Posts filed under 'Life'
Greetings! Let me give you a quick run down on what’s been happening over the past few months with life stuff:
- This site was essentially “hacked”. I lost all content in the post before this one and my username/password to administer this site was compromised. That’s what you get for using free - opensource software. I’ve upgraded to a newer version and cleaned up a lot of stuff here. Things should be better.
- All of the items I listed above took awhile to get working. I’ve been so busy with work over the past couple of months that I just did not have enough time to work on this site. Seeing it “hacked” was very upsetting and it took awhile to get motivated to get it back online.
Just because the site went down, doesn’t mean I have been sitting on my rump. I have been active in rebuilding my church life. During the past few months, a big part of my journey through life had come to an end. I realized that after staying away from the church, being confused about what religion to be a part of, etc., I needed to “come home” so to speak.
So, I began to attend Mass regularly back at my Catholic church. It’s as if a whole new journey has begun; discovering who I am, who God wants me to be, and what I’m supposed to be doing with my life. A huge undertaking!
I’m hoping to begin to share with you what new things I discover, experience, learn, etc. Both good and bad. Being back in the Catholic church as an adult is a wonderful and exciting thing. More to come!
August 31st, 2006
I just wanted to wish everyone a happy and safe New Year. I hope all of you find peace in your hearts and Christ in your lives.
In all your ways Acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path. (Proverbs 3:6)
p.s: Happy Birthday Mom!!! 
December 31st, 2005
Yes, yes, yes… Thank you! Please sit down…thank you. 
I know it has been a long time since I have posted here. Honestly, I have no single excuse as to the reason; rather, I suspect there are several. First, I am fairly certain this part of the year plays a roll in my change of mood. There are many events that have taken place over the past few years that make this holiday not as “merry” as it should be. Second and most important, it’s hard being a Christian! Seriously people…being closer to God definitely places a lot of mental stress on someone. I feel as if I have been tested non-stop since I began my walk with Christ and it’s very hard not to “nap”:
Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. (1 Peter 5:8, MSG)
Not that I’ve been napping but it has become increasingly harder to stay focused. Again, I believe my frustration with the holiday season has something to do with it. I’m upset how the true meaning of the Christmas Holiday has now been changed into something you would sell at Abercrombie and Fitch :
The use of “Xmas”
Why is everyone so rude and arrogant during this time of year?
Since when is it wrong to say “Merry Christmas”?
These are some big reasons of mine but one of the most important is (what seems to be) the lack of “doing” for others:
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10, ESV)
Don’t get me wrong…I found true inspiration in my own family this holiday. Even in tough times, my parents still bought gifts for less fortunate children and were always willing to help others.
Being a part of God’s family is not easy work (not like my job…ha ha, yeah yeah). On your journey with Christ, many new challenges and tests stand in your path everyday. Personally, some of the lessons I have learned from God have opened my eyes and heart, changing my views on a lot of things in the world. I used to think “how is this going to benefit me?” Now, I think “how will this benefit YOU,” which has now manifested into difficulty connecting with Christ for me:
Why, O LORD, do you stand afar off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? (Psalms 10:1, ESV), O LORD, why do you cast my soul away? Why do you hide your face from me? (Psalms 88:14, ESV)
It’s human nature of think of “self” rather than “other”. Christ is with me at all times and most likely testing my faith to see how I do. I have prayed for the past few weeks that the Lord will renew my faith through the Holy Spirit and guess what?
Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; (Job 23:8-12, ESV)
December 28th, 2005
A good friend of mine shared this website with me. It’s the testimony of a man who was an atheist for over 30 years and studied philosophy in college from professors who were obviously not Christian.
On a side note, I apologize for not writing lately. I was on vacation last week and was very lazy. Tonight I’m not feeling well…I think I’m fighting off the beginnings of a cold. Yuk.
Anyway(s) < -- (ha ha Mom), I hope you are doing well. If you are feeling a little down or alone because of the holiday's, try to remember that you're never by yourself. Jesus Christ is within you ALWAYS. Seeing that this is His holiday, maybe you should celebrate with Him!
As well, there is always someone around that can learn from you. Keep in mind that we are here on this Earth to serve the Lord...He has a plan for you, a purpose. Trust in the Lord when you are down and He will fill your heart with the peace of the Holy Spirit.
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock. (Isaiah 26:3-4, ESV)
November 28th, 2005
On this day of Thanksgiving, I pray that each one of you takes just a few minutes of your time to Thank God for what you have been given over the past year. I’m sure some of you are thinking “yeah, but this year hasn’t been all that stellar…why would I give thanks for that?!” Because as a Christian, your faith should outweigh what your eyes see and your ears listen to everyday. What you have experienced or are currently experiencing is all part of God’s plan. Whether it is bad or good, he is in charge of your life and is continually saving you because you continue to have faith in him:
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God (Ephesians 4:12, ESV)
More than likely, you do not understand what it is you are going through. Remembering this verse will help you realize that everything the Lord does has a purpose and there is a lesson to be learned every second of the day:
Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for GOD’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. (Proverbs 3:5-6, MSG)
Due to our limited understanding of life, it is very hard for us to clearly see what God’s intentions are. But guess what? We don’t have to worry about that!!! No matter how bad events in your life are, GOD IS IN CHARGE! The creator of the universe and all life within is with YOU and is guiding your life! Pray often that the Holy Spirit will continue to fill your hearts and allow you to give thanks for everything in your life.
