December

I truly love this time and these days when everything sort of comes into focus and most people are in great places; happy, fun, and just enjoyable. It is a great time to spend with friends, family and the loved ones that make this day, moment or minute special and lasting. I can say that this "season" as some would refer to it, is one that I look forward to, revel at and truly feel blessed to experience. It is at these times when people's true colors come out and you have to take a step back every now and then and just smile. Smile because at certain times when needed, our world, our country can start to all get on the same page and start to change some real life things. I love to see it come and as it goes I only get ready and excited for the next time it will be here. Every December is a great one. We are blessed people. Revel in it and enjoy every second.
Make life something to live for.

Surprise

As days turn into years. Babble into formation. I can feel the change. I can see the growth before my eyes and behind the scenes these realizations are clearer by the day. This surreal manifestation of life and love, fear and hope, reveals itself in ways never known before. Flesh of my flesh but an entire wavelength of his own. I didn't for see his arrival but how I don't want his departure. I strive for His presence more everyday. A precious gift to mold and shape, a life to grow. Teach not to focus on the war around us but direct his focus above all of that and seek what is always around us and really matters. Seek what is waiting for you to find.

Wilderness of Rocks

To remain in this place for hours and days will change a portion of you by opening up and bringing a refreshed sense to your body and mind. I love to relax, contemplate, and learn on these mountain sides. They are truly a place where God is. Just looking around you understand the beauty behind this place. It is easily forgotten as we navigate the concrete jungle we call home. But when you really take the time to get out here, out somewhere, your very life can begin to change. New ideas and changes in lifestyle, belief, and beauty start to manifest. To stop and just grasp this experience is all you need to do. To just get out in the open.

Focus

There is a lot out there to distract us from the passions and goals that we strive to achieve. The world is full of noise, clutter, and ways of complicating our somewhat simple lives. The goal is to connect with something that inspires you. To set a goal and watch it come to fruition. I recently have taken up "bouldering" or climbing or whatever you would like to label it, that's not important. What is crucial is that this new "hobby" as some would call it, drives me to be a better person, to exercise, eat right, stay in tune with my body so i can excel at this activity. What is in your life that grabs you, stops you, and causes a shift in the way you move throughout your day? What inspires you to be a better person? It can be more than one thing alone, but something causes you to get up each day, grab this world by the horns and take control, or do you just 'get by' do what is needed and drift. There is special things in each of us that cause dramatic shifts in how we function, react, and even live. Find what it is in your life that sparks that drive or seek it out, don't let it fade, grasp it with your entire being. It may be the very thing that helps you rise to where you not only want to be, but need to be.

Language

I read an article last night that truly sparked a thought process that has not ceased in my mind. The author said: "We must translate God's revelation into the language of the world for the Great Commission to be fulfilled. We cannot rely on just scripture when arguing over the Apologetics, but a truth that everyone can grasp." When they understand the importance of what we live daily, can they truly grasp this mindset with all of the noise the world presents? I think that for someone to truly lock into this idea of Jesus they must experience Him on their own level. That isn't saying that we must stop trying to introduce those to Him. I think getting people connected to the church and the ministries that encapsulate this vision is vital. How can they experience if they are never exposed? I think our call is to inform those around us of the experience that awaits them if they decide to connect to this life changing reality!

Fear

We aren't left alone in this world. We are chosen to act and accomplish what is needed to fulfill our "own identity" and the identity of Jesus. I stare off into the distance this morning and only ask that we will return to the mindset and actions of a time that has passed. I ask that we will start a new movement in this town, nation, and church. I pray that God will start to work in ways that have been unknown before. I pray that we will see such a renewal of the power that Jesus holds in His church body and world. I cast down pettiness and ignorance at this vital time. May we lift up our new leader and our new nation in prayer daily. We have made history this month. May we continue down this path of renewal and strength and with Jesus leading us grasp onto this concept of "true" change.

Inspire me.

