Hello folks!
It's 1 AM here in PA
Though the post probably tells otherwise.
My trip has been going great. I've seen the bussiest city of New York, ridin rides, ate cheap seafood, and have experienced a new lifestyle I've never been exposed to. I'd never been further east than New Mexico, and this time I went all out, I suppose.
Truthfully though, my favorite part so far has been these small little beatles that come out only for an hour or so right before dark. Little bugs called fireflies, or lightning bugs. At first sight, I was fascinated. These things are really amazing.
I'll definitely have to do a wrap up blog when I'm finished. I'm heading back to NYC in the morning, have to be up in 4 hours.
Who reads this blog anyways?
Miss all of you
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Leaving for the East Coast in 2 Hours
Plane leaves at 6 something.
I'm finishing up The Irresistible Revolution right now.
Don't care how late it is!
I can't wait to see the place. I hear it's gorgeous, the whole area in general.
But I'm also excited to see a different life style
I was talking to my mother, and she said "You're going to meet a lot of really weird, strange people on the busses and trains"
and I said, "No, you're just telling me I'll meet people that aren't like me and you."
She got frustrated, I giggled. But really. This whole book that I'm reading takes place on the east coast. I even considered visiting the Simple Way, and then thought I was over my head.
I still wish my family saw on a somewhat similar level. Then they'd realize what I'd really want to get out of a trip like this. Instead of being a tourist I'd like to meet some people.
But I guess that's for later when I'm on my own. I still deny that though i'm young i'm powerful.
Text me! I'll miss you guys.
I'm finishing up The Irresistible Revolution right now.
Don't care how late it is!
I can't wait to see the place. I hear it's gorgeous, the whole area in general.
But I'm also excited to see a different life style
I was talking to my mother, and she said "You're going to meet a lot of really weird, strange people on the busses and trains"
and I said, "No, you're just telling me I'll meet people that aren't like me and you."
She got frustrated, I giggled. But really. This whole book that I'm reading takes place on the east coast. I even considered visiting the Simple Way, and then thought I was over my head.
I still wish my family saw on a somewhat similar level. Then they'd realize what I'd really want to get out of a trip like this. Instead of being a tourist I'd like to meet some people.
But I guess that's for later when I'm on my own. I still deny that though i'm young i'm powerful.
Text me! I'll miss you guys.
Friday, June 20, 2008
I've never realized
how much I think about what other people are thinking about me
or care about how much other people are thinking about me
And how I look at others and compare myself to them when I feel awkward.
It's weird that this has been the first thing that has moved me in a while,
But ever since I've bought these "ugly, cheap, granny slip-on shoes" that do good called Toms, I've well been moved.
It coulda been the color scheme, I don't know. But they don't bother me, yet they do to everyone else
It makes me wonder how worse it is for the poor, the obese, the awkwardly-sexual oriented, the disabled, etc.
They have something people think are weird that, in a lot of cases, they can't change.
And if people make me feel this bad just for shoes
I couldn't imagine for anyone else frowned upon for situations that don't even begin to describe someone's character.
Honestly, I don't believe that it's truly a big ol' bully's motive for beating kids, but now I understand why it break people down.
I've seen how much this society has gotten into all of our brains.
One thing not socially accepted and people flip because it doesn't look like what they're used to.
I was at two concerts this weekend, and 99% of the guys there were either wearing Vans or Flip-Flops, no lie.
So I took a look at my closet and saw how much I conformed, yet realized that there are so few ways you could not literally "look" like the rest of the world.
I've read over several scriptures and even books telling me to not be sucked into this world, and I had never thought I was
Until I felt out of place because of what other people had said to me.
And I realized that it was only that way because society has made it that way.
And it's only shoes.
It's also surprised me what people I thought had it all figured out in their minds have said
I'm not trying to say I'm better than anyone else or smarter based of their remarks,
because as I mentioned early I have the same flaw
But now I have a bit more respect for those who don't fit the "image"
And I think I'll have to pray for wisdom and a more mature ways of thinking about others
But regardless of what you say, I payed for these shoes, I'm not wasting it, and I think they look fine. I'll wear 'em
And I guess I'll see how bad they really bother people, or maybe see who really isn't going to bother me about it
After all, It's just, shoes. They'll rot and waste away, and won't follow me to heaven, where the most valued things are used for cement, and rust and moth don't break things down.
