A Credible Source

Kill the babies!!!

2009-07-02T11:49:00.000-07:00

This is disgusting, but different than abortion, how?

Repeat...

2009-04-28T14:41:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to post THIS as a possible example of what I was talking about in my previous post on 'christian' authors/music/etc. I haven't actually read anything by the author of these books, but in the article seemed to reflect points I was trying to make. Maybe I will check these books out... although I don't read fiction often, so probably not.

A.D.D.

2009-03-05T19:01:00.001-08:00

Here is a clip from the often insightful program, South Park. (Though much of the show is, this clip is not offensive). To give a background for those who didn't see the episode, the students have all been placed on Ritalin and Chef is the only one who realizes this is wrong. Here is the video he has the parents watch as an alternative (since their kids won't pay attention in school).

Those of you who know me likely already know my opinion on this. But I'll give the quick summary for those who don't...

Maybe (just maybe, I'm not even 100% convinced) there are a few people who actually could use some type of medication to concentrate or even calm down... but for the most part, I think our society as a whole is not willing to just be responsible for themselves. You want to learn? Sit down, shut up, and pay attention, etc.

Obviously that is just a brief overview and I have many, many more observations and thoughts on this, but for right now I don't feel like typing them out.

"christian" movies...

2009-03-03T09:21:00.000-08:00

So here are my thoughts on "christian" movies, etc. I started thinking (this time at least) about the topic because of a recent post on http://scassembly.blogspot.com/...

So first... "christian" movies... What makes a movie "christian"? That it is marketed to only Christians? That it is made by only Christians? That it has nothing even remotely possible of being offensive in it? That it is about Christ? That it is cheesy?

When I think of christian movies, I think of things like the Left Behind series, Fireproof, Facing the Giants, etc. When I think of these movies, I think of vomiting. Which, hey, that's just my opinion. If these movies are entertaining to some or have value to some, then great! Good for them. (Obviously someone liked Fireproof, it made millions). My problem is, however, when Christians try to claim these movies are an outreach.

Let's be realistic here. Is there anyone that is not a Christian that will be saved because they saw these movies? Is the purpose really outreach? Most of the people I know think they are a joke. I just have trouble attaching the name of Christ to anything that is done poorly or actually just plain entertainment. If you want a "wholesome", clean family movie, then make one! But just because you want to watch a movie and be entertained, doesn't mean you need to try to mask it as a ministry.

People are saved through God's grace! Through His Spirit's workings in their lives! We need to always be ready to share the hope we have. Always. But to me, it seems, a more effective way to reach people through movies would be to make quality movies and live a life that reflects our God. Too often we try to make our outreach an invitation to a christian movie or a great christian music festival... It can't end there! (Personally, I don't see those things at all effective, but again, that part might just be my opinion). You can't assume that because you invite your friend to see Kutless that they will somehow get saved!

But back to my other point... if you are in a band, if you are an artist... why not instead of making cheesy, horrible junk that will only sell to christians... why not make something beautiful and wonderful that reflects all of the talent God has given you? I see that as a much better reflection. I appreciate someone like Tolkien for this. He could have written a basic christian story and sold it to an all christian audience, but instead he wrote a work of art that is still being enjoyed by millions, even after his death.

People can respect that. And when you are in that position, use that respect to be an influence for good and for God to those around you. (Other examples of this would be Liar, Liar and the obvious Narnia series, etc.)

Same goes for christian bands... why not just be a great band that lives a life in love? Again, never afraid to share the hope they have. But you also don't have to force the issue. It seems artificial, it seems unnatural, people don't buy into that. But if you do as unto the Lord in everything you do, that is where the real results come. Again, the band example... pay your stage crew well, take care of everyone involved, don't be the band wrecking hotel rooms! Don't waste your wealth on extravagent living, but use the influence that your talent has given to do good!

Again, it's not like I'm saying all the people who make these christian movies and bands and etc. are horribly wrong, or even have their hearts in the wrong place. But how much more effective could we be? We say we want to reach the world, but do we?

Feel free to comment, I'm sure I forgot things and/or mistyped a few things!

