I'm memorizing Proverbs 4:23 now. Proverbs 4:23 says "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
I am meeting my challenge of the gym, I made it 5 times last week.
And I got a fabulous idea from a high school pal of mine. She has been dancing competitively for 6 years with a studio in So Cal and put on her blog that this new studio she is going to has a special for the summer each dance lesson is $20 if you mention myspace... or, the website has it's own coupon to print out.... http://agrdance.com/ What a FABULOUS way to meet new people. But, I'd feel like a fool going. I've never ever danced... in my life !!! Any thoughts?
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Sunday, June 24, 2007
You're only three calls away...
You're only three calls away from anyone in the world.... I used to scoff at that saying. Maybe because of who said it originally (Robert H Schuller -- the dad, not the son), but I have come to realize it is the truth. I was reminded of it last night in both very good and very bad ways. Interesting to note that the bad ways only affected me in a slight way and only to reflect on lessons I've learned and things I will never do again. All of which happened before I was saved and can see God's grace guiding me through, even before I was a Christian.
The bad ways have become growing experiences for me and made me a casual fan (though an interested party to still be a part of the music industry somehow behind the scenes) of Christian artists rather than a groupie. Groupies are fine and make the shows interesting/fun (as I witnessed at the Jars of Clay concert I went to last night!), but there is a downside to having groupies. I'm sure [insert any high profile Christian band's name] knows what I mean. Sure, I was a major groupie of a few bands way back when (though it seems like only 5 years in some cases!) and literally had my parents plan a trip to Oregon for the off chance that I would actually get to meet Michael W. Smith, dcTalk and Steven Curtis Chapman at a Christian festival that no longer even exists (called Jesus Northwest). As it turned out, I only met SCC... I had to wait two years beyond that to meet dcTalk and still am waiting to this day to meet Michael W. Smith. And sure, I skipped classes to see Jars of Clay in 1997 or 1998 and also to see Michael W. Smith at the Billy Graham Crusade at the Oakland Coliseum also 1997 or 1998. And I did go to Six Flags Hotlanta to see Jars of Clay when I was Nashville on a weeklong trip (a 4 hour drive) back in 1998 or 1999. (All of these dates I have blocked these out of my memory except to say I did crazy things - if I really concentrate, I could get the exact date, but there's no need to at this point). But, now I have to pity some of the groupies. And I mean the young ones who don't know where to draw the line between being a groupie and being obsessive.
"You shall have no oter gods before me." (Exodus 20:3) This wasn't something that the apostle Paul handed down to the Corinthian, Ephesian or Roman church... this was something that God handed down as on of "the big 10" to the Israelites. It's unfortunate that some people still don't get it. I said before the Paris Hilton story made me sick. And though it was definitely Sherriff Baca pulled a horrible publicity stunt and getting burnt for it (which made me laugh hysterically when he was reprimanded) that made me sick initially, it's also that there are much more important stories to concentrate on... why does the entire media have to camp out in front of Hilton's home to watch her being arrested and crying? Never mind, the poor girl has serious issues beyond her DUI convictions and stuff. But the media could have done more with those hours like ... oh, I don't know... maybe reporting on how California is going bankrupt [or, will become bankrupt soon!] because of the poor draining our system or how corrupt King Drew-Harbor Hospital is and that it really needs to be closed down permanently after the death of the woman in the Emergency Room!