:)
or care about how much other people are thinking about me
And how I look at others and compare myself to them when I feel awkward.
It's weird that this has been the first thing that has moved me in a while,
But ever since I've bought these "ugly, cheap, granny slip-on shoes" that do good called Toms, I've well been moved.
It coulda been the color scheme, I don't know. But they don't bother me, yet they do to everyone else
It makes me wonder how worse it is for the poor, the obese, the awkwardly-sexual oriented, the disabled, etc.
They have something people think are weird that, in a lot of cases, they can't change.
And if people make me feel this bad just for shoes
I couldn't imagine for anyone else frowned upon for situations that don't even begin to describe someone's character.
Honestly, I don't believe that it's truly a big ol' bully's motive for beating kids, but now I understand why it break people down.
I've seen how much this society has gotten into all of our brains.
One thing not socially accepted and people flip because it doesn't look like what they're used to.
I was at two concerts this weekend, and 99% of the guys there were either wearing Vans or Flip-Flops, no lie.
So I took a look at my closet and saw how much I conformed, yet realized that there are so few ways you could not literally "look" like the rest of the world.
I've read over several scriptures and even books telling me to not be sucked into this world, and I had never thought I was
Until I felt out of place because of what other people had said to me.
And I realized that it was only that way because society has made it that way.
And it's only shoes.
It's also surprised me what people I thought had it all figured out in their minds have said
I'm not trying to say I'm better than anyone else or smarter based of their remarks,
because as I mentioned early I have the same flaw
But now I have a bit more respect for those who don't fit the "image"
And I think I'll have to pray for wisdom and a more mature ways of thinking about others
But regardless of what you say, I payed for these shoes, I'm not wasting it, and I think they look fine. I'll wear 'em
And I guess I'll see how bad they really bother people, or maybe see who really isn't going to bother me about it
After all, It's just, shoes. They'll rot and waste away, and won't follow me to heaven, where the most valued things are used for cement, and rust and moth don't break things down.
:)
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Well it's almost Thursday.
And I've been out of school for 3 weeks. Yesterday morning was spent packing at the Guards. It just seemed like I was helping them get ready for a vacation, you know, like a permanent vacation. Except next time I see them they'll be staying in a bigger sized "hotel room", with jobs and the knowledge of small, local food places that are good. Besides chipotle, because I know they can't live without Chipotle. I didn't feel shaken, maybe it's because I haven't felt shaken by anything in a long long while, but I mostly feel like it's because I know I'll see them again, and I know we'll keep in touch. God does great things, and the Guards followed the call and God will take care of 'em.
This morning I woke up and headed out for a crazy little photo-shoot for our youth group's next lake day. The pictures turned out phenomenally. I think it's David, really. He has the personality of a model. Haha!
Click that picture for more!
My ears are still ringing. Just got home from seeing Goodnight Darling play. They're super good, the next big thing. Check them out. While there, though, we sat outside the venue waiting for the show to start. People are gathering out front of this church called OnePlace in Downtown Phoenix, and this guy in Khaki's, a beige button-up, some sun glasses, and a bag comes up and asks "Is this where everyone hangs out around here?". Tallia and I just look at each other, and begin to talk about how, generally, people who are here are from all over the valley just to see this band play. The man explains that he has just gotten out of prison, and it's his first time seeing anyone outside of the place in 10 years. I really didn't know what to say from there, and the man thanked us for letting him know what was going on and walked away. I guess I could've let him off asking if he knew Jesus, seeing we were standing in front of a church. And this man probably had nothing; no family that wanted to see him, no friends, not a place to live. The man could've been Jesus, and I wish I could've left him with something better. He had obviously been searching for knew friends, realizing that his old friends weren't so smart, or that they weren't loyal. Do you ever think that God has specific tasks for each of us to do, and if we don't get them done then the task will never surface? There's stories where God has chosen other people to work for Him, but do you ever think that if we all listened to the call, but were afraid to because we weren't used to it, then Christ would be a lot more noticeable within our country, or even the world? And are there a lot of things God already planned to do, but no one was sufficient for it, or disobeyed the call? Especially dealing with the wide-spread knowledge and following of Jesus being the basis of our reason behind our faith.
