Kickin' Chick-Fil-A Style

I am chillin' at the Chick-Fil-A I work at, and I am suffering the Net due the fact that the Hidden Vally Pwy. store has Free Wif-Fi. Yes I said Free I am so happy, come by and eat some good ol' Chick-Fil-A and surf the web.

It is a Saturday late morning and I am asking myself what is the next big adventure to come. This time of the year I am a bit more melancholy about life, for I reflect on what has taken place and start to look into the darkness of the unknown called 'future'. I am uncertain what 2008 is going to look like, I am not in school at the moment so that constant is not there, I am writng, but really going nowhere. So what am I going to do? Seems that we all have decisions to make, but some ones are not all that fun making. Wouldn't it be rad if we has a Ice Cream Truck that came by our homes that not only sold ice cream and good treats but also had options of what to do next and you buy one for a dollar try it out for a week if ti did not work or suit you you could buy another one from that Ice Cream Truck the next week. Child's thinking, I know, but it would be fun.

The eluding answers for me are employment at a place where I can really grow and be challenged, where will I be living in Cali or somewhere else, and the kicker of all where will I be going for Seminary. To be honest living in Cali is getting to expensive for this low-income person can handle. I know we are to place our trust in God in regards to our provision, but in other places like the Proverbs it says we ought to be about be productive and not be slothful in our daily living. So a question arises where is the balance?

Any who-ti-hoot, I am grateful for a year of great triumphs, one being graduating a 7 year plan of College. Whoot -whoot!!!!! I am the second in my family to have a Bachelors, and the only one of my siblings to have one. So that is a feat in of itself, it only took me until I was 31 to achieve such a goal. I am gaining more control over my lust issues, and why I fall prey to them. My faith in God has grown more this year, maybe not grown but has gotten stronger than in previous years. There has been a lot of good this past year and a bit of not so good moments. All in all I am excited to see what 2008 will bring. If I could make a wish list of things to happen here it is...

1. Have a deeper relation with God through a contemplative life


2. Meet my wife to be and court her


3. Get a job that pays at least $50,000 a yr. (something I will enjoy doing)


4. Get ahead in my finances


5. Go to seminary (hopefully Talbot)


6. Travel more


7. Spend more intentional time with friends and family


8. Explore how to run a coffee business


9. Lose more weight, hopefully get under 200 lbs in 08'


10. Go to more Angels Baseball games


11. Be open for other adventures that come my way

This is what I hope for in 08', maybe you all will be apart of the life with Uncle Mikey....

Are we really so Despondent

I wish this post was one of great insight into how God is molded His Church to be the light unto a dark world, but this is not one of those kind of posts. My heart was troubled last night towards the end of accountability group I am apart of. What perplexed my soul is the apathy towards the Narrative of Jesus' birth into this fallen world. I really do not care on what side on the many lines that have been drawn in the sand of this issue, the birth of Jesus has awoken many discussions that are to numerous to count.
Jesus' birth is of a miraculous conception, and a story of redemption in of itself, pre-crucifixion. Meaning that those within this narrative of Jesus' birth experience trials of disbelief and encounter God's redemptive love. As many follower's of Christ would say that nothing would stop God's plan, I agree, but just think of the stubbornness of Zacharias and the disbelief of Joesph. One did not think God would allow his wife to become pregnant due to her age, one thought to divorce his wife to be in secret. But both men found redemption in their disbelief from holding onto a slight faith that God was going to allow these two babies to be born, one being John the Baptist, the other being Jesus.
I have shared a brief snapshot insight to the narrative story of Jesus' birth, but in today's Church there is apathy towards this magnificent narrative of God's love for his children. Why is this so? Is it that the Church has bought into the consumerism lie of this pretentious holiday? Or is it that the Church has lost the excitement of the waiting for the Messiah to be born? What has caused our young men and women to not care to hear this story again?
You might think it is because they are young and have no sense of tradition? Yeah, I could see that point, but I will raise the level to say it is not that there are not interesting in hearing it, maybe we have been telling the narrative in a way that has aided them to grow despondent to this wonderful narrative. I be one of them for many years. I always look forward to the death and Resurrection more than Christmas, for the sear fact that people were a bit more genuine in their worship of receiving something they did not deserve. Man what would it be like if we treated the birth of Christ in the same manner, and try to utter the words of Simeon, "for my eyes have seen your salvation" (Luke 2:30) And praise God with the same intense vigor as we do with His death and resurrection.
This narrative is the beginning of the virtuous life of our Lord and Savior. WOW!!! I am excited to celebrate Jesus' birth, I am in anticipation for that star to shine brightly, to place myself in the shoes (or sandals) of the Sheppard's, the wise man, even the livestock, or the donkey that carried Mary to Bethlehem. Let us live in a triumphant state for our hope and faith rests in the birth of Jesus.

