A man went to his pastor and told him he couldn't get into the Christmas spirit. He said, "I've tried all the things you suggested, lights, a tree, buying gifts, caroling, everything.. i just can't get into the Christmas spirit. The pastor said,"of course you cannot, it's not about that at all, all those are just distractions". I heard that and thought how much I along with everyone else misses the meaning of Christmas for most of the season. Caught up in buying a tree, decorating, shopping, parties, food, friends, gift exchanges, what I want, what I give, and most of the time forgetting what the season is all about. That sounds sounds familiar doesnt it. Like we hear it in church every year? Yeh I think it does, but none the less, true.
Monday, December 06, 2004
Friday, December 03, 2004
Delete Delete Delete
I just went through my bookmarked blogs and deleted a few that havent posted in months! I may not post faithfully but I read yours faithfully!!
Disagreement
I found this on a link. It is thought provoking and created some good dialogue for my bro and I.
What if I strongly disagree with someone who professes to be a Christian?
Disagreement is a fact of life. There is no family, and certainly no church family, free of disagreements. The question should be, "How can I strongly disagree in Christian charity?" It is how we handle disagreements, which makes all the difference. As in a healthy family relationship, so long as we respect the person(s) with whom we disagree, so long as we accord them the privilege of holding their own views, we may disagree productively. We all know that disagreements can be destructive, especially if people who disagree aren't honest with one another and show little or no respect for the other person(s). When honesty and charity abound, people find that disagreement can deepen dialogue, create new understandings, and promote growth.
St. Paul in a number of his letters (epistles) compares the church to a human body with many different parts cooperating in the same work. Uniformity and complete agreement are neither part of Paul's analogy nor even ideal for the welfare of the body. We need people with different understandings so that together, working together in love and respect, we can grow in faith, respond to new opportunities, and come to new understandings. Yes, Christians are expected to come to new understandings.
Ours is a living faith. While we cherish many traditions and need to build on the understandings of the past, in every age the Christian Gospel has to be reinterpreted in light of what is going on in our world and in our lives. We face challenges unknown to our ancestors, and we are called to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to bear on the problems and opportunities of our world. No one individual at any given time knows the mind of Christ. Together as a community, we are led by the Holy Spirit toward knowing the mind of Christ. Disagreements, even strong ones, are a necessary and often productive aspect of living into the challenges of Christian community with the intent of discovering the mind of Christ for our own day.
The famous 13th Chapter of I Corinthians is one way in which St. Paul attempted to explain how Christians could productively pool their differences and work through their disagreements. In a word, we do this in love. The love he envisioned is not "warm, fuzzy feelings" about those with whom we share church life but genuine respect, forbearance, kindness, and a willingness to listen to others, forgive them, and work with them no matter how much we disagree. Sometimes in Christian community we need to even agree to disagree about some things so that the mission of the church can move forward. In other words, our unity needs to be built on something more basic and lasting than agreement; it needs to be built on love and respect for every other child of God.--
The Right Rev. Robert W. Ihloff
Bishop of Maryland
What if I strongly disagree with someone who professes to be a Christian?
Disagreement is a fact of life. There is no family, and certainly no church family, free of disagreements. The question should be, "How can I strongly disagree in Christian charity?" It is how we handle disagreements, which makes all the difference. As in a healthy family relationship, so long as we respect the person(s) with whom we disagree, so long as we accord them the privilege of holding their own views, we may disagree productively. We all know that disagreements can be destructive, especially if people who disagree aren't honest with one another and show little or no respect for the other person(s). When honesty and charity abound, people find that disagreement can deepen dialogue, create new understandings, and promote growth.
St. Paul in a number of his letters (epistles) compares the church to a human body with many different parts cooperating in the same work. Uniformity and complete agreement are neither part of Paul's analogy nor even ideal for the welfare of the body. We need people with different understandings so that together, working together in love and respect, we can grow in faith, respond to new opportunities, and come to new understandings. Yes, Christians are expected to come to new understandings.