"My old man always swore that hell would have no flame
Just a front row seat
To watch your true love pack her things and drive away"
This morning I woke up and headed out for a crazy little photo-shoot for our youth group's next lake day. The pictures turned out phenomenally. I think it's David, really. He has the personality of a model. Haha!
Click that picture for more!
My ears are still ringing. Just got home from seeing Goodnight Darling play. They're super good, the next big thing. Check them out. While there, though, we sat outside the venue waiting for the show to start. People are gathering out front of this church called OnePlace in Downtown Phoenix, and this guy in Khaki's, a beige button-up, some sun glasses, and a bag comes up and asks "Is this where everyone hangs out around here?". Tallia and I just look at each other, and begin to talk about how, generally, people who are here are from all over the valley just to see this band play. The man explains that he has just gotten out of prison, and it's his first time seeing anyone outside of the place in 10 years. I really didn't know what to say from there, and the man thanked us for letting him know what was going on and walked away. I guess I could've let him off asking if he knew Jesus, seeing we were standing in front of a church. And this man probably had nothing; no family that wanted to see him, no friends, not a place to live. The man could've been Jesus, and I wish I could've left him with something better. He had obviously been searching for knew friends, realizing that his old friends weren't so smart, or that they weren't loyal. Do you ever think that God has specific tasks for each of us to do, and if we don't get them done then the task will never surface? There's stories where God has chosen other people to work for Him, but do you ever think that if we all listened to the call, but were afraid to because we weren't used to it, then Christ would be a lot more noticeable within our country, or even the world? And are there a lot of things God already planned to do, but no one was sufficient for it, or disobeyed the call? Especially dealing with the wide-spread knowledge and following of Jesus being the basis of our reason behind our faith.
"My old man always swore that hell would have no flame
Just a front row seat
To watch your true love pack her things and drive away"
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Do Good, Feels Good
Got my first pair of Toms today.
Needed some new shoes, but really did it for the cause.
Buy a pair, give a kid a pair.
click the pic for more info!
They're comfy too
Needed some new shoes, but really did it for the cause.
Buy a pair, give a kid a pair.
click the pic for more info!
They're comfy too
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Rotation
Hume 2008, the week I had been counting down since June 17th of last year. I really don't know where to start, though I can say that I had a different experience than I intended, and I felt that God started my heart movement there and it still has not ended, yet I'm still not exactly sure where he is taking me now. I ended up in a cabin with Nate, the new youth pastor, David, Max, Kevin, Jeremy, Jon, Jordan, Sam, and Salvador (a few new kids that I had not met). Ultimately, I really only knew Sam and Kevin. The relationships between the rest of the boys has definitely strengthened since day one.
The theme "Rise of the Kinematics" makes you think of robotic gear (which the teams 'Robos' and 'Bots' originate from), yet the word "Kinematic" is really the idea of moving without a cause, reason, or understanding. The truth is that many christians, and often myself, do things without truly understanding why we do them, and the goal of the Hume staff was really to explain why Jesus had to die, why he was the only one who's bloodshed would free us from sin, and why we should live a rational faith, not a blind faith.
To be completely honest, I'm still processing everything. I think when I returned home last year I was being a bit selfish and only cared that i was fulfilled emotionally. This year, although I had a great time, met wonderful people, and had crazy experiences (High Adventure!), I think God wanted me focused on Him rather than the place, which is exactly what he got me to do. I'm looking over my notes and re-listening to the sermons, and praying. It's hard to convince myself that I was even there, because I don't have that high that I felt last year. It's mostly myself wrestling with God on a lot of levels about different things. But Hume definitely showed me how loud God can speak when you separate yourself, and how he will change your heart before he changes circumstances, as told to me by Nick Vujicic a few months back.
I don't know if it's the right thing to be waiting for, but I'm just waiting for something to click, something to hit me in the face, something to throw me off course and open myself to something my heart is being so cautious about.
The theme "Rise of the Kinematics" makes you think of robotic gear (which the teams 'Robos' and 'Bots' originate from), yet the word "Kinematic" is really the idea of moving without a cause, reason, or understanding. The truth is that many christians, and often myself, do things without truly understanding why we do them, and the goal of the Hume staff was really to explain why Jesus had to die, why he was the only one who's bloodshed would free us from sin, and why we should live a rational faith, not a blind faith.
