So, Journey was very, very good tonight. We discussed the second half of Luke chapter eight, and how God works to restore people. How he restored a man who had been possessed by assumedly hundreds or thousands of demons and been afflicted with a lifetime of pain and struggles. How he restored a woman who had suffered through 12 years of bleeding that caused her to be unclean, caused her to be an outcast, and caused her to be without physical, emotional and spiritual things. And how he literally restored life to a body.
And we discussed how it might just be important to want to seek God for who God is, not just what God can do. To seek a God to commune with, to love and live with, not just a God who can do things and a God who is a spectacle and a show to behold.
Slowly, but surely, the wheels in my head started turning. I'm not the deepest and most understanding theologian. I'm also not the most understand or knowledgeable husband in the world. But I am a thinker. And, even though I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I will never fully understand my wife (or women), I also know that I have a better understanding of my wife than I do of God.
Sure, it helps that my wife is finite, and I can have tangible interaction with her, and I can directly see the impact my words and actions have upon her. But, still, I understand her better than I understand God.
And so, this leads me to believe that I understand how to relate with my wife better than how I understand how to relate with God. And so I began to connect our discussion with a chunk of scripture. A passage in Ephesians usually read at weddings to give instructions on how we should relate to our new spouse. But maybe it's there to teach us about how to relate and seek and interact with our God.
And I started to think we should be relating to our God as we (should) relate to our spouses. Not as we treat a girlfriend, someone we commit to for a season and then consider upgrading with or moving on to someone better or different. And definatley not as we treat a "friend with benefits" (note: I hate that term and what it means in terms of relationships, but it worked so well for the examples flowing in my head), someone we get involved with only for the stuff they can do for and with us.
But how often do we (do I) treat my Savior, my Lord, and my God this way? Do I come to Him and seek His ways, until I see something that looks like it might be a better option? Or come to Him only when I need something or want Him to help me in some way.
Yet, when I honestly look at my self, and I honestly look at my heart, when I honestly look at my hopes and dreams and desires ... I see that I don't want to serve and interact with my God in those ways. I want to interact with my God in a way that I daily walk and talk with Him, and daily seek to emulate Him and learn about Him and His heart.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Friday, February 09, 2007
Sometimes, I hate my dreams
I think I've mentioned before that I rarely remember my dreams. Hence, I probably tend to overvalue meaning and significance on the rare event that I do remember one.
Well, last night was a night when I had a memorable dream, as much as I'd like to not remember it. It was a frustrating dream, dark and gloomy, but still holding onto a feeling of reality that couldn't be shaken. Those, to me, are the worse kinds.
Anyway, my dream starts with me waking up in my bed, and feeling not as a dream. The clock shows something around 2:30 in the morning. I sit up in bed to try to clear my head, and suddenly the hallway in front of my bedroom gets darker and darker.
I can't see what's going on in the hallway, but a feeling of doom and oppression comes over me ... a feeling of dread and fear, as well. I can't faintly hear what sounds like horse hoofs in the darkness of my hallway, and motions of darkness within the darkness. The darkness begins calling out myself and my wife, in a deep ominous tone, but then suddenly stops, and the darkness is gone. Everything is back to how it was.
I glance over at my clock and not a moment has passed. I look down at Rachel to see her peacefully sleeping, and begin to get back under the covers, when I hear the same sounds I heard in the darkness, but see no darkness. Instead, in front of my eyes, running down the hallway in front of my bedroom are millitant guerillas, each firing a semi-automatic weapon into my bedroom as they run past. About a dozen of them run past and fire, before I snap awake.
I hate dreams like this.
Who'd have thunk I'd long for the days of Byron Leftwich ready to beat me down?
Well, last night was a night when I had a memorable dream, as much as I'd like to not remember it. It was a frustrating dream, dark and gloomy, but still holding onto a feeling of reality that couldn't be shaken. Those, to me, are the worse kinds.
Anyway, my dream starts with me waking up in my bed, and feeling not as a dream. The clock shows something around 2:30 in the morning. I sit up in bed to try to clear my head, and suddenly the hallway in front of my bedroom gets darker and darker.