Ours is a living faith. While we cherish many traditions and need to build on the understandings of the past, in every age the Christian Gospel has to be reinterpreted in light of what is going on in our world and in our lives. We face challenges unknown to our ancestors, and we are called to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to bear on the problems and opportunities of our world. No one individual at any given time knows the mind of Christ. Together as a community, we are led by the Holy Spirit toward knowing the mind of Christ. Disagreements, even strong ones, are a necessary and often productive aspect of living into the challenges of Christian community with the intent of discovering the mind of Christ for our own day.
The famous 13th Chapter of I Corinthians is one way in which St. Paul attempted to explain how Christians could productively pool their differences and work through their disagreements. In a word, we do this in love. The love he envisioned is not "warm, fuzzy feelings" about those with whom we share church life but genuine respect, forbearance, kindness, and a willingness to listen to others, forgive them, and work with them no matter how much we disagree. Sometimes in Christian community we need to even agree to disagree about some things so that the mission of the church can move forward. In other words, our unity needs to be built on something more basic and lasting than agreement; it needs to be built on love and respect for every other child of God.--
The Right Rev. Robert W. Ihloff
Bishop of Maryland
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Paintball
Been really thinking about gettin back into paintball. It was a great adrenaline rush. The only thing is.. like anyone who knows me knows.. When I get into something.. i dont just get what I can get by with.. I go all out.. get it good and get it all. So im considering.. will prob wait till spring. But I can handle that wait.
Now, what was my complaint?
In 1636 during the Thirty Years War--one of the worst wars in the history of mankind in terms of the sheer number of deaths, epidemics, the economic results--there was a godly pastor whose name was Martin Rinkert. In a single year, this pastor buried 5,000 people in his parish--about fifteen a day. He lived with the worst that life could do.
But if you look in your hymnal, you'll find that in the middle of that time, he wrote a table grace for his children, our thanksgiving hymn:
"Now thank we all our God
With hearts and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done,
In whom his world rejoices."
If I'd spent the year holding 5,000 funerals of the people I served, could I write for my children a song of thanksgiving? It's an unusual thing that in history many who have the least to thank God about thank him the most.
But if you look in your hymnal, you'll find that in the middle of that time, he wrote a table grace for his children, our thanksgiving hymn:
"Now thank we all our God
With hearts and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done,
In whom his world rejoices."
If I'd spent the year holding 5,000 funerals of the people I served, could I write for my children a song of thanksgiving? It's an unusual thing that in history many who have the least to thank God about thank him the most.
Sunday, November 28, 2004
Inventory
Oh right, it's been a long time since I blogged. And judging by the other times when I lacked bloggability, there is a reason. It's now time for me to take spiritual inventory of what my life consists of and what to keep and what to discard of. At this point, life is good and life is bad. It just depends on what part I think about. I've been thinking of playing paintball again, that has to be the biggest adrenaline rush i've ever had. I've been told that snow boarding is better, but I don't snow board. My apologies to anyone i've ever insulted or hurt, I now know what it's like. And from the experience, i've found out that I had never really been insulted or hurt that I could remember. But anywho, my apologies! Power is a good thing and a bad thing. Thinking of New Year's Eve, not sure if I will coordinate anything this year or not, not so much of not wanting to. It's just the biggest hassel is finding a venue/hall/warehouse to have it at! There is nothing around this area.
PC///t
PC///t
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
FS
Yes Katie, there is someone else in your generation who likes Sinatra. I love his songs. If you are looking for a Sinatra lover and im not availble.. Mr. Nissley Heilman is always a good choice.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Things I've Learned
