Don't get me wrong I love the holidays...but...
It's that time again... Fall is in the air with Winter nipping at its heals. It's cold outside and the trees have shed their leafy clothing revealing their naked branches. Yep you know what that means... The holidays are here. The marathon starts one week from tomorrow with the kick-off of my dreaded holiday season. It seems like only a few days ago I was rejoicing that it was over, but here it is again rearing its ugly head and laughing in my face. My family is coming in from all parts of the country to our sleepy little college football town, to celebrate the favorite American past time of getting together, eating way to much, and then getting your feelings hurt by something your crazy grandmother says about you. That's my prediction for the coming week. But after Thanksgiving it's a non-stop shop/stress fest until Christmas, then you have to recover through New Years and then life starts again... I for one don't normally believe in stress but somehow the holidays bring out the worst in me. I am very fortunate that my family drinks. I do think that the only way I will make it through all this is with some sort of alcoholic libation in my hand. My family and I differ on so many things, religion, politics, world view, the whole shebang. But one thing we agree on is no matter what is going on its ok to have a drink in your hand while its going on...
So lets raise our glasses to a happy holiday season... Bring on the booze, and laugh so you don't cry...
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Contentment with the mundane.... Home Improvement Edition
As of late it seems that my life has become more and more normal. I noticed it this morning while watching and episode of Home Improvement, a 90's sitcom staring Tim Allen in case you forgot, on TBS. I realized that I had seen the episode at least 3 times in the last 4 or 5 months. I then began to think about my life. Every week is exactly the same. Monday and Tuesday I get up turn on the T.V. and watch my 2 episodes of Home Improvement before heading to work. Wednesday I do the church thing. Thursday, my one chance for adventure, I wake up late and talk about doing something awesome then lay around all day thinking about the great outdoors. Friday is an all day snoozefest. I sit at the Pool store for 8 hours and wait for possible customers. Saturday I wake up and do it again for half a day. Then its home for an afternoon of football and house cleaning. Sunday I'm back at church. Then its time to rinse and repeat.
Have I grown content with life? Am I at the point where I'm ok with doing the same thing over and over again. There was a time in my life where I could not stand the mundane any longer and had to get out. Maybe its time for a real change. Maybe I should move. Will the contentment follow me there? Who knows.
My life has been an adventure so far, and I don't want that to end.
Home Impovement is a fantastic show, it went down hill after J.T.T. left, but the show is a perfect example of how doing the same thing over and over again won't ever bring happiness, or good ratings. (insert cheap humor here)
Contentment isn't a bad thing. I should be happy to be alive and healthy. To have friends, and a family that loves me. Is that enough? Who really knows.
Be Happy and Watch Home Improvement at 11 on TBS
Have I grown content with life? Am I at the point where I'm ok with doing the same thing over and over again. There was a time in my life where I could not stand the mundane any longer and had to get out. Maybe its time for a real change. Maybe I should move. Will the contentment follow me there? Who knows.
My life has been an adventure so far, and I don't want that to end.
Home Impovement is a fantastic show, it went down hill after J.T.T. left, but the show is a perfect example of how doing the same thing over and over again won't ever bring happiness, or good ratings. (insert cheap humor here)
Contentment isn't a bad thing. I should be happy to be alive and healthy. To have friends, and a family that loves me. Is that enough? Who really knows.
Be Happy and Watch Home Improvement at 11 on TBS
Election Day Woes...
My Election Day Woes
Today is election day in the "United" States of America, and I can honestly say I have never been more disgusted to be a Southern American than I am today. I was upset to find out that the local Democrat headquarters was vandalized, or that my Obama Biden magnet was stolen off my car the day I put it on. Despite that ugly looks that my Obama 08 button got me at the church that I have to vote at, I proudly walked into that booth and voted Obama. The woman handing me my ballot never mad eye contact with me, I saw her look at my button, sigh and look down. All the pleasantries that she had exchanged with all the people ahead of me were not wasted on me. But none of those things upset me as much as what I heard today. All politics aside this should offend you regardless of your political affiliation.
