Helloween

Well, it is that time of the year again. Carving pumpkins, asking for candy, and dressing up in way over priced costumes that are usually only worn once. It is really a personal Hell for me. In the past few years, I have continually stretched my imagination as to why we even participate in this mindless "holiday". I mean, not only from a biblical view, but also from a societal view. Think about it. We get our kids all dressed up to go door to door asking for something. Is it not that every day we are asking for something? A hand out, another piece of the American pie, a raise, a platform. It is always take take take in life. Besides candy, although very tasty at times, is not all that good for any of us. But what I am saying is, you have all of these kids and people out on the night of ween, and not one kid is asking their neighbors, "Can I do anything for you around your house?" Or, "Do you need someone to talk to you?" Not many kids I know like to share their candy. It is our nature to horde everything. But they are encouraged by the culture. And if we don't change the culture, when will it change? Never.

Which brings me to one of the next major holiday, Christmas. This is for all the Christians out there. What has happened? In the last years, I have totally changed the way I think about Christmas. Especially in the last year. And my family and I are doing it different this year. I have recently learned about the advent conspiracy. www.adventconspiracy.org This is the best illustration of how this time of year should be. Our nation has become gluttonous around this time of year. It has become a case of how many, how much, and how big. Why is it that this time has become more about falling into debt and idol worship over the whole reason for acknowledgement, Jesus? He didn't come here to make us go into debt, but to bring us together and worship God. To die for us so that we would have a chance to live eternally with God. But we have turned it into this big deal about consumerism. The Church is just as guilty to me. But the Advent Conspiracy is aimed to change that, and I am all for it. Instead of buying meaningless gifts for each other, that usually end up in a closet, Craig's list or Goodwill, why not give meaningful gifts and/or time to grow closer in relationship. Also, to give time, money and energy to charities or families you may know that just need a friendship. The World is suffering, and I don't care who you are (Christian or not), we have go to change in order for our World can change. What I am saying is that celebrating holidays the way we do could either have an impact on our community/society, or continue in a downward spiral until, we are so selfish, we won't even open the door for ourselves

Peace and Love

No shoes? No legs!

Oh no, my car just broke down. OMG, my cell phone just died! (insert adjective)--My clothes and shoes are so out of style. The list goes on and on and on. We (americans) are all guilty of us at one time or another. We fall into the trap of how bad our situation is. How bad is it really? At times, we think that a certain split second of our time is the end of the world. We think sometimes that our circumstance is unbearable, excrusiating, devistating. We worry about what our next car will be, what our next TV will be (plasma or LCD?). All muscians feel this one; what will be my next instrument? But do we ever stop to think about our brother or sister? What is going on in his or her life? Sometimes, most times, all the time, there is someone who has something way bigger going on that is miles beyond what we are going through. Financial problems, health, family.

I am compelled, astonished, fascinated, and saddened by the way people are treated in other countries, poor countries. Where kids roam the street in search of food for dinner. Or clean water to drink. While our kids just throw something in the microwave, other kids are scavenging. If they aren't they are toting AK 47s around training to be the next brainwashed troops for the government or lack there of. They have nothing to rely on. But, I love the way that some people from other countries smile. You can see on their faces a glimmer of hope, faith and love. I know not all are in great spirits, but the ones who are make me smile. It makes me even happier and more appriciative of what I have. What we have. This country is amazing, but I am affraid that the glits and glammer of what we have is all that most people hope for. Meanwhile, we overlook the greatness that is in our hearts, right under our nose and within our grasp. I hope that I live a life that reflects what I feel rather than doing the typical. I don't have the funds right now to help with global missions, but one day I want to become involved. Till then, I want to locally make an impact whenever I can. I believe in God. He has a plan for all of us. I live by faith, but my heart is for the downtrodin, the weak, the lame, the widow, the orphan, the poor. I have met some very poor people, and their attitude is very similar to that of the wealthy. They think that the good things in life revolve around money, and they want that more than anything. What is the difference because if the wealthy were without their money, some of them, would they not have the same view?

When our love and heart revolves around what we can do for others to help them, to serve them, that is when we can truly see change. Be the change. Until then, consumerism will destroy us. We are all slaves to that which we desire. That is why I think Jesus was trying to get us to live relationally and in unity. The driving force behind money is to buy something. Advertisers try to get us to think our life sucks until we buy their product. We all know what happens after that, it has lost its meaning. I love our country. I am fortunate to live here, that is why I want to use my freedom to help impact someone else's life. To be the Church, the hands and feet. So think about others and their circumstances before we think about what will make us happy all the time. Eventually we may all follow the Golden Rule!

Peace.