I am feeling inspirational tonight. What I want to do is is give you some inspiration from people who have shaped and changed this nation from its beginning to present day. I will give you the exact words out of their mouth that helped usher in a definitive change and destiny for our nation as we know it.

"There are no accidents in my philosophy. Every effect must have its cause. The past is the cause of the present, and the present will be the cause of the future. All these are links in the endless chain stretching from the finite to the infinite."-Herndon's Life of Lincoln by William H. Herndon and Jesse W. Weik (New York, Da Capo Press, 1983)

"Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness."
Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."
Martin Luther King, Jr.

“There is no shortage of good days. It is good lives that are hard to come by.”- Annie Dillard quote

"As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection."-President Barack Obama

"That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow."-President Barack Obama

I leave you with these quotes of hope, change and a renewed vision of what America can be and will be.

Do something about it

Here is something I have been emailing, talking and nearly preaching about since 10pm Tuesday, November 4th. It has come in the form of mass emails, conversations, and even arguments asking people to join the movement of praying for our soon to be President. I have been expressing my passion about the change we need and how to usher it in with prayer and now the next President of the United States of America has created a direct connection to express your vision, passion, and thoughts on how he should lead our country and how we can unite together during a season where the last thing we need is to tear each other apart because one voted blue and another voted red. The time has come to get over it, grab the hand next to you no matter what race, belief, denomination, or other "dividing" factors and stand together, think together and work together towards a common goal of helping our Nation get through these troubled days and navigate that long road to the change we really need.

A Legend

No one can deny that we are living history. I know it is a main factor in my re-visitation of the literary work of Dr. Martin Luther King. Not only his story but what he spoke and the way in which his poetically transcribed words is so touching and changing. Just minimal self taught knowledge of this great man is so inspiring and motivational. So I leave you with this short message of his hope, change and dreams with a quote by Dr. King: Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech, Dec. 11, 1964.

"Occasionally in life there are those moments of unutterable fulfillment which cannot be completely explained by those symbols called words. Their meanings can only be articulated by the inaudible language of the heart."- Martin Luther King Jr.

Back in the Day

Forgotten are the days that have been gone so long. I have to grasp the now with a life full of purpose and virtue. I remember those days lost and without direction. Just wandering without a real goal in sight or a real purpose to strive for. I am with thoughts that drive me towards a real purpose and prize. I love where I reside and what I do. I can only seek what is before me and what resides beyond my own two eyes. I can only move through this life in clips and phases and ask only for a pass to proceed in what I know as the real truth. I pray today that I will truly be able to seek tomorrow with a fuller heart. Ready for what is in store for me and the life of my family.

Wanted

I have to say there has been a lot conversation lately over what we need as a country during these troubled times. I have been listening, reading and watching arguments from different sides on this issue. Is this what we want or need right now as a country? Our we positive that our new President can take over and fix this mess we are in? Is his inspiration in actions and words what we need or just what we want. The first answer is prayer, we must take the lead to lift up our country and new leader daily. I also have to say that the argument over what we want or need might be a foggy one. Just think: maybe what we want as a country will end up being the thing that we need to inspire us to change within ourselves and act now to help transform this nation. No matter what your beliefs or choices are at this time, please sit back and take a second to think over what is in your life that you may want, and how to transform that into what you need to change your situation, mind, family or community around you. A sort of call to action to get involved in ways you may have never before and become passionate about the issues that affect you and the place you call home: America. Because the thing we want just may end up being the launching pad to grasping what we need in making real change.

Unity

We have moved past the months of the Presidential campaign and into a new mindset as a nation and world. A lot of us did not vote for President-Elect Obama but are still so happy that we are living to see an African American in the White House. That being said, this is a time to unite as a nation and as a unified body of believing people to pray for our new President. He will need guidance and clarity as he steps into this mess we are in an have created. The decisions he will need to make are vital and needed, from the economy, foreign policy, and main street to health care, life-issues, and the womb to tomb mindset. These are only a few things he will face, which is even more a reason we have to pray for him, his administration, decisions and shifting mindsets to what we need as a country and a world. I heard a tidbit of pure gold just a day after this historic election ended. Pastor Zane spoke about the election to our small group of support staff on Thursday morning and offered great insight on where we go from here and not to keep looking back, also speaking of those that may not have cast there vote for Obama: "If we are not careful, we will hope for Obama's failure to validate our own opinions and in turn flush our nation down the toilet". This was profound to me and easy to fall susceptible to. What we need now is unity and strength, may we all find this together and continue to intercede for American and our new President.

