I saw Lane Seabolt at my favorite little coffeehouse last night. One particular song is really moving me and I’d like to share the lyrics with you in a moment.
Broken love, crushed dreams, lingering memories. I've heard that our most vivid memories are attached to specific scents. Interesting. A smell recently triggered a memory that violently shook me to the core of my being. Do we realize how much we hold onto the past? Do we realize that our present actions will soon become memories that will only be relived as secondhand experiences? Like a thrift store, I peruse the rusted shelves of my former romances. Not really in the mood to buy anything. Just looking around, taking it in. Remembering how the broken toys used to light up and play music and how the tattered worn dresses used to sparkle like new. Perhaps a small part of me wants to grab a dress, throw a tie around my neck, and dance down the isle one last time. However, those dresses are vacant now – long ago forgotten.
Rambling..
Anyways, here's the lyrics to the song..
"Anything" by Lane Seabolt
www.myspace.com/laneseaboltmusic
i dont know if there was
anyone else who was
standing there
watching you
moving as if it all
mattered but we both know
nothing means anything
anymore anymore anymore
far below
there's a room
where i keep all that you
left in the pantry
and under your pillow
i know it's juvenile
but when i close my eyes
i still remember
your smell in the morning
when all was calm
all was new
all was good
but for you
hiding your face in your pillow
dont tell me what to do
i'm still in love with you
you're still a part of this sad situation
you can move on
but you'll never move past
all the words that were spoken
with only your eyes
long ago
we both knew
you for me
me for you
i still remember it like it was yesterday
i dont know if there was
something between us but
you've taken everything everything everything
so they say
it takes two
now it's just him and you
dancing and dreaming
and moving as if it all
mattered but we both know
nothing means anything
anymore anymore anymore
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Happy Meals
I had my first post-childhood McDonalds Happy Meal tonight. They actually have a big kid size - six chicken nuggets, small fries, small drink, and a toy. It was surprisingly good and the perfect size. I did feel a little awkward reaching towards the drive-thru window to grasp the colorful cardboard container. Oh, and I almost got in a wreck on the way home playing with the little toy. It's this penguin looking guy that is riding a vehicle of some sort that shoots dual torpedo thingies. Some people send txt messages while driving or play with the radio. Not me. I play with Happy Meal toys. Four bucks well spent.
Stop Labeling
I read an interesting article on Zen Habits today (http://zenhabits.net/2008/09/11-refreshing-ways-to-bring-out-the-awesomeness-in-life/). Of the 11 ways suggested to bring out the awesomeness in life, #2 is particularly interesting. It's got me thinking - what is a label? when are they necessary? when do they complicate? is a truth only as solid as its label?.. hmm... thoughts?
"2. Stop labeling. It’s amazing how much we think we’re experiencing life, but we’re really just thinking about it. I want you to try a little exercise with me. Take a look at something around you. Maybe it’s a photo, a plant, or your keyboard. Our normal state of mind is to think about the object we’re looking at, to conceptualize it in our mind and place labels on it. Now look at the same object and don’t think about it. If this is difficult for you, that’s okay. Relax and just look. Let go. Notice a difference? That’s because when you’re not thinking about what you’re things, you’re actually experiencing life directly. The labels in our mind are simply abstractions, they’re not reality itself. Try doing this more often: when you’re in line at the grocery store, walking your dog, listening to music, etc. You’ll start to enjoy your experience much more."
"2. Stop labeling. It’s amazing how much we think we’re experiencing life, but we’re really just thinking about it. I want you to try a little exercise with me. Take a look at something around you. Maybe it’s a photo, a plant, or your keyboard. Our normal state of mind is to think about the object we’re looking at, to conceptualize it in our mind and place labels on it. Now look at the same object and don’t think about it. If this is difficult for you, that’s okay. Relax and just look. Let go. Notice a difference? That’s because when you’re not thinking about what you’re things, you’re actually experiencing life directly. The labels in our mind are simply abstractions, they’re not reality itself. Try doing this more often: when you’re in line at the grocery store, walking your dog, listening to music, etc. You’ll start to enjoy your experience much more."
Saturday, September 27, 2008
How do I figure out God's will for my life?
