconds. The power to see what your friends are doing, even from the other side of the world. We no longer have to go search through books or the dictionary to find things out. Instead we can find whatever we need at the click of a button. But then you flip to the other side of the coin and you see how you now have access to the brothels of the internet. Just one click to ruin your mind.

I've heard people reference that if we didn't have the internet it would be much better. But, in the end just getting rid of something isn't going to solve this, shall I call it what it is, epidemic.

According to several surveys the influence of pornography on young people is drastically high. Some 90%* of young adults have been exposed to it over the internet.

For such a major problem I am kind of surprised at how little there is out there addressing it. To some extent I think the problem gets shoved under the rug because it's not a comfortable topic to talk about. Certainly we shouldn't spend so much of our time talking about it that it's no longer edifying. But, it should be addressed.


The Proverbs 7 woman is plastered all over the magazines, the internet, the television, and even on street corners. And yes she has a false beauty about her. And many young men follow after her to the slaughter. Just as an ox goes to the slaughter so most young men go.

Maybe you say, "I'm strong, I have a will strong enough to deny my urges". I am able to resist temptation, I'll be fine. Proverbs 7:26: "For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her."

In the end, pornography is that start of the descent into hell. Proverbs 7:27: "Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death." The time is now to get your mind out of the trash bin and start dwelling on pure and lovely things.

There's a reason that many, many children leave the faith just 1-2 years after beginning college. They become totally unaccountable and live in their apartment all alone. Their mind, when not studying, becomes idle and wanders down into the depths of hell to scuffle around down there. And, they can even be encouraged by their peers.

It's easy to say don't fall into pornography. But, if you're headed down that road, you have to do something differently.

I believe the most important application in today's anonymous and unaccountable age is to STOP being anonymous and unaccountable. So get accountable. There are programs today that you can get to make you more accountable. (i.e. Safe eyes, Covenant eyes, firewalls, etc.) But, you need to want it. Your parents, spouses, or siblings may try to help you with putting up fences such as filters and such. Maybe they'll turn the magazines around to help you hide your eyes from the lingerie models on the front covers. But, in the end there's always a way that the sinful heart of man is going to find a way around the fences.

Also, get accountable with your elders, parents, spouse, etc... The fight against pornography is one of the ones that you need to have help with. First of all, get rid of your pride and confess your sin. Maybe you don't struggle with it in the physical form. But, if your mind is in the gutter eventually your actions will follow.

Another thought is that sometimes you just need to get rid of the sources of your problems. I remember the scene from a movie called "Fireproof" where at one point the main character beats on his computer with a bat to get rid of the temptation in his home.

Fourth, remember your body isn't yours. 1 Corinthians 7:4: "The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife."

Fifth, get busy. When a man is sitting at home twiddling his thumbs he's just asking to be destroyed. "The idle mind is the devil's playground." The internet can be a good way to be idle. If you're spending all day watching youtube or surfing the internet you're letting your mind go idle. One thought is whenever you go on the internet make a task list. Get in and out quickly. Don't spend your time browsing the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.

Finally, read God's Word and listen to it through the preaching of the Word. When your heart is wandering around the plains of wickedness you won't want to dwell on the Word of God. But, instead focus on God and get your mind out of the sewer. Love those around you more and stop hiding in your unaccountable anonymous word.

Any other thoughts on this issue? I would be really interested to hear anyone else's thoughts. :-)

*Top Ten Reviews

The Tower

It looks as if it goes up forever. There must be at least 100+ stories. The glass and chrome all spotless and perfect. And yet there isn't just one of these towers there are hundreds around me. So much money and power. Even the sidewalks are painted gold.

Then I turn around and look again at the church. A small building on the top of a hill. Not large and flashy like the buildings I see in front of me. But, there's a stately quietness that exudes from the church.

And then I turn again and look below the buildings and see a street full of people who are drunk rolling in the streets. I see some pop artist banging her head against a wall. I see the women on the streets wearing close to nothing standing on street corners.

Then I turn toward the church and walk in the doors.


Most teenagers today grow up and become part of the world. A fairly recent study by the Southern baptists say that around 80% of children leave the faith by the end of college. As children they are taught that money is more important then God. Then their parents teach them that it's okay to date and follow the world's method. “Sure, tempt yourself just don't fall for the temptation....”

Don't just accept ideas and concepts that the world tell to you. Sure, maybe in their inconsistencies they've gotten something right but don't accept what they offer. The pleasure of the moment passes quickly.



I understand that the church isn't an idyllic place of peace. And most of my posts tend to talk about disunity and tension in relationships. But, we have to understand that Jesus is the prince of peace. If we depend upon him we will receive the grace of Christ. And so much more so in the bride of Christ.

One Moment

He stood at the top of the hill. A look of determination on his face. There were people all around him, but it was as if they faded as he looked out on a path full of twists and turns. He stood at a crossroads, and beyond him you could see thousands of roads splitting, turning, and twisting.

He remembered that man who got angry when he made his smoothie wrong. He remembered the wife who had screamed at her children. He remembered the man who grabbed the child's hand before she was hit by the car. He heard the angry words exchanged between his coworkers years ago.