(also credit to http://www.paulheggie.com/ for contributions made through conversation)

***EDIT
Let it be known, that I am NOT implying that this message relates to our Church services! They should be unashamedly unto God, clearly sharing the Word of God and praising and rejoicing in our God! In this post I am talking only about art and occupations. I mean if I was a trashman, I wouldn't only pick up garbage from Christians and paint a huge cross on my truck. So why then if I make movies, would I only make movies that Christians would watch and put a big cross on the front so they will choose my movie?!

Too Crowded...

2009-01-17T09:52:00.000-08:00

I don't understand all the hype about Obama. He isn't even president yet! He may be a great president, he may be awful... but either way, he's just a president...

He has huge crowds everywhere he goes it seems...

Jesus had huge crowds too...

They crucified him.

Open your eyes...

2008-11-05T08:49:00.000-08:00

Conservatives have some good reasons to side with the republican party... I also think there are some very bad reasons for it... I have always loved this section of James 5--

"1Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. 2Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.[a] 6You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you."

How do we (those professing to be Christians) keep ignoring God's word?!?

We're Pro-life, Pro-sanctity of marriage, Pro-gun, Pro-wealth...

I can't call myself a democrat, but come on... this is pretty clear. It is SINFUL to keep living the way we are here in America! We lift up and sacrifice the wealth of the nation to the selfish desires of the top classes of citizens!!!

Jesus came to bring all unto Him! To protect the innocent! To bring life to the poor and dying souls!

We continue to pay our workers almost nothing in comparison to the great wealth heaped upon the richest of us and ignore the cries of the working class!

It would just be really refreshing to start hearing some more of the right-wing conservative Christians begin to stand up for all of God's word, not just the parts they like to hear.

When I am King...

2008-08-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

The following contains pieces from multiple coversations and is not the creation soley of the author. All points are 100% valid and correct, therefore this post is still a credible source for any and all research.

POLITICS--
I still dont understand why everyone (just about every newspaper I read anyway) thinks that the Democrats are the party that will help working class people, or middle class, or whatever. Don't get me wrong, I don't think that Republicans are our saviors either...

I understand that Republicans don't do enough to regulate the rich/corporations/executives. They continue to support and allow them to enslave the working class. But at the same time, I wonder how the Democrats are such a better option. How does it make more sense to offer any and every program and handout to people to then turn around and steal it all back in unforgivably high taxes?

Who knows?
Maybe nobody can run this country right.
Because everyone just wants to run it.

Tax reform is needed, and needed soon, not just in Federal taxes, but in State and Local tax as well. Currently, I am in the middle class (lower?). Without giving away exactly what I make, I can say that between all of the taxes stolen from me I lose over 25% of my income (and I don't even pay property tax yet, although I'm sure my rental price suffers from it). I'm assuming that most people are in a similar or worse position in regards to the governments theft from their wallets. So what I want to know is if all of the "help" the government provides to the middle class working man is worth 25%+ of our income. Is it? I have trouble believing it. One thing I can say for certain is that if all of the money that is taken from me for my "security" was put into my 401K, I would retire with a very healthy sum (I very much support the privatization of social security). That is just one example, and I don't want to get into more at this time, but in simple words to the government-- leave me and my money alone!

So there is my argument (not even close to the only one) against the Democrat way of thinking. Now on to the next group.

Republicans...

Here is my big problem with this party-- I can't afford a house, a family or any of that yet... but still, people out there (in this country) are trying to manage those things on wages/salaries less than mine! That is wrong, almost evil. To me it just shows how little value we place on life and equality.

I understand the complaints that raising minimum wage will cause inflation, and I'm sure it would... if you ONLY raise minimum wage without fixing the problems. You need to have balance. With the hike in minimum wage MUST come regulation of the salaries and bonuses given to the boards, the CEOs, the CFOs, the presidents and the VPs. People at the top of the ladder are making more than kings while their slaves struggle to get by.