I can't see what's going on in the hallway, but a feeling of doom and oppression comes over me ... a feeling of dread and fear, as well. I can't faintly hear what sounds like horse hoofs in the darkness of my hallway, and motions of darkness within the darkness. The darkness begins calling out myself and my wife, in a deep ominous tone, but then suddenly stops, and the darkness is gone. Everything is back to how it was.
I glance over at my clock and not a moment has passed. I look down at Rachel to see her peacefully sleeping, and begin to get back under the covers, when I hear the same sounds I heard in the darkness, but see no darkness. Instead, in front of my eyes, running down the hallway in front of my bedroom are millitant guerillas, each firing a semi-automatic weapon into my bedroom as they run past. About a dozen of them run past and fire, before I snap awake.
I hate dreams like this.
Who'd have thunk I'd long for the days of Byron Leftwich ready to beat me down?
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Updates
Let's see ...
Still very excited about Aflac. Still loving the company, and really loving my direct superiors. Had my computer training on Monday, and even though it was a waste of my time, at least I'm certified to sell through an official Aflac laptop now. Still looking for my first sale though. So if you have any warm leads ...
Still serious about writing a book. Leaning towards an attempt at an epic fantasy novel. I've started outlining the tale, named the major character, and started to shape how it might tell through the lore of fantasy some of my personal religious beliefs.
Still very excited about Journey. Seems like every week I go, or anytime I do anything related to it, my excitement grows. I honestly feel as if we're part of something much bigger than just what can happen in Findlay. Almost like we're following in the footpaths of Martin Luthor. And that's exciting, even if it is a bit hyperbolized.
Still very excited about Aflac. Still loving the company, and really loving my direct superiors. Had my computer training on Monday, and even though it was a waste of my time, at least I'm certified to sell through an official Aflac laptop now. Still looking for my first sale though. So if you have any warm leads ...
Still serious about writing a book. Leaning towards an attempt at an epic fantasy novel. I've started outlining the tale, named the major character, and started to shape how it might tell through the lore of fantasy some of my personal religious beliefs.
Still very excited about Journey. Seems like every week I go, or anytime I do anything related to it, my excitement grows. I honestly feel as if we're part of something much bigger than just what can happen in Findlay. Almost like we're following in the footpaths of Martin Luthor. And that's exciting, even if it is a bit hyperbolized.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Don't Wait for the Hearse
Don't Wait for the Hearse ...
what a horrible slogan for selling Christ, if I may say so myself.
Why are so many so unsure of what Christ has to offer in this life, that they can only hope to offer the next life and promises there that they cannot even describe?
Aren't we compelled to a higher, brighter, greater life through Christ, not just a glorious afterlife? Aren't we given more answers, more joy in this life through Christ? Isn't the journey with Christ as good as the promise of the reward?
*sigh*
I just don't get some Christians ...
(and, yes, this is a direct response to a certain church with a 30 foot Jesus escaping from the ground)
what a horrible slogan for selling Christ, if I may say so myself.
Why are so many so unsure of what Christ has to offer in this life, that they can only hope to offer the next life and promises there that they cannot even describe?
Aren't we compelled to a higher, brighter, greater life through Christ, not just a glorious afterlife? Aren't we given more answers, more joy in this life through Christ? Isn't the journey with Christ as good as the promise of the reward?
*sigh*
I just don't get some Christians ...
(and, yes, this is a direct response to a certain church with a 30 foot Jesus escaping from the ground)
Thursday, January 25, 2007
I've decided something
After some good time of self reflection, taking in the new paces of my new career path, and just taking a good look at where life has landed me, I've decided something.
I want to write a book.
I'm not sure what kind of book I want to write yet. Maybe an epic fantasy novel, filled with my own unique spiritual undertones. Maybe some sort of spiritual journey book, about finding truth or about unity (I could even title that one "There's No Hateraide in the Fountain of Christ). Maybe a series of short children's books with good, updated morals inside of them. Maybe an innovative cook book.
I'm not sure what kind of book, I'm just sure I want to write a book. Maybe as I dwell on it, I can update here and you all (like, the three of you who read this) can get updates on the type of book I'm reading and get sample chapters.
Who knows?
I want to write a book.