The 5th of November 2008

November 4th was a day and moment that will be etched in the history books and documentaries for years to come. This will be a time that we will recall and replay in our mind and our heart. Our children that are old enough to understand what has happened will remember this historic event. Those that are too young to realize the substantial wall that has been broken down will hear it from their parents and family when their minds have matured enough to grasp it. November 4th was a launching pad for a nation and an example to a world. No matter where your vote ended up, you understand the significance of this time. I awoke this morning in a foggy haze wondering if this moment was really upon us, if we actually did what I experienced the evening before. Was it all a dream? Even though I watched the speech two times and was glued to the television for hours as it unfolded, it still seems surreal. There has been a lot of mixed emotions, anger, joy, love, confusion, racism, and change. This only proves that we aren't where we need to be yet as a people. I cannot stress the sheer magnificence of what has been accomplished though. It is easy to think: we have just elected an African American President. My, how far we have come. Yet in just listening to the words of those in the spotlight, at the workplace and all around us with the hints of sarcasm, prejudice, and even racism that still reside in people's heart is so sad to me. I went through an entire work day without one person commenting on the fact that we have just elected this man and made history. We are living history this very second. November 4th was a monumental day in our Nation and November 5th a historic one. I have laid out a prayer for our President Elect that his heart and hands will be guided with integrity, character, clarity and strength. I am brought almost to tears when I think of what America did yesterday, the wall we broke down and the dreams of so many finally came true. The words resounded in my head all night and day: if you are an American you can do anything. Even though this spirit of racism is apparent in the belly of our nation at times, we as a unified whole decided on what change we wanted and believe is needed in our country at this time. This is time for unity, a time where we can come together and seek the change we desire, as a country together. This message of hope is so rooted in our country, dating back to the beginning of it all. I pray now that tomorrow and the day after and after that will only strengthen us as a nation. That the differences in an electoral vote will soon fade and the reality of the world we live in will become so apparent to us all, more than it has ever before. I was going to try and sum up what is important to me for this new President to fight for and give attention to but this article is a call to action and addresses every area I would speak of and pray for. Please read it and pray for what you feel directed to do.

History in the Making

This will be one of the most historic elections of our time. There is not a person who can deny that fact. We have seen and heard a lot of things the last few months and years, some have been true and a lot have been false. I only ask as we enter the final 24 that you will extend your prayers to the candidates, with your whole heart. To bless them in the path they have taken, and to guide them in the future they seek. I can only stress the dire needs that our future President must face and will experience. This is a time like no other, and it deserves a person like none before. May the hands of America be guided to the box that is needed to move us from fear to hope. Hope that we as a nation can come together once more to see through these challenging times and to unite us as we are divided. We must push petty differences aside as we grow and learn to work on a familiar field together. There are powers that wish evil upon us as a nation and we must not let them succeed. America is different and amazing in so many ways, let us not stray from what is vital and needed as a country. I pray that God will bless us tomorrow with a person that is fit to lead our country and world today. May you find peace and clarity where you reside tonight and find a decision where you Vote tomorrow.

What's really Important?