I have not yet researched the topic enough to propose a specific figure, but the regulation I speak of should be something to the extent of-- CEOs (and the like) cannot earn more than X% of the lowest paid worker. Again, this would be combined with a large increase in minimum wage, (say to a very minimum of $15-20/hr). The upper levels make way too much money... but the janitors (for example) make a too low minimum wage. It's not that i think janitors should be the richest of America, that would just be an excuse for us all to take the easiest jobs possible. Some people are capable of doing highly skilled or unique positions and they SHOULD be compensated for that (otherwise, what's the point...Communism cannot work) . But you need even a janitor to run your business smoothly, so pay him to be there and make sure it's enough to make a living off of.

***sidenote***
I realize that teenagers working at Burgerking don't need to make a living that would buy a house and raise a family, so I would include a separate minimum wage for those registered as dependents.
***end sidenote***

Right there we have cut back the need for oh so many government programs to "help" the poor. This cuts back many of the wasteful government programs. This cuts back the government budget. This cuts back the need for so many taxes! I realize it's not quite this simple (aid to the disabled, etc), but in essence, this cuts back the need for all taxes except those needed for infrastructure and defense (police force/national guard, military).

Is this all even possible? Part of the problem is that we have let the government get so built up that now we have a bigger problem than we can handle. To get anything done, even if we could elect our dream President, we would need to get the majority of Congress and the Senate strongly behind these (or like) ideas.

So there is my post for the day... but talk is cheap, this accomplishes nothing... but hey, I was bored sitting here at work.

PS-- to go along with the 'not valuing people or equality from above', I must say that Dwight Schrute was entirely wrong and idiotic when he said, "Why tip someone for a job I'm capable of doing myself? I can deliver food. I can drive a taxi. I can, and do, cut my own hair. I did however, tip my urologist, because I am unable to pulverize my own kidney stones."

That is bull, Dwight! Are you that selfish? You tip them because YOU DID NOT DO IT YOURSELF. You are not the only person with worth! If everyone thought like you we would all be CEOs and politicians. You deserve every prank Jim ever plays on you for being so ignorant!!!

Lies...

2008-08-22T21:56:00.000-07:00

I always find it funny when people are afraid to tell the truth (not that I sometimes don't get stuck in that)... as in, when people do something, but feel they need to make up a better reason for why they are doing it. Usually the real reason is obvious, and in my head, I think-- 'I know you are lying to me right now, what's the point?!' I wonder how much better things would be if we knew how to always be straight with each other......

A Failure to Communicate

2007-05-19T19:01:00.000-07:00

"Constantly talking is not necessarily communicating."

That is a line Jim Carrey's character says in The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. (Sidenote: I just finished that movie for a second time and really enjoy it)

Thinking about what that line means reminded me of the quote from Cool Hand Luke that I used for the title of this post.

How often do we find ourselves in deep--way deeper than things ever needed to go, purely from a lack of communication?

Misunderstandings... miscommunications... mistakes...

I also thought about the first quote in terms of God. Do my prayers and thoughts to Him just end up being a constant flow from my mouth and mind? Am I spewing a lexical shield around myself that perpetually grows and insulates me from actually hearing a little bit of what God is responding?

I hope I am not. I hope I have been taking time to listen. I hope I would know how to communicate with my Father. And I know I must do my best to just shut up sometimes and be aware of Him and the powerful Word that comes out of His mouth.

I will end this post here for now. Just think about your own life… your thoughts and prayers to God. Are you listening? Are you hearing? Is there communication?

Control

2007-04-30T22:15:00.000-07:00

Helplessness can be one of the worst feelings. It can be frustrating... annoying... It can drive you crazy.

There are just times when you really can do nothing. No matter how much you want to do something, you cannot help.

At my job, I deal with people who need help with computers and software... but I am only trained to help with basic problems. I know a little more than that, but sometimes there is no easy solution... or just no solution that I know... This actually makes me hate my job. I do not want to go in to work. I do not want to have to face the chance of not knowing. I don't want to have to say, "I don't know, I can't help." There are usually numbers or e-mail addresses to give for them to find help elsewhere... but that's not guaranteed... it's not the same... I couldn't help!

Not that it is wrong to want to have the answers to help people (especially when you work as a tutor)... but why?

