I am in a weird mood. I'm happy, yet I'm not, and I know why. Unfortunately, I don't want to share it at this point. Let's just say that, God brought something awesome into my life, and is putting it on hold it seems. It's for the better, but I want it now. There a few things in my life right now that aren't what they should be. I believe that God is wanting me to take care of those things before he "gives" me what I want.
I don't necessarily see myself as a patient person, I guess tolerant would be a better word for it. I can stand a lot of things. I may not like it, but I can tolerate it. For instance, on our missions trip to Mississippi the kids would hang all over you. Not particularly my favorite, but I could tolerate it and it was good for them. I never got angry, but patience is something I think God will be teaching me these next 8 or 9 months. Which is good, usually if I want it, I'll rush into it and BAM! It doesn't always turn out the way I'd like. If you have any idea what I'm talking about, or if you think you have an idea, this may confirm it:
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does no envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."
-1 Corinthians 13:4
Friday, December 19, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Interim Deity
Life's hardships happen to come along,
Like losing a job or a family member.
All of sudden we know where to go,
We randomly remember.
As soon as He helps us out
We push Him back out the door.
Why wouldn't we do just that?
He is not a need anymore.
Humans know how to run our lives.
It's only the best if it's run by us.
We don't need Him any longer;
It's simply not a must.
We feel mighty proud of ourselves,
Kicking Him out on a whim.
We're the powerful ones here
And we don't need Him!
Mark 7:6
Like losing a job or a family member.
All of sudden we know where to go,
We randomly remember.
As soon as He helps us out
We push Him back out the door.
Why wouldn't we do just that?
He is not a need anymore.
Humans know how to run our lives.
It's only the best if it's run by us.
We don't need Him any longer;
It's simply not a must.
We feel mighty proud of ourselves,
Kicking Him out on a whim.
We're the powerful ones here
And we don't need Him!
Mark 7:6
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Sticker Satisfaction
Something got me to thinking today. I've been in Lincoln the past few days for the NMEA all state convention. A couple friends of mine and I stayed at my grandma's house. She lives in Lincoln and free lodging. It rocked. We slept in today and my aunt and uncle and baby cousins came for lunch. It was nice to see them.
Before we left, I was packing my stuff and my 3 year old cousin came in. He looked at Grandma's desk and found stickers. His face lit up as he looked at me and asked if he could have some. I told him to go ask Grandma. He sprinted out of the room searching for her. What's so intriguing about stickers, I thought. I remember I used to freak out when I was littler about them. I wanted one, but now, it doesn't appeal to me as much. Why?
It reminded of a lot of christians today. When we are younger, around the beginning adolescent stages someone introduces us to Jesus and the amazing thing He did for us. Being overjoyed and probably not completely understanding the idea we freak out and want to follow Him, yet as we get older, God fades out. We aren't attracted to it as much anymore. He's just kind of there. We don't want Him as much as we used to want Him.
However, adults still do ocassionally get stickers. After voting you get a sticker and walk around with it proudly. This can be compared to Christmas or Easter for christians. It's a religious holiday so we all need to be religious. Sometimes you get stickers for giving blood. When something absolutely horrible happens to you, like a death in the family or getting fired from your job, you turn to God for a little while. Only until He gets you back on your feet so you can take back over.
I've seen it happen to which sucks more than you'd believe. Zac and I have had a friend of ours, a good friend of ours, turn away from God. Zac feels more convicted about it than I do but I still feel bad about it. Zac says he thinks it was partially his and our fault that they stopped trusting in Jesus the way they did, but we'll never really know.
In middle school this person was on fire for God, or so it seemed. We went to all the youth group stuff together, all of the church stuff together and were viewed as growing young adults of Christ, until high school happened. Things changed so fast. I will admit, when I first began high school I was not as close to God as I should have been. I never really was satisfied with my relationship with Him until the end of my junior year even, but I came back. Zac pretty much stayed the same with his relationship with God from what I could see, but our friend did not.
They started hanging out with the wrong crowd and by doing that got to going to parties and it progressed on and on. I watched as I knew them so well during middle school to not even knowing them at all when we were seniors, and it went so fast.
