In the book of John ,Jesus asks Peter 3 times if he loves him, and with each yes reply he tells Peter to feed my sheep/take care of my lambs. The writer of the QT passage I was reading today wrote,"Jesus did not ask Peter if he loved His sheep, but if he loved Him. Affection for God’s people in itself will not sustain us."
That is so true! When we try to do nice things for people or try to "love" people, how often does the response of others not meet our expectations? Almost always. Because we don't really do things out of the sheerness of our good heart, NO people want praise, a gold medal, or something.
There was this episode of Seinfeld where Jerry lets in a car into his lane and he waits for the thank you hand gesture, but he doesn't get it and so he gets furious and sticks his head out of the car window and yells, "I want my thank you wave!"
That's how people are. Even when I do something nice for my wife, I always want something in return, and if she doesn't respond the way I think is appropriate for the act that I did, then ultimately I get disappointed. Where's my thank you wave!?
I've known this truth all along in my head, but it just seems to make a lot more sense to me today. We love because he first loved us. If we do all things out of love for God we will never get disappointed.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Joshua son of Nun
I keep an ongoing list of my favorite quotes, bible verses, quiet time passages, and basically anything written that inspires me.
Today I added one about Joshua son of Nun. He was Moses’ aide, assistant and apprentice for 40 years. He was like a secretary, but he could kill you with his sword and probably his bare hands.
For 40 years he lived under the shadow of the great Moses. But he didn’t gripe and complain, instead he learned everything he could from this great man so that he could step up one day to be the leader of God’s people. Maybe he didn’t even have ambitions of leading the Israelites, but God was grooming him to step up one day.
I think I’m a pretty impatient person. If I want something I want it now. I’m like that with everything and work is no exception. I get impatient and feel like I am ready for the next step and want to move on to bigger and better things. But why not learn as much and everything that you can so that when you do move on to the next step you are not just mediocre, but great.
I think people rush into things too quickly these days. Gone are the days of apprenticeship where a young boy learns a trade from an experienced older craftsman in the hopes of one day replacing him. Of course modern times isn’t really suited for blacksmith apprentices, but patience is a virtue and God shapes and molds you everyday for the next step, and the funny part is you might not even know what the next step is.
Today I added one about Joshua son of Nun. He was Moses’ aide, assistant and apprentice for 40 years. He was like a secretary, but he could kill you with his sword and probably his bare hands.
For 40 years he lived under the shadow of the great Moses. But he didn’t gripe and complain, instead he learned everything he could from this great man so that he could step up one day to be the leader of God’s people. Maybe he didn’t even have ambitions of leading the Israelites, but God was grooming him to step up one day.
I think I’m a pretty impatient person. If I want something I want it now. I’m like that with everything and work is no exception. I get impatient and feel like I am ready for the next step and want to move on to bigger and better things. But why not learn as much and everything that you can so that when you do move on to the next step you are not just mediocre, but great.
I think people rush into things too quickly these days. Gone are the days of apprenticeship where a young boy learns a trade from an experienced older craftsman in the hopes of one day replacing him. Of course modern times isn’t really suited for blacksmith apprentices, but patience is a virtue and God shapes and molds you everyday for the next step, and the funny part is you might not even know what the next step is.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Knocked Up Again
No it's not what you think, I was watching Knocked Up again this weekend for the second time. It was a so so movie in the theatre and I rarely enjoy movies in the theatre so I gave it another viewing in the comfort of my own home. Yeah it was a still a so so movie.
But it got me thinking about men and women. In this movie the main guy whatever his name is Ben I think, has to change his life around dramatically for this woman who was having his baby. Granted the guy was a loser and he really needed a swift kick in the ass, but he seemed really happy with his less than mediocre life.