Each day we have hundreds of decisions to make. We could either repeat the order for our hamburger for the 3rd time nicely. Or we could make a scene. We could roll our eyes at someone or lovingly respect them. People will remember what you said, what you did long after you've forgotten them.

And, that includes what we do when we're alone and others aren't around to keep us accountable.

As a Christian we are called to show Christ through our example. There will be those who will see and remember what you do. Every word will be held to account in that last day. Every action will be accounted for.

Your life and actions will be there for eternity. Don't waste it.

When you come to the crossroads look up and walk towards the wicket gate.

Bitterness

He stood in the midst of the rubble of a church. The only sign of life was a dead leaf limping through the mess, as if picked up by the hand of a giant and sent sweeping over the remains. The people who had once been here were long gone. And there in the middle of the church he saw a line where the church had been divided many years ago...

And then his eyes opened and he was there sitting in church. He looked up and heard the pastor drone on about forgiveness and the love of Christ. He'd heard it all before. As he looked around he saw the emptiness in people's eyes. They didn't care. Why was he even here? He hated half the people anyways. But his parents raised him to be a good Christian and go to church every week. Why did he still come?



Our hearts so easily are pulled this way or another. But the thing which separates hearts more than anything is the sin of bitterness. It's one of those sins that starts out so small. It's like building a wall. One brick at a time.

I'm surprised how easily just the small things can spark bitterness. Someone puts the plates in the wrong place for the 4th time. A friend knocks over your trophy and breaks it. And other etc stupid stuff.

Then, there are the big things. Someone tells you they hate you. A brother runs over your child. But does this give us reason to be bitter?

Why do we forget so often that God has forgiven us? Why is bitterness overwhelming our heart? Why can't we focus on God instead of all the tragedies that happen to us?

Take a moment today and ask yourself if you're bitter towards someone. Ask yourself why God has any mercy with you. Then look at the debt that God forgave you and finally turn and look at the debt that someone else owes you.

Offences

Sometimes, I hate being around other people. They sit on their little thrones. If you hurt their pride or attack something they believe, they become angry. By the way, I'm one of the most guilty of this act.

Then, at the same time I tend to be someone who wants to please others. I want others to be happy. I don't want people to go away angry. But, it's so much work.

In our culture of people who are raised by media and culture to become angry if their food is cold when it's served (and it's supposed to be hot.) They become flustered if you tell them something isn't going to go their way. $5.00 is a life or death issue for them.

To be honest, it can end up driving me crazy. You go to church and with most people it seems like you have to tread around them with a 10 foot pole feeling like if you say something wrong they'll get up and leave. And, that's our culture. We've been trained because of good return policies and good customer service and lots of beautifully built malls and the so many other things God has blessed us with to be whiny and ungrateful people. You get offended or turned off, well then move on to the next product, or church, or friends, etc.

And, by no means do I not struggle with these things as well...

It comes down to how much you love other people and how much you love God. God gave us commands that tell us turn the other cheek and to love one another. But, guess what it's going to be hard. I personally think I have the biggest trouble with loving other people. And I'm not talking about where you have to love each other when you're enjoying an ice cream sandwich or a fun picnic. No, it's when they're angry with you or you messed up and lost one of their dogs or something much worse... Anyways, you get the point.

In the end, what are you willing to sacrifice for friendships? Christ sacrificed his life for his friends. What are you willing to give up?

The End

P.S. This post isn't meant to offend anyone. ;-P The reason for this is in my life I don't really like to have close friendships because I understand how easy it is to offend people and the farther you keep them away the less of a chance you have to offend them or be offended. And, I'm trying to grasp the concept of close friendships and it really comes down to offering up of yourself. And, I see very few people who are willing to do this. So, if you find a friend who's willing to give up their lives for you, count that friendship precious because there are very few you'll have like this over your lifetime.

P.S.S. I apologize for all the terrible grammar mistakes... Note to self: Don't write when you're tired....... zzzz.

Discipline

It's easy to start projects, but not easy to finish them. I tend to have all of these ideas for things I want to do and start them but end up not finishing them. Especially in a culture that talks about following your heart I see how it's easy for people to not stick to things but to follow their heart in a thousand directions.

You can see it in college where the majority of college students change their majors three times. And, then a lot of people don't even use their degrees later in life.

But, I think the true challenge is becoming a genius at something. I have this tendency to get involved in something till I learn the basics and then I want to go learn something else. But, this isn't a way to get good at anything. Whatever we do, we need to do with excellence and when you're always switching to different things then it'll be hard for you to be successful or excellent in anything you do.

There's a number out there that says that to be a genius at something you need to do it/study it for 10,000+ hours. Which is basically 3-4 years of full time work.

Whatever it is in your life, be it your work, or your relationships, or even hobbies if you really want to succeed at it, you need to spend the time on it for it to come to a true fulfillment. Life wasn't meant to be easy...

The Winding Road

As I rode in the car this past Saturday down a long highway with trees on all sides and just winding through them with them never stopping I thought about how our lives tend to be this way. We're going down this long winding road and we can never see far ahead of us. There are other people we meet along the way and sometimes they walk with us for a ways and then they'll leave us. So much happens over one's lifetime. I don't know where I'll be in the next 10 years. What will be the path that God takes you down?