At the time, the christian thing seemed really cool. They wanted a sticker. As time drew on they got tired of it and it got dirty and was covered up. They didn't want it. They were done with it. All that can help them now is prayer, and lots of it.
I have to put on a new sticker every so often. I screw up and ask for forgiveness from God. He takes off the old sticker and gives me a brand new one. He forgets about what I have done. The old sticker is gone with a new clean one on me. He lets me start over.
Pray for our friend, and that they would get a new sticker.
Before we left, I was packing my stuff and my 3 year old cousin came in. He looked at Grandma's desk and found stickers. His face lit up as he looked at me and asked if he could have some. I told him to go ask Grandma. He sprinted out of the room searching for her. What's so intriguing about stickers, I thought. I remember I used to freak out when I was littler about them. I wanted one, but now, it doesn't appeal to me as much. Why?
It reminded of a lot of christians today. When we are younger, around the beginning adolescent stages someone introduces us to Jesus and the amazing thing He did for us. Being overjoyed and probably not completely understanding the idea we freak out and want to follow Him, yet as we get older, God fades out. We aren't attracted to it as much anymore. He's just kind of there. We don't want Him as much as we used to want Him.
However, adults still do ocassionally get stickers. After voting you get a sticker and walk around with it proudly. This can be compared to Christmas or Easter for christians. It's a religious holiday so we all need to be religious. Sometimes you get stickers for giving blood. When something absolutely horrible happens to you, like a death in the family or getting fired from your job, you turn to God for a little while. Only until He gets you back on your feet so you can take back over.
I've seen it happen to which sucks more than you'd believe. Zac and I have had a friend of ours, a good friend of ours, turn away from God. Zac feels more convicted about it than I do but I still feel bad about it. Zac says he thinks it was partially his and our fault that they stopped trusting in Jesus the way they did, but we'll never really know.
In middle school this person was on fire for God, or so it seemed. We went to all the youth group stuff together, all of the church stuff together and were viewed as growing young adults of Christ, until high school happened. Things changed so fast. I will admit, when I first began high school I was not as close to God as I should have been. I never really was satisfied with my relationship with Him until the end of my junior year even, but I came back. Zac pretty much stayed the same with his relationship with God from what I could see, but our friend did not.
They started hanging out with the wrong crowd and by doing that got to going to parties and it progressed on and on. I watched as I knew them so well during middle school to not even knowing them at all when we were seniors, and it went so fast.
At the time, the christian thing seemed really cool. They wanted a sticker. As time drew on they got tired of it and it got dirty and was covered up. They didn't want it. They were done with it. All that can help them now is prayer, and lots of it.
I have to put on a new sticker every so often. I screw up and ask for forgiveness from God. He takes off the old sticker and gives me a brand new one. He forgets about what I have done. The old sticker is gone with a new clean one on me. He lets me start over.
Pray for our friend, and that they would get a new sticker.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Arraying Aphorisms
Politics. Racism. Abortion. Gay Marriage.
All of the above ideas have been brought up to me in the past week. Mainly because of the election, but in a non hostile environment I'm going to express my views, which I believe are right. They are based on the Bible.
Politics/Racism:
Barack Obama is the new president of the United States. I did not vote for him. I did not vote for anyone. I was not in support of Obama because he was pro choice. I've actually had someone tell me I was racist for not voting for him. A friend of mine sent a bumper sticker on facebook today that said "Voting for him BECAUSE he's black is racist, too." I'm very picky on who I would like as a leader, and Obama wasn't exactly what I would have liked. I was a bit disappointed with the results, but for whatever reason it happened. All I can do now is pray for him.
Abortion:
It is wrong, no matter how you look at it. It doesn't matter if a teenage girl has unwanted pregnancy or a married wife is raped. It's a baby. You keep it. It's a life. It's the first and only time you will probably be able to get away with murder.
Gay Marriage:
This is a touchy subject. I've recently gotten into an argument about it. I've been told "they can't help it" and "it's not their decision." However, I find that very hard to believe when God says that it is wrong. Why would a loving God make someone sinful!? He doesn't do that. Why would he distance Himself from them!? It doesn't make sense. I really don't know if they can't help it or not and it really shouldn't even matter. My God says it is wrong, therefore it is. Plain and simple. I do not hate them. God doesn't hate them.