Of course my thoughts redirected itself to me as it always does and I got to thinking about how much I've changed since I've started dating Mary, marrying/living with Mary, and eventually having a baby with Mary. I'd say I changed a lot. The guy I was back then and the guy I am now are so different. The haphazard lackadaisical guy in the movie hanging out with his friends kind of reminded me a little of myself when I was in my early twenties, well to be honest all guys in their early twenties.
Ok so finally the question I've been wanting to ask is this. Do men change more for women than the other way around? I'm going to go out on a male sided, egocentric limb and say yes we do.
But it got me thinking about men and women. In this movie the main guy whatever his name is Ben I think, has to change his life around dramatically for this woman who was having his baby. Granted the guy was a loser and he really needed a swift kick in the ass, but he seemed really happy with his less than mediocre life.
Of course my thoughts redirected itself to me as it always does and I got to thinking about how much I've changed since I've started dating Mary, marrying/living with Mary, and eventually having a baby with Mary. I'd say I changed a lot. The guy I was back then and the guy I am now are so different. The haphazard lackadaisical guy in the movie hanging out with his friends kind of reminded me a little of myself when I was in my early twenties, well to be honest all guys in their early twenties.
Ok so finally the question I've been wanting to ask is this. Do men change more for women than the other way around? I'm going to go out on a male sided, egocentric limb and say yes we do.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Saturday In the Park/Random Pics
The family decided to go to the park last Saturday. Here's a pic of wifey and the boy looking ever so serious.
When I come home he always comes to me and then turns around so I can hold him like this.
Here he is trying on my Tiger's hat.
Finally!
Christian actually has a pretty good arm. I tried posting a video of him throwing a fastball and striking me out, but it took too long. That's his favorite game to play. He grabs his mommy and makes her stand up and hold the bat so he can pitch to her over and over and over again. He can literally do this all night. He gets so sweaty from running after the ball. I guess he gets that from me.
A pic of us at Tahoe last week. He absolutely loved the water. I think he threw a hundred rocks that day.
And lastly a random picture from bowling awhile ago.
When I come home he always comes to me and then turns around so I can hold him like this.
Here he is trying on my Tiger's hat.
Finally!
Christian actually has a pretty good arm. I tried posting a video of him throwing a fastball and striking me out, but it took too long. That's his favorite game to play. He grabs his mommy and makes her stand up and hold the bat so he can pitch to her over and over and over again. He can literally do this all night. He gets so sweaty from running after the ball. I guess he gets that from me.
A pic of us at Tahoe last week. He absolutely loved the water. I think he threw a hundred rocks that day.
And lastly a random picture from bowling awhile ago.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
What I've been Up To
Somebody smashed my driver’s side window last Friday. Mary and I took Friday off so we could drive up to the retreat early. When I awoke and peered out my kitchen window I noticed that my trunk was open. I was thinking damn they stole my subwoofer and new stereo. But when I got to the car the window was smashed but nothing was taken. Even my CD case was still here.
What has the world come to when people commit such senseless acts of vandalism. The police officer said they were probably on foot that’s why they didn’t take my sub. And my stereo is mounted in there so it almost impossible to steal. I am seriously going to start a vigilante justice group. The real life Justice League. But seriously our neighborhood has been the victim of a lot of home burglaries, car thefts, and vandalism. The police officer even told me that a family was held up by gun point in their own house. WTH!? This happened right before our way up to Lake Tahoe too. So I left my car with the broken window in my driveway the whole weekend.
The retreat was cool. I felt like I was stretched to love others more. I love to hate, so this will be a struggle for me. Interestingly the last couple of days QT’s were about love.
Romans 12
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves.
What is brotherly love and why does the Bible tell us to keep loving each other when it is so hard? I guess if I wasn’t a Christian I wouldn’t even think about loving people that I don’t care for. The Bible says love your enemies, but that’s not the problem. My problem is just loving the people I’m indifferent towards. Sometimes I think apathy is the worst feeling of all.
