Understand?

Ugh, why do people have to be so complicated? *pulls face off* There's a reason every business has an HR department.. Sometimes I wish I could understand why people do things. But that would make life horrible on the other hand. I.e. If everyone was a robot. But what makes a serial killer do what he does? What makes a man destroy another's property?

Ultimately, everything that's done without Christ is done with a sinful mindset. If one is not in Christ, then he is not in him. (He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. ~ Matthew 12:30) And I think most psychology classes are going to miss this. Either one is going to be driven by one's own wicked heart, or by the heart that has been regenerated by Christ. And that kind of un-complicates everything.

Cute

I like watching little people. I.e. babies. They are exploring the world for the first time. They have to put everything in their mouth to test it. They want to explore. Why can't I be more like this? Enjoy the world and explore it? Maybe not put things in my mouth.. But, the point still stands. ^_^

More Than Enough

Christ is more than enough. Without him, we are nothing. But with him, we are everything. It's amazing to think of his sacrifice on the cross for us. But remember his resurrection, because that's the reason we have hope that one day we will rise up to enjoy a feast with our King someday.

Sunday Scriptures

Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; ~ Philippians 2:14-15

Too Much

My life is too much about Daniel. It needs to be more about God and his people.

Have a wonderful Sunday everyone. ^.^

Understand?

"God is not what you imagine or what you think you understand. If you understand you have failed." ~ St. Augustine

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for the godly heritage in America.

Thanksgiving Tomorrow!

Thanksgiving is tomorrow! I'm excited. There's much to be thankful for. It's a holiday that most people skip over for Christmas. Maybe it's because it's not so materialistic in its focus? But it's a good time. A time where we emphasize focusing on being grateful. And don't we all have alot to be thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Augh!

Why can't I relax when I play games? <_< Games aren't life and death. But games are meant to be played to win I keep saying. But then they aren't fun... :-( I need to find some balance.

You Only Listening to One Side?

Everyone thinks they're right. Otherwise they wouldn't believe what they say. So if you're ever online and see someone bad mouthing someone else. Take it with a grain of salt. The other person will have reasons that they think they're right. Even a serial killer thinks he is doing good. That's why you can't accept what one angry person who's mad at another angry person says. So next time you read some celebrity gossip, blog, etc, read it with a grain of salt. Typically there are two sinners in conflict or being gossiped about.

Also, don't become a gawker. One time I got stuck in a twenty minute traffic jam. And I found out it was because of a bunch of people slowing down to stare at a burning building. Did these people help the situation by staring? No. They instead slowed everyone down. Similarly, when seeing a conflict or an issue in another's life it's typically not helpful to stare. Unless of course you're willing to jump in and get your own hands dirty.

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. ~ Proverbs 21:2

Sunday Scriptures

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. ~ Psalm 103:8

Btw: Sorry for my lack of real posts. I'll try to get back to posting some longer posts this week. ^_^

Saturday Sayings

“We should ask God to increase our hope when it is small, awaken it when it is dormant, confirm it when it is wavering, strengthen it when it is weak, and raise it up when it is overthrown.” “We should ask God to increase our hope when it is small, awaken it when it is dormant, confirm it when it is wavering, strengthen it when it is weak, and raise it up when it is overthrown.” ~ John Calvin

Doing

Talk is cheap. Doing, not as much.

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for beds. Quite nice and soft, they are quite wonderf..... zzzzz.... ;-)

Strive

Is your faith strong? When times get rough, do you turn to God? When the times are good, do you praise Him? The faith of many today is weak. I always find that my faith tends to hurt when I put something before God. Whether it be video games, tv, work, or play, when other things come to mind before God my faith suffers. Idols are never good and break down our relationship with God. He commanded us to not put other gods before him. Let us strive to tear down the idols in our lives.

Quotes - YAY!!

“Expect nothing and you'll always be surprised” ~ Daniel Defoe

Give It Up

Loving others oftentimes can mean giving up what you desire while putting another's needs above your own.

Sunday Scriptures

Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. ~ Psalm 106:1

Street Preaching

We've gone street preaching a couple times lately. It's been a good time and a growing time for me.

I think the thing that excited me the most is that I really have to test my fundamental beliefs. I can sit around with my friends and talk about the little tiny issues all day long. But can I really answer the statements like, prove to me that God exists? How about the man who is a consistent agnostic and believes raping a two year old is okay? Your grasp of doctrine is really questioned and you can't sit on your bed of roses/ignorance.

I also kept asking myself if I really loved these people. Could I love the homeless man who I'm talking to? Can I love this agnostic who is angry at a God who doesn't exist? Ultimately, people's souls are on the line. But then I remind myself that the message of Christ and his resurrection is Good news and people need to hear it.