I have not gone dominant in espousing on some thought(s). The latest thoughts have gone from one idea to the next than to the next than back to the beginning.

What I am grazing through is conversion. When does it start, what is it called, does it ever stop, when does one know fully this in when I was converted. Or is it truly how we evangelicals have explained it to be the accurate way of viewing conversion. There is no secret to those that know me that I am about raising disciples of Christ , not just some people that seem to be barely hanging on to a fire breaching policy that they hope that can be redeemed at the moment of being place six feet under ground. So the initial question was raised when does one become a disciple, well the jury is out on this still, but in much deliberation about what it means to be a disciple and the cost, hopefully soon they will bring in a verdict. Maybe without any unreasonable doubt they are correct. But any who, conversion is tied into one being disciple, somewhere in this process.

Then comes the questions of Lordship and Savior, which is the correct order of understanding how a person is converted. Is it simply a simple prayer that anyone can pray on their death bed to a five year old praying it and one day grows into understanding Christ's Lordship? I understand that we all learn and grow in stages, if this is so then why does the evangelical circles place an emphasis on a central point of a conversion that leads to other stages, or is it that this stage is dressed in a new array? For me this means that there is a there was and now there is, meaning simply old then, new now. But this thought seems to go against what Christ taught. Even Paul states the new creation, but states that God is perfecting us through Christ. So which is it, is it now or coming into being? Or is it both and? Well these are my thoughts of lately, if you have any good insightful thoughts please share, I would love be stretch more than I am.

Memories

Memories are like a fine wine that is appreciated at its full age or the fullness of its flavor. My memories parallel such a thought. Then there are those that are so pleasant they are more like having to eat liver and onions, even when you are told of this travesty your stomach starts to swirl in anticipation of a night of bowing before the porcelain throne. Maybe that is stretch but I hope you get the gist. The reason I am thinking about past memories is that this month of November has always been a month of found memories. Such as when I was a boy maybe about 8 or so, my uncle's and their friends would get together and play football on Thanksgiving day. I remember going to the park where they played for several years. It was a special time for it was me and my grandfather who would take me, and we would sometimes bring Brandy (granddad's golden retriever). This particular year I remember be allowed to play with my uncle's and their friends, I must note that it was not two hand touch. So there I was 8 or so playing football with 20 year olds, I thought I just made it to the big times, I tell you what. I got run a few plays before the sideline me, but what a memory. Not to mention the feasts at Thanksgiving at my grandma's house.

There are others that stand out to me, I remember when my aunt and me did not talk , for almost year and half or so, for us that is like an eternity. My aunt and myself have been close my whole life, she is only about 10 years older than me, so our relationship is more like a distant younger brother to an older sister. But I remember coming over to her and my uncle's house for Thanksgiving after we have talk on the phone to see if I would be allowed over. You might being saying what happen, well I was not a real grateful person back then. I thought everyone one owed because of my childhood. I took it out on my dear aunt and uncle, for they both were there to support me and help me, not be a Crux. I wanted crutches. Nevertheless, I was ashamed of by actions I pulled away of disappointed, but that day God showed me what grace is. I try to apologize, when I tried to utter those words my aunt said no need. It was in her voice I have forgiven you, likewise with my uncle. What a Thanksgiving memory.