1. God is real
2. I am stubborn
3. I piss people off
4. Sinatra is dead
5. I am emotional
6. It is possible to be overwhelmed with laughing and pass-out
7. People praying for you, is good
8. There is no control w/o God
9. If God is not in control of your life, it is out of control
10. A lady doesn't leave her escort, it isn't fair, it isn't nice
11. Friends are a priceless treasure that is usuall overlooked at treasure
12. The Supertones sound like an oldies band
13. Mark P. is getting married on Saturday
14. And his fam is snubbing him
15. My boss can immitate a train whistle
16. When I have kids, i'll love them
17. Jimmy Wayne sings a sad song (I love you this much)
18. The video is even sadder
19. Even if you hate country you should listen to/watch it
20. I like every style of music except opera and a few others
21. I'm listening to Sinatra
22. Most people do not understand me
23. Music is the best invention
24. Besides things that are better for the occasion
25. I like killing things
26. I have interest in going to the police academy
27. I'm getting fat
28. Sorta
29. I'm going to be in the parade on July 4
30. I was nominated for Vice president of LCTW (elections in Dec.)
31. I do not keep interest in reading books
32. Some people dont get it
33. Word of the day "Culture"
34. Crossmovement's new album got the same exposure @ the store as Nelly's album did
35. Jon (@work) is absolutely the most annoying person in the world
36. seriously!
37. Phil & Tool's band rocks
38. Jessica tears it on drums
39. The summer wind came blowing in from across the sea
It lingered there to touch your hair and walk with me
all summer long we sang a song
and then we stolled that golden sand
two sweet hearts and the summer wind
like painted kites those days and nights
they went flying by
the world was new beneath a blue umbrella sky
then softer than a piper man one day it called to you
I lost you, I lost you to the summer wind
the autumn wind and the winter winds
they have come and gone
and still the days those lonely days
they go on and on
and guess sighs his lullabyes
to nights that never end
my fickeled friend
the summer wind
the summer wind
warm summer wind
Is a good song...
40. The end
2. I am stubborn
3. I piss people off
4. Sinatra is dead
5. I am emotional
6. It is possible to be overwhelmed with laughing and pass-out
7. People praying for you, is good
8. There is no control w/o God
9. If God is not in control of your life, it is out of control
10. A lady doesn't leave her escort, it isn't fair, it isn't nice
11. Friends are a priceless treasure that is usuall overlooked at treasure
12. The Supertones sound like an oldies band
13. Mark P. is getting married on Saturday
14. And his fam is snubbing him
15. My boss can immitate a train whistle
16. When I have kids, i'll love them
17. Jimmy Wayne sings a sad song (I love you this much)
18. The video is even sadder
19. Even if you hate country you should listen to/watch it
20. I like every style of music except opera and a few others
21. I'm listening to Sinatra
22. Most people do not understand me
23. Music is the best invention
24. Besides things that are better for the occasion
25. I like killing things
26. I have interest in going to the police academy
27. I'm getting fat
28. Sorta
29. I'm going to be in the parade on July 4
30. I was nominated for Vice president of LCTW (elections in Dec.)
31. I do not keep interest in reading books
32. Some people dont get it
33. Word of the day "Culture"
34. Crossmovement's new album got the same exposure @ the store as Nelly's album did
35. Jon (@work) is absolutely the most annoying person in the world
36. seriously!
37. Phil & Tool's band rocks
38. Jessica tears it on drums
39. The summer wind came blowing in from across the sea
It lingered there to touch your hair and walk with me
all summer long we sang a song
and then we stolled that golden sand
two sweet hearts and the summer wind
like painted kites those days and nights
they went flying by
the world was new beneath a blue umbrella sky
then softer than a piper man one day it called to you
I lost you, I lost you to the summer wind
the autumn wind and the winter winds
they have come and gone
and still the days those lonely days
they go on and on
and guess sighs his lullabyes
to nights that never end
my fickeled friend
the summer wind
the summer wind
warm summer wind
Is a good song...
40. The end
Friday, November 05, 2004
Repubs won
Well Republicans won, Democrats didn't win. I like what John Kerry had to say about no one is a loser because no matter the outcome, we all wake up the next day, AMERICANS! I also thot it funny that all the Democrats celebrated before the election about the victory they were gonna win.. but the others waited till they won and then celebreated. Also, I think that third partys are a joke! they are stupid and that we should only have 2 parties in our country.. If you want to make a difference, join one of the two partys, and actaully have a chance of being elected. Not some lame party that gets less than one percent of the vote just to make a point that isnt even heard! Unless of course you are just stupid. the same goes for anyone who voted third or fourth party.... insane... If you want to protest, just don't vote.. but "Oh no, you can't do that it's our american privilege to vote, I think its just as much a waste to vote third party as it is not to vote!