I didn't mean for this to be a rant on the media, but the overall depravity of humans and worshipping celebrities. Though also to reflect on all that God has taught me. :)
The bad ways have become growing experiences for me and made me a casual fan (though an interested party to still be a part of the music industry somehow behind the scenes) of Christian artists rather than a groupie. Groupies are fine and make the shows interesting/fun (as I witnessed at the Jars of Clay concert I went to last night!), but there is a downside to having groupies. I'm sure [insert any high profile Christian band's name] knows what I mean. Sure, I was a major groupie of a few bands way back when (though it seems like only 5 years in some cases!) and literally had my parents plan a trip to Oregon for the off chance that I would actually get to meet Michael W. Smith, dcTalk and Steven Curtis Chapman at a Christian festival that no longer even exists (called Jesus Northwest). As it turned out, I only met SCC... I had to wait two years beyond that to meet dcTalk and still am waiting to this day to meet Michael W. Smith. And sure, I skipped classes to see Jars of Clay in 1997 or 1998 and also to see Michael W. Smith at the Billy Graham Crusade at the Oakland Coliseum also 1997 or 1998. And I did go to Six Flags Hotlanta to see Jars of Clay when I was Nashville on a weeklong trip (a 4 hour drive) back in 1998 or 1999. (All of these dates I have blocked these out of my memory except to say I did crazy things - if I really concentrate, I could get the exact date, but there's no need to at this point). But, now I have to pity some of the groupies. And I mean the young ones who don't know where to draw the line between being a groupie and being obsessive.
"You shall have no oter gods before me." (Exodus 20:3) This wasn't something that the apostle Paul handed down to the Corinthian, Ephesian or Roman church... this was something that God handed down as on of "the big 10" to the Israelites. It's unfortunate that some people still don't get it. I said before the Paris Hilton story made me sick. And though it was definitely Sherriff Baca pulled a horrible publicity stunt and getting burnt for it (which made me laugh hysterically when he was reprimanded) that made me sick initially, it's also that there are much more important stories to concentrate on... why does the entire media have to camp out in front of Hilton's home to watch her being arrested and crying? Never mind, the poor girl has serious issues beyond her DUI convictions and stuff. But the media could have done more with those hours like ... oh, I don't know... maybe reporting on how California is going bankrupt [or, will become bankrupt soon!] because of the poor draining our system or how corrupt King Drew-Harbor Hospital is and that it really needs to be closed down permanently after the death of the woman in the Emergency Room!
I didn't mean for this to be a rant on the media, but the overall depravity of humans and worshipping celebrities. Though also to reflect on all that God has taught me. :)
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Psalm 13 and Psalm 32
Perhaps not the most motivating (but probably the most controversial) post I will have up here, at least not in the beginning. I have felt the need to post about depression, so I’m going to tackle it now. Maybe this will help someone.
Depression affects Christians and non-Christians alike… it is an equal opportunity affliction. The National Institute of Health says that 20 million Americans (9.5% of the population) battle this monster. I personally feel it is over-diagnosed and doctors are prescription happy and will prescribe something without investigating issues further, because there are two different types of depression; a noun and a verb. The noun depression is what prescription drugs help and take away the nasty symptoms – it is purely that there is a chemical imbalance in their brain. These people have my pity. I grieve for them daily because it is not their fault. In addition to the chemicals in the brain, it is important to talk to a medical professional to see if there are other issues that are contributing to it… perhaps a thyroid or pituitary gland disorder. These have a main symptom listed as depression. The verb depression should be described as “depressing” as in you are depressing your feelings/emotions inward and have poor coping skills which just delay the healing. This should be dealt with by therapy (whether it is pastoral or professional counseling) and talking things out to improve the coping skills. In this case, the prescriptions actually cause the depression to worsen! The statistic does not specify which form of depression, but it is simply going by the number of prescriptions for anti-depressants.
Regardless if a person is dealing with depression the verb or the noun, the physical aches are exactly the same. You cannot eat, and if you do, your food choices are bad or it makes you sick to your stomach when you do eat. Eating patterns are sporadic… one day you eat everything in sight, the next you eat nothing at all. You do not want to get out of bed and do anything. Nothing you enjoyed sounds fun anymore. And the ache? There is nothing you or anyone else can do to ease the ache. Well, there are some things… but most of the routes are destructive (alcohol, drugs, food) and only help for the short term. On a spiritual level, you do want anything to do with God. No talking to friends. No going to church. And forget about praying! Though depression is not a sin, in and of itself, if the isolation from God and friends continues, it could definitely turn into sin! Especially since being alone allows a person to only focus on themselves and how pathetic their life is (at least, that’s their mentality) rather than serving God or others.