Then there many others that held under strict lock and key, but these moments that turned into memories have formed me into who I am today. What a thought of time past and the future to unravel and the present to live within.

Raw

Raw frustration ought to fuel our passions and desires to drive us to better ourselves and those to whom we ministered to. The reason I state this is quite simple I am frustrated with ministries that cultivate a sense of do's and dont's in their ministries. Do and Dont's (law) are to be guides in this life. From the pages of scripture speaks that the law is not the ends, they are means to an end of transformation to become holy beings that are in direct image of God. The Apostle Paul points this fact out repeatedly about the law does not provide grace, mercy or transformation. If we as ministers are to convey this truth and echo Jesus in being relational why then do we build ourselves standards that God does not even hold us to?

This question is a loaded question and caution is given to where and how it is unloaded. I am intending to ask simply why is hard to live a transformed life and require rules in how that life is transformed? For instance, in youth ministry when a youth misses due to various reasons, but is a devout member and serves with a servants heart, but is question what is wrong, are you doing okay... meaning have you fallen from grace. This is applicable to even those that are not so devout. These statements comes from Pastors, Leaders, Lay people, and peers at all levels within the church. But Why? At times due to our culture of complacent activity within the church it is warranted for rebuke and reproof. I understand this for I have done it, as reflection upon this topic I have abused my freedom. What is the point of discussing this issue, does this absurd of freedom in the Spirit to question others done in love? Or is it done because we have become an institution of do's and dont's? This question has been raised within me for some time, and when I see and hear followers of Christ question what is the importance of fellowship of the brethren due to overcontroling concerns, it saddens my heart. I do not know how to answer this dilemma, but to offer hope that Jesus wants first a transformed heart then the behavior will follow. But then at times followers are do just that are being questioned unreasonably for the sake of the institution.

What are we a institution believers or a living, relational, transforming body of believers?

Are you going to be a Blessing?

To bless someone is not just merely give away something or your time. To bless someone is to give to them what you have been given in abundance. Sometimes is our fiances, it is our time, it is our talent, and etc. Whatever the case to be a blessing unto a person brings tension in our minds, well I know within me, what is the return on this investment of my resources to be a blessing. If we are honest we tend to camp in this thought more times than we say we do. I am not here to beat us over the head about what we should do or not do, but my recent experiences in receiving a blessing from several people makes me stop and ask... how much are we to give away to bless others despite the inconvenience it brings to me? After reading various meanings of the word bless in the Hebrew and the Greek, I have come to a conclusion if we are not be a blessing of grace, a blessing of our time, being a blessing of our resources we fall short of what God has done for us.

Think of the time when Christ fed the four thousand and five thousand, amazing that it all came from a few fish and few loaves of food to feed so many. Why did Christ bless those in such a manner? Was is it show them His capability given to Him from the Father? Or was it something else? Most people would point out that the disciples came to him and ask how are we going to feed these people that having been following Jesus and the disciples. What was Jesus' retort to them for trying to send the people away He told them to feed them. The disciples replied all we have is not enough to feed these thousands of men not including women and their children. This amazes me, what happens next, Christ says bring what you have to me. When he received the little amount of food from His disciples, He blessed the food - He gave thanks for what has been provided by God. Then he told His disciples to pass it out. They did and at the end they had left overs that filled 12 baskets.

Great story Mike, so what? The so what is we bring what we have to help others and praise God for it and see God increase the provision for the need that needs to be met. Jesus was showing us a lot in this situation, the one thing that I have gleaned from it is God wants to and will provide, all we have to do is give what we have, and for each of us it is different, but the message is still the same. In Proverbs it is says in the 11th chapter...