Peace.
Peace.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
We now pay for pizza boxes?
I bought a pizza tonight. the sign said $3.99 the total was $4.80. When my brother inquired about the $.81, they said, "Oh, that is $.50 for the box". Hahah.. I told him to dump the pizza in the back seat and ask for our fifty cents back!! We now get charged for the box!
Monday, October 18, 2004
Democrats taking the lowfile
If I was to vote this election, I would vote Replublican. Because it is my right to vote for whoever I want to. But I would like the bloggers, who constantly trash conservatives and constantly uphold the Liberals even when they have to overlook massive cons and search for a little pro here or there, to back up there blogs after Nov. 2.
I don't think Demos will win, I think Repubs will win. I pray for that daily. But in the event that Kerry does win, I will pray harder every day.
Also, for all the Christians who vote Liberal this November, and if you win this election. I would like you to keep a tab of how many things the Democrats do that are against the general church of Christ.
But for some reason , everyone is right, right? haha
I don't think Demos will win, I think Repubs will win. I pray for that daily. But in the event that Kerry does win, I will pray harder every day.
Also, for all the Christians who vote Liberal this November, and if you win this election. I would like you to keep a tab of how many things the Democrats do that are against the general church of Christ.
But for some reason , everyone is right, right? haha
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Help! I've fallen (off the face of the earth) and can't get up.
Or so I feel that way. It's weird how things evolve into things and eventually I begin to think that life sucks. But then I cannot say that because the weirdest thing about it is I look fwd to and actually enjoy things that I normally do out of routine or just that thats what I do. Such as going to work. I actually look fwd to going to work, I now have fun and enjoy my time there.. I dont look fwd to being home.. nothing ot do with my fam. just alot of ppl in general.. Idk.. its like you are friends with ppl and then you stop initiating and they stop knowing who you are.. not really anhyone in partic just as a whole.. Its not that I mind the fact that ppl dont remember me.. but im sure in some selfish way I do.. Its just that when we did have frequent communications of some sort.. was it really all me who did the "keeping it going"? idk.. but lately my life has been evolving into another chapter.. but I fear that it may not be a good chapter.. although I feel like what I do and how I go is what I want.. but at the same time i think that I dont really want to.. idk its messed up in a messed up kinda way..
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Sunday, September 26, 2004
Daily dose of partisan humor
Subject: FW: Fwd: To be Republican
The Bergen Statesman September 11,2004
Things you have to believe to be a Republican today:
Saddam was a good guy when Reagan armed him, a bad guy when Bush's daddy made war on him, a good guy when Cheney did business with him and a bad guy when Bush needed a "we can't find Bin Laden" diversion.
Trade with Cuba is wrong because the country is communist, but trade with communist China and Vietnam is vital to a spirit of international harmony.
A woman can't be trusted with decisions about her own body, but multi-national corporations can make decisions affecting all humankind without regulation.
Jesus loves you, and shares your hatred of homosexuals and Hillary Clinton.
The best way to improve military morale is to praise the troops in speeches while slashing veterans' benefits and combat pay.
If condoms are kept out of schools, adolescents won't have sex.
Providing health care to all Iraqis is sound policy. Providing health care to all Americans is socialism. HMOs and insurance companies have the best interests of the public at heart.
Global warming and tobacco's link to cancer are junk science, but creationism should be taught in schools.
A president lying about an extramarital affair is an impeachable offense. A president lying to enlist support for a war in which thousands die is solid defense policy.
The public has a right to know about Hillary's cattle trades, but George Bush's cocaine conviction is none of our business. Being a drug addict is a moral failing and a crime, unless you're a conservative radio host. Then it's an illness, and you need our prayers for your recovery.