There are a few ways to combat depression… regardless of which form it is. Many Biblical figures have been depressed, though I only want to look at one in particular, King David. He is a man after God’s own heart and he was depressed.
One way is to take the focus off of you. Do something for others, or simply be still in the presence of God. There are quite a few psalms where David is depressed (the noun) but he doesn’t stay in the depressing (the verb) state for long. Have you noticed that in all of the psalms he writes when he is depressed, by the end of the psalm he is always in a much better state and ready to proclaim how good God is? Psalm 13 is only 6 verses but sweet in the sense that David fully relies on the goodness of God. And this is how he turns his thoughts so quickly from himself. It is the only way.
The other way to combat depression, especially for the verb form, is confession. And you do not even need a therapist for this! Maybe the reason a person is depressed is they have unconfessed sin in their lives. That is crucial in any setting. Psalm 32 illustrates how liberating this is… verses 3&4 say “3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” In verse 5, after the confession: “5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "— and you forgave the guilt of my sin.”
It is always crucial to talk to a trusted friend and explore why you are feeling the way you are, because it could be a combination of the two forms. Also explore areas of your life… such as a job. Sometimes that is causing the depressed feelings. But, do not let it go unaddressed!!! I mentioned that drugs could worsen the depression if it is due to poor coping skills… I am not a medical professional, but I say it from a firsthand experience. I used to have poor coping skills. I still need work, but I have learned how to not stuff feelings, but to address them head on.
Depression affects Christians and non-Christians alike… it is an equal opportunity affliction. The National Institute of Health says that 20 million Americans (9.5% of the population) battle this monster. I personally feel it is over-diagnosed and doctors are prescription happy and will prescribe something without investigating issues further, because there are two different types of depression; a noun and a verb. The noun depression is what prescription drugs help and take away the nasty symptoms – it is purely that there is a chemical imbalance in their brain. These people have my pity. I grieve for them daily because it is not their fault. In addition to the chemicals in the brain, it is important to talk to a medical professional to see if there are other issues that are contributing to it… perhaps a thyroid or pituitary gland disorder. These have a main symptom listed as depression. The verb depression should be described as “depressing” as in you are depressing your feelings/emotions inward and have poor coping skills which just delay the healing. This should be dealt with by therapy (whether it is pastoral or professional counseling) and talking things out to improve the coping skills. In this case, the prescriptions actually cause the depression to worsen! The statistic does not specify which form of depression, but it is simply going by the number of prescriptions for anti-depressants.
Regardless if a person is dealing with depression the verb or the noun, the physical aches are exactly the same. You cannot eat, and if you do, your food choices are bad or it makes you sick to your stomach when you do eat. Eating patterns are sporadic… one day you eat everything in sight, the next you eat nothing at all. You do not want to get out of bed and do anything. Nothing you enjoyed sounds fun anymore. And the ache? There is nothing you or anyone else can do to ease the ache. Well, there are some things… but most of the routes are destructive (alcohol, drugs, food) and only help for the short term. On a spiritual level, you do want anything to do with God. No talking to friends. No going to church. And forget about praying! Though depression is not a sin, in and of itself, if the isolation from God and friends continues, it could definitely turn into sin! Especially since being alone allows a person to only focus on themselves and how pathetic their life is (at least, that’s their mentality) rather than serving God or others.
There are a few ways to combat depression… regardless of which form it is. Many Biblical figures have been depressed, though I only want to look at one in particular, King David. He is a man after God’s own heart and he was depressed.
One way is to take the focus off of you. Do something for others, or simply be still in the presence of God. There are quite a few psalms where David is depressed (the noun) but he doesn’t stay in the depressing (the verb) state for long. Have you noticed that in all of the psalms he writes when he is depressed, by the end of the psalm he is always in a much better state and ready to proclaim how good God is? Psalm 13 is only 6 verses but sweet in the sense that David fully relies on the goodness of God. And this is how he turns his thoughts so quickly from himself. It is the only way.