Today has been one of those where you just catch yourself sort of spacing, not quite focused. Maybe only for a second or two and then you snap out of it, continue through your day, check things off that list and function as normal. Sometimes it is lack of sleep, contemplation, frustration, or just an off day. I haven't had to many of these lately, but then-bam-here it is. It took me literally from this morning until tonight to figure out why it was "one" of those days. I had this overwhelming feeling all day and I couldn't place it, not a weight, but just a sense. I pushed it aside and functioned as needed, came home and played with my son, enjoyed some time with my wife and relaxed. The feeling was gone. Disappeared somehow, then I had the realization. Everything inside of me was striving to be with my family, even if it was just "around" them, that is what seemed off today to me. As I lay in bed clicking around the Internet and feeling content I thought more about this feeling today and with a slight glance over to my wife sleeping next to me-bam-it was clear as day. I am blessed, I am so very blessed and I need to thank God for what he has given me and done in my life. A beautiful wife that I can confide in and love, someone to laugh with, play jokes on (ha), and just a special person with such an immense passion for life to just be "around" and spend my days with. A son that entered this world as a surprise and has remained as a gift. He has the ability to make me laugh hard and smile big with his crazy fun antics, to see him grow up before my own eyes is...well, nuts. This feeling of spaciness disappeared when I was home because they are what I was missing, they are what didn't feel quite right earlier, because I was striving to be around them, in their company and enjoying their presence. It is easy to get distracted in our lives filled to the brim with stuff. This stuff can help us function, learn, pay the bills or get frustrated. Most of the time it is essential to our survival but not to our fruition as a person. This stuff can't fulfill, heal, protect or even satisfy. Somehow though this stuff can start to fog up our true priorities in life, what really matters and fulfills. For me it is God, a true relationship with Him, based not on any denomination, religion or doctrine, but a real back and forth, sometimes upsetting, sometimes confusing experience where I can get mad and I can get excited. I can thank Him first for the grace his has given me in life, as I am not perfect nor will I ever be, and second for the people he has placed around me. Whether it be a family that astonishes me in our passions, goals, and accomplishments or a workplace where they have such a desire to see people find Jesus and everyone is continually growing, changing and adapting in new ways to help people connect to God and each other. In my life I have tried to grasp onto this fact and at times just try to remember it. When those days come where everything around me seems to falling and I can't figure out why, I just don't try. It may take me an entire day to remember what I need to, but I eventually look to God and the scriptures for reassurance, not always relief, but at least some support.

Death challenged

Abortion is what one person would describe as a "choice" and another would call an epidemic. In this heated election time the issue of abortion seems to take front and center for most Americans who share in a faith that something higher than themselves exists. I had the pleasure to experience a very unbiased, well-rounded sermon on this issue this morning. I heard strong words of conviction, personal stories of experience and Biblical truths in relation to abortion. So after ingesting this valuable information and taking the time to digest it, I have some questions, calls to action and definition's of what I see as the root of this tragedy in our society. I have heard it referred to as the spirit of abortion, but I say it is not just a spirit of abortion, but a spirit of poverty, neglect, prejudice, ignorance, lies and more. I argue that a president alone cannot change the fate of the babies future in our nation, but I argue that a renewed education on all the roots and causes of this issue is needed. I call people to stop acting on this epidemic every 4 or 8 years when it is election time. Not to say that we do not still share in the same conviction about abortion, but doesn't seem like the conversations over it, what causes it, and how to end it arise a lot more often when a presidential debate and campaign is happening? I call out to people to start researching and learning about everything that ignites this action to abort. We are at a time when thinking Pro-Choice and Pro-Life are at war with each other is a hindrance. We must start working together to change the tides of abortion, to pray, think and only vote on this issue is no longer enough. Americans and beyond must take action from the grassroots to the Government. I believe it starts in the cities and towns across America with a movement that unveils all of the causes that ignite the choice to abort. When the root causes and not just legislature are exposed we can really start to change the way America and the world views abortion. Then we can start to educate the world on what truly causes one person to deceive them self into this "choice". I truly believe that supporting local pregnancy centers, volunteering and educating yourself on the truths of abortion is only one step. We must continue to pray for repentance as a country and for the renewed actions of our government in supporting these centers, increase of adoptions, support for poverty stricken women, families and a fresh look at faith-based initiatives that actually work to improve our country (unlike this one). There have been steps made towards these goals (maybe with this one), but as usual the fog from other factors soon set in and the focus on the importance of this support for these initiatives shifts to other issues. I ask you, what can be more important than stopping the progress of abortion in our society today?