'One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.' (vv. 24-25)

I try my best to live in such manner but fall ever so short of doing it, I was reminded greatly about this principle this past couple of weeks. Lets give freely as we receive freely the gift of grace that is within Christ our Lord.

Moments are a precious commodity these days, I suppose if you in a metropolitan region. Where life moves at the speed of light. Why talk about moments, because we all have them they are either great moments in time or horrible ones. Several thoughts arise from idea of a moment, what is a moment? How does it work? Are they frozen in time or space? Are they non-existent anymore except from the moments that are etched into our brain? The limit of questions is limitless in regards to moments. But why is this so? Why are we humans so enthralled with living within the moment, capturing the moment or trying to relive a moment that has passed?

To be honest I only understand time in the manner of the time I am in now, right here typing this blog, the time that was at the beginning of this blog is now gone, but I am still typing. This is a surreal thought for time keeps moving, but our mind can pull up a data base of fragment pieces of time and replay them so we are not lost in the present moment. Boy this sounds cumbersome to think in such a way.

I believe that God is the originator of time and the existence of moments. But wants astounds me more is that how can truly our minds capture a moment in time, process it, evaluate it, store it in a proper context (hopefully) and recall it like a motion picture. For me to explain this better is like how old fashion cartoons were drawn, and still are to this day. Well the t.v. motion cartoons, where they would draw frame by frame to give an illusion of time elapsing with what was drawn. Cause if you were to see each individual frame set next to each other and seen in order you could possibly see how the characters and scenery moves. But once they are layered on top of each other then moved in a rapid order you then see those frames become a fluid action like that of real time. Please forgive me if I have not represented this art form well, it is how I understand as of today.

If moments go by, and are lost at times, but within our mind we can recover them does time truly keep moving without stopping? Or is it that we are living within finite world that the realm of progressing within time and digressing time is not available in our current state. If this has perplexed you, good it should. The only rational explanation for this occurrences is that there is a high force that has limited our need of time. This entity has placed moments to stop or start over again for a reason beyond our human supreme understanding. Once again God the creator of substance created a world where time has limits so that His creation would see His great power and see Him as worthy of high praise for creating such a plane of moments that are captured within the human mind, but never again able to be relived in that particular moment. How great is the God of this universe.

There might be another way of understanding the issue of time and why it is limited to moments that once were and another has taken its place, right now this how I understand it.

List of Want to Do’s in my Life

1. Live a fulfilled life for the Kingdom of God
2. Marry and raise a Family
3. Pastor College Students
4. Plant House Churches near or at College Campuses
5. Open a Coffee House Near a College - Develop My Cooking Skills
6. Achieve a Master’s and Doctorate degrees
7. Become a College Professor for Discipleship
8. Drive a Drag Strip Top Fuel or Funny Car
9. Sky Dive
10. Bunge Jump
11. Rebuild a Few cars
12. Build my own Chopper - Motorcycle
13. Read many books – Theology –Practical – Novel – Biographies
14. Work on a Res. Life staff (again)
15. Travel
16. Build an add on to a house to house those that need a place to live
17. Go Camping More
18. Off road fun toys
19. On water fun toys
20. Go to Amusement Parks throughout the world

What are you going to do?

Imagine that you were at the edge of of cliff called life. There are obvious four distinct areas you notice as you stand at this edge. Your body is tense in anticipation, your mind is throbbing, your heart is about to explode due to the amount of stress you are feeling. You try to contemplate why and how you have gotten here.

But that does not seem as pressing as wondering why below you is a eternal fall off from the cliff into a black abyss. Viewing such a sight sends shivers from your hairs ends to the tips of your extremities. You know whatever is far down there is a place of pain, torment, suffering, and unrest.

Then you notice that in front of you is a picture of something that has a translucent appearance, this picture baffles you cause you think it is another cliff not to far away. But then you think it might just be the open sky just a bit murky, but whatever you think it is you wish the picture would become clear with such clarity that will tell you which way you ought to take at this place of decision.