The other way to combat depression, especially for the verb form, is confession. And you do not even need a therapist for this! Maybe the reason a person is depressed is they have unconfessed sin in their lives. That is crucial in any setting. Psalm 32 illustrates how liberating this is… verses 3&4 say “3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” In verse 5, after the confession: “5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "— and you forgave the guilt of my sin.”
It is always crucial to talk to a trusted friend and explore why you are feeling the way you are, because it could be a combination of the two forms. Also explore areas of your life… such as a job. Sometimes that is causing the depressed feelings. But, do not let it go unaddressed!!! I mentioned that drugs could worsen the depression if it is due to poor coping skills… I am not a medical professional, but I say it from a firsthand experience. I used to have poor coping skills. I still need work, but I have learned how to not stuff feelings, but to address them head on.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Update on my challenge
I guess I am not meant to post daily on Proverb of the Day... I just always forget and now one day has turned into a week and a half and I'm so embarrassed ... not really ... to get back on there. LoL. I'm just being dumb about this, I just am being lazy and don't ever think about going there anymore for some reason...
I memorized Psalm 43:3, I'm doing HORRIBLE on memorizing Romans 15:13 ==> I am so excited that Pastor Mike referenced this verse again this past weekend.
Gym was nonexistent until Thurs. Then on Sat I did some gardening and that counts as a workout... and today I went to the gym and did a 3.0 mph walk on the treadmill for 30 min. Yes, I kept the pace of 3.0 mph for the whole time and was barely out of breath.... I didn't even break a sweat. Which is cool beause before I was barely able to do 3.0 mph gasping for air and sweating like crazy after only 1 minute!!! I'll have to make my workout harder next time... increase the incline or something. Or do the elliptical. I guess I should not be amazed, the last time I was on the treadmill at the gym I was at least 50 pounds heavier. :) For the next two weeks at least, I will definitely be doing 5 times a week at the gym or walking during lunch break... I refuse to rub my mom's feet or hands for 15 minutes.
Meeting people? Well, it's a process. But, I'm on my way... You can't jump out and go from a turtle who hides in their shell to a social butterfly overnight. It's all about baby steps! Every time I say "baby steps" I remember the movie "What About Bob" for some reason... Bill Murray played an obsessive-compulsive psychiatric patient. And I just remember that. And oh, the annoying dinner scene every time he had a home cooked meal at his psychiatrist's home. Well anyway, I'm definitely on my way to making friends with people my age. And so far I'm thoroughly enjoying it. I can't believe how much fun it is !
I memorized Psalm 43:3, I'm doing HORRIBLE on memorizing Romans 15:13 ==> I am so excited that Pastor Mike referenced this verse again this past weekend.
Gym was nonexistent until Thurs. Then on Sat I did some gardening and that counts as a workout... and today I went to the gym and did a 3.0 mph walk on the treadmill for 30 min. Yes, I kept the pace of 3.0 mph for the whole time and was barely out of breath.... I didn't even break a sweat. Which is cool beause before I was barely able to do 3.0 mph gasping for air and sweating like crazy after only 1 minute!!! I'll have to make my workout harder next time... increase the incline or something. Or do the elliptical. I guess I should not be amazed, the last time I was on the treadmill at the gym I was at least 50 pounds heavier. :) For the next two weeks at least, I will definitely be doing 5 times a week at the gym or walking during lunch break... I refuse to rub my mom's feet or hands for 15 minutes.
Meeting people? Well, it's a process. But, I'm on my way... You can't jump out and go from a turtle who hides in their shell to a social butterfly overnight. It's all about baby steps! Every time I say "baby steps" I remember the movie "What About Bob" for some reason... Bill Murray played an obsessive-compulsive psychiatric patient. And I just remember that. And oh, the annoying dinner scene every time he had a home cooked meal at his psychiatrist's home. Well anyway, I'm definitely on my way to making friends with people my age. And so far I'm thoroughly enjoying it. I can't believe how much fun it is !
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Insanity
Someone once told me the definition of insanity is "doing the same thing over and over expecting different results." And though the thought isn't in line with the Biblical lifestyle, I had to sadly smile at the parallel we CAN draw to the Christian life and how we CAN take that and make our lives in line with the Bible.