I'm not sure what kind of book I want to write yet. Maybe an epic fantasy novel, filled with my own unique spiritual undertones. Maybe some sort of spiritual journey book, about finding truth or about unity (I could even title that one "There's No Hateraide in the Fountain of Christ). Maybe a series of short children's books with good, updated morals inside of them. Maybe an innovative cook book.
I'm not sure what kind of book, I'm just sure I want to write a book. Maybe as I dwell on it, I can update here and you all (like, the three of you who read this) can get updates on the type of book I'm reading and get sample chapters.
Who knows?
Monday, January 22, 2007
It's Gonna Work
Last night, the Journey begun. For real this time. After years of ground work, tears, prayers, and visions and months of sweat equity and trial runs, we flung open the doors of jOURney last night for our public launch.
And we only had 14 empty seats.
And I'm trying really really hard to not read too much into one night. But I'm excited. People seemed receptive of the style, of Trevor's leadership, and of R.C. Foshizzle's worship leading, and of the experience as a whole.
I really think it's gonna work.
And I'm excited to see it work.
I honestly feel like God has plucked me from a situation that could have been very good (St. Marks) and placed me into a situation that is perfect for me (jOURney).
Also, in the past ten days, I've officially started my agent career with Aflac. Been through product class, basic sales school, and a training day in the field prospecting with my district supervisor.
I really think this is gonna work, too.
And I'm excited to get to work on it.
I honestly feel like God has calld me out of a situation I really would have enjoyed (academics in mathematics) and placed me in a situation outside of my natural comfort zone and natural strongsuits, but placed me in a position to succeed in ways larger than I ever imagined.
And, it turns out that not only was Aflac an answered prayer for me, I was an answered prayer for some folks there, too. And that's an awesome feeling to have.
So, let me know if I can practice my sales pitches on you, if you know any small business owners, or if you want to direct buy some Aflac products!
In other news, I miss Z, I need to find a CPA, and I can't believe it was Tom Brady and not Peyton Manning who threw a game ending INT to end his team's season. Maybe this year will be different.
I think this year's gonna work.
And I'm excited for it.
And we only had 14 empty seats.
And I'm trying really really hard to not read too much into one night. But I'm excited. People seemed receptive of the style, of Trevor's leadership, and of R.C. Foshizzle's worship leading, and of the experience as a whole.
I really think it's gonna work.
And I'm excited to see it work.
I honestly feel like God has plucked me from a situation that could have been very good (St. Marks) and placed me into a situation that is perfect for me (jOURney).
Also, in the past ten days, I've officially started my agent career with Aflac. Been through product class, basic sales school, and a training day in the field prospecting with my district supervisor.
I really think this is gonna work, too.
And I'm excited to get to work on it.
I honestly feel like God has calld me out of a situation I really would have enjoyed (academics in mathematics) and placed me in a situation outside of my natural comfort zone and natural strongsuits, but placed me in a position to succeed in ways larger than I ever imagined.
And, it turns out that not only was Aflac an answered prayer for me, I was an answered prayer for some folks there, too. And that's an awesome feeling to have.
So, let me know if I can practice my sales pitches on you, if you know any small business owners, or if you want to direct buy some Aflac products!
In other news, I miss Z, I need to find a CPA, and I can't believe it was Tom Brady and not Peyton Manning who threw a game ending INT to end his team's season. Maybe this year will be different.
I think this year's gonna work.
And I'm excited for it.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Isn't There A Line?
Santa Claus, kneeling, his eyes fixed upon the baby Jesus.
The head of Santa Claus, on a pole.
A Helicopter, propeller moving, carrying Santa Claus.
Two snowpeople who appear to be ... attempting to create a third through natural methods.
A giant snowman, standing in a balcony, hands stretched out like the Pope giving an imporant address to the people.
What do these things have in common?
... I'll give you a moment to ponder your answer
...
...
...
got a guess?
...
...
...
If you guessed "Things scene in Northwest Ohio in people's front yards" you win!!!!
"Elf Puke" has simply gone too far. And has stopped making sense. I love houses who compiment their beauty with simple white lights on their porch, or even running across their house. I love a nice display in a front yard that is well done. I really enjoy driving down the street and seeing a wonderful and festive display.
What I don't get are people who feel the need to cram a decoration on every square inch of their property. People who mix and match with no need or desire for a theme. People who spends what i have to estimate at thousands of dollars in lighting bills (not to mention the cost of the decorations themselves).