As you wander down the road it's so easy to be unsure. You think you're going to go one way and you fall into a ditch and go a different way. Your friends today won't necessarily be your friends tomorrow. You may live on the other side of the world in ten years. Many of those around my age will be married as well.

Life can be quite an exhilarating and exciting journey. Yet at the same time it can be very stressful. Relationships will break down, you may lose you job, your house could burn down, or you could even die in a car accident.

And so as we stare down this winding road not being able to see very far in front of us we move forward in faith. It's God who will keep us. The Lord is our refuge and our habitation.

Let's not get caught in the winding road, just look forward and up toward the wicket gate and follow the light of the Word of God.

New Posts Coming...

Speaking of dedication. *cough* I've had trouble being creative and thinking because of the last 6 weeks of traveling. But, I'm back to writing and I have 3 posts coming this week.

So, check back every single day!

Or else..

Dedicated

The Christian life is a long journey. We go through valleys and over mountains. We can feel discouraged and we can rejoice. And, you need dedication to keep going.

When things are a walk in the park, sure it's easy to keep going. When life feels like it's being handed to you on a golden platter that's when you feel like you can go for forever.

But, eventually everything becomes difficult. There's never a downhill without an uphill eventually. And at that point it takes dedication to get back up the hill.

I think that's one of the reason I enjoy running. Sure there are easy times when you run, but when you get to that 12th mile of 15, you start to feel the pain. Your muscles are getting sore and you're losing energy. But, you finish because you see the value in finishing and the feeling when you get through the tough times is incredible.

So, don't give up when things get tough because when you get through the tough times, there's a great feeling of satisfaction. At least imo.

*Sorry for the not posting, :-( I'll try to do better*

Immaturity

When a child comes out of the womb they have no knowledge of what is acceptable in culture. They grow up being corrected and learning what's acceptable and right. They learn to keep their elbows off the table, what words not to use, and essentially what's appropriate in certain circumstances.
But, then we come to the teenage boy. He was taught good penmanship but now it's become sloppy. He was taught to have respect for elders, but now he no longer respects them, and he now no longer knows how to dress...
In the homeschool movement, specifically, it seems the young man is very proud. He's always been catered to by his mother and given lots of love from their parents, in general. He's lived an easy life and really hasn't had to make his own way in the world. And if there's one thing I've learned about proud men it's that they hate to listen to others.
Young men are fighters. They want to fight anything and everything they have a chance to fight against. Being a fighter is definitely a good thing, but the problem is that these young men are cutting off their brother's ears and chopping at their parents. Their immature humor and knowing how far to go with pranks and such is pretty standard. This combined with pride is a prime example of why they're so immature.
Then there are the other things that contribute to boy's lack of maturity. Of course there's pride on both sides. There's also an emphasis on not growing up. You want to be cool, so you don't want to work. You want to buy the best stuff and look good in the eyes of others. Basically the way of the fool is right in his own eyes and so he doesn't see that he needs to learn and act as a grave man.
Many men have trouble getting into deep conversations. It feels uncomfortable to talk about anything besides the weather and what the local sports teams. Why do we have to be so immature? Is there a reason for this? Possibly men's brains not fully maturing till they're 25, but that's kind of a lame excuse...
In Titus, the young men are exhorted to be sober minded. If there's one word to describe what most young men are not, in America, it would be the word sober minded. So how do we become more mature? It's kind of hard for me to answer that since I'm not the most mature person, but I have a couple thoughts.
Number one, they need to listen to older men. And, by listening I don't mean listening in the ordinary definition of the word. I mean taking what you hear and actually applying it in your life. These men older then you have been through a lot more and sure, maybe some of their advice is misleading but I think there can always be things you can learn.
The second reason I find to be intriguing is the thought that sometimes we focus on vision too much. Most men today have no vision so they don't go anywhere. And, we see that lack of vision. But, for young men who have been taught by those around them a great vision. Every time you talk to them it sounds like they're going to do great things. They have their vision written for the next 2,000 years. Yet, here they are struggling to get married, get off the couch, etc. Sometimes it seems we don't emphasis enough, in some of the circles I run in, the need for application. A vision is definitely very important and there isn't enough of it normally. But, when a young man is swamped with vision that is crippling his ability to grow now then it's a negative effect. So, we do need to focus on our lives here and now.
It's so easy to put things off till tomorrow that should be done today. And, that's how growing up and maturing works. If you're constantly putting it off to play your video games and make crude jokes then it will never happen. Your maturating has to happen today. And, I guess that's the point of all this. You need to make a change in your life to not be one of the 70% of 30 year old men that are not grown up.

Once a tadpole, always a tadpole

Two Christmases ago I bought my sister a present. I always liked the little creatures like hermit crabs, frogs, sea guppies. o_0 So, I decided to get her one of those grow your own frog kits. We sent in the form to receive the two tadpoles. And, waited anxiously for them. They arrived in the mail several months later. And, they were frozen to death... <_<

Anyways, we called them up and they sent us two more. And, we waited a couple more months and finally received them in the mail. Alive this time... Then, we anxiously waited for these little creatures to turn into frogs. A month went by and it seemed as if their tails were getting larger. It was exciting. But, then two months, three, six, eight months rolled by. One of the tadpoles died. And, now there's just one. Living forever as a tadpole.