Why is helplessness such a horrible thing in my mind (our minds?)?

It's not that we hate it necessarily...

Babies are helpless, many people seem to like them.

But when it comes down to "I am helpless".....

NO, NO, NO!!! I'm in control! I'm fine! I can do it!!!

Why is the truth so frightening?

We are not in control. God is.
Is He so evil that we fear His command?
Does He intend harm so that we distain His authority?

"Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!"
"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you."
--from Luke 12

He values His creation... He feeds... He clothes... He loves...

Whether we want to admit it or not... whether we will submit or not...

We are helpless...

If not for the grace and love of God, we would not even exist...

I know this... I have known these things...

But so often I still don't want to be helpless...

God, save us from our pride.

Future Past

2007-04-28T13:23:00.000-07:00

Why do we look back with regret? Look back on years we wasted or time we should have better spent... Why do we say, 'I would have done things differently' as we reminisce?

Or we look ahead. I will change. Next time, I'll do better. My new year's resolution is...

What about now?!

I look back... there are so many stupid things I wish I would not have done. Stupid mistakes, stupid arguments... Why fight so much with siblings?

But the problem is... it is past...

I look ahead... I say I'll get over this, I'll stop that... But that doesn't help.

What about now?!

Learn from what has happened... stop repeating those same stubborn mistakes!! And "Do not worry about tomorrow"... Focus on TODAY!!!

Today... help someone who needs it
Today... stop fighting
Today... let go of pride
Today... love
Today... give
Today... do something about it

Today... lose selfishness

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."

What are you doing today?

Discovery and the Unknown

2007-04-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

I have been watching the Discovery Channel a lot lately. Through the shows, I find God more and more fascinating. There are still so many mysteries being discovered all of the time, but each of them just adds more and more questions of how something so complicated and intricate could ever exist. I see this as the camera crews finally get new shots of the arctic and antarctic life... they get footage of bizarre creatures living deeper and deeper in the ocean... they show the first views of hidden jungle animals and insects... they find even more life in the mountains and deserts...

Just seeing all of those creatures, those plants, that life is amazing enough in itself, but then I think about God's mind and personality in that creation. Life did not just start in these places as soon as people arrived with cameras. From the beginning of time, these creatures were conceived and perfectly placed into their environments (well, replaced after the flood). For years and years and years life has gone on in such a spectacular way just for God's pleasure... just because one day we might find it and watch in wonder... just to show His glory in everything... just so we could discover... just so men are without excuse... just so His love and life would be revealed.

We still know so little about our own planet and can find more reasons to be amazed every single day. But God not only created this little planet, but an entire universe! How great and creative and powerful is He that life is made and sustained simply because He wills it so. As simple as it is, and even as overplayed as some may find it... that is why I can barely even get out the words to the song, "How Great is Our God". Every single time I hear those words, that melody, I begin to think about how true it is. In awe, I become speechless and have little left to do but weep and be glad. How great He is. How great He is.

If you hear that song, if you walk outside, or even if you just flip to the Discovery Channel... take a little time to think about creation, to think about the millions of lifeforms that exist in even the smallest corner of the earth. It is incomprehensible. But I think God had this in mind from the beginning. Sometime the best way to worship and show our love and respect is nothing more than to just stop and stand amazed!

Sound Systems and Talent

2007-04-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

I love music. I love good music. I love loud music. I love hearing talented musicians.
But where do all of these things fit in the church?

I have been playing on worship teams since I was in seventh grade. In this time, I have had the opportunity to play with bands that are filled with musical talent. On the other hand, I have been around teams that you could have switched their instruments with vacuum cleaners and jack hammers without noticing. Though the latter are a little less pleasant to the ear, I find that it is not about talent. You can put together a band of amazing musicians for your Sunday morning service and still completely leave God out of the picture.

Conventions and rallies are great examples of places I have seen this. Excitement and energy fill the building as the professional worship teams entertain the crowd. To most, it's just a show. Can true worship still happen here? Yes, of course it can. You can offer your heart and mind and voice to God in worship in just about any environment! But are these worship events a hindrance? I find that is often the case. I see so many people in the audience dancing, laughing, shouting, singing, and jumping; yet immediately after (or even during the service), how many of these people are crudely joking around and doing everything BUT what they have just sung to God they would do?