A hot topic among Christians is “how do I know the will of God for my life?”
.. ..
Before plunging into this topic, let me clarify that this is only for those who have given their hearts and lives to Jesus. If you’re not a believer, go read the Gospel of John and ask God to speak to your heart and show you how to respond. http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/tools/printer-friendly.pl?book=Jhn&chapter=1&translation=nkjv#top
.. ..
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” ....Rom..... 12:1-2
.. ..
People often think that God’s will is something that has to be found – like it’s lost or hidden. Not so. God’s will is not tough to discern. Paul writes the simple formula for knowing God’s will.
.. ..
1. Give your body to the Lord
.. ..
When I read this, I realize that my body is far from “holy and acceptable.” This discourages a lot of people. They think that they’re disqualified. They say, “Until my body is holy and acceptable, I can’t give it as a living sacrifice to the Lord. I struggle with sin constantly. I better get my act together first.” The first eleven chapters of Romans that lead up to these two verses explain that God sees us IN Christ. God sees our bodies as holy and acceptable already. You and I see the mistakes and shortcomings but, simply put, God does not. He sees you and me hidden IN Christ and sees the righteousness of Christ wrapped around us like a robe.
.. ..
What’s this idea of a living sacrifice? In Gen 22, Abraham was told to take his adult son Isaac up on a mountain and sacrifice him to the Lord. You may know the story. Just before Abraham’s hand plunged the dagger into his son’s chest, the Lord stopped him. It was a test and Abraham passed the test. Centuries later, God would offer up His Son Jesus on the very same mountain as the sacrifice for the sins of the world. That’s a living sacrifice. But, how does that look for me personally? Well, I become a living sacrifice when I climb up onto the altar and say, “Lord, I’m yours. I love you more than anything or anyone. Have your way with me.” The problem with being a living sacrifice is that I have the tendency to climb off the altar and go do my own thing. I squirm and regularly escape! That’s why it’s important for me to continually return back to the place where I say, “Lord, I’m sorry. I’m tired of trying to figure out where I should go. I’ve done my own thing, tried my own way, and failed miserably. I’m tired of steering the car. I let go of the controls once again. Take my life..”
.. ..
Once you’ve given your body to the Lord and opened up your life to His complete control..
.. ..
2. Keep your mind on the Lord
.. ..
Avoid being squeezed into the world’s mold. Instead, be transformed by the renewing of your mind. The word “transformed” comes from the Greek word “metamorphoo” which is where we get our word “metamorphosis.” It’s a radical change. This same word is used to describe the change that Jesus experienced in Matt 17. He was talking with Moses and Elijah about his death (hint, hint – living sacrifice) and started shining and glowing. Just as radical as a caterpillar metamorphosizing into a butterfly, my mind is changed and renewed as I keep my thoughts on the Lord.
.. ..
So, give your body to the Lord and keep your mind on the Lord, and you will know what God’s perfect will is for your life.
.. ..
Sounds good, right? The question is – how does that actually work for me today in my situation?
.. ..
John 14. Jesus was telling his freaked out disciples that He was going to leave them in order to prepare heaven for them. Jesus told them not to be worried or troubled. He then said “where I go you know, and the way you know.” Thomas replied in John 14:5 “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”
.. ..
Here’s the key to this whole “how do I know God’s will” thing:
.. ..
John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
.. ..
See, the disciples were trying to get instruction, direction, information. Jesus basically said, “I’m not going to tell you the way. I AM the way. It’s not information I give to you. It’s who I’ll be for you. It’s ME.”
.. ..
We keep saying, “Lord, tell me what to do. Give me instructions. Give me directions.” The Lord says, “I never said I would tell you the way. I am the way.” All I have to do is (#1) Give my body to the Lord and (#2) keep my mind on the Lord, and I’ll end up in the right place without struggling at all. I’ll stop trying to figure out what to do and just hang on to the Lord. It’s radical. It’s Jesus – day by day by day.
.. ..