Thinking through this, yesterday afternoon I couldn't help but think of how easy this is for us to be like this in our own lives. We find a comfortable place and then we stop metamorphosing. We start to get comfortable where we are and slowly become lukewarm.

It's very easy to become happy with the status quo. Especially if you live in a stable happy home.

But, God called us to dominion and to constantly be reforming and growing. If we stop growing, just like the tadpole we'll never reach our full potential and be stuck in a state of stunted growth. And, this is true in both physical and spiritual senses.

Growth and goals are important.

Building Walls

Communication: the activity of conveying information.

Such an easy word to say, yet so hard to do. We live all our lives with hidden thoughts. There are things we wish we could say, but we don't. And, it can be for a multitude of different reasons. It could be to avoid offending others, to boost our self esteem, to gain by not saying what we think, and so many more reasons.

Many lives and friendships are ruined because people don't know how to properly communicate with one another. The man who's full of himself and just isn't willing to ask forgiveness. The woman who is so bitter that her mind is full of hateful thoughts for another and never reveals or asks forgiveness. People who don't like to talk about problems and avoid them tend to kind of fall into this. Pride, anger, and bitterness make it very easy to close down the portals of communication.

Then, on the other hand there's the person who's happy to share everything. They know the local gossip and are happy to reveal it. They're harsh and cruel with their words, and they could really care less if it hurts someone or not. They really don't think about what they say. The world is an open book to them and they kind of just run over people with it. The term loose lips comes to mind...

Life is truly a balance of not falling into ditches. And, communication is so important. Marriages fall apart from lack of communication, family members never speak to each other because of bitterness, friends leave because of something said that offended them.

You have to be willing to forgive and forget. Jesus is the ultimate example of one who truly has forgiven. We took our savior hung him on a cross and killed him. He has forgiven us of much, much more then we deserve. So, can't we release our bitterness and anger towards others and forgive them?

So, tear down the walls in your life and do so with love and wisdom.

Tip of the day: Whatever you say should be done in a spirit of love for the other person. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Unity

People are very finicky. And, it's become more so that way as our culture has become very selfish and individualistic. We want to listen to our own music, watch our own movies, go to our own vacations, etc. People in general don't like to sacrifice. (Unless they're looking to gain from you in the long run.)

So, we're a selfish and angry people. So, unity is so dissolved. It used to be that the churches were weak and could split up over stupid arguments. But, now it's gone even deeper and become families. 50% or so of people get divorced once in their lives. 41% of children are born without fathers.

As I walked through the airport earlier today I saw a lot of lonely people. People traveling alone. People traveling with friends. But, at their hearts they look lonely. They don't have truly good relationships. There's always that tension of whether your friend's going to stick by you or stick you in the back.

So, shouldn't we who are Christians be more unified? It saddens me when I hear husbands and wives yelling at each other when discussing their finances or their jobs, etc. It saddens me when children can be so selfish as to disregard their parents and hate them in their hearts.

At times I sit back and like to watch how people interact and how much of the time it seems as if they are fencing with one another, trying not to offend the other person.

I think it's easy to offend people in today's culture because most people are so selfish. All they care about is themselves and so everyone has to carefully walk by them trying not to offend them, in fear of being kicked out of their friend “circle.”

The reason for this post is because I just finished reading through 1 Corinthians and how Paul spends the entire essence of the book on the unity that church of Corinth is in need of.

We need to truly love God and love others.

1 Corinthians 13

Hold Fast

We live in a very sexualized world. Many popular videos from the video site "Youtube" involve sexual jokes and making light of things like pornography and committing fornication. As a Christian, and young man in particular this can be very tempting. It can be so easy to sin, it can just involve typing 10 lettters into your address bar. As well as the hundreds of other sins we fall into every day.

But, this life will not be long. 80 years compared to infinity = no comparison. You're going to die and go to live in eternity. So, stand fast and spread the gospel to those around you. The world is not our friend. I'm sorry to tell you this. But, their goal is to drag us to hell with them. No matter how you dice it, the world is not appreciative of the Word of God. If you want, you can naively say the world is good, but that's not how it works in the real world. If you want to live in fantasy land today then do so. But, God required of us to go out and disciple the nations, so go out and disciple them. It's very easy for people to not witness their faith to others. Why is this? Specifically for you.

Thought of the day: I find it interesting how easily people can compromise for things like money. There's an entire eternity to look forward to, then all of a sudden someone offers you 400k to star in some wicked film and you're more then happy to sell out for that. Or, a political office, or a raise for their job, or not losing their job and deciding to skip the worship of God instead of giving up the job to worship God. I know it's never clear cut black and white like that, but I see everything in black and white so that's how it is. o.0 ;-)

Easy Road

Why do we desire to have an easy life at times? It would be so nice to lay on the couch all day with not one worry in our minds.

The grass is always greener on the other side.

However, to live an easy life would much too boring. It's interesting how after a hard day of work you feel so much more satisfied then if you were to spend your whole day laying around.