I think what it all boils down to is this; live in peace with your fellow neighbors. You can’t force people to like you, but don’t close yourself off to relationships with people that aren’t receptive to you. Don’t keep records of wrongs done unto you, basically let it go, don’t harbor resentment or anger in your heart. Be open with one another and be honest. And finally don’t shy yourself away from people you wouldn’t normally talk to or don’t like from first impressions. Get to know them, they might surprise you.
I saw Batman last night and I didn’t like it as much as everyone else. I think it was mostly because the theatre seats were so uncomfortable and the movie was pretty long. Plus this guy on my right asked me if I could eat with my left hand because I was elbowing him everytime I ate some popcorn. I didn’t even notice. I felt bad and apologized and I tried not to invade his space but that made it even more uncomfortable. He let me have the armrest, but I felt like I was still crowding him.
Anyway Heath was good, I have to admit. I don’t think they will continue with the Joker character because he was that good. The Two Face story didn’t develop enough and Maggie Gyllenhaal was horrible. I hate to say it but she looks too old and haggard to be a leading lady opposite Batman. Pick the one that doesn’t belong, Kim Basinger, Michelle Pfieffer, Nicole Kidman, Alicia Silverstone, Uma Thurman, Katie Holmes, Maggie Gyllenhaal. No brainer right?
What has the world come to when people commit such senseless acts of vandalism. The police officer said they were probably on foot that’s why they didn’t take my sub. And my stereo is mounted in there so it almost impossible to steal. I am seriously going to start a vigilante justice group. The real life Justice League. But seriously our neighborhood has been the victim of a lot of home burglaries, car thefts, and vandalism. The police officer even told me that a family was held up by gun point in their own house. WTH!? This happened right before our way up to Lake Tahoe too. So I left my car with the broken window in my driveway the whole weekend.
The retreat was cool. I felt like I was stretched to love others more. I love to hate, so this will be a struggle for me. Interestingly the last couple of days QT’s were about love.
Romans 12
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves.
What is brotherly love and why does the Bible tell us to keep loving each other when it is so hard? I guess if I wasn’t a Christian I wouldn’t even think about loving people that I don’t care for. The Bible says love your enemies, but that’s not the problem. My problem is just loving the people I’m indifferent towards. Sometimes I think apathy is the worst feeling of all.
I think what it all boils down to is this; live in peace with your fellow neighbors. You can’t force people to like you, but don’t close yourself off to relationships with people that aren’t receptive to you. Don’t keep records of wrongs done unto you, basically let it go, don’t harbor resentment or anger in your heart. Be open with one another and be honest. And finally don’t shy yourself away from people you wouldn’t normally talk to or don’t like from first impressions. Get to know them, they might surprise you.
I saw Batman last night and I didn’t like it as much as everyone else. I think it was mostly because the theatre seats were so uncomfortable and the movie was pretty long. Plus this guy on my right asked me if I could eat with my left hand because I was elbowing him everytime I ate some popcorn. I didn’t even notice. I felt bad and apologized and I tried not to invade his space but that made it even more uncomfortable. He let me have the armrest, but I felt like I was still crowding him.
Anyway Heath was good, I have to admit. I don’t think they will continue with the Joker character because he was that good. The Two Face story didn’t develop enough and Maggie Gyllenhaal was horrible. I hate to say it but she looks too old and haggard to be a leading lady opposite Batman. Pick the one that doesn’t belong, Kim Basinger, Michelle Pfieffer, Nicole Kidman, Alicia Silverstone, Uma Thurman, Katie Holmes, Maggie Gyllenhaal. No brainer right?
Sunday, July 6, 2008
I Love Goooold
This is my new car, there are many like it, but this one is mine. Actually it’s not new, it’s a used 2003 Acura TL, but still new to me. What can I say about my new/used car… I only paid $9250 for it. Sold my single guy convertible to get this more *ahem* mature family car?