At the moment that you start to sense a bit of clarity of the distance of uncertainty you feel with certainty what lies behind you. You peer back and see that its your past of joys, hurts, laughs, tears, anger, envy, people you hate - you love, and even a sense of familiarity. Your past is calling come back to your life of strife, but of what is known to you. For here you can reason within your known knowledge and live as you know currently without risk of losing life.

The vast sky that is deepen with a rich color that is indescribable and that contains a bright light that does not scorch your skin, but gives warmth and rejuvenation to your soul. You look upwards to try to attain insight of where this overwhelming sensation is coming from. As you peer all you see is a bright sun that is restoring your faith, your joy, and your love. You are perplexed at this experience it is nothing you have ever experienced. You are wondering how can one continue to have this experience every second, every minute, every hour and day.

You realize with all of these four situations presented to you, there is a question being ask: What are you going to do? End this life by diving into a life suffering abyss, stay in a place of certainty. Or begin to trust a experience that brings life into focus in restoring the soul so you can take a step into the unknown and see that unclear picture come into focus. What a point on a cliff to ponder such thoughts, but still "What are you going to do?"

What are you going to do?

What are you going to do?

Needing College Resources

Hello all, I am needed some references on any good material that is for the collegiate student. If you know of any let me know. Thanks.

Thoughts of Transititon

I must admit my last post was a bit emo, but it was where my heart was for the past months. I will state that this God just does not allow us to stay at one place to long, at least this my experience. This past Sunday is one of those moments, the message was on our true identity that comes from God.

The point that stood the most to me was that the only image we ought to be concern with is becoming the image of the creator, for it is His image we are design to be like. Though I am still perplex why is so hard to be in His image? I understand for a theological standpoint that sin plays a major role in our defiance of being in His image. Question... if we are a new creation in His son, why do many of us struggle with living as this new creation?

Most God-fearing people read the bible, pray, serve and worship with what they got to give the Lord of Hosts, but still fight desperately to not be the old man. Is it simple so we can fully understand his grace? Or is it much simpler than that. Meaning does God just want us to set our mind each and every day to live in His image. To write this is sounds so simple, but the sense of the old man still lurks within my mind, how does one eradicated it? Maybe for many of us that deal with this it is our thorn in our flesh.

I know I am going to make each day a day that I consciencely choose to become more like Christ so that I am not consumed with how I could be from a past of destruction. I must admit it is odd for a person that has been educated in theology and been a believer for over 15 yrs, to admit this struggle, but I assume that I am not the only one that is a minister that struggles with this, and beyond that most laypersons as well. I pray that God speaks to your heart and restores within you a spirit of strength not timidity.

I am alive in Christ Jesus our Lord!!!!

Thoughts Made Bare

Baring ones innermost thoughts is something people just do not do for just any cause. This especially true of me at least. The issues that I have and deal with on a daily basis I do not broadcast for all to hear or comment about. I think for the simple reason I am afraid of what others might really think of me after they see the muck and mire I walk through each day. I long to connect with others that understand the pain that certain triggers or shall I say sayings from people, from the media, and from songs that invoke a ringing of a chime in my mind. This chiming is general not so quiet it usually loud and long bringing me to a point of frustration or a state of melancholy.

Others in this vast world face various issues that bring to a place of flight or fight. Preferring to take the road of least resistance I run more than I face. The comical aspect of running you never run away from yourself, so if that is true you never run away from the issues that you need to deal with so that your experience in this life can be enriched and be to some level of fulfilling. By now you may be wondering are not a professing believer in Christ Jesus? My answer is Yes! This fact does not take away pain that is deeply seeded within my existence. I am not just rambling for the sake of it, these thoughts are connected to a reoccurring theme, if you will, that is presenting itself to me for myself to change the past from becoming the future.