Not only that but ....Col.... 3:15 says that the peace of Christ will rule in my heart and Heb 10:16 says God’s will will be written on my heart. God is simply going to change my heart. I don’t have to struggle and wonder what He wants me to do or where He wants me to go. Hey, if my heart’s desire is to do this or that, I can go for it. I don’t have to agonize over it. If I make a mistake, the Lord will shut the door and open a different door (see Rev. 3). All I do is rest. I keep my body open to Him, keep my mind on Him, let His peace rule in my heart, and let Him put His impressions on my heart.
.. ..
Ps. 37:4 – As I delight in the Lord, he gives me the desires of my heart. I climb onto his shoulders and go along for the ride. Suddenly, I find that the desires I have in my heart constitute his will for my life. It’s that simple. Just like Augustine said, as I love God with all of my heart, I can do whatever I want. Vocationally, romantically, physically, emotionally, spiritually, practically – I’ll find myself in the center of God’s will.
.. ..
Before plunging into this topic, let me clarify that this is only for those who have given their hearts and lives to Jesus. If you’re not a believer, go read the Gospel of John and ask God to speak to your heart and show you how to respond. http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/tools/printer-friendly.pl?book=Jhn&chapter=1&translation=nkjv#top
.. ..
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” ....Rom..... 12:1-2
.. ..
People often think that God’s will is something that has to be found – like it’s lost or hidden. Not so. God’s will is not tough to discern. Paul writes the simple formula for knowing God’s will.
.. ..
1. Give your body to the Lord
.. ..
When I read this, I realize that my body is far from “holy and acceptable.” This discourages a lot of people. They think that they’re disqualified. They say, “Until my body is holy and acceptable, I can’t give it as a living sacrifice to the Lord. I struggle with sin constantly. I better get my act together first.” The first eleven chapters of Romans that lead up to these two verses explain that God sees us IN Christ. God sees our bodies as holy and acceptable already. You and I see the mistakes and shortcomings but, simply put, God does not. He sees you and me hidden IN Christ and sees the righteousness of Christ wrapped around us like a robe.
.. ..
What’s this idea of a living sacrifice? In Gen 22, Abraham was told to take his adult son Isaac up on a mountain and sacrifice him to the Lord. You may know the story. Just before Abraham’s hand plunged the dagger into his son’s chest, the Lord stopped him. It was a test and Abraham passed the test. Centuries later, God would offer up His Son Jesus on the very same mountain as the sacrifice for the sins of the world. That’s a living sacrifice. But, how does that look for me personally? Well, I become a living sacrifice when I climb up onto the altar and say, “Lord, I’m yours. I love you more than anything or anyone. Have your way with me.” The problem with being a living sacrifice is that I have the tendency to climb off the altar and go do my own thing. I squirm and regularly escape! That’s why it’s important for me to continually return back to the place where I say, “Lord, I’m sorry. I’m tired of trying to figure out where I should go. I’ve done my own thing, tried my own way, and failed miserably. I’m tired of steering the car. I let go of the controls once again. Take my life..”
.. ..
Once you’ve given your body to the Lord and opened up your life to His complete control..
.. ..
2. Keep your mind on the Lord
.. ..
Avoid being squeezed into the world’s mold. Instead, be transformed by the renewing of your mind. The word “transformed” comes from the Greek word “metamorphoo” which is where we get our word “metamorphosis.” It’s a radical change. This same word is used to describe the change that Jesus experienced in Matt 17. He was talking with Moses and Elijah about his death (hint, hint – living sacrifice) and started shining and glowing. Just as radical as a caterpillar metamorphosizing into a butterfly, my mind is changed and renewed as I keep my thoughts on the Lord.
.. ..
So, give your body to the Lord and keep your mind on the Lord, and you will know what God’s perfect will is for your life.
.. ..
Sounds good, right? The question is – how does that actually work for me today in my situation?
.. ..
John 14. Jesus was telling his freaked out disciples that He was going to leave them in order to prepare heaven for them. Jesus told them not to be worried or troubled. He then said “where I go you know, and the way you know.” Thomas replied in John 14:5 “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”
.. ..
Here’s the key to this whole “how do I know God’s will” thing:
.. ..
John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
.. ..
See, the disciples were trying to get instruction, direction, information. Jesus basically said, “I’m not going to tell you the way. I AM the way. It’s not information I give to you. It’s who I’ll be for you. It’s ME.”