To be completely honest, I'm still processing everything. I think when I returned home last year I was being a bit selfish and only cared that i was fulfilled emotionally. This year, although I had a great time, met wonderful people, and had crazy experiences (High Adventure!), I think God wanted me focused on Him rather than the place, which is exactly what he got me to do. I'm looking over my notes and re-listening to the sermons, and praying. It's hard to convince myself that I was even there, because I don't have that high that I felt last year. It's mostly myself wrestling with God on a lot of levels about different things. But Hume definitely showed me how loud God can speak when you separate yourself, and how he will change your heart before he changes circumstances, as told to me by Nick Vujicic a few months back.
I don't know if it's the right thing to be waiting for, but I'm just waiting for something to click, something to hit me in the face, something to throw me off course and open myself to something my heart is being so cautious about.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
LEAVING FOR HUME IN 19 HOURS AND 25 MINUTES
I've never been more excited
my myspace is decked out all Hume style.
I just got back from a Maria Taylor show with Lisa and that's all we could talk about
can't can't wait!!!!!!
write me e-mails
here
:)
my myspace is decked out all Hume style.
I just got back from a Maria Taylor show with Lisa and that's all we could talk about
can't can't wait!!!!!!
write me e-mails
here
:)
Friday, June 6, 2008
I leave for Hume tomorrow
Simply one of the most beautiful places on earth. The sun rises perfectly over the mountain's tip at 5:43 in the morning, and the mist whispers to our eyes that it'll be a warm summer day. It's funny how our eyes hear more than our ears do, sometimes.
I was on my flickr today (not trying to, you know, point you in any direction with that link), and I was on my profile, clicking through my interests. Flickr, like a lot of other networking sites, allows you to be able to click a separate interest you've listed and see if any other users share the same interest. The more detailed ones rarely got any similarities, although there are millions on flickr. Even on Hume Lake, none! Haha. But really, millions of people and not one shared the same interest of "quiet conversations" or "bingsoo", and I'm certainly upset because bingsoo is definitely some kind of delicious dessert some angel probably spilled in heaven down to earth. Few shared interests in "seeing people smile", also a few in "cold pillows" and "foggy mornings". First off, it reminds me of how unique God makes us. Then I got about clicking these people that I shared interests with, and my eyes really opened to how much people can have in common, yet have one divided line - their beliefs. Even as in Rob Bell says in "Sex God", people come from all over to enjoy a concert, as one body to see the show. It's something they all share, they all have in common. But when they go home it's back to everyone having their own beliefs, and their own things that separate them. I see this a lot. Within my friends, and within my family. Things are always going really well until religion comes up. My father reads this book about psychics and new age religion and I'm two walls over with the door closed and the bible in my hand while my sister watches this show about rich girls in her room, but we share so much in common. We are related! Some friends just stay away from it too, but we are still friends. People tell me all I can do is present the idea, and it's up to God to put it on their hearts. I also have others tell me everyone has free will, and God can't make anyone love Him. I also have others that tell me God gets to choose. Some also say not to mention it at all, and wait until they ask me why I am the way I am. "Preach the Gospel always, and use words when necessary." Sometimes people just tell me I'm a nice person, and don't think anything of how the way I act and the way I put things.
I don't really have a final thought on that. It's just that.
I was on my flickr today (not trying to, you know, point you in any direction with that link), and I was on my profile, clicking through my interests. Flickr, like a lot of other networking sites, allows you to be able to click a separate interest you've listed and see if any other users share the same interest. The more detailed ones rarely got any similarities, although there are millions on flickr. Even on Hume Lake, none! Haha. But really, millions of people and not one shared the same interest of "quiet conversations" or "bingsoo", and I'm certainly upset because bingsoo is definitely some kind of delicious dessert some angel probably spilled in heaven down to earth. Few shared interests in "seeing people smile", also a few in "cold pillows" and "foggy mornings". First off, it reminds me of how unique God makes us. Then I got about clicking these people that I shared interests with, and my eyes really opened to how much people can have in common, yet have one divided line - their beliefs. Even as in Rob Bell says in "Sex God", people come from all over to enjoy a concert, as one body to see the show. It's something they all share, they all have in common. But when they go home it's back to everyone having their own beliefs, and their own things that separate them. I see this a lot. Within my friends, and within my family. Things are always going really well until religion comes up. My father reads this book about psychics and new age religion and I'm two walls over with the door closed and the bible in my hand while my sister watches this show about rich girls in her room, but we share so much in common. We are related! Some friends just stay away from it too, but we are still friends. People tell me all I can do is present the idea, and it's up to God to put it on their hearts. I also have others tell me everyone has free will, and God can't make anyone love Him. I also have others that tell me God gets to choose. Some also say not to mention it at all, and wait until they ask me why I am the way I am. "Preach the Gospel always, and use words when necessary." Sometimes people just tell me I'm a nice person, and don't think anything of how the way I act and the way I put things.