Here is my heart bare...

The pain is real, it aches to my deepest core but the words are loss in mix of turmoil. I know nothing of having a Father. I know who my father is, but have no knowing of what a Father is or even looks like. This lack of knowing affects my view of God the Father. It taints a correct correlation of who God the Father is and should be in my life. With that said, let me move to why my soul aches to share... There is a song entitled, "Cats in the Cradle and the Sliver Spoon". Written some 30 years ago. I have probably heard this song more times than I can remember. When I was 17ish I remember going to a midweek bible study at my church in Fontana, where the Pastor was speaking of the role of the father in the family. He played that song by Harry Chapin. At that moment I made the connection of what that song really meant. I remember praying that I did not want to become like my own father, due to that song was true in my relation to my father. Not that he was away on business trips, it was simply once I became older he just did not know how to connect, so he disconnected. Not to say either we did not speak, the relation was this: my father = parent + myself = son/child = guardian relation. What I mean the relationship was despondent to a relation of him being caretaker and not much else. When there was a need, he try to meet it, and when there was not a need there was a disconnect. I thought this was normal for all kids to have with their fathers. As I grew older the further our relationship grew apart. I must state my upbirnging was not always so drab, it had moments of sunshine.

This issue that I face is that I am afraid of becoming like my father. Just like the song states the son becomes like the father in many ways, in the same likeness I have become like my father. And this truth... leaves me asking why have I. Is it because I must endure the pain to break this link in this families history? Is it due to my lack of understanding of God's grace? Is it due I am weaker than I am strong? This fact keeps me interlocked into not pursuing a relationship that would eventually lead to a marriage then a family. Please do not misunderstand me I do not place blame on my father for my own actions, his actions has caused me to endeavor this plight. I am the only one that can surrender this course (my will) unto the the Almighty Father to steer me onto the right course.

It seems that when the times I have heard this song that has invoke strong feelings it has been at times when my dad and I have been in the same vicinity. In fact, it came on earlier this week when he and myself were fixing a problem I had with the radio in my car. It just got me to think am I truly reversing the issue that has plagued me. I wish I could answer with a solemn yes, but the truth is the closer I get to the point of breaking free I slip further back. Well that is at least how it feels. I pray for God's guidance to help me weave through the mire to understand what actions I must take to overcome my fear.

I long to be a Godly husband, a Godly father, a Godly man but I wonder is there a chance that I will become all that is expected of me.

This is my heart, bare, vulunerable, scared, but hopeful it will end with me.

Well if you have never heard the this song here is a link to see Harry Chapin play it live and give the reason in shy he wrote it. I echo his last remarks.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=jLzMw5hKoVk

Worthy or Not Worthy

Well folks, I have just read a article about an issue that hits home for me. The article discusses the issue of Youth Ministers asked to be paid for Part-time wage and wanted to work full time. This article was featured in the Group Youth Ministry Magazine the Sept/Oct 2007 issue. Why does this topic tingle my fancy if interest, well I am glad you have ask.

I am served in a couple of Youth Ministry positions. Each time they were a Part-time gig, both also had the term intern slap to the title. I will state that each time they were my decision to take the position due to that I needed the training. I will humbly say that I learned a great deal from these positions. I will ever be grateful to these local Churches giving me the chance to minister and learn do's and dont's. But I will chat about those at another time.

My issue is this, how can any local church that claims to have concern or a communicated passion in discipling youth in their church and community and expect a person to do this on a part-time basis? Let me ask another question, does a Lead Pastor work just part-time? Does anyone person that is a minister of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God? As a dear Professor of my would say, are you listening to me, really what he meant was, WAKE UP JERKS!!! Of course any person that is a minister such as a pastor to a layperson their work is not a part-time gig. So why even state we work full-time vs. part-time?