.. ..
We keep saying, “Lord, tell me what to do. Give me instructions. Give me directions.” The Lord says, “I never said I would tell you the way. I am the way.” All I have to do is (#1) Give my body to the Lord and (#2) keep my mind on the Lord, and I’ll end up in the right place without struggling at all. I’ll stop trying to figure out what to do and just hang on to the Lord. It’s radical. It’s Jesus – day by day by day.
.. ..
Not only that but ....Col.... 3:15 says that the peace of Christ will rule in my heart and Heb 10:16 says God’s will will be written on my heart. God is simply going to change my heart. I don’t have to struggle and wonder what He wants me to do or where He wants me to go. Hey, if my heart’s desire is to do this or that, I can go for it. I don’t have to agonize over it. If I make a mistake, the Lord will shut the door and open a different door (see Rev. 3). All I do is rest. I keep my body open to Him, keep my mind on Him, let His peace rule in my heart, and let Him put His impressions on my heart.
.. ..
Ps. 37:4 – As I delight in the Lord, he gives me the desires of my heart. I climb onto his shoulders and go along for the ride. Suddenly, I find that the desires I have in my heart constitute his will for my life. It’s that simple. Just like Augustine said, as I love God with all of my heart, I can do whatever I want. Vocationally, romantically, physically, emotionally, spiritually, practically – I’ll find myself in the center of God’s will.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Jesus Loves You, Fluffy..
Hey Guys -
Found this recent public announcement for a local church (Christian Church - Disciples of Christ denomination). Any thoughts or opinions?..
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS - Pets should be brought on a leash or in a suitable carrier to the gathering, which will be held on the front lawn of the church. All pets are welcome, but photos of pets also are welcome. The service will include readings, prayers, music, a blessing for all living pets, as well as for those pets who are no longer with us. There will also be an opportunity for the individual blessing of pets.
Thoughts? I have a reoccurring discussion with a close friend of mine regarding animals/pets, their spiritual state, etc. This friend tends to believe that pets will be in heaven but there is no scriptural backing for this and I personally don't believe that animals have eternal spirits whatsoever. As far as this gathering that is being advertised, I'm undecided as to the validity of blessing animals..
Found this recent public announcement for a local church (Christian Church - Disciples of Christ denomination). Any thoughts or opinions?..
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS - Pets should be brought on a leash or in a suitable carrier to the gathering, which will be held on the front lawn of the church. All pets are welcome, but photos of pets also are welcome. The service will include readings, prayers, music, a blessing for all living pets, as well as for those pets who are no longer with us. There will also be an opportunity for the individual blessing of pets.
Thoughts? I have a reoccurring discussion with a close friend of mine regarding animals/pets, their spiritual state, etc. This friend tends to believe that pets will be in heaven but there is no scriptural backing for this and I personally don't believe that animals have eternal spirits whatsoever. As far as this gathering that is being advertised, I'm undecided as to the validity of blessing animals..
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Messy Life
My life is messy.
As I self-reflect, I realize just how ugly my issues are. Blood stains my hands. I’m covered in shame. The charades sometimes fool the people around me but I know the truth. Disgusting past. Horrific secrets. Ulterior motives. Double standards. Guilty conscience. Spotted. Tainted. Unworthy of love. Undeserving of breath. Messy life.
How does my Savior love me so? He is beautiful, I am ugly. He is strong, I’m a wuss. He is loving, I’m a jerk. How could He possibly pursue me with such a passionate heart?
My Savior sings to me – “You are all fair, my love, and there is no spot in you.” (Sgs 4:7)
He sees me robed in His righteousness and beauty. My Savior doesn’t see my ugliness. He doesn’t see my shame. I’m not guilty anymore. The spots are gone. My conscience is clean. My heart is washed in His forgiveness and acceptance. My sin will never exceed His grace.
May He remind you of His grace that covers your sin. May you realize that your heart has been made clean and whole. Let the words of His song sing to your spirit: “You are all fair, my love, and there is no spot in you..”
As I self-reflect, I realize just how ugly my issues are. Blood stains my hands. I’m covered in shame. The charades sometimes fool the people around me but I know the truth. Disgusting past. Horrific secrets. Ulterior motives. Double standards. Guilty conscience. Spotted. Tainted. Unworthy of love. Undeserving of breath. Messy life.