There it is. Take it as you will.
All of the above ideas have been brought up to me in the past week. Mainly because of the election, but in a non hostile environment I'm going to express my views, which I believe are right. They are based on the Bible.
Politics/Racism:
Barack Obama is the new president of the United States. I did not vote for him. I did not vote for anyone. I was not in support of Obama because he was pro choice. I've actually had someone tell me I was racist for not voting for him. A friend of mine sent a bumper sticker on facebook today that said "Voting for him BECAUSE he's black is racist, too." I'm very picky on who I would like as a leader, and Obama wasn't exactly what I would have liked. I was a bit disappointed with the results, but for whatever reason it happened. All I can do now is pray for him.
Abortion:
It is wrong, no matter how you look at it. It doesn't matter if a teenage girl has unwanted pregnancy or a married wife is raped. It's a baby. You keep it. It's a life. It's the first and only time you will probably be able to get away with murder.
Gay Marriage:
This is a touchy subject. I've recently gotten into an argument about it. I've been told "they can't help it" and "it's not their decision." However, I find that very hard to believe when God says that it is wrong. Why would a loving God make someone sinful!? He doesn't do that. Why would he distance Himself from them!? It doesn't make sense. I really don't know if they can't help it or not and it really shouldn't even matter. My God says it is wrong, therefore it is. Plain and simple. I do not hate them. God doesn't hate them.
There it is. Take it as you will.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
College Salutations
We just had fall break. Monday and Tuesday were ours to do with whatever we wanted. It was nice; I hung out with the family and some "old" friends. Zac and I traveled back to UNK last night. We left kind of late, and usually you don't find parking spots after 9ish.
Somehow, I caught a spot fairly close. Quickly, Zac snagged it. It was cold and a bit rainy. We got all of our crap together. For me, it was my backpack, duffle bag, and laundry. I had my hands pretty much full. Zac had about the same, but minus the laundry and had another duffle bag. As we walked up to CTW there were people outside smoking. Not a big surprise.
Ignoring them, we were shoving through without touching anyone. Somehow, we were looked at weird for trying to get inside. I managed to open the door, God only knows how, and I hear a voice behind me, "Yeah, it's nice to see you Keygan." Not wanting to be rude, I turned around and backed into the door holding it open as Zac walks in. It was someone who is in the FAB quite often that I occasionally talk to. I smiled, "Oh hi how was your break?" They stared at me for a bit and said, "No f--- you, I don't care." Confused, I shook it off and backed into the building. Zac was laughing as I caught up with him. He heard.
That didn't bother me all that much. Whatever, I thought. Why should I care what they think of me? There's only One that I care what they think about me, and He is much more important and powerful than anyone else.
However, I have an 8 o'clock class on MWF. This morning when I woke up it was cold and rainy. I got back from my morning classes about half an hour ago. I'm not as wet as I was, but still pretty damp...
Somehow, I caught a spot fairly close. Quickly, Zac snagged it. It was cold and a bit rainy. We got all of our crap together. For me, it was my backpack, duffle bag, and laundry. I had my hands pretty much full. Zac had about the same, but minus the laundry and had another duffle bag. As we walked up to CTW there were people outside smoking. Not a big surprise.
Ignoring them, we were shoving through without touching anyone. Somehow, we were looked at weird for trying to get inside. I managed to open the door, God only knows how, and I hear a voice behind me, "Yeah, it's nice to see you Keygan." Not wanting to be rude, I turned around and backed into the door holding it open as Zac walks in. It was someone who is in the FAB quite often that I occasionally talk to. I smiled, "Oh hi how was your break?" They stared at me for a bit and said, "No f--- you, I don't care." Confused, I shook it off and backed into the building. Zac was laughing as I caught up with him. He heard.
That didn't bother me all that much. Whatever, I thought. Why should I care what they think of me? There's only One that I care what they think about me, and He is much more important and powerful than anyone else.
However, I have an 8 o'clock class on MWF. This morning when I woke up it was cold and rainy. I got back from my morning classes about half an hour ago. I'm not as