I don't really have a final thought on that. It's just that.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Note To Self :
Chris,
There are some things you can't change
and there are some things you can
For those you can't, praise God for it. Honor your mother and your father, your elders, all authority.
I know I'm here (physically here, in this chair, in this neighborhood, this city, with these people) for a reason. And though I don't agree with all of it, I can't change who I've been placed with, yet I should praise God for my health, my family, my friends, and for my opportunities here with whom I've been placed with that so many don't get. I take things for granted.
For those things you can change, continue to praise God and make sure he is in the forefront of all decisions you decide upon, making sure that you understand love and joy and the comfort so provided, yet sometimes seeming so distant, is so powerful. Share it with others. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Nothing is impossible. Don't hope for things to be done, but move your feet! Pray that you'll find encouragement, and a motive.
Everyone has a different scenario. No one aligns up perfectly. I'm positive, and there's plenty proof, that you won't live the same life as any other. It's good to take knowledge and encouragement from others, but that doesn't exactly mean that's God's plan for you. Not saying it doesn't! God is insane, and if you're convicted, great! Do it, believe it, put your heart in it. Keep in mind that, with every section of life (given to you preciously), you continue to be refined, and it's all for the better though it can be uncomfortable. God is in control. Who? God. And he wants the best for you. Don't become obsessed with anything else. Be open minded and humble, yet wise. Do not build up walls. Ask questions, and seek answers, the truth, and wisdom. Seek with your whole heart.
Love,
Chris
I'm really going out on a wing, here. The last time someone disagreed with me was Max Mullet at youth group 2 weeks ago, and I don't remember before then. I don't believe that I'm living this life so well all the time, and I think I just need someone to smack me in the face every once in a while. An encouraging smack, but a distinct one nonetheless. Who will be the first to go?
There are some things you can't change
and there are some things you can
For those you can't, praise God for it. Honor your mother and your father, your elders, all authority.
I know I'm here (physically here, in this chair, in this neighborhood, this city, with these people) for a reason. And though I don't agree with all of it, I can't change who I've been placed with, yet I should praise God for my health, my family, my friends, and for my opportunities here with whom I've been placed with that so many don't get. I take things for granted.
For those things you can change, continue to praise God and make sure he is in the forefront of all decisions you decide upon, making sure that you understand love and joy and the comfort so provided, yet sometimes seeming so distant, is so powerful. Share it with others. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Nothing is impossible. Don't hope for things to be done, but move your feet! Pray that you'll find encouragement, and a motive.
Everyone has a different scenario. No one aligns up perfectly. I'm positive, and there's plenty proof, that you won't live the same life as any other. It's good to take knowledge and encouragement from others, but that doesn't exactly mean that's God's plan for you. Not saying it doesn't! God is insane, and if you're convicted, great! Do it, believe it, put your heart in it. Keep in mind that, with every section of life (given to you preciously), you continue to be refined, and it's all for the better though it can be uncomfortable. God is in control. Who? God. And he wants the best for you. Don't become obsessed with anything else. Be open minded and humble, yet wise. Do not build up walls. Ask questions, and seek answers, the truth, and wisdom. Seek with your whole heart.
Love,
Chris
I'm really going out on a wing, here. The last time someone disagreed with me was Max Mullet at youth group 2 weeks ago, and I don't remember before then. I don't believe that I'm living this life so well all the time, and I think I just need someone to smack me in the face every once in a while. An encouraging smack, but a distinct one nonetheless. Who will be the first to go?
Oswald
Huge waves that would frighten an ordinary swimmer produce a tremendous thrill for the surfer who has ridden them.
