Monday, March 1st, 2010
So, today I was searching to see if a new Nooma video was out. This is a series put out by Rob Bell, lead pastor of Mars Hill church. While surfing the silliness that is YouTube, I came across an amazing amount of videos in response to Rob Bell. How he has false theology, his teachings are wrong, he is changing church, and so far as to call him the anti-christ. That is a bold statement in itself. Honestly, I have always thought the anti-christ was Wal-Mart, but that is another topic unto itself.
Regardless of what people think, I like Rob Bell. Everyone seems to thinks he is crazy, or his “movement” is looney. Simple fact, anyone who preaches & talks about God, interprets from his own standpoint. Opinions and thoughts are going to come out in what you say. That’s human. Yes, people go to seminary and christian colleges to learn the bible in-depth. But, again are they not learning from a professor/teacher who is speaking from his standpoint on what it means. Where did they learn that their take on the scripture is correct? Not stepping on toes here, because my brother went to seminary and to me is the smartest guy I know when it comes to the bible, quoting verses, general knowledge, etc. I am just saying, no one but God himself holds the truth. I feel that it is up to us as individuals to seek out what is true. But, ultimately to listen to God and follow him with all of our heart. To lift each other up, not tear people down.
So, for Rob, he is bringing people to Christ. Is that a bad thing? So, cut the guy some slack. People should stop finding other people’s wrongs & search for their own. If you love Christ and your heart is to see people change and grow, how can that be wrong? Heck, I have been a christian for 25 years now and I don’t always understand theology, etc. I don’t always know what is right and wrong. What teachings are this or that. I just know I love God: plain & simple.
Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009
The past few weeks our church has been doing a series on Simple Holidays. I have really enjoyed it and think it is great! The idea is to not go crazy on gifts, but to make your holidays and your life more simple. To much emphasis is put on gifts & spending. I have basically avoided all retail places the past week. Insanity in this tiny beach town. This year my wife and I decided to make gifts. Being creative people, I really have enjoyed it! In the end, it’s the thought that counts. I would rather have something that sits on someone’s shelf and they can smile when they pass by, than a sweater that eventually just becomes another piece of thread held up by a hanger in an overcrowded closest full of hard earned money not spent wisely. Was that a run on sentence? Probably.
Point is, I think Christmas should come from the heart. I do love getting gifts. But, as I have gotten older I cherish time with family and just the “feeling” of Christmas. That means more to me than anything made cheaply overseas, sold with inflated prices and wrapped in non-eco friendly paper that get’s torn apart and thrown away in the madness of gift giving. (Side note : It’s a gift bag kind of year. They are reusable!)
Think smart this year and just enjoy what is priceless: family & friends. Those are the memories that will last a lifetime, not an object. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal…..”
I just want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday! In all the hustle & bustle of craziness that goes along with Christmas, just remember why we celebrate it in the first place. He loves you. Take Care.
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009
For those reading for the first time, hello! I used to have another blog site full of random thoughts, but with the joy of the internet the site was deleted. Welcome to version 2.0! I just want to state, I am in no way a mean person, etc. I just like to observe life & it’s surroundings and then comment about what I see. So, for those that know me, I am really not quiet….I am just observing and taking in.
Over the course of the last year I have noticed many various things that absolutely get on my very last nerve and everything in between. I have an ever growing list of things that just annoy me completely. I plan on posting them at some point, just for fun and silliness. Anyhow, the current number one on my list is the state of people’s patience & audible thoughts in today’s society. It really is quite ridiculous. People have come to the realization that everything should be immediate or that they can say whatever childish and uneducated thought that comes to their mind. Basically, adults have become whiny children. Case in point, I sell hundreds of various items in my Ebay store, which means I get to visit the awesome guys at our local United States Post Office almost daily. For those that don’t know, the USPS is very similar in wait time to the DMV office, depending on time of day, weather, etc.
So, I generally have a handful of boxes at any given time when I arrive. When the line is long, it truly is amazing the ignorant remarks that roll out of people’s mouths. People who are so impatient to just wait a few minutes. Like their life is so important that they need to rush back to it. Ever consider maybe God is giving you a few minutes to just relax, rest, and take in the surroundings. Better yet, talk with those around you. Make them smile. I have found myself doing this more lately. Just trying to make people feel at ease. Last week an older gentlemen made some very stupid comments quite loudly for all to hear. So, I politely said “How about just a little patience man, everybody has a job to do.” He seemed a little taken back, but quickly kept his thoughts to himself. This brings us to point two.
The idea that you can freely say what is on your mind. In other words, make statements aloud for everyone to hear, when you probably should think them through first. Number one, an assuming comment is usually an ignorant statement that should be kept to yourself. For example, waiting in line at a coffee shop for a simmering cup of wake up juice and a cookie. Simple thing, everyone does it. The the lady in front of you talks about getting the last sugar cookie, but decides to wait. So, you walk up and ask to get it. Then the flabbering mouth of society states aloud, “I’m glad I didn’t get that last cookie, I wouldn’t want to take something from a pregnant woman.” A statement best kept inside your stupid head. Especially, when the person you so quickly judged is by no means pregnant. This hurts feelings and creates tears.
So, to end here, sorry I like to ramble on. Keep thoughts in your head. Only speak when starting an actual conversation. Don’t assume. Never assume anything. If you do, you are probably wrong. Have patience…..in fact have a whole heaping truck of it. Yes, I like to rush around and get things done. Yes, I get highly frustrated when I can’t mark things off my list in the perfect time frame that I would like for the day. But, the mean & evil thoughts never leave my lips. Ignorance is best kept to yourself.
On a high note, I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season, safe travel, snow (for those northward), and a good time with family. God Bless.
Saturday, November 14th, 2009
Recently, found myself looking for some new graphic novels to lose myself in and came across this unique title by John Layman & Rob Guillory. Aside from the obvious fascination I have with the Hellboy universe, I also really enjoy in depth dark, gritty, crime novels and noir stories. Recent example I thoroughly enjoyed was Sam & Twitch, written by Michael Bendis. Good read, so give it a go.
Back to first point, artistically, Chew is very unique and captivating and the story also proves to be a very creative idea. Basically, the main detective, Tony Chu, is a Cibopathic who get’s “psychic impressions” from anything he eats. So, by nibbling on various crime scene and surrounding items he is able to put together a clearer picture of what happened to it. If you have time, check it out.
Until next time. Think for three seconds before saying something you might regret in five.
Saturday, November 14th, 2009
Just seeing if I can still formulate words in sentences, therefore making a statement that in some cultures might make sense.
Thursday, November 12th, 2009
This is my “space”, welcome to it. I will be adding many random thoughts, photos, drawings, cartoons, ideas, and various other things that no one really cares about except myself. But, hopefully, in all the rambling and incoherent non-sense, you might find something slightly interesting and quite possibly worth about one minute and twenty-seven seconds of your time. Or not. And in that case I have now only taken up however long it has taken you to read this…..or have I?
Confused? I am. Thanks for stopping by.