In my past I have made many racially charged comments that have been derogatory and offensive and for that I am sorry. I regret my ignorance. Over the past few years as a Christian I have learned that RACISM HAS NO PLACE IN THE LIFE, HEART, AND MIND OF A CHRISTIAN. In the south, a place where there is a church on every corner and "everyone" is a Christian this racism still reigns true. Why is that? Why is there so much hate from a "Christian" nation? When I hear things like I heard today I can honestly say that I am not "Proud to be an American"
I recently read the Constitution of the "United" States of America, so that I would be knowledgeable of it and what it stands for. Today I decided to read the Declaration of Independence, and there is one part that we all know and remember. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created EQUAL, and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
This afternoon someone told me that they had always voted democrat but would not vote for Barack Obama because he was a "Nigger" I literally sat there speechless. I didn't know what to say. That word was uttered at least 10 more times in that conversation. I can honestly say that I have never been offended as much by that word as I was today. Because of my life experience of living in other countries where I am minority I have learned that skin color is only that, a color. A race doesn't make a person who they are.
Today I voted for the first African American to ever run for the office of the President of the United States, I can honestly say that I am proud of that. Barack Obama went into this over a year ago as an underdog and going into today he was the front runner. I am proud of him for his ability to over come such odds. The "United" States of America is on the verge of history being made. I hope and pray that if/when Obama is elected that we as citizens of this once great country will put an end to racism.
One day I hope and pray that we can actually be the United States of America
Jesus said LOVE the LORD with all your heart, and LOVE your neighbor like you LOVE yourself... I dont think he said love your white neighbor with all your heart and hate the others.
Red and yellow, black, or white they are precious in HIS sight :)
("United" States is in reference to the questionable status of the states or the country actually being united.)
Today is election day in the "United" States of America, and I can honestly say I have never been more disgusted to be a Southern American than I am today. I was upset to find out that the local Democrat headquarters was vandalized, or that my Obama Biden magnet was stolen off my car the day I put it on. Despite that ugly looks that my Obama 08 button got me at the church that I have to vote at, I proudly walked into that booth and voted Obama. The woman handing me my ballot never mad eye contact with me, I saw her look at my button, sigh and look down. All the pleasantries that she had exchanged with all the people ahead of me were not wasted on me. But none of those things upset me as much as what I heard today. All politics aside this should offend you regardless of your political affiliation.
In my past I have made many racially charged comments that have been derogatory and offensive and for that I am sorry. I regret my ignorance. Over the past few years as a Christian I have learned that RACISM HAS NO PLACE IN THE LIFE, HEART, AND MIND OF A CHRISTIAN. In the south, a place where there is a church on every corner and "everyone" is a Christian this racism still reigns true. Why is that? Why is there so much hate from a "Christian" nation? When I hear things like I heard today I can honestly say that I am not "Proud to be an American"
I recently read the Constitution of the "United" States of America, so that I would be knowledgeable of it and what it stands for. Today I decided to read the Declaration of Independence, and there is one part that we all know and remember. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created EQUAL, and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
This afternoon someone told me that they had always voted democrat but would not vote for Barack Obama because he was a "Nigger" I literally sat there speechless. I didn't know what to say. That word was uttered at least 10 more times in that conversation. I can honestly say that I have never been offended as much by that word as I was today. Because of my life experience of living in other countries where I am minority I have learned that skin color is only that, a color. A race doesn't make a person who they are.
Today I voted for the first African American to ever run for the office of the President of the United States, I can honestly say that I am proud of that. Barack Obama went into this over a year ago as an underdog and going into today he was the front runner. I am proud of him for his ability to over come such odds. The "United" States of America is on the verge of history being made. I hope and pray that if/when Obama is elected that we as citizens of this once great country will put an end to racism.
One day I hope and pray that we can actually be the United States of America
Jesus said LOVE the LORD with all your heart, and LOVE your neighbor like you LOVE yourself... I dont think he said love your white neighbor with all your heart and hate the others.
Red and yellow, black, or white they are precious in HIS sight :)
("United" States is in reference to the questionable status of the states or the country actually being united.)
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Did you realize....
So God has been working on my heart lately and I just have to talk about... I realized that God is going to work with or without me. I am not necessary for Gods plan to be carried out. What a privilege it is to be chosen by God to do his work. To think that even though he could do it on his own he gives me the opportunity to take part in what he is doing. Me, and all my imperfections, doing the work of the creator of the universe... I am in Awe of that. The definition of Awe by the way is... When I have nothing more to say about God than, "Wow". The only word that can leave my mouth about God is Wow. It is so amazing to be loved so much by such a great God...