Finances and Stress

It seems that most fights between husbands and wives are about finances that you hear in peoples ordinary conversations. It's interesting to hear people argue about finances. Money is a funny thing and both a blessing and a curse. It's sad how many people have made it their god and use it to divide their households. Sure, it's not good when a couple isn't on the same page regarding their finances. But, when your voices become raised and tempers are heated it seems it's gone from the stage of discussing to angry fighting. I wonder why this is? Is it healthy for a relationship to go through fights? Is money too much of a god in your household when this is the case?

Some random things I was just wondering about as I drift off to sleep...

Make up your mind!

In today's culture we've been given many choices. We could eat Chinese, Swiss, Italian, Indian, American, or any variety of foods. They all sit at our fingertips. Our career choices are almost limitless. We have many options and choices. And, it's both a blessing and a curse. To a certain extent, I associate both the great amount of choices for a young man as a reason that they aren't growing up and getting to work. So, they go to college change their major six times and end up bumming off their parents till they're 28. It was different 120+ years ago. A son says to his dad, "Dad I don't want to farm." His dad replies, "Do you want to be a blacksmith then?" Son: "Not really." Dad: "Well then stop complaining and start farming." Sons did what their dad did and rarely went down a different career path. Yet, today we have all these choices. I don't necessarily see anything wrong with deciding on different careers and finding out that one career isn't worth it or they don't enjoy it. But, let's not let it be from a spirit of laziness and wanting everything given to us on a gold platter.

The Humble Man

There once was a man who was the most humble of them all. He looked down on others from his lofty perch of ideas. He never sinned, and his life was perfect. That is, all except he was in the middle of a messy divorce and his anger issues were overwhelming him. But, he never sinned. It was always someone else's fault. His views on baptism, heaven, and head coverings were where he specialized. He was an expert. He knew what he was talking about in every area. He was never wrong and his life showed it. His wife was an idiot. His acquaintances were demons in disguise. His elders were fools. He read from the books of smart men. His life fell apart and he died in a ditch with alcohol on his breath. But, he was a humble man. The man who was never wrong or would admit it. At his funeral there were three. The minister, the gravedigger, and the casket maker.

Don't be a fool and follow after the ways of the smart men of today. Study the Word of God, listen to your elders, and read church history.

Addictions

As a human being, or more specifically a male, I find it hard at times to control the want to do stupid things. And, not just stupid things but stupid things a whole bunch of times. Otherwise known as video games. Life is a balance. God's given us many good things. And, in and of themselves most video games are not evil, nor is alcohol, or playing baseball, etc. But, then our minds become focused on these "good" things and become full of them and we become addicted and they become our god. It's like your dad giving you a new car for your birthday. Then, you forget all about your dad and you talk to the car, bow down to the car, and spend all your time with the car. And, you forget all about it being your dad who gave you the car in the first place. (That analogy kind of falls apart, but anyways..) So, worship God and thank God for the good things he's given you.

Tip of the day: Shoot for the moon, but s'riously don't miss because otherwise you're fried... <_<

Balance

Wow, I don't post enough. But, I've been busy all week. :-(

Life is a balance. I.E. Finding time to update your blog instead of other not so useful things.


That's it.

Scary...

10 more minutes of work, then bed... Then I have to get up at 6, yuck...


I mean fun. ^.^

We Are in the World

but not of it. It's a hard balance. Life is a balancing act. Being part of a world that is full of lying, sex outside of marriage, pride, and many other sins our flesh tends to crave can be very tempting to a young man or woman in any Christian home. They've been raised in a culture that is set outside of the world. Especially in the circles that I've been brought up in there was a clear distinction between our raising and the world.

And, then you see the world for who they really are. Satiating their flesh and not caring about anyone but themselves. And, to a certain extent it looks good to you. They aren't restrained by God's law. They appear happy.

And, then fast forward and look at the older men and women who are now sitting in rest homes who were the ones who satisfied their lustful desires. They're life has become nothing. They satisfied their wants and desires even though they were contrary to the law of God when they were young. But, now they sit tired and weary from a life filled with unrepentant sin and the hope of life is gone. There is nothing to look forward to. Their bodies have broken down and are no longer the things they once were. They're body is again turning into dust. And, what do they have to look forward to? An afterlife of eternal pain and torture.

Then, on the other side of the spectrum is those who lived a life filled with living for Christ. They're lives were always joy filled. They restrained their flesh and fought with the devil and now here they sit before crossing the river to see the glories that await them in heaven.

It's all about perspective. Can you see farther then the end of your own nose? Can you see the glory that awaits the saint who has fought the good fight and finished the race?

Tip of the day: When you focus on yourself all the little problems in life begin to feel like mountains. But, if you care about others, your problems will become much smaller and less significant. o.0

Love

Today, love is fairly lost. What most people mean when they talk about love is some sort of eros love. It's generally all about what you can get from the other person. Is that love?

Jesus said in John 15:13: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." True love is one in which you are willing to lay down your life for others. Sometimes I wonder if I could lay down my life for my family and friends. Or, is my heart too selfish and fixed on myself? Christ laid down his life for us, and if we truly love someone we'll be willing to lay down our lives for them. And, the one we should be most willing to lay our lives down for is Christ.