You support states' rights, which means Attorney General John Ashcroft can tell states what local voter initiatives they have the right to adopt.
What Bill Clinton did in the 1960s is of vital national interest, but what Bush did in the '70s & '80s is irrelevant.
Try to figure out why stem cell research is taboo, but creationism makes a lot of sense.
Feel free to pass this on. If you don't send it to at least 10 other people, we're likely to be stuck with Bush for 4 more years.
Friends don't let friends vote Republican
I did find this piece humorous. I found it via Shauna's blog. She was passing it on tho im not sure if she found it humorous or was serious.
Some of the points made that I instead of commenting on her blog, i just laughed to myself were the following ones:
"A woman can't be trusted with decisions about her own body,....."
"Jesus loves you, and shares your hatred of homosexuals......"
"Global warming and tobacco's link to cancer are junk science, but creationism should be taught in schools."
"A president lying about an extramarital affair is an impeachable offense. A president lying to enlist support for a war in which thousands die is solid defense policy."
"
Try to figure out why stem cell research is taboo, but creationism makes a lot of sense."
those were the ones that I just laughed to myself at, instead of commenting.
Oh and the last comment was funny too because no one has tried to stop me from voting Republican.. man it must be true.. i must have to friends.. haha
The Bergen Statesman September 11,2004
Things you have to believe to be a Republican today:
Saddam was a good guy when Reagan armed him, a bad guy when Bush's daddy made war on him, a good guy when Cheney did business with him and a bad guy when Bush needed a "we can't find Bin Laden" diversion.
Trade with Cuba is wrong because the country is communist, but trade with communist China and Vietnam is vital to a spirit of international harmony.
A woman can't be trusted with decisions about her own body, but multi-national corporations can make decisions affecting all humankind without regulation.
Jesus loves you, and shares your hatred of homosexuals and Hillary Clinton.
The best way to improve military morale is to praise the troops in speeches while slashing veterans' benefits and combat pay.
If condoms are kept out of schools, adolescents won't have sex.
Providing health care to all Iraqis is sound policy. Providing health care to all Americans is socialism. HMOs and insurance companies have the best interests of the public at heart.
Global warming and tobacco's link to cancer are junk science, but creationism should be taught in schools.
A president lying about an extramarital affair is an impeachable offense. A president lying to enlist support for a war in which thousands die is solid defense policy.
The public has a right to know about Hillary's cattle trades, but George Bush's cocaine conviction is none of our business. Being a drug addict is a moral failing and a crime, unless you're a conservative radio host. Then it's an illness, and you need our prayers for your recovery.
You support states' rights, which means Attorney General John Ashcroft can tell states what local voter initiatives they have the right to adopt.
What Bill Clinton did in the 1960s is of vital national interest, but what Bush did in the '70s & '80s is irrelevant.
Try to figure out why stem cell research is taboo, but creationism makes a lot of sense.
Feel free to pass this on. If you don't send it to at least 10 other people, we're likely to be stuck with Bush for 4 more years.
Friends don't let friends vote Republican
I did find this piece humorous. I found it via Shauna's blog. She was passing it on tho im not sure if she found it humorous or was serious.
Some of the points made that I instead of commenting on her blog, i just laughed to myself were the following ones:
"A woman can't be trusted with decisions about her own body,....."
"Jesus loves you, and shares your hatred of homosexuals......"
"Global warming and tobacco's link to cancer are junk science, but creationism should be taught in schools."
"A president lying about an extramarital affair is an impeachable offense. A president lying to enlist support for a war in which thousands die is solid defense policy."
"
Try to figure out why stem cell research is taboo, but creationism makes a lot of sense."
those were the ones that I just laughed to myself at, instead of commenting.