Isn't there a line? Isn't there a point where common sense should kick in?
How I hope that I never join these people in elf puking my house. I've decided to enact a "Betts Law" (think man law, only ... just me and Rachel). Any external decorations we buy and put up, we have to give matching time and money to a charity.
I hope that will keep us from losing our senses and going overboard on the decorations.
The head of Santa Claus, on a pole.
A Helicopter, propeller moving, carrying Santa Claus.
Two snowpeople who appear to be ... attempting to create a third through natural methods.
A giant snowman, standing in a balcony, hands stretched out like the Pope giving an imporant address to the people.
What do these things have in common?
... I'll give you a moment to ponder your answer
...
...
...
got a guess?
...
...
...
If you guessed "Things scene in Northwest Ohio in people's front yards" you win!!!!
"Elf Puke" has simply gone too far. And has stopped making sense. I love houses who compiment their beauty with simple white lights on their porch, or even running across their house. I love a nice display in a front yard that is well done. I really enjoy driving down the street and seeing a wonderful and festive display.
What I don't get are people who feel the need to cram a decoration on every square inch of their property. People who mix and match with no need or desire for a theme. People who spends what i have to estimate at thousands of dollars in lighting bills (not to mention the cost of the decorations themselves).
Isn't there a line? Isn't there a point where common sense should kick in?
How I hope that I never join these people in elf puking my house. I've decided to enact a "Betts Law" (think man law, only ... just me and Rachel). Any external decorations we buy and put up, we have to give matching time and money to a charity.
I hope that will keep us from losing our senses and going overboard on the decorations.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Need This, We Do Not
Left Behind: Eternal Forces
That's right. A video game about the prohetical-fictional end times.
And not just any video game. A video game where you kill non-believers who refuse to convert to Christianity.
Because I know how I'd react if someone told me I had to covert to Christianity or die.
Wow. I'm pretty speechless when it comes to this game. here is a nice article about the game, highlighting some thoughts, and giving viewpoints from some people way out there.
I'm just left with one question ...
Seriously, who thought this was a good idea?
That's right. A video game about the prohetical-fictional end times.
And not just any video game. A video game where you kill non-believers who refuse to convert to Christianity.
Because I know how I'd react if someone told me I had to covert to Christianity or die.
Wow. I'm pretty speechless when it comes to this game. here is a nice article about the game, highlighting some thoughts, and giving viewpoints from some people way out there.
I'm just left with one question ...
Seriously, who thought this was a good idea?
Thursday, December 14, 2006
My Hope
So, as I mentioned previously, we went to see "The Nativity Story" last week. While there were a few things that went counter to what is in the Bible, there was nothing that was major among those, and I think they did a really good job painting the story, and the few things they took artistic liscense with were good things to do so with.
The major theme of the movie, to me, seemed to be the desperation among the Jews for their Messiah. The despair among the people, the opression of the Romans, the cruel living conditions ... all made them cry out and call out for their King to come and save them.
I've been reflecting on that. How desperate have I been for my King? How many times have I honestly said "You are my hope" or "nobody but you can rescue me?"
A couple, for certain, but not often enough, I think.
Anyways, it brings to mind another Skillet song ...
And my prayer is now that my hope truly be on the shoulders of my King. That I yearn to see him rescue me from every pit of despair I find myself in, regardless of the circumstances that bring me into that pit.
The major theme of the movie, to me, seemed to be the desperation among the Jews for their Messiah. The despair among the people, the opression of the Romans, the cruel living conditions ... all made them cry out and call out for their King to come and save them.
I've been reflecting on that. How desperate have I been for my King? How many times have I honestly said "You are my hope" or "nobody but you can rescue me?"
A couple, for certain, but not often enough, I think.
Anyways, it brings to mind another Skillet song ...
Times are hard, times have changed, don’tcha say?