But Daniel I'm not faced with the decision to lay down my life for others every day. Wrong, to some extent every time we serve someone and don't follow the fleshly desires we are laying our lives down for them. Maybe we're not losing our lives as Christ did for us, but we are killing our flesh to put others before us. People used to call things like this chivalry (for guys) but it shouldn't be something forced. If your heart's not in something people will see through your facade.

Tip of the day: Life is full of choices. Make the right ones and live, make the wrong ones and die. Fairly simple. ;-)

Time is Precious

Each second is precious. Do you treasure the things you have alot of? Do you treasure the relationships in your life? Do you treasure the insulation inside the walls? Do you appreciate the soap next to the sink? I recently observed a movie where everyday items such as wipes or water were things many people died for. Yet, today we throw many of those things away without a second thought. But, as we get low on things such as water we are careful with every drop and try to preserve it till we need it. But, you can always get more water.

How about time? God has only given you so many years, months, days, hours, minutes, and seconds. Do you know how much time you have left? As a young person you feel you have your whole life ahead of you, but that reality can be shattered at any moment by any number of things. What do you do with those precious seconds God has given you?


Tip of the day: A to-do list with prioritization can do wonders. ^.^

Goals and Dreams

Making goals for your life is a key, but at the same time you have to keep things in perspective. There's a difference between goals and dreams. I've seen how easy it is to imagine yourself doing something, without wanting to do the work of getting there. Dreamers don't go places. I'm not saying it's wrong to dream of things. But, you don't go anywhere by dreaming. Which is probably a good explanation for people wanting to escape reality. They see their lives as dull and boring because they're always dreaming and hoping to be more then they are but don't want to do anything about it.

Life isn't going to be handed to you on a gold platter. You have to fight to make it...

Tip of the day: Charging your cell phone = your cell phone being on. Fun. ^.^

Relationships

It's much easier to think badly of someone than to think well of them. Life is full of sinners all around you. Everyone struggles with sins, and at the same time other people struggle with different sins. Then, the speck in our brothers eye vs. the moat in our own eye comes into play. The friends we have begin to grow horns and eventually we go our separate ways. And, this isn't just any old relationship anymore. It now includes marriage and immediate family. Close the door on your old relationships and bring on the new. The grass is always greener on the other side..

Gratitude

A quality that is of essence in any person. A recognizing of the good that has been given to you. In other words finding the glass half full no matter how empty it truly is. I personally tend to be very sarcastic. I see things in a negative light. And, take a look at our world. This is the very thing our world loves. Check out youtube, and all the funny sketches and skits are sarcastic. The world does not see the good in things, but would prefer to make fun of things. Sure, maybe some sarcasm is appropriate. But, using it too much may lead to a sense of ungratefulness. You need an attitude of gratitude. (Hmm, what's that from?)

Pride

Number one, why are all my posts about problems. Mr. Negativity... <_< *Wait, that's what my blog's name is all about..*

Moving on..

In my pretty much unsubstantiated opinion, I think the sin that most guys or even people in general struggle with is pride. But, I see it most shown throughout young men as a group. It's one of those sins where you feel like you've been humble for the last hour and then pride shows up with the party hats. (Yes, I stole that...)

But, why is this? Why is it so easy to become proud? I believe what tends to happen is you take a look at your brain, and then at your physical strength (at least for some of us *shifting eyes*), and basically take whatever God has blessed you with and turn it into an idol. (Hrmm, that's a really good idea.)

If it's God that's given you this incredible gift, what are you doing wasting it with pride. Proverbs 16:5 says, "Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished."

Yes, an abomination. And, let's think of it in this way. Christ, who has created a universe, and has ultimate power, he humbled himself and died on a cross for OUR sins. Wow! Really, do we have a right to be proud about anything? If you think of your measly "accomplishments" in the light of what Christ has done, you should look at yourself as dust. We have no right to think of ourselves as more then dust, except that Christ has chosen to show favor to us and lift us out of the dust. Look at yourself in perspective and see that your big fat head is nothing but what God has made it. So, stick a needle in it and pop it...

Tip of the day: Editing radio and trying to think at the same time are much too hard. Don't try it at home, or anywhere for that matter. <-- This isn't funny. ~Anonymous

Harsh Words

Harsh Words

People speak a lot of words every single day. Studies show it's about 8,800 for one gender to 6,000 words for the other, per day. (I'll let you guess as to who says more words per day. ;-)). Is every one of those words thought through with much thought? Are our hearts looking to edify and build up through every one of these words?
A lot of what people get from what is said, is from your tone. You could say something very kind and loving, but if you say it in a sarcastic tone then the words are lost.
And, at the same time it applies to the words. Have you ever had that moment where you say something then about 6 seconds later you wish those words had never left your mouth?
Well, I definitely have, and it can tend to happen at the worst times. <_< Anyways, now that I've declared a problem, there has to be a solution. In 1 Peter 3:10 it says, “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:” That's definitely a pretty serious warning. Also, James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
So, the goal is to bridle the tongue. It's that simple. So, whenever you talk, think of yourself actually bridling your tongue. It might help... o.0

Sorry it's so disconnected, I need to go. ^_^

Tip of the day: When someone says “toss (some object) over there.” They mean it metaphorically! Don't actually toss it. <_<..