This also occurs in many churches that I've been to. My assessment from what I've seen is that anytime there is too much focus on THE BAND, THE MUSIC, THE LIGHTS... worshipping God falls from a priority to an optional perk.

Am I saying that a great band is a bad thing? Not at all. The last few worship teams I have played on are filled with extremely talented musicians. In services with these teams, I have experienced amazing times with God, as well seeing the congregation rejoicing, praising, and touched by God... But I have been in just as powerful (if not moreso) services with some of those vacuum cleaner bands. It is all about hearts set on worshipping God.

So if it is not about the quality of the musicians, does that mean anyone can be on the worship team? I still am trying to figure out the best way to deal with this. Playing on the worship team, in many churches, is the cool thing to do. Everyone wants to do it. Everyone wants to be on stage. Everyone thinks they can sing. I don't think I can even count the number of places I've been that have the wonderful line of backup singers that could barely compete against a braying donkey. Some people are just not musically gifted. I won't say that these people ABOSULUTELY SHOULD NOT be on the team, but I would really have to strongly question their motivation for joining (are they deaf? can they hear their own voices??).

This carries over to instrumentalists as well. I especially find this with the bass. EVERYONE knows how to play bass. IT'S SO EASY!!! All you have to do is play the (bass)note of the chord. NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! That is not the purpose of the bass!!! I could teach my little brother to pluck a G C D C on bass in five seconds. He would then be able to play along with any band as well as many of these other "bassists". I'm not trying to cut these people down, but, again, I really have to question their motivation for joining. Do they really feel they have a talent to offer? Or did bass just seem like the easiest way to get on the band and be on stage?

There are churches that lack musicians. In these places, I realize that people without musical talent may truely have their hearts in the right place and do their best to fill in as needed. I appreciate this, and am glad that they give of their time to help out... But when there are people with talent who want to offer their abilities, are the no-talents really trying to help out and offer something? Or, in these circumstances, are they just trying to play with the cool band? Like I said before, I don't have the answers on how to deal with these issues yet... just questions (and sometimes frustrations).

My final observation on this, for now, is that... SOUND PEOPLE AT CHURCHES HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THEY ARE DOING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It seems that the people who volunteer for sound, so often, are the people that have no musical talent and couldn't make the worship team, or the people that think the music is too loud and want to make sure that the evil band doesn't get their way.

First... if you think worshipping God should be held to a nice, controlled like ditty, I think you are missing the point. On the night Jesus was born, a MULTITUDE of heavenly hosts proclaimed, GLORY TO GOD, PEACE ON EARTH! In Revalation, Angels, and Creatures, and the Redeemed all SHOUT unto God and praise Him forever. King David danced so hard that his clothes fell off! GOD is not a wimp. Worship is not a neat little tea party! GOD inspires something inside of the heart that can sometimes only even be uttered in a shout of praise! He is GREAT and POWERFUL and MIGHTY! It seems only fitting that He should be worshipped and praised in a great and powerful and mighty way.

I realize that doesn't mean we need to pierce our ears with blaring electric guitar, but seriously, to those sound people--REMOVE STICK FROM... well, places sticks don't belong. Secondly, like playing an instrument, having an ear for music and sound and how to run the system is not just some easy thing that everyone can do. Some have that talent to offer and others don't (again, in places where there is a need, but no talent available, I realize others can do the best they can to help out).

But in the end, it doesn't really matter. (Link'n Park) Whether or not you have a talented band and sound team... whether or not the people involved even have the right motivations... whether or not you even have a band or sound system... God CAN and SHOULD be praised! If you want to have a great worship service, what it really comes down to is having a congregation filled with people who want nothing more than to reach out and touch God... who want nothing more than to praise His name... who want nothing more than to hear His voice... who want nothing more than to celebrate and show the love, joy, freedom, peace, and salvation they have received from their Maker. What really matters, is God.