Prayer

Oh God, you are amazing to me.
Nothing I can do is better than what you do through me.
You are brilliant, everlasting, all knowing.
Thanks for blessing me with so much even though I don't feel worthy.
I deserve Hell, and yet you have given me heaven.
In my weakest moment, you are all powerful.
I am your son who wishes only to do your will.
Even in the hardest times, you prevail
You cleanse me of sin, you rescue me from persecution, you defend me in trials.
Oh that I would never give up on your grace and salvation.
Though disaster comes my way, I will praise you.
Through troubles and trials, you are my rock.
Please heal my broken past.
Give me courage and strength to face my adversary.
Though this world probably hates me, you will always love me.
I have not seen the torment of others, nor experienced it.
I do not wish to, but if so, you shall be my shelter.
Strengthen my soul through your word and the Holy Spirit.
Shine through the cloudy times in my life.
Lay out my burdens upon the floor of the see and drown them to be no more.
Help me daily to pick up my cross and to show love to a dying world.
Fill my heart with compassion and faith.
I surrender it all to you.

Surviving Self

It seems so easy to fall into self sufficiency in my life. Why is that, is it that I get to points in my life where I feel that I have things figured out? Is it the fact that I am just so brilliant? (Just kidding, I promise) I don't have things figured out, that is for sure. I think that it is because we always feel that we are in the right and that to justify that, when someone does something that goes against our grain, it is easier to point the finger at why they are in the wrong than to look at things from their point of view. This doesn't mean that they are correct, but it helps us not be so self absorbed. Because, sometimes we are not right. This is especially hard for believers I think, cuz we always think that we are right. What is funny is that there are a lot of musicians out there that are not Christians, yet I get blessed by some lyrics that they write. Then on the other spectrum, I think of some "Christian" artists that our writing some pretty weighty lyrics that even would make a believer get born again. I mean, some of the things that are sung are a little unbelievable to me. I am not judging anyone, I promise, I am just bringing up the discussion. I know some Christians who do not listen to anything secular, and that is fine, but some I have talked with act like to not listen to all Christian influenced music is pagan. This is ridiculous to me. Another thing is this; how are we to be reflective of Christ when we shutter to think that things are going down the drain. Examples: loosing your job, not having enough stuff, no promotion, wrecked car, got a ticket...etc. When disaster strikes, what do we do? Fight or flight? Do we try to handle it on our own, or do we reflect in prayer? If God doesn't answer immediately, do we give up or keep trying? Believe me, I have and haven't had this problem in my life. I mean, it is easy to try to handle things on our terms, but in the end I think that patience, prayer, and pressing forward is what works better. Not faster, but better. When someone wrongs us, do we get mad and blow up, or do we try to see things from their point of view? If we do get mad, do we try to reconcile our difference? I think of how Jesus handled the Pharisees when they questioned the way in which he did his ministry. Like when they asked, "Why do your disciples not obey our age-old tradition of washing their hands before eating?" Matthew 15:1-12 Jesus did not get bent and get in an argument, he explained and basically threw it back on them because they were so caught up in customs and tradition. So, I think that from now on when adversity is presented to me, I will try my best to bite my tongue before I ruin a friendship, witness, and or job. Cuz blood in my mouth is better than blood on the floor!

Voting and Gloating

Well, the elections will soon be here and I thought about how to vote, or more like who to vote for. It is hard for me to find someone truly worthy of a leadership role for the US. Isn't it funny that US is the abbreviation for our country? It holds so true to the typical American culture. It is all about US. What is good for US? How will no oil effect US? How will a stock market crash effect US? Have we grown so selfish that we don't care for or try and help all of the others who help support our economy. I have fallen into the trap as well at times. I am not pointing a finger, just pointing out the truth. It is easier to pass by the brokenness of our neighbor in favor of what is comfortable to us or what we try and tell ourselves: "Oh, well they probably deserve to be where they are. Or, someone will help them, that is what the shelter is for. Or, hitting closer to home here, I just don't have the time to deal with their problems, I have some of my own." And Christians wonder why there are so many who do not come to Christ or deny the existence thereof. Again, this has already been said a thousand times over, I am just spilling my heart here. So to get back to my main topic, Politiks. I believe that it is our freedom, obligation and PRIVILEGE to vote for our leader, even if he or she is being handed a script most of the time. It is very important to make a choice although I have doubted that theory for the past few months. Render unto Cesar what is his, but I know that God is in control and my government, leader, savior. But no matter who is elected, if we can't come together as a nation and stop with this US mentality, we will fall to ruin and I feel that is happening anyway. So the next time we go to purchase that new TV, Car, meal, BIBLE, let us think of other ways that we can better serve the overall whole of our nation and our neighborhood/neighbor.

Love B.