Are You on the Computer Too Much??

I just read an interesting article about how being addicted to the internet/computer can be linked to depression. And, I think there's some truth to that. Even though there are sites like Facebook, chat rooms, etc. where you can be "social", there's still something you lose when you're not communicating in reality. Internet relationships only go so far. Most people fake who they are on the internet. They tend to be what they want to be, not who they truly are. Plus, there seems to be alot harsher words spoken through the internet. It's intriguing how when people have this barrier of the internet and the anonymity that comes with it, they can express their true feelings for people, otherwise known as their wicked hearts.

Tip of the day: Be real. A faker will never go anywhere, and will end up Making Enemies and Hurting People. Speak the truth in love and apply the fruits of the spirit to every aspect of your life, including your internet life.

P.P.S. Also, spend your time developing your real relationships, not your internet ones.

Should You Watch Movies?

What is the point of watching movies? Why do you like watching movies? I googled a bunch of different key words about watching movies/tv and it seems that nobody really touches on why you shouldn't watch them. Alot of responded to someone asking, "How much tv should I watch per day?" a bunch of responses like, try to limit it to 3 hours, limit it to 4 hours, just leave it on all day it doesn't take that much electricity, etc.

So, I thought of reasons to watch television/movies listed from 10-1.

#10: It gives you a chance to clip your toenails.
#9: How else can you get away with eating 2 quarts of ice cream. *cough*
#8: You have too many braincells.
#7: You just need to take a nap.
#6: You feel like being edified. Ha ha, lol. ROFL
#5: When else are you going to eat popcorn?
#4: You've spent too much time on the computer.
#3: You're tired of reality.
#2: You have to have a family movie night. I mean having a family game night or a family work night or a family bowling night or a family baseball game or a family knitting time (lol, seriously?) would be too relational! AUGH! STOP TALKING AND STARE AT THE TV. Hrmm
#1: And, last and definitely most least. You've got to use that big black box some time.




Anyways, I do enjoy watching some movies. I tend to enjoy the aesthetic beauty in the ways everything is put together. Plus, the plots can be fairly interesting. Ha, ha lol just kidding. It's pretty rare to find an actually creatively put together movie, anyways...

Tip of the day: Enjoy God, even in your movie watching. I hate it when people say things such as, "You watch tv, shame, shame." God has given us liberty to enjoy him and his creation. And, movies can bring out true stories and glorify God. Sure, maybe they're not the best way to spend your time. But, God commanded the Israelites to rejoice and go spend 10% of their income on wine and such and to enjoy life and glorify him.

P.S. Don't forget to follow. :-P

Anger

Oops, I thought I posted this yesterday but I guess it never posted.

One thing I've noticed is that alot of men are angry. I recently read of some "disorder" that 10 million men in America have that's called IED, intermittent explosive disorder. Lol, they have names for everything so people don't have to face their sins. What's next? LOID, Lying on impulse disorder? o.0

Anyways, back to anger. Why are so many men angry? Personally, I think it's because they don't want to actually solve a problem so instead rather try to "solve" it with anger. Angry people has to be one of the hardest things to deal with. They're irrational, and can also tend to express it in physical actions. I've considered that one of the first actions that perpetuates anger in boys is letting them get away with anger. Alot of times you just don't want to deal with somebody who's angry. It's uncomfortable, annoying, and it's just easier to let them have their way. By the time someone's reached the age of an adult it's going to be so hard to break them of the habit. Then they get married and then they yell or maybe even beat the people around them. It's kind of sad they can blame stuff like this on having IED. <_< Anyways, anger doesn't solve problems. What solves problems is God's Word and living through him. It's interesting how everything always comes back to God.

Tip of the day: Eat more C'real!

Ministry of Listening

I tend to be someone who enjoys talking. But, about a year+ ago I was convicted that I didn't really care about others enough. I've found it interesting to be able to be the one others can talk to and actually have someone who's interested in what they care about. So, maybe next time you want to get something off your chest, maybe take a couple minutes and ask the other person how they're doing.

And, actually care about what they're doing...

Tip of the day: Don't expect things of others. Expect to do things for them. Hmm.

Selfish Pigs - 1

I'm pretty selfish overall. And, yet a Christian is to put others first. I was reading through Bonhoeffer's book today for the second time and I really like the part where he talks about the ministries you focus on in relation to others. The ministries he mentions are the ministries of listening, meekness, exhorting, holding the tongue, helpfulness, and bearing one another's burdens. I would definitely recommend reading "Life Together."

Tip of the day: Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. I'm in trouble. o.0

Perspective of Life

There's a pill called the placebo which is pretty much just a trick of the mind. The doctor hands it to you and it's basically just a pill of positive thinking. It seems alot of people like to look at life in the perspective of the glass half empty. I'm kind of that way. Even if the glass is full I see it as half empty. o.0 Also, at the same time if your mind is filled with bitter and angry thoughts, there is a negative effect. I recently heard of some guy who said that many people who are ill are ill because of an emotional/spiritual problem. And, there's probably some truth to that. So, filling our mind with godly and positive thoughts seems to be a good idea. Plus, it's a blessing to those around you.

Tip of the day: Take out your contacts every night or your eyes'll start bugging you after a couple days. <_<..