The reason is simple, we want to find worth or significance in what we do. If we find worth from others in what we do, we want some sort of compensation for it. There is nothing wrong with this thinking. It is like a person that works on a construction site and works 12 long hours in the blistering sun framing a building, running electrical, and even put up some drywall. Well you can see this person has the talent in various areas: framing, electrical, drywall hanging. OK, then at the end of this long day this person has a strong assumption that his boss will see his worth and pay him accordingly, then the boss comes over and admires the person's work. Then says, "Thank you for your work it worthy of a great pay... but all I can give you is $25 for the days work." What is this boss thinking 25 bucks for 12 hours of hard work for a person that has value of greater value then the compensation that was given. Is this not what we the Church do to our Pastors, and especially our Youth ministers?

It is a sad shame that we tell people that they are worthy of a position and they have proven themselves with impeccable talents that ought to be compensated for, but there is nothing that is given. I believe that is not truly about the money, though a fair wage is due, it is about worth. Worth is what something that all mankind seek in various forms. In the case of a Pastor of Youth or a Pastor of a local church, what they are seeking is that what they give is received with appreciation and a manner of worth is attached to it. You might be asking is this a correct way of viewing this issue? God seeks those that will praise Him for He is worthy of all praise. Are you saying... no we are not God, but we long for worth or significance. I believe it is built into our innate being of life. It is not a sin to want to have worth, what is the sin is the attitude that we attach to the worth we seek.

I am been frustrated, resentful, bitter, and angry many times due to not being shown enough of appreciation of the work that I was doing. I know it is God who gives and supplies all what I need, but the supply comes in the form of the giving of those that we serve. That is if that is deal that has been made. Basically, if a local congregation is willing to pay for a person to be fully committed to that position they ought to provide for the needs of the person in full. This means simply there ought to be open communication between both parties in what the Pastor needs to be able to have the economics to live comfortably. My heart goes out to all Youth Pastors that get shafted in this lose of communication, but this is an issue for Lead Pastors as well. So, the Church needs to gets tush of the couch reach into their deep pockets of fiances, resources, and willing to meet the needs of their Pastors so they can live out their calling.

I think the article I read was good, but the author had a axe to grind with this issue. Encouraging to Youth Ministers, but harsh to local churches. Some really good ideas of cutting costs and helping those that have no idea to build a budget for the church to see how in depth it takes to aide a youth ministry.

In all we do as ministers lets us exercise godliness in all matters of life, especially us young ministers.

I Will Never Understand

I must say that people amaze me each and every day. I currently work in a quick service restaurant name to be left unnamed. I encounter people on a daily basis that are complete clueless in what they want to order to eat. I am not a rocket scientist but when you go to a place to eat, you should have a idea of what you want to eat, not just show up and spend a half hour deciding over a combo #1 or a combo #2 because you are unsure of the calorie count of the two meals. If you are like this person get a clue, order something and shut it!!!! Sorry if that seems harsh, but it is the truth anybody that has work in this industry know s what I am talking about, there are many more instances that can be discussed, but I will not bring anymore hateful memories, though there is one incident I must speak on... This next incident speaks of how awkward of a position we place others.

The story goes as this. I was working one night it was about 8:45 to 9 pm, the place of my employment gets a phone call asking, the question that drives all night employees crazy, what time to you close. The person that ask that question also ask if I was working, after the manager confirmed that I was indeed working, the manger showed me the name on the caller id. I look at the name did not compute right away. Then when I had a moment to think I remember it was a Pastor from the local area. The manger told me it must have been the Pastors wife calling. I thought sweet deal i have seen the Pastor and his wife for some time. about a half hour passes. She shows not with her husband, but with two of her girlfriends. I initially did not think much of it, due the fact we were flat hopping that night at work(we were heck of busy). I got a moment to speak with the Pastor's wife briefly, during the conversation she leaned closer to me to state that one of the young ladies that were with her saw my profile on one of the dating websites. And this young lady wanted to know if I was still in the process of dating. Seems not to be a big deal, right?