Sin, in general, is an insane thing. It started with the serpent, Eve and Adam. It continued with Cain. And it has been passed down from each generations. Christians are not exempt from sin. Christians sin all the time, we just know that we need to ask for forgiveness and repent. Paul illustrates how insane sin is... just from the internal battle alone. He says in Romans 7:14-20 "We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it." The insanity also comes from not following the path God has set forth and expecting to be at peace with the decision to not follow the Spirit. But, still the Christian sins and expects a different result of being at peace.
How does one prevent -- or lessen? -- this insanity?
For one thing, prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 says "17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Prayer brings the Christian closer to God and gives them complete peace in every situation. This peace surpasses ALL (human) understanding (see Philippians 4:7). When a Christian is in prayer, there is a connection with God. You understand what God wants for your life and you literally can hear Him speak to you! It may not be audible, but it is very clear when He is leading you and when he is not. Another reason to be in prayer other than sensing where God is bringing you, this is when sin is revealed! For this, read Psalm 139 - the whole thing.
The other thing to do is remain in God's word. Every day. Maybe multiple times a day. Psalm 119:105 says "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." but it is better to read the entire chapter. :) There is a saying in some Christian circles saying BIBLE is really an acrostic and that it means "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth". As elementary as that sounds, there is a huge amount of truth to that!! The Bible is God's love letter to us... Christians. And reading it keeps us focused and away from the insanity of sin.
Sin, in general, is an insane thing. It started with the serpent, Eve and Adam. It continued with Cain. And it has been passed down from each generations. Christians are not exempt from sin. Christians sin all the time, we just know that we need to ask for forgiveness and repent. Paul illustrates how insane sin is... just from the internal battle alone. He says in Romans 7:14-20 "We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it." The insanity also comes from not following the path God has set forth and expecting to be at peace with the decision to not follow the Spirit. But, still the Christian sins and expects a different result of being at peace.
How does one prevent -- or lessen? -- this insanity?
For one thing, prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 says "17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Prayer brings the Christian closer to God and gives them complete peace in every situation. This peace surpasses ALL (human) understanding (see Philippians 4:7). When a Christian is in prayer, there is a connection with God. You understand what God wants for your life and you literally can hear Him speak to you! It may not be audible, but it is very clear when He is leading you and when he is not. Another reason to be in prayer other than sensing where God is bringing you, this is when sin is revealed! For this, read Psalm 139 - the whole thing.
The other thing to do is remain in God's word. Every day. Maybe multiple times a day. Psalm 119:105 says "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." but it is better to read the entire chapter. :) There is a saying in some Christian circles saying BIBLE is really an acrostic and that it means "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth". As elementary as that sounds, there is a huge amount of truth to that!! The Bible is God's love letter to us... Christians. And reading it keeps us focused and away from the insanity of sin.
Captivating
I've been told to read the author of this book, Captivating, for a few years. The name of his first book escapes me right now, but the authors are John ad Stasi Eldridge. At first I thought this was going to be an allegorical book and wasn't interested when my friend Daks told me about it a few months ago. I didn't want to read another Hind's Feet on High Places or The Chronicles of Narnia. While these are fabulous reads, I need something that is non-fiction and talks about the Christian walk. A week or so ago, I was urged by the Spirit to go to Barnes and Noble after work and sit there and read a few pages of Captivating. The other B&Ns I've gone to never had it in stock, but somehow I knew this one would. And I found out in the first two pages it is nothing at all what I expected. In the week I've been reading this, I'm on Chapter 6 or 7, it is definitely a good read for both men and women, though this book is written for women. Needless to say, I have been "captivated" (grin) by the book.
