Real Men Love Jesus

Today most men want to be indentify as "macho" or anything to that extent. From my experiences, I've never been put in that category of being a man. But as I was driving home the other day. I ran into a bumper sticker that said Real Men Love Jesus. I'm sure most of us have seen this bumper sticker before, including me. But at that moment, it hit Jesus loves real men. What I got out of this little commercialized sticker was living for Jesus is hard and makes you a man. The life of a Jesus lover is one of persecution, trials of many kinds, or Satan trying to derail us. Also the fact that we get our lives ruin by Jesus as well(Thank God for that).You could also take in account the thousand other things that suck about following Jesus. Being a christian isn't easy if it were everyone would be doing it. Living a life completely devoted to God makes you a man, but most importantly God loves you for that. Not the man part, but the commitment. So as I write this I realize I can say I'm a man because I love Jesus, but also because Jesus knows who I am.

The Serenity Prayer

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can;and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next.Amen.
--Reinhold Niebuhr

Kudos to Lindsey and Taylor

To Keep My Word, or Not?

Why is it so hard to keep our word? Imagine how much we would grow and learn if we kept our word. Regardless of the situation or, position that we are in. Most of the time we say things we can't fulfill, or we say things to impress. Why can't we give our word because we wanted to. Why can't our word be wrapped with love. Sure it's easy to say all this. It's a whole other ball game to do it, but I never gave you my word(lol). Perhaps this quote says it best.

The best way to keep one's word is not to give it. ~Napoleon I, Maxims

Imagine that!

My Constant

The glaring faces penetrate my thoughts.
As I walk robotically through the plethora of people.
Thinking and judging and being tempted.
I walk at times with several ideas.
Yet they never seem to formulate.

Distracted by worldly nonsense, it derails me.
From my purpose I have in you.
Clinging to what I know best.
Knowing it fails me every time.

A man of several, powerful and moving words.
Yet falls everyday.
Seeing the cry, need, and the potential.
I’m simply not boasting a Samaritan attitude.
Disgusted by my attitude of nothingness.
I run fast and hard.

It gets me back to where I was.
Knowing I am a conqueror for you.
To stand the gap for others.
To gleam a speck of your awesomeness.
To lives in dire need of you.

I’m on my knees.
Knowing the task ahead of me is daunting.
Bracing myself for what is to come.
I turn to you, my constant.

A Friendly Reminder

I was driving to a friends house. To drop off some money for a mission trip to China. He leaves in a week. On my way back I ran into a billboard of a church I don't remember the name. But the message on their hit me. It was just a great reminder that I am worth a lot and cared about by many. It read "Your life is important, because God loves you" That phrase has resonated with me and, will for awhile. It kept me up and, made me realize God is love. Regardless what comes our way God will always love us. It's funny how church billboards can help out. Especially since I was speeding.

The Elephant in the Room

" In case there's anybody who wandered in and doesn't know the back story, my dad always taught me that when there's an elephant in the room, introduce it. If you look at my CT scans, there are approximately ten tumors in my liver, and the doctors told me I have three to six months of good health left. That was a month ago, so you can do the math."

I'm currently reading The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. It's about a guy who it diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is given 3-6 months to live. He will be leaving a wife, and three kids all under the age of 5.

When told about this demoralizing news. He embarks on a journey to let somethings go,leave memories for his kids and his wife. But, what really got every one's attention was this "Last Lecture." This lecture he gives his about how he fulfills his life dreams, and marries an awesome wife etc. Which has given him air time with Oprah and, all the nice PR stuff. But, that's not what I'm blogging about.

The exert on started which resides with in the first couple of pages of the book. It got me thinking about elephants that are in the room for us. Do we introduce them like Mr Pausch? Do we even know it they exist? Or do we choose to ignore it? As we all know elephants are huge animals. Who have the ability to crush almost anything they put there lovely trunks on (Or their one stomp and your dead, feet).

We all have elephants in our lives it could be the equivalent of a giant, if you must. But, the heart of the issue, or at least for me his taking the initiative to introduce it. I've seen all to many times in my short lived life. That I have a elephant some people many know about some may not. But God knows and he is wanting me to come with terms with it. To push away my pride,selfishness, and my shortage of boldness and obedience!

I've also seen it in other peoples lives as well. Why is so hard to realize our shortcomings,fears, doubts(elephants)? Especially when we know God cares and wants to help. But we still remain stubborn.

What I got out of Mr.Pausch announcing his elephant to a audience of 500 plus. Was it's a necessary, awkward unpleasant thing we all must face. It's just reassuring to know that we have a God who forgives like he does.

A Quote to Ponder

I ran into this quote the other day. I have been pondering this quote for a while. Let me know what you think!

What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail? - Unknown

Start the pondering, I'm sure we've asked this question to ourselves before.

But have we actually sat down and, really thought about?

Have Fun!

A World Full of Inspiration

Today I was reading the latest issue of TIME magazine. The issue I was reading happen to be TIME'S magazine 100 most influential people. When you read the articles, it's cool to see all that is being done around the world. You also get introduced to people who are doing spectacular things. You have the typical Oprah Winfrey and current president exerts. But, some new comers that caught my eye were.


Kaka- a Brazilian soccer player who wants to be a minister. After his soccer career is done.

Aung San Suu Kyi- a female version of Nelson Mandela. Aung has been residing in Burma''s jails for 12 years.

Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy- The dudes who made guitar hero and Rock band

Randy Pausch- This guy was told he had 3-6 months to live. So instead of crying about it, he gives life lesson lectures via youtube.

Those were some of many who stood out to me. Sure it's cliche to be inspired by what they do, say, or who they are. But, one thing I know is that these people. When faced with adversity they smiled. Or when doubted they simply went along there business. What I guess I've learn is that inspiration is supplanted all over the place.That I could be inspired by a person of a different ethic,religious, background. Realizing that they are people like you and me. But, perhaps with a little more boldness. Regardless of there contributions to society. I can only hope to replicate a boldness, a fire if you will that they have displayed.

A Wooden Response

I woke up, with a thousand things in my head. I felt really our of it, a little hopeless, and really frustrated at God. I walked down stairs heard the radio on in the kitchen. It was Aaron Shust's song Give me words to speak. The first couple of lines to the song explained how I felt this morning.

Calloused and bruised/ dazed and confused My Spirit is left wanting something more Than my selfish hopes/ and my selfish dreams I’m lying with my face down on the floor Cryin out for more Cryin out for more

Has I absorbed the lyrics of the song, I went in to a "basketball stance". Bent down with my hands on my knees, and with my face facing the floor. It was like I was watching the opposing team sink in the winning free throws to the game. From half court I was slouch down accepting the inevitable defeat. Tears slowly, but surely came out of my hurting eyes. I zoned out for a second, I started to pray.

Lord, why am I so selfish?
I pray I can put my pride aside.
So I can fully serve and rely on you.
May I push all the non sense away.
To learn and grow in you.

As I came out of the pray with watery eyes. The song was still playing. I knew God was orchestrating this song for a reason, especially the lyrics.

Give me words to speak Don’t let my Spirit sleep Cause I can’t think of anything worth saying But I know that I owe You my life So give me Words to speak Don’t let my Spirit sleep I know I know I owe you my life ohh my life, ohh my life I know that I owe you my life ohh my life, My L I I I F E

The line that says I know I owe you my life. That line humbled my spirit, I got out of my "basketball stance". Stood up wiped my tears away. Walked to my door to go to school. In my house we have a sign on our door on the inside portion of the door. Which reads JESUS NEVER FAILS! I smiled and, realized for the moment I have words to speak.