But I keep holding onto you
It’s hard to keep the faith alive day to day
Leanin’ on the strength I’ve found in you
You’re the hope of all the earth
You are my hope
You are my strength
You’re everything, everything I need
You are my hope
You are my life
You are my hope
You are my hope
Far beyond what I can see or comprehend
Etching your eternity in me
Nations dream and angels sing “Jesus reigns”
And every knee bows down
You’re the hope of all the earth
You are my hope
You are my strength
You’re everything, everything I need
You are my hope
You are my life
You are my hope
You are my hope
Carry on and I sing of how
You love and I love you now
All the times that I start to sink
You come and you rescue me
You are my hope
You are my hope
You are my hope
You are my hope
And my prayer is now that my hope truly be on the shoulders of my King. That I yearn to see him rescue me from every pit of despair I find myself in, regardless of the circumstances that bring me into that pit.
Friday, December 08, 2006
We have good friends
So, yesterday, I'm at home working on a few things (chief among them, I believe, was Kansas clinching the Big 12 North title on my current season of NCAA Football 2005 for the Nintendo Gamecube with a thrilling come-from-behind 36-35 victory over rival and then-#5 Missouri), and Rachel calls to talk to me about Small Group. Our Small Group meets on Thursday evenings, but a few of our members had other obligations last night, and it was supposed to be myself and my wife, Terry and his wife, and Karen.
Karen had a scheduling mishap, which was what Rachel was calling to tell me. So that left us with a choice, to either cancel group for the evening, or just have a really small group with just the two couples. I thought it would be good to see Terry and Caddie, but we ultimately left it up to them.
A call came while Rachel was still at job #3, and Caddie asked that we refrain from eating supper until Small Group, so we could have a meal together. So that was fine, as we usually don't have time to eat until after Small Group anyways. What happened next completely blew me away.
The door bell rang at about 6:15, and Terry stood on our door with a box, and asked the simply question "do you have room in your fridge for a ham?" I could only mutter a simple yes, as astonishment took over my mind at the love being shown to us in this simple and small way. This was followed by a trip around the back roads of Findlay to Tony's Restuarant, a local place, where Terry and Caddie treated Rachel and I to dinner (mmm ... steak sub was excellent, and Rachel tells me the chicken pot pie soup was, too).
As dinner was wrapping up, they asked if we had any plans. Rachel's big plan was to catch up on some of the ironing, and my big plan was to watch the Browns-Stillers game. Terry mentioned that if those weren't too pressing, they'd enjoy treating us to a viewing of "The Nativity Story" at the theatre. Blown away again by generosity and love, Rachel and I accepted, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and the movie.
We have such great friends. And such a great God who has put us in position to live life with them. I literally was crying today as I was driving and reflecting on the agape shown to us last night. Love given without any expectation of a return. Thank you Terry, thank you Caddie, and thank you God.
Oh, and for those of you who have been praying about this, I have an announcement to make ...
I Have A Job!!!
Karen had a scheduling mishap, which was what Rachel was calling to tell me. So that left us with a choice, to either cancel group for the evening, or just have a really small group with just the two couples. I thought it would be good to see Terry and Caddie, but we ultimately left it up to them.
A call came while Rachel was still at job #3, and Caddie asked that we refrain from eating supper until Small Group, so we could have a meal together. So that was fine, as we usually don't have time to eat until after Small Group anyways. What happened next completely blew me away.
The door bell rang at about 6:15, and Terry stood on our door with a box, and asked the simply question "do you have room in your fridge for a ham?" I could only mutter a simple yes, as astonishment took over my mind at the love being shown to us in this simple and small way. This was followed by a trip around the back roads of Findlay to Tony's Restuarant, a local place, where Terry and Caddie treated Rachel and I to dinner (mmm ... steak sub was excellent, and Rachel tells me the chicken pot pie soup was, too).
As dinner was wrapping up, they asked if we had any plans. Rachel's big plan was to catch up on some of the ironing, and my big plan was to watch the Browns-Stillers game. Terry mentioned that if those weren't too pressing, they'd enjoy treating us to a viewing of "The Nativity Story" at the theatre. Blown away again by generosity and love, Rachel and I accepted, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and the movie.
We have such great friends. And such a great God who has put us in position to live life with them. I literally was crying today as I was driving and reflecting on the agape shown to us last night. Love given without any expectation of a return. Thank you Terry, thank you Caddie, and thank you God.
Oh, and for those of you who have been praying about this, I have an announcement to make ...
I Have A Job!!!
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