Let’s apply that to our own circumstances. The things we try to avoid and fight against— tribulation, suffering, and persecution— are the very things that produce abundant joy in us. "We are more than conquerors through Him" "in all these things"; not in spite of them, but in the midst of them. A saint doesn’t know the joy of the Lord in spite of tribulation, but because of it. Paul said, "I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation" - 2 Corinthians 7:4.
The undiminished radiance, which is the result of abundant joy, is not built on anything passing, but on the love of God that nothing can change. And the experiences of life, whether they are everyday events or terrifying ones, are powerless to "separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" - Romans 8:39.
Let’s apply that to our own circumstances. The things we try to avoid and fight against— tribulation, suffering, and persecution— are the very things that produce abundant joy in us. "We are more than conquerors through Him" "in all these things"; not in spite of them, but in the midst of them. A saint doesn’t know the joy of the Lord in spite of tribulation, but because of it. Paul said, "I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation" - 2 Corinthians 7:4.
The undiminished radiance, which is the result of abundant joy, is not built on anything passing, but on the love of God that nothing can change. And the experiences of life, whether they are everyday events or terrifying ones, are powerless to "separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" - Romans 8:39.
Monday, June 2, 2008
A crazy day
Cooling down
refreshing my memory
just, refreshing....
:)
i'm really excited. i'm not sure exactlyyy what, or exaccttlyyyyyy why
i just am
refreshing my memory
just, refreshing....
:)
i'm really excited. i'm not sure exactlyyy what, or exaccttlyyyyyy why
i just am
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Almost a week in
and I still feel like I'm in school. I suppose it's the abundance of events that keeps my days feeling like a super busy weekend. Grad parties, bowling, movies, friends houses, late nights, Birthday parties, video games, sleep overs, more parties. Hah! It's easy to be consumed by everything, although I have making time to read and relax as well. Twitter is good for following.
Today was something different. We were presented with a new youth pastor. The situation was far from expected, and a guy ,who is local and familiar with some friends, was invited on to stage. He presented himself fairly well among the students and leaders, but I seem to have felt a way that some others did, too. It was time for me to break down the wall. Ryan Guard did not leave my mind. It was not him who told me to keep this wall up, because he has taught me well! I love him for that. And I hope that we still can talk like it's Sunday morning even as his adventure continues, but you'd probably be startled at how many people and things remind me of the way he speaks. The way he presented himself seemed so original in my eyes that I felt like any other who would do the same just wasn't being original. Or sometimes it didn't feel the same. And I realize that it's just some other thing keeping me where I am. Though Ryan will always have his big comfy place in my heart, there's others who can teach me from the same stage. So my heart opened up a little, and I followed a little more of his footsteps, and his actions. He's a very nice fellow, and his family is amazing as well. I've gotten to know his kids and stuff, and they're nice kids! I don't expect, but hope that this new coming will somehow connect everyone together again. Maybe this is someone who will listen, too. Maybe the church doesn't like listening sometimes. People have left cornerstone because they feel forgotten. And some recent decisions aren't making too many people feel on fire. The more I read, and the more I learn, the more I feel the inspiration to start a new type of church. Silly, for someone my age to think about I suppose. Maybe I'm just being naive. I don't want to continue to go somewhere where the rules are kind of bent, and Jesus is in 90% of the room, but they still spent all of that money on that big screen that could've done something better. I'm seriously about to ask my mother if I can give my clothes and bed and dresser and sell my television. I don't need it. I only need few clothes. My mattress is comfortable. Blankets, a few sheets. I recently read the Irresistible Revolution, and in chapter 4 Shane brings up the story when Jesus tells the rich man to give all he owns to the poor. Maybe he was just saying so because the rich man was ruled by money, and if you have control over money a little better than he did, God wouldn't ask you because he knows what your rules importances are. This is really long! Sorry if you have to read through all of this. I'm just rambling now. I've switched through about 4 topics.