The Finale

Tonight was the last of the Presidential debates. I joined the fun 10 minutes late unfortunately (gotta hate traffic) and I was impressed at times by each candidate. I am a strong believer in researching and coming to your own conclusion. So here is the transcripts from the latest debate on October 15. You cannot be persuaded by any news station or fancy commentator. This is the real deal, what was said and who said it. Don't let Fox News, CNN, or MSNBC persuade the reality of this debate. Read for yourself on the realities of what was said and went on. I believe this election is one of the most important ones in America's history. Please vote and vote educated, not persuaded. Here is some quotes straight from the transcripts for you to chew on:

MCCAIN: I would never and have never in all the years I've been there imposed a litmus test on any nominee to the court. That's not appropriate to do.

SCHIEFFER: But even if it was someone -- even someone who had a history of being for abortion rights, you would consider them?

MCCAIN: I would consider anyone in their qualifications. I do not believe that someone who has supported Roe v. Wade that would be part of those qualifications. But I certainly would not impose any litmus test.

OBAMA: But there surely is some common ground when both those who believe in choice and those who are opposed to abortion can come together and say, "We should try to prevent unintended pregnancies by providing appropriate education to our youth, communicating that sexuality is sacred and that they should not be engaged in cavalier activity, and providing options for adoption, and helping single mothers if they want to choose to keep the baby."

Those are all things that we put in the Democratic platform for the first time this year, and I think that's where we can find some common ground, because nobody's pro-abortion. I think it's always a tragic situation.

(new subject)

MCCAIN: One of them happened just the other day, when a man I admire and respect -- I've written about him -- Congressman John Lewis, an American hero, made allegations that Sarah Palin and I were somehow associated with the worst chapter in American history, segregation, deaths of children in church bombings, George Wallace. That, to me, was so hurtful.

OBAMA: It absolutely is true. And, now, I think the American people are less interested in our hurt feelings during the course of the campaign than addressing the issues that matter to them so deeply.

And there is nothing wrong with us having a vigorous debate like we're having tonight about health care, about energy policy, about tax policy. That's the stuff that campaigns should be made of.

I am Scared

Here is some great protein to chew on. I heard these scary statements in a general sense from both Obama & Mccain in last weeks debate. It has bothered me since the first time I heard it at the RNC as the crowd, Palin, Mccain, Giulani and others chanted, boasted signs and preached COUNTRY FIRST. Personally that is a very scary stance to take, I believe God comes before country and to reverse the two is scary position to take on a personal level and a disturbing mantra to spread across America. That being said. Read up for yourself and learn, decide and vote. Jim Wallis wrote a great article on this subject and Lisa Sharon Harper just released a great blog on similar mindsets and scary stances.

Social Networking

First, this is an ironic thing to be talking about considering the underlying reason for blogs. That said, I doubt that I am alone when it comes to our exposure and the sheer volume of applications, websites, and resources that are everywhere now that deal with social networks. This Wikipedia page alone has hundreds and they are all meant to help us connect faster, better, more, and without too much effort. I agree with this in many ways and I can't deny the benefits of having these resources available. There are people who i would never have contact with if myspace or facebook did not exist. But is there a chance that while we all write on each others wall, poke, message, and tag all day long, we are missing out on that true "face" time needed? There is something to that one on one conversation, reading facial expressions and hearing the other person through body language. I think it would be safe to say that although time spent online has increased dramatically in the past ten years we all have created this amazing ability to multitask. We can text, post, listen to music, search Wikipedia and get paid simultaneously. The gadgets that are all around us hasn't hurt either, allowing us to do all these things on our cell phones. I have read and heard about those people who see these networks as a fog screen in our lives, useless and a waste of time. I beg to disagree, they can be utilized as a unique and ever-changing way to connect, relate, and discover things about each other or people we never knew till they wrote on our wall. But as with everything in life there needs to be a balance and I think our society today spends too much time in front a screen, we need to get outside more. Naropa University and John Davis Ph.D released a great article about the psychological benefits of being outside in nature more often. Who knows, getting outside may just relieve all that stress you post about all day and help you social network better. Here is some interesting facts that Ofcom (Office of Communications) has released about social networking, enjoy:

Attitudes and behaviours towards social networking sites

Social networkers fall into distinct groups

Social networkers differ in their attitudes to social networking sites and in their behaviour while using them. Ofcom’s qualitative research indicates that site users tend to fall into five distinct groups based on their behaviours and attitudes. These are as follows:

• Alpha Socialisers (a minority) – people who used sites in intense short bursts to flirt, meet new people, and be entertained.
• Attention Seekers – (some) people who craved attention and comments from others, often by posting photos and customising their profiles.
• Followers – (many) people who joined sites to keep up with what their peers were doing.
• Faithfuls – (many) people who typically used social networking sites to rekindle old friendships, often from school or university.
• Functionals – (a minority) people who tended to be single-minded in using sites for a particular purpose.

Non-users of social networking sites also fall into distinct groups

Non-users also appear to fall into distinct groups; these groups are based on their reasons for not using social networking sites:

• Concerned about safety – people concerned about safety online, in particular making personal details available online.
• Technically inexperienced – people who lack confidence in using the internet and computers.
• Intellectual rejecters – people who have no interest in social networking sites and see them as a waste of time.

America's Crisis

We are in crisis as a nation. Why are we here. How did we get here. Who is to blame? I believe it began well before the talks about bailing out wall street. Jim Wallis is someone we all need to take note of and listen to his wisdom. Watch this. It will open your eyes to the greed that controls and collapses and the people who are and will suffer for it.

Today

Today was a long one. So this will be a short one. There has been many frustrations in my short stints at different workplaces, although I am pleasantly surprised at my current job and the people I work with. This is a great article for all of us to read and try to model. I needed some of these qualities today as I navigated the workplace.

America's Real Problem

After a whirlwind of a week so far and the constant barrage of political quips in my life, I cant help but think I am not alone in my presidential conclusion. That everyone truly hates one thing or another about the pursuit for the white house. Don't get me wrong, I am a strong believer in voting and support the campaign to register everyone in America! But I have been in multiple encounters this week where the conversation turned grim fast when it came down to who I vs. them will be voting for come November. This is the main thing that saddens me the most about this season, everyone else is wrong and "I" am always right. Wrong. This attitude is what I believe directs our current path as a nation (especially when referring to foreign policy) and a mindset that is scary on a personal level and just plain wrong on a national one. I don't believe that Republicans are always right (i know i couldn't help it) and Democrats are just stupid. I think we need to start focusing on policy and straying away from hot-button issues that can tend to shape our political vote. Republicans get it wrong, and Democrats have made bad policy, both both parties have made great political leaps too. Research the candidates (Obama, McCain) how they voted, and what they represent. Then make an educated vote, don't just vote because you have been a Republican/Democrat and your parents were and that is the "correct" party. Vote because you believe that your choice will be the best choice for the American people and society and quite honestly with our wonderful achievements abroad (i am being sarcastic) America's choice will definitely affect other nations too. So you know that these conversations won't end for a few more weeks and it will only get uglier as we get closer to the white house, but these encounters can be positive if you approach them with educated non-lethal conversations, and continue to pray that God will direct the pencils come November 4th towards the candidate that will turn around the many key issues that have been ignored for years in this country. 

The First

Hello all. In this great political time and season of back and forth between parties and polls, it is very easy for our vision to be blurred with things that will mean nothing once the next president has control over our country. This is a great blog by Jim Wallis. He truly brings up what we should be focusing more of our attention on and the fact that between the media, papers, and TV, a scary thing could be manifesting. That the American people might care more about personality than policy.