It's still hard for me to get out of my shell though.. <_<

Death and Destruction

Life isn't really about death and destruction. Life is about living and enjoying the smell of the trees and the beauty of the snow. It's about being faithful, loving others, loving God, and obeying His commandments. Sometimes I feel people focus too much on the fact that life is horrible. No, life is great. With Christ that is. When you're always focused on evil and how it's "winning" then you're going to live your life in a discouraged manner. If your belief is that Christ won on the cross and rose again from the dead, than we have no reason to be down. The short term may look horrible, but if you look up and see the risen Lord reigning than you have no reason to be focused on how horrid life is around you. If you can look up from your foxhole and see that Christ has promised you everlasting life and a seat at his table, you will be more hopeful and cheerful. Eschatology is important and can have much impact on the way you live your life from day to day. (depending on how consistent you are...)

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for fires. Keeping us warm while the cold scrapes at the windows from outside.

Tick Tock

Every second I sit here I'm losing a second I'm never going to get back. The choice to watch that next tv show and waste another 45 minutes of my life is hanging in front of me. But at the same time, I've gotten everything done on my list. But am i stealing from tomorrow by not going to bed now?

It's hard balancing work and play. I'm either on one side or the other. (probably more on the play side. *cough*) I think both are important. But what's the balance? I'm still trying to figure that one out.

A couple thoughts, number one. Make a list. Once you knock out your list, then go relax. Reward yourself. But always prioritize your work. If you don't make a list you end up getting overwhelmed and the work clutters over you and you end up just giving up. But when I have a list I just work through the list and then plan out my next day. Easy, right?

Sometimes I think life is simpler than I make it. But then my lack of character shows me that just because it's simple doesn't necessarily make it easy.

P.S. I should be releasing my new blog soon, with a url that's a little easier to remember. YAY! ^_^

Your Tender Heart

Is your heart tender? Is it tender towards God's Word? Is it tender towards your family and friends? Is it tender towards your dog when it makes a mess all over the floor? Being tender is so important. Living in a culture where respect and naiveté are looked down upon, you have to strive even more towards tenderness. When we watch movies  and tv shows where people are dying constantly it's harder for us to understand the value of human life. Is your heart tender towards God? Are you open for reproof? Are you willing to let your friends hurt you. Because that's what love does. Love opens its heart and allows itself to be hurt. Otherwise, your heart will become hard and crusty. 


"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable." ~ C.S. Lewis

Feeling

Love is more than a feeling or a selfish desire. It's caring enough to lay down your life.

Sunday Scriptures

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. ~ Titus 2:11-14


Day 292

Encouraging Words

The Bible has amazing and encouraging words. Read it. Every day. ^_^

Day 291

Thankful Friday

I forgot thankful Thursday yesterday. :-( But I can be thankful today, as well.

God is very good to me. He's given me a wonderful family who care about me. He's given me wonderful and encouraging friends. I'm very blessed. I don't deserve one bit of it. And that makes me grateful. If I felt I deserved all this, I think I would be less grateful and more whiny. God loves me. I don't deserve it. And because of that, I am beyond grateful for Him.

I am grateful for the life I've been given so far. Twenty years. Much of it I can look back on and regret. But because of Christ's forgiveness instead I look forward with hope on the rest of the years the Lord gives me on this earth.

Push

Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs.  Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger.  If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves.  ~Dale Carnegie


Nobody trips over mountains.  It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble.  Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain.  ~Author Unknown


Day 289

Narcissistic Conversation

Narcissistic conversation is really easy to fall into. Either I'm spending the entire conversation talking about myself or I'm trying to think of questions to avoid talking/engaging. It's hard for me to keep up a good conversation. And good conversation is very important. I can grow closer to others in ways I just couldn't without having a purpose. But how do we get good conversation?

I think much of good conversation stems from a love for one another. You care about them, and are looking to help them and wish to see them grow closer to Christ. And if this is a mutual affection then you end up with a pretty good conversation.

Also, I find coming into a conversation with some sort of purpose is important. A relationship takes work. (Ugh, ;-P) And that includes conversation. Stuff doesn't get done by those who wander around life wondering what's happening to them.

And of course you don't need an agenda whenever you talk to someone, but coming into it with purpose is important. Purpose not to gossip. Purpose to glorify God. Etc. (Colossians 4:6)

Day 288

Undecisive Leaders

I don't like to make decisions. I worry about offending. Or, maybe I'm making the wrong choice. Or maybe I'm stepping on someone's toes too hard. But I'm coming to realize that what people hate more than one who makes a bad decision is one who won't make any decision at all. I think much of it can be because of a lack of faith. (i.e. something like Hebrews 6) Also, if you're worried about failing, don't worry. Just pray. Easy. ;-)

Also, reading God's Word, highly recommended. ^.^

Day 287