Though I have been reading this as a cover to cover book right now, it is not really a book to do that with. Anyone reading it should ponder the truths written... slowly. There is so much to consider and it does no justice to read it in one or two sittings. Especially when you are so caught up with nodding your head "yes, that's exactly how I feel" and miss the points being made. The first few pages I read, lumps started forming in my throat. And in the privacy of my car a few days later while waiting for church to get out, tears formed. This book examines the heart of a woman and explores some of our deepest needs. The bottom line that I can already see will be echoed through the rest of this book ? GOD FINDS US (women) CAPTIVATING !!! From what I read so far in this book, Wild at Heart is just like this (but written for men) so I'll read that next. It can only help me. :)
I had to kind of laugh at one section in the book when the authors were talking about Adam and Eve. I already have decided that after talking to Peter the apostle when I get to heaven, the first person I want to talk to is Eve. Why Eve, you ask? Why not Adam, King David, Paul, or Moses? Or, even my grandmothers? Isn't Adam the one who started this whole sin thing? I think the contrary. I'm not saying this to pick on women (hehe), but it was actually Eve... Eve is the one who took the first bite if you recall. Though I will admit that Adam had a big part in it and could have stopped her from making the biggest mistake of their lives. I had never noticed this before. Genesis 3:6 says "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it." I definitely want to comment more on this, but I will take care of this in future blogs. I also want to outline Captivating, chapter by chapter, but that will be in two weeks or so.
* allegorical: Merriam Webster defines this as "having hidden spiritual meaning that transcends the literal sense of a sacred text"
Though I have been reading this as a cover to cover book right now, it is not really a book to do that with. Anyone reading it should ponder the truths written... slowly. There is so much to consider and it does no justice to read it in one or two sittings. Especially when you are so caught up with nodding your head "yes, that's exactly how I feel" and miss the points being made. The first few pages I read, lumps started forming in my throat. And in the privacy of my car a few days later while waiting for church to get out, tears formed. This book examines the heart of a woman and explores some of our deepest needs. The bottom line that I can already see will be echoed through the rest of this book ? GOD FINDS US (women) CAPTIVATING !!! From what I read so far in this book, Wild at Heart is just like this (but written for men) so I'll read that next. It can only help me. :)
I had to kind of laugh at one section in the book when the authors were talking about Adam and Eve. I already have decided that after talking to Peter the apostle when I get to heaven, the first person I want to talk to is Eve. Why Eve, you ask? Why not Adam, King David, Paul, or Moses? Or, even my grandmothers? Isn't Adam the one who started this whole sin thing? I think the contrary. I'm not saying this to pick on women (hehe), but it was actually Eve... Eve is the one who took the first bite if you recall. Though I will admit that Adam had a big part in it and could have stopped her from making the biggest mistake of their lives. I had never noticed this before. Genesis 3:6 says "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it." I definitely want to comment more on this, but I will take care of this in future blogs. I also want to outline Captivating, chapter by chapter, but that will be in two weeks or so.
* allegorical: Merriam Webster defines this as "having hidden spiritual meaning that transcends the literal sense of a sacred text"
Sunday, June 10, 2007
I'm Just a Bus Driver...
Periodically I will feel guilty for my lack of involvement at Compass and "only" being on the prayer team and "only" stuffing the bulletins and getting them ready for the ushers to hand out to folks. And on days like today, I feel utterly ... uhm, what's the word... insignificant (?) in comparison to Mike, Bobby, Pete, Dale, Bob, Ty, Brad. They are so gifted in what they do and sometimes I am envious of them -- yes, I said envious. Hmm, I confessed it finally... wow, that felt good. Oh, I do have to make it clear none of them have ever made me feel this way, this is COMPLETELY self inflicted.
But something hit me today in much different way than ever before. Maybe it was when I was talking about it during dinner to a friend that it solidified this thought in my mind after thinking about it while I was stuffing the bulletins today. My first thought about this was a song from Caedmon's Call called "Bus Driver". The most annoying song musically that they have ever done, but the message is intense.... the song is a paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 12 where Paul talks about the body of Christ. I had to bold a line in the song because it haunts me every time I think I am less of a part of the body at Compass just because I don't preach, counsel or lead worship. And this line is exactly what was haunting me today.