Well, it is for several reasons, one being that from my perspective that environment to introduce one to another for a dating experience is not kosher. The second, is why did not this girl write to me on that website, never got a message. Third, is showed me that this young lady was desperate for a date, or even a wham bam thank you mam relationship like it was 1999 when the world was suppose to end. Another fact that ought to be pointed out was that they waited in the restaurant for about a half hour to wait to talk to me, but like I stated we were busy, I just could not get a away. Even when I had a brief moment I used it to relieve my self and gather my thoughts on what I would say. As soon as I was about to speak with them I was needed in the drive-thru. Then shortly after that they left.


My issue is not entirely on them coming into the place where I work, though that did seem to corner me to make some kind of decision on the spot. It is like trapping a wild tiger in a corner, all he is trying to do is get away, but when he senses his life in jeopardy h will attack. I not saying I was going to attack them in a verbal assault. But my words probably would not be a soft as they possibly could be. Then I had another dilemma I have a particular interest in the women I seek for a relationship. I prefer women of differing ethnicity. I am not saying their are not women of my own ethnicity that I would not mind dating, but I have my own preference. So my question how do you tell a young lady that is exciting in meeting you that you are not interested due to your preferences. The reason I state this is that most women want truth but when it is told to them they freak out and say that us men are not sensitive to their needs.


Well I have this experience to share and hear responses like this or just comments about your thoughts on this situation.

Is there One Image or is There Two?

Image is everything for all people; this statement might be ambiguous due to the nature of the repetition of this topic. The truth is that humanity as a whole seeks to find it image in various ways from the western ideal of the "pursuit of happiness" to understanding ones role with a tribal community in Papa New Guinea. Image is what humanity uses to explain its place in this vast world of diverse cultures. The question is why comment on the idea of image, reason being I was reading about the Colossae Church and came upon this quote, "we share in Christ's image, when we belong to Him." (Paul & His letters, Polhill, p. 341) This statement for Christians that follow after His teachings this is a very true statement. Believers are encouraged by the Apostle Paul to become imitators of Christ (Eph. 4:1). Likewise John wrote his 3^rd letter, 3:11, states that believers out to chose to imitate good rather than evil, for those that claim to be followers of God and do evil do not know or see Him.

In not dragging out this idea image here is an example: if a person that portrays themselves as an athlete, the person dresses in cut off shirts, sport shorts, cross training shoes, and looks like the just workout or going too eventually. But that is just a look or better said an appearance of an athlete, but the testing of the validity of this identity is in knowing the persons actions. Actions are the tell tale sign of if a person is truly what they appear to be. With that said, is being an athlete the person's true image or identity? How does a person determine their image? It can be said that an athlete can find identity in being an athlete, if this is the only identity they find. Most of the time there is a duality to their image, there is the athlete and there is the essence of the person: i.e. - personality, character, intelligence and etc. There appears to more than just one identity in one person if we are to compartmentalize all these aspects. How then can a person be of one image/identity and still be a whole person?

This line of thinking started with the above quote of sharing in Christ's image. What struck me about this statement when I broke it down is there might be two images that humanity has been given. First, in Genesis 1:26 God said, "let's make man in our image" so man was made in the image of God. Second, is for believers that have surrender their life unto Christ as He becomes Lord, they assume the image or identity of Christ. Can this image of God be the same of the identity of Christ? The answer is yes to those that are living sacrifices unto Jesus. Another question arises, is there any distinction between a generic image of God to an image in Christ Jesus? I believe there is a difference, but the same God that allows the rain to fall upon the just and the unjust. When God created man was perfect and bares the perfect of image of God. Then man fell and lost that perfect image of God, so in essence humanity carries partial of the image of God, but the image is deficient due to the sin nature of mankind. Therefore, when a person is called into repentance and receives forgiveness of their sins, the once broken, the once partial image/identity is being made whole again and will be perfected the day all followers of Christ are united with their Lord and King.