How does my Savior love me so? He is beautiful, I am ugly. He is strong, I’m a wuss. He is loving, I’m a jerk. How could He possibly pursue me with such a passionate heart?
My Savior sings to me – “You are all fair, my love, and there is no spot in you.” (Sgs 4:7)
He sees me robed in His righteousness and beauty. My Savior doesn’t see my ugliness. He doesn’t see my shame. I’m not guilty anymore. The spots are gone. My conscience is clean. My heart is washed in His forgiveness and acceptance. My sin will never exceed His grace.
May He remind you of His grace that covers your sin. May you realize that your heart has been made clean and whole. Let the words of His song sing to your spirit: “You are all fair, my love, and there is no spot in you..”
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Response to Rob's question about Christians and tattoos..
Good question, Rob. I'll give you the nutshell answer but we can talk more if you like..
First, I’ll note a very important distinction in the Old Testament. We refer to “the law of God” and “the law of Moses.” The law of God is for all peoples at all times. The law of Moses, however, was given directly to the Israelites for that time in history. Chapter 19 of Leviticus begins by directing the content to the Israelites. Notice that just a couple sentences before the text that you mention. It forbids from shaving around the sides of your head and also forbids from wearing clothes mixed with linen and wool. Interesting. Today’s Christians are not held under these laws because they were not given to us. We study about them, learn from them, and apply their spiritual principles to our lives.
Next, it’s important to understand the context of what was going with the Israelites when this law was given. The Israelites weren’t getting butterflies and tribal designs tattooed. They were actually tattooing idols onto their bodies as a means of idol worship. They were also cutting scars into their bodies in an attempt to stay connected with the dead. This is why God forbade this practice. Tattooing in our modern culture spans a broad range of intentions and purposes. If a Christian tattooed his body with a Buddha, I’d be a bit concerned. However, a Christian tattooing his body with a beautiful peace of artwork that represents a spiritual truth in his life is different. As Christians, we are no longer under the laws of the Old Testament. Rather, we are under “the law of love” and we have freedom in Christ to enjoy that.
At the end of the day, I would never argue with a guy that believed tattooing was Biblically wrong. I’d just tell him “fine, don’t get a tattoo.” However, I would argue that the Christian that doesn’t have an issue in his conscience with getting a tattoo has the freedom in Christ to do so. Many verses in the Bible back that up and I’d be glad to expound if you’re interested. (Guess that was a big nutshell!). Hope that helps.
First, I’ll note a very important distinction in the Old Testament. We refer to “the law of God” and “the law of Moses.” The law of God is for all peoples at all times. The law of Moses, however, was given directly to the Israelites for that time in history. Chapter 19 of Leviticus begins by directing the content to the Israelites. Notice that just a couple sentences before the text that you mention. It forbids from shaving around the sides of your head and also forbids from wearing clothes mixed with linen and wool. Interesting. Today’s Christians are not held under these laws because they were not given to us. We study about them, learn from them, and apply their spiritual principles to our lives.
Next, it’s important to understand the context of what was going with the Israelites when this law was given. The Israelites weren’t getting butterflies and tribal designs tattooed. They were actually tattooing idols onto their bodies as a means of idol worship. They were also cutting scars into their bodies in an attempt to stay connected with the dead. This is why God forbade this practice. Tattooing in our modern culture spans a broad range of intentions and purposes. If a Christian tattooed his body with a Buddha, I’d be a bit concerned. However, a Christian tattooing his body with a beautiful peace of artwork that represents a spiritual truth in his life is different. As Christians, we are no longer under the laws of the Old Testament. Rather, we are under “the law of love” and we have freedom in Christ to enjoy that.
At the end of the day, I would never argue with a guy that believed tattooing was Biblically wrong. I’d just tell him “fine, don’t get a tattoo.” However, I would argue that the Christian that doesn’t have an issue in his conscience with getting a tattoo has the freedom in Christ to do so. Many verses in the Bible back that up and I’d be glad to expound if you’re interested. (Guess that was a big nutshell!). Hope that helps.
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