Here are the lyrics:
I am a bus driver and it's four in the morning * And I'm pressing out my clothes beside my bed. Fourteen years been on the job and with many miles behind * Still I'm up at three thirty to make sure I'm there on time * My car gets me along just fine to and from the station * But my castle is this Houston Metro Bus * My first stop is Ashbury * And the sign's been gone for years but all the same the people wait cause they know that I'll be there * What would you say if I told you that I won't be by today? * Would you say that I'm just a bus driver and what do I know * I'm just a bus driver and what do I know, just a bus driver and what do I know? * Well, I'm always there by five fifteen and lately I've been early 'cause Judith likes to be in early to the bank * And she gives me conversation and a token good for riding. And she's happy all alone And then there's Charles in retail sales; and I hope they pay him well for the work that young man does * Cause I've never seen the inside of a custom refrigerator but I know he's the first and last one there * I wonder what they do all day, and their respective works. * Suppose they give money and take money away. * Still, I'm just orbiting this town with the post office my sun. And I'm circling again * And I wonder how this world would be if I was never here to drive this bus around from Ashbury to Main. * Suppose this town would be the same but with one bus' less exhaust. * But that bank and retail stores, they just wouldn't be the same. * But what can I see from the limited confines of my bus driving seat * Only me
The way I see the song and the way 1 Corinthians is... I cannot ignore the fact that EVERY PART OF THE BODY OF CHRIST HAS A PURPOSE CLEARLY ORDAINED BY GOD. Just because I am not in the spotlight doesn't make me less ! I know there are people that I influence at Compass, regardless if I want to accept it or not. And I know there are people that look up to me at Compass (well, not physically look up to me -- ha ha!) and I know there are people that I encourage at Compass. And especially just by doing the bulletins. If I wasn't stuffing the bulletins, who would? Diana, Robert (ok, definitely not Robert. ha ha ha!), Ruth (Pastor Mike's admin assistant), the ushers or even Pastor Mike? I don't think so. They have more important things to do than the bulletins. So, here I go every weekend stuffing about 1,000 bulletins. I know they appreciate it, because not one weekend goes by when someone on staff doesn't thank me. Today, it happened to be Bobby Blakey. On Good Friday it was Christa Blakey and Ruth. And every week Robert. But, he's just thanking me so he doesn't have to do it. ha ha ha ha
I may just be a Bus Driver at Compass, but I'm no less of a part of the body at Compass because I'm behind the scenes in how I serve the body.
But something hit me today in much different way than ever before. Maybe it was when I was talking about it during dinner to a friend that it solidified this thought in my mind after thinking about it while I was stuffing the bulletins today. My first thought about this was a song from Caedmon's Call called "Bus Driver". The most annoying song musically that they have ever done, but the message is intense.... the song is a paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 12 where Paul talks about the body of Christ. I had to bold a line in the song because it haunts me every time I think I am less of a part of the body at Compass just because I don't preach, counsel or lead worship. And this line is exactly what was haunting me today.