Learning from our Elders

How much do you know about your grandparents or even parents? I'm surprised at how little I know about even my own parent's lives and am always learning new things. So much more do I not know my grandparent's lives. A quote by George Santayana goes something like, "Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." How will we know not to repeat the mistakes of the past if we have no knowledge of the past? And, our own family's history should be one of the key elements of retaining our past and not repeating the mistakes. And, that's probably one of the many reasons our country today has sunk to such a low level. We despise the past, and so make more mistakes then our forefathers and flee from the truth.

Tip of the day: Learning the history of our parents and grandparents is important. So, learn at their feet and take an interest in the past.

Friendly Skies

People always remember the last thing that happens to them. I know most people say first impressions are everything. But, it seems like, for example, when flying on airlines it's the flight stewards/stewardesses who make your experience with the airline. If they're crabs, then your experience with the airline is remembered as a crabby one... Anyways, so the woman on Frontier wasn't exactly a morning person. o.0

Tip of the day: Don't say you're going to post every day when you aren't. It creates this thing called expectations. Not good...

Meeting New People

Number one, FAIL

P.S. Man, it's hard to post everyday... <_<


I've noticed there's a tendency when people meet each other for the first time that there's like an awkward moment/awkward time. It would be nice to get rid of that, and just move on...

Tip of the day: Stop being shy!! ??? o.0

Giving

It's interesting how when Christmas comes around people will say, "It's more blessed to give then to receive." Then, they spend the rest of their lives wanting to get things from people like encouragement and prayers and such. But, they aren't looking to give in those parts of life.

Tip of the day: Give to others with love. ^.^

Moving - pt. 2

The first day is filled with mixed emotions. It's a mix of fun/excitment, and a tinge of sadness mixed in. Then, the 2nd day is more like a tired but still coherent day. And, the third day is a day you just can't really remember at the end.

Tip #1: When moving, wear gloves. ^.^

Move lots!

Moving is like taking a 20,000 piece puzzle, throw it from a 100 story building. And, then you get to put it back together. Fun stuff ^.^

Fluffy Peoples

It's interesting how many Americans are very down on things like smoking, throwing yourself off buildings, shooting yourself, and other things like unto that. Yet, they eat food that causes their bodies to bloat and die. Why?! Because it tastes good... Because I don't have time to eat good food for my body... And, other excuses just as lame. Out of 194 countries our country is 9th with 74% of people being overweight! o.0 (Overweight = bmi 25+) I find it interesting how our culture is so obsessed with the look of our bodies, yet 74%+ are overweight. (Not to be confused with "the look" of being fat like the way the people in Niue think of it(they believe being fat = wealth))

Now I'm not saying people should be infatuated with their bodies. But, I think there's a responsibility for people to take care of your bodies. (1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?) When you fill your body with junk, what do you expect your body to look like? JUNK! It's one of those for one action there's always a reaction sort of thing. Now, is it wrong to enjoy a McDonald's cheeseburger? Not that I know of... So, my point is eat good food and exercise. But, above all worship God.

The People Who Know You, Who You Don't Know

It's always fun to meet someone who knows you, but you don't know them. The conversations from meetings like that are always fun...

I.E.

Random Guy: Hey Daniel, it's good to see you again.
Daniel: Wow, it's been a long time! (notice the avoidance of the name)
RG:So, how's it going?
Daniel: Good. How about yourself?
RG:Good
*awkward silence*
(And, the conversation continues but because I must go to bed...)
RG: Yeah, I still remember the time when you laughed so hard milk came out of your nose.


*awkward silence*

Daniel: Uhh, yeah... That was hilarious... (kind of sarcastic/weirded out voice)
RG: Anyways, it was nice to see you Daniel
Daniel: See ya, bob?? o.0


I am committing to posting everyday, so I apologize if the posts don't make any sense...

Thoughts of a Snowshoveler

There are times when you have to shovel. Unless you live in some sort of tropical place where I guess you could just go shovel sand into the ocean. o.0 Anyways, many thoughts run through your head. "My back hurts." "It's cold out." "How can I be sweating when it's -10." "Why are creampuffs always too hard." Etc... ^_^ So, I was outside tonight shoveling frozen snow and these thoughts flashed through my head. Then the shovel broke! Next thought.. "How does a shovel break, they aren't supposed to break!" And, finally a new Chinese proverb based off of the saying, "Use your knees."

"When your knees break, use your back, when your back breaks use your head. And go buy a SNOWBLOWER!!!!" ~ written by Daniel S. sometime in the Jurassic period. o.0

The Life of a New Blog

'Twas the night of excited hopes and dreams, when all through the house

All was excited bliss, except for the mouse;

The thoughts of heartwarming cheer to be brought out with care,

In hopes that the blog's life would always be there;

The great visions of glory glowed in my head,

Never seeing that it may be put to bed...

And, then at that point his creative juices expired. So, the "poem" came to an end... <_<>

Lol, well I have now come to try to actually post in a blog consistently. I've tried in the past, but it always dies the standard death of most blogs. I want this blog to be something where I just post random stuff that comes into my head and doesn't have a requirement that every post isn't really intellectual and thoughtful. :-P