Always more to come
Always more to come
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
My Dilemma...
Someone tell me how to understand this whole life thing... please??? Does God put you in the right place at the right time? Does He confuse you and make you think you have everything together, or is that just me confusing myself? Why are some of us so passionate about what we believe and others so apathetic? Should I take the word of God literally, even when others take it with a grain of salt? Why do you call yourself a Christian if you don't really believe the foundations of it?
All of these are questions I have been faced with the last few weeks. I am in a really crazy place in my life. I feel like I am fighting with God. He is telling me to do things and I want so bad to do other things before I submit to His will. God is telling me again and again that living the life I do is not the one he wants for me. There is a reason I can't choose a major and stick with it, there is a reason I get so burnt out with school, work, and people sometimes. God has been calling me for years into missions. I spent a year of my life and a few weeks here and there serving Him abroad, but he is telling me that I am not done. God's word has been speaking to me, and I want to begin to take it literally. In Matthew 10 Jesus is talking to a rich man, compared to the rest of the world Matt Walker is a rich man," Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Gods word is so simple. I have decided to stop trying to make this work, trying to get what I want. For example I want a college degree, I want to have a home, I want to get married. I want I want! God is calling me daily to serve him like in that verse, and I make excuses. I tell people that before I leave again to do missions I want to be married, I guess that means that I am afraid to go alone. Last week a preacher told me something really cool, he said stop seeking a wife, stop looking for that perfect person, and start seeking the perfect God, and he will take care of the rest. How true... If I seek him he will grant me the desires of my heart. I heard a story, a real life story last week about a Man, a husband, a father, who felt a call from God and he wasn't afraid. God called him to sell every thing he had, and move to Polland, and he did it. He and his Wife and 3 kids packed to bags and a carry on each and moved to Polland to serve the Roma people. They sold everything, there, house, cars, TVs, stuff!!!! They left it all for Gods work. . Why is it so hard for me to respond to God's call? I dont have kids, or a house, what is holding me back? God has placed Africa on my heart for a reason, and he is calling me there, how soon I do not know, but I am prepared to live out his word. I want to take it literally....
I love myself, and Jesus has called me to love others the same way. Everything I have on this earth is worthless... all of my stuff, is garbage. Thats what his word says. Sell it all and give it to the poor... Why is that so hard?
All of these are questions I have been faced with the last few weeks. I am in a really crazy place in my life. I feel like I am fighting with God. He is telling me to do things and I want so bad to do other things before I submit to His will. God is telling me again and again that living the life I do is not the one he wants for me. There is a reason I can't choose a major and stick with it, there is a reason I get so burnt out with school, work, and people sometimes. God has been calling me for years into missions. I spent a year of my life and a few weeks here and there serving Him abroad, but he is telling me that I am not done. God's word has been speaking to me, and I want to begin to take it literally. In Matthew 10 Jesus is talking to a rich man, compared to the rest of the world Matt Walker is a rich man," Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Gods word is so simple. I have decided to stop trying to make this work, trying to get what I want. For example I want a college degree, I want to have a home, I want to get married. I want I want! God is calling me daily to serve him like in that verse, and I make excuses. I tell people that before I leave again to do missions I want to be married, I guess that means that I am afraid to go alone. Last week a preacher told me something really cool, he said stop seeking a wife, stop looking for that perfect person, and start seeking the perfect God, and he will take care of the rest. How true... If I seek him he will grant me the desires of my heart. I heard a story, a real life story last week about a Man, a husband, a father, who felt a call from God and he wasn't afraid. God called him to sell every thing he had, and move to Polland, and he did it. He and his Wife and 3 kids packed to bags and a carry on each and moved to Polland to serve the Roma people. They sold everything, there, house, cars, TVs, stuff!!!! They left it all for Gods work. . Why is it so hard for me to respond to God's call? I dont have kids, or a house, what is holding me back? God has placed Africa on my heart for a reason, and he is calling me there, how soon I do not know, but I am prepared to live out his word. I want to take it literally....
I love myself, and Jesus has called me to love others the same way. Everything I have on this earth is worthless... all of my stuff, is garbage. Thats what his word says. Sell it all and give it to the poor... Why is that so hard?
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