But my question(s) is(are) - what does it mean to live for Him? To follow Him, and not use a high-lighter to just point out which parts of the bible that you agree with? And only what you really need? Why does God give us laptops and cell phones? They're good tools, right? But they cost money. What's God's opinion on that? What you can and can't spend your money on, if he knows it won't rule you. What would it be like to follow Him in a church like that? Where numbers don't matter. Where materialistic things don't matter. Is it right to spend your money on things that people will say "Ooh, a waterfall! Nice! Anddd, they clean their floors. ANDDDD the paint looks nice. I want to go to THIS church...". What would it look like if there's a plain building on the side of the road with the paint chipping off the walls, but everyone inside is on fire and worshipping and using their abilities to reach about beyond the walls. A church that won't keep to themselves more than just once every month. Are there already ones out there like that? When will there be one? Who will start one? Which church is the church Jesus REALLY wanted? And if you know the difference, why not do it anyway?
I once got a little fob from Cornerstone. It had the verse that says "Never do wrong, in order to do right", or something or other. Though he's directing it towards things about decisions and actions on a more of a lying and telling the truth basis, what about how you run the church? If you know it's wrong, even if it'll "bring more people", it's not right, is it?"
Thank you for reading! Let me know.
Pondering,
Chris
Today was something different. We were presented with a new youth pastor. The situation was far from expected, and a guy ,who is local and familiar with some friends, was invited on to stage. He presented himself fairly well among the students and leaders, but I seem to have felt a way that some others did, too. It was time for me to break down the wall. Ryan Guard did not leave my mind. It was not him who told me to keep this wall up, because he has taught me well! I love him for that. And I hope that we still can talk like it's Sunday morning even as his adventure continues, but you'd probably be startled at how many people and things remind me of the way he speaks. The way he presented himself seemed so original in my eyes that I felt like any other who would do the same just wasn't being original. Or sometimes it didn't feel the same. And I realize that it's just some other thing keeping me where I am. Though Ryan will always have his big comfy place in my heart, there's others who can teach me from the same stage. So my heart opened up a little, and I followed a little more of his footsteps, and his actions. He's a very nice fellow, and his family is amazing as well. I've gotten to know his kids and stuff, and they're nice kids! I don't expect, but hope that this new coming will somehow connect everyone together again. Maybe this is someone who will listen, too. Maybe the church doesn't like listening sometimes. People have left cornerstone because they feel forgotten. And some recent decisions aren't making too many people feel on fire. The more I read, and the more I learn, the more I feel the inspiration to start a new type of church. Silly, for someone my age to think about I suppose. Maybe I'm just being naive. I don't want to continue to go somewhere where the rules are kind of bent, and Jesus is in 90% of the room, but they still spent all of that money on that big screen that could've done something better. I'm seriously about to ask my mother if I can give my clothes and bed and dresser and sell my television. I don't need it. I only need few clothes. My mattress is comfortable. Blankets, a few sheets. I recently read the Irresistible Revolution, and in chapter 4 Shane brings up the story when Jesus tells the rich man to give all he owns to the poor. Maybe he was just saying so because the rich man was ruled by money, and if you have control over money a little better than he did, God wouldn't ask you because he knows what your rules importances are. This is really long! Sorry if you have to read through all of this. I'm just rambling now. I've switched through about 4 topics.
But my question(s) is(are) - what does it mean to live for Him? To follow Him, and not use a high-lighter to just point out which parts of the bible that you agree with? And only what you really need? Why does God give us laptops and cell phones? They're good tools, right? But they cost money. What's God's opinion on that? What you can and can't spend your money on, if he knows it won't rule you. What would it be like to follow Him in a church like that? Where numbers don't matter. Where materialistic things don't matter. Is it right to spend your money on things that people will say "Ooh, a waterfall! Nice! Anddd, they clean their floors. ANDDDD the paint looks nice. I want to go to THIS church...". What would it look like if there's a plain building on the side of the road with the paint chipping off the walls, but everyone inside is on fire and worshipping and using their abilities to reach about beyond the walls. A church that won't keep to themselves more than just once every month. Are there already ones out there like that? When will there be one? Who will start one? Which church is the church Jesus REALLY wanted? And if you know the difference, why not do it anyway?
I once got a little fob from Cornerstone. It had the verse that says "Never do wrong, in order to do right", or something or other. Though he's directing it towards things about decisions and actions on a more of a lying and telling the truth basis, what about how you run the church? If you know it's wrong, even if it'll "bring more people", it's not right, is it?"
Thank you for reading! Let me know.
Pondering,
Chris
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