Here are the lyrics:
I am a bus driver and it's four in the morning * And I'm pressing out my clothes beside my bed. Fourteen years been on the job and with many miles behind * Still I'm up at three thirty to make sure I'm there on time * My car gets me along just fine to and from the station * But my castle is this Houston Metro Bus * My first stop is Ashbury * And the sign's been gone for years but all the same the people wait cause they know that I'll be there * What would you say if I told you that I won't be by today? * Would you say that I'm just a bus driver and what do I know * I'm just a bus driver and what do I know, just a bus driver and what do I know? * Well, I'm always there by five fifteen and lately I've been early 'cause Judith likes to be in early to the bank * And she gives me conversation and a token good for riding. And she's happy all alone And then there's Charles in retail sales; and I hope they pay him well for the work that young man does * Cause I've never seen the inside of a custom refrigerator but I know he's the first and last one there * I wonder what they do all day, and their respective works. * Suppose they give money and take money away. * Still, I'm just orbiting this town with the post office my sun. And I'm circling again * And I wonder how this world would be if I was never here to drive this bus around from Ashbury to Main. * Suppose this town would be the same but with one bus' less exhaust. * But that bank and retail stores, they just wouldn't be the same. * But what can I see from the limited confines of my bus driving seat * Only me
The way I see the song and the way 1 Corinthians is... I cannot ignore the fact that EVERY PART OF THE BODY OF CHRIST HAS A PURPOSE CLEARLY ORDAINED BY GOD. Just because I am not in the spotlight doesn't make me less ! I know there are people that I influence at Compass, regardless if I want to accept it or not. And I know there are people that look up to me at Compass (well, not physically look up to me -- ha ha!) and I know there are people that I encourage at Compass. And especially just by doing the bulletins. If I wasn't stuffing the bulletins, who would? Diana, Robert (ok, definitely not Robert. ha ha ha!), Ruth (Pastor Mike's admin assistant), the ushers or even Pastor Mike? I don't think so. They have more important things to do than the bulletins. So, here I go every weekend stuffing about 1,000 bulletins. I know they appreciate it, because not one weekend goes by when someone on staff doesn't thank me. Today, it happened to be Bobby Blakey. On Good Friday it was Christa Blakey and Ruth. And every week Robert. But, he's just thanking me so he doesn't have to do it. ha ha ha ha
I may just be a Bus Driver at Compass, but I'm no less of a part of the body at Compass because I'm behind the scenes in how I serve the body.
Friday, June 8, 2007
And the most ridiculous item of the day...
This is just ridiculous. I'm sickened by this whole story:
http://www.kfwb.com/pages/561675.php?contentType=4&contentId=592910
http://www.kfwb.com/pages/561675.php?contentType=4&contentId=592910
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
My challenging summer :)
Here's the plan:
1) Memorize:
* Psalm 84:11 "11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless."
* Proverbs 4:20-23 "20 My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. 21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; 22 for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
*Romans 15:13 "13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
*Psalm 43:2-3 "2 You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? 3 Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell."
2) Post daily on Proverb of the Day (till it ends)
3) Meet new people/find people my age to hang out with (Hebrews 10:24-25)
4) Go to the gym/do elliptical at home 4-5 days a week starting tomorrow
1) Memorize:
* Psalm 84:11 "11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless."
* Proverbs 4:20-23 "20 My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. 21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; 22 for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
*Romans 15:13 "13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
*Psalm 43:2-3 "2 You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? 3 Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell."
2) Post daily on Proverb of the Day (till it ends)
3) Meet new people/find people my age to hang out with (Hebrews 10:24-25)
4) Go to the gym/do elliptical at home 4-5 days a week starting tomorrow
Friday, June 1, 2007
Summertime....
Summer is unofficially here with Memorial Day behind us. Pastor Bobby and his wife Christa have come up with some ideas about what to do for the summer and not let it pass us being lazy about life.
http://godsongmusic.com/blog/seize-the-summer/
http://blakeyblog.com/
On Christa's blog, I posted these ideas in addition to what she suggested:
How about going to a place like Village of Hope (at the former Tustin Air Base) sponsored by OC Rescue Mission for Hurricane Katrina victims? Or, even at the OC Rescue Mission itself? I don’t know if that would fall into hospitality… ?? ;O) I also know a friend who is going to Camp Allendale (Palm Springs area) to be a counselor to abused kids. I like most of these, I’ll have to think about which ones I’ll be doing.
More much later! I still have to think about my challenge I'm putting on myself.
http://godsongmusic.com/blog/seize-the-summer/
http://blakeyblog.com/
On Christa's blog, I posted these ideas in addition to what she suggested:
How about going to a place like Village of Hope (at the former Tustin Air Base) sponsored by OC Rescue Mission for Hurricane Katrina victims? Or, even at the OC Rescue Mission itself? I don’t know if that would fall into hospitality… ?? ;O) I also know a friend who is going to Camp Allendale (Palm Springs area) to be a counselor to abused kids. I like most of these, I’ll have to think about which ones I’ll be doing.
More much later! I still have to think about my challenge I'm putting on myself.
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