So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live in him. (Colossians 2:6, ISV)
November 24th, 2005
A giant nearly ten feet tall stepped out from the Philistine line into the open, Goliath from Gath. He had a bronze helmet on his head and was dressed in armor–126 pounds of it! He wore bronze shin guards and carried a bronze sword. His spear was like a fence rail–the spear tip alone weighed over fifteen pounds. His shield bearer walked ahead of him. (1 Samuel 17:4-7, MSG)
Ten feet tall wearing over a hundred pounds of armor, huh? Sound like a description of a problem in your life, that’s staring you square in the eyes? I’ve been there and I’m willing to bet we all have faced this life challenge at some time or another. Before I started my walk with Christ, I often became angry and upset asking “why me,” which only clouded the path towards a resolution: God. You have to understand that most of us are geared not to see details, rather the “overall” picture. Because of this, problems in our lives (even the ones we can easily solve) often are viewed as overwhelming.
When David got to the battle, all he heard was the battle cry of the Philistine champion (your problem calling at you) and he saw his Brothers and other soldiers terribly afraid (you seeing your problems overwhelming). David had the Holy Spirit within him (was able to see details) and was unafraid of Goliath:
“Master,” said David, “don’t give up hope. I’m ready to go and fight this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:32, MSG)
My point to all this is that sometimes God tests you with various problems in your life, to see what you’ll do. He’s not punishing you, rather bringing you closer to him by teaching you lessons on life, love, friendships, etc. There is always, always, always something to learn. Pray to God and ask “what is it you want me to learn here?” You’ve all heard the phrase “God never gives you more than you can handle,” and that’s no lie.
Spend some time alone, talking to God. Let him place your problems in a light that you can see (in detail), so that they won’t seem so overwhelming. Allow him to fill your heart with the Holy Spirit and give you the courage and strength to overcome any problems you face in your lives. Most importantly, allow yourself to learn from the experiences you have been blessed with, be it bad or good. These attributes will allow you to conquer anything…even the problems that seem 10 feet tall.
When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David. (1 Samuel 17:48-50, ESV)
November 19th, 2005
And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith. (Matthew 21:22, ESV)
Heavenly Father, enter the hearts of those who are enduring difficult times right now. Fill their hearts with reassurance that you are in full control of their lives, and upon your decision, grant them the understanding of your intentions for these trials and tribulations. Surround their every waking moment with the Holy Spirit so that patience and faith will endure.
Amen.
November 16th, 2005
On November 26th, 1989, I lost my brother to Leukemia. This is traditionally a difficult month for me and my family but what may be more of a challenge is to think of this month as a time for celebration. I’ll explain…
Jonathan had a long hard fight with a disease that was, at the time, hard to treat and even diagnose. After years of pain and suffering he finally went home to an eternity of peace, yet we as family (and even friends) still grieve. Common bible verses like this, often bring back sad memories:
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4, ESV)
Typically, we associate this verse with the loss of a loved-one or friend, but many of us don’t really examine its meaning. It’s a testament to faith and the strength Jesus Christ has given us in our hearts. God was with my brother at his moment of death and I am willing to bet that Jonathan was comforted by God’s presence. He was with the LORD on his final journey home! How awesome! We should stay strong in our faith and trust in the Lord because he has taken in his child, who was suffering on this earth. It is hard to understand this sometimes because the grief in our minds often overcomes what we know in our hearts. Be at peace and celebrate, because a suffering child of God is forever in peace and happiness.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7, ESV)
November 16th, 2005
Just thought I would post a short verse from Isaiah tonight. It seems many of the people I communicate with on a daily basis are in need of some faith and strength. This may be going around with others of you as well, so please read this verse. Study it and never forget that the God who created EVERYTHING in the universe, is the same God who is with YOU every breath of your life:
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31, ESV)
November 15th, 2005
In an earlier post, I talked about feeling lazy and not feeling the Holy Spirit around. Tonight, as I was driving home, I had a feeling that I was “slipping” back into the old way of doing things in my life…without God. The very moment I felt that’s where I was headed, I was terrified. I knew then God was still with me and that I was in the midst of a spiritual battle/test. I desperately needed some backup. I started reading one of my many Christian books again and found these five points from a Beth Moore book entitled “Believing God“:
1. God is who He says He is.
2. God can do what He says He can do.
3. I am who God says I am.
4. I can do all things through Christ.
5. God’s Word is alive and active in me.
These are great points to remember and excellent spiritual “backup” as well. I believe the key to staying strong spiritually is to continually exercise your faith. Without this, the normal day-to-day overtakes your thoughts and emotions and we often let down the guard of faith. This is when we are most tempted by lies and deceit from Satan:
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1, ESV)
The point of this verse is to show the ways the devil will try to manipulate those of us who are feeling weak spiritually. It is during these times when we are most vulnerable and need to have a swift “kick in the rear” to refresh our faith. There is a sentence in Joshua 3:3-4 that I actually read incorrectly but I think it’s an ironic message of having faith in God: “…you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.”
The point I’m trying to make here is to trust the LORD with all your heart. Walking the Christian path is not easy and many of us…all of us…have no idea what lays ahead. That is why we have to have faith in the Holy Spirit to take us down the “road less traveled”, the road we have not been down before:
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. (Hebrews 11:1-3, ESV)
November 12th, 2005
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