People at work were making fun of me saying that I looked like an old man now driving this car. I think they were saying that mainly because it’s gold. It definitely was not my first choice in car color, but we got such a good deal on it we couldn’t pass it up. Really at $9250 it was $4-5 K cheaper then all the other ones we checked out.
There were some issues with it all minor, overall the engine’s good and we still saved a bundle. I originally wanted to get a silver type S for $14,000, but my more sensible wife talked me into getting this one. She says she didn’t, but she really did, she didn’t even have to say a word.
Many of you may be saying, “Wait I thought your car was a type S?” Well it’s not. I bought that Type S emblem from Acura and put it on there. Mary says that I’m a liar. Hahahahaha. I don’t care, it looks cool.
Thank God for my car guy. He saved me a bundle doing all the repair work. I think the best present Pastor Joe ever gave me was introducing me to him. He basically charges you wholesale for the parts and almost nothing for labor. Plus he lives like 2 minutes away from me. I owe him a nice dinner for sure.
Yeah boy, you likes that Navigation/CD/DVD player? It was my Father's Day/Birthday present from wifey.
Doesn't look like a grandfather car does it?
People at work were making fun of me saying that I looked like an old man now driving this car. I think they were saying that mainly because it’s gold. It definitely was not my first choice in car color, but we got such a good deal on it we couldn’t pass it up. Really at $9250 it was $4-5 K cheaper then all the other ones we checked out.
There were some issues with it all minor, overall the engine’s good and we still saved a bundle. I originally wanted to get a silver type S for $14,000, but my more sensible wife talked me into getting this one. She says she didn’t, but she really did, she didn’t even have to say a word.
Many of you may be saying, “Wait I thought your car was a type S?” Well it’s not. I bought that Type S emblem from Acura and put it on there. Mary says that I’m a liar. Hahahahaha. I don’t care, it looks cool.
Thank God for my car guy. He saved me a bundle doing all the repair work. I think the best present Pastor Joe ever gave me was introducing me to him. He basically charges you wholesale for the parts and almost nothing for labor. Plus he lives like 2 minutes away from me. I owe him a nice dinner for sure.
Yeah boy, you likes that Navigation/CD/DVD player? It was my Father's Day/Birthday present from wifey.
Doesn't look like a grandfather car does it?
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Go Ahead and Enjoy, He Really Wants You To
1 Timothy 6:17-18
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
On her blog the other day my wife posted these wonderful words of affirmation. "I love that you are so generous and you don't let your possessions possess you. "
I've never really been someone who puts too high a value on money and material possessions. I've never really been overly ambitious either.
I fault myself sometimes for not being ambitious. When my peers were in school at Cal, most of them had a plan, a track towards making lots of money. I won't say they were obsessed, but they were very diligent. Me, I forwent the money and wanted to make a difference and become a high school counselor. Even went to grad school for counseling but lost my way (I will save this story for another day).
What am I saying here, ah yes, though I have never put too much time and effort into the pursuit of money, God has blessed me richly. I have never been in want and in fact live in excess. Although I don't allow my possessions to control me, I do believe that there should be no guilt for Christians in enjoying the finer things in life. After all God has placed all things here on earth for our enjoyment.
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
On her blog the other day my wife posted these wonderful words of affirmation. "I love that you are so generous and you don't let your possessions possess you. "
I've never really been someone who puts too high a value on money and material possessions. I've never really been overly ambitious either.
I fault myself sometimes for not being ambitious. When my peers were in school at Cal, most of them had a plan, a track towards making lots of money. I won't say they were obsessed, but they were very diligent. Me, I forwent the money and wanted to make a difference and become a high school counselor. Even went to grad school for counseling but lost my way (I will save this story for another day).
What am I saying here, ah yes, though I have never put too much time and effort into the pursuit of money, God has blessed me richly. I have never been in want and in fact live in excess. Although I don't allow my possessions to control me, I do believe that there should be no guilt for Christians in enjoying the finer things in life. After all God has placed all things here on earth for our enjoyment.
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