Oh and the last comment was funny too because no one has tried to stop me from voting Republican.. man it must be true.. i must have to friends.. haha
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Relationships-who cares
You ever have one of those kinds of relationships or friends who, if you did not take the initiative, you'd never talk? Well, i mean, some may just not be interested in talking to the other person, thats cool. But I mean the ones who are just too darned busy to take time out of their busy schedule to not call you, but just drop a simple email from a computer that they spend approx. 4 hr/day on anyway. Anyway, Shabana called me tonight and brightened my dim life. I also got a chance to wish her happy birthday! So happy Birthday Shabana!
Vball tonight was good but some of it sucked. I think some of the players were also playing 'see who can be the funniest' while playing vball. Each time someone threw the ball to the server he had to either bomb it at him or throw it at the wall above him or make him miss or whatever. It was frustrating to want to play semi serious games and then have them just fool around. Not only that but new comers want to make their own versions of the rules of the game. Whatever, right?
sigh
what else?
I got a letter from Logesh Manoharan who is in India. He is my boy through Compassion International. His letter said:
Dear Sponsor MR. JEFFREY MYERS:
LOGESH MANOHARAN writing this letter. I am fine. Hope you are also fine there. I am studying IIIrd standard. I like studying all the subject. I score 100 marks in all the subject. I like playing Cricket. During the evening I go the park to play in the swing. My Father name is T.N.Manoharan. He is daily wager. My Mother name is Chellammal. She is working in Textile company. I have one elder brother. His name is Anand. I have one elder sister, Her name is Tharani. Thanks for your letter. Write about you pray for me. My parents express their thanks to you. I am praying for you.
Your Loving sponsored son,
LOGESH MANOHARAN
It is humbling to have a child on the other side of the world in the conditions that he lives in telling me that he will pray for me. His father make 21$/month when he works!
How does one really determine where God's wants them and what His will really is for them? Is it just doing what we really want to do and then convince our selves it's God's will? Still searching on that one.
Vball tonight was good but some of it sucked. I think some of the players were also playing 'see who can be the funniest' while playing vball. Each time someone threw the ball to the server he had to either bomb it at him or throw it at the wall above him or make him miss or whatever. It was frustrating to want to play semi serious games and then have them just fool around. Not only that but new comers want to make their own versions of the rules of the game. Whatever, right?
sigh
what else?
I got a letter from Logesh Manoharan who is in India. He is my boy through Compassion International. His letter said:
Dear Sponsor MR. JEFFREY MYERS:
LOGESH MANOHARAN writing this letter. I am fine. Hope you are also fine there. I am studying IIIrd standard. I like studying all the subject. I score 100 marks in all the subject. I like playing Cricket. During the evening I go the park to play in the swing. My Father name is T.N.Manoharan. He is daily wager. My Mother name is Chellammal. She is working in Textile company. I have one elder brother. His name is Anand. I have one elder sister, Her name is Tharani. Thanks for your letter. Write about you pray for me. My parents express their thanks to you. I am praying for you.
Your Loving sponsored son,
LOGESH MANOHARAN
It is humbling to have a child on the other side of the world in the conditions that he lives in telling me that he will pray for me. His father make 21$/month when he works!
How does one really determine where God's wants them and what His will really is for them? Is it just doing what we really want to do and then convince our selves it's God's will? Still searching on that one.
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Ellen
Ellen called ------------ very depressed. She said she had nearly attempted suicide two months ago. As she talked, Ellen made it clear that she was willing to try again. She kept saying that there was no hope. She stated that she had prayed that God would change her many times, but her fears only got worse. Though she has a steady job, all interaction with people scared her. About a month ago, a friend offered to drive her to a therapist, but on the way, Ellen said she couldn’t go through with it and made her friend bring her back home. Despite a lengthy conversation with --------------------, Ellen resisted suggestions that there were alternatives and would not agree to a "Contract for Life." --------- determined that an intervention was necessary. Local officials were contacted. After they assessed Ellen, she was admitted to a hospital for treatment.
Pathetic
I have just read something and all I can say is, "pathetic, you are truly pathetic, and at the same time content in your little world of supporters". So all in all i guess thats ok, right. if someone is content no matter how pathetic one may think they are.. as long as they are content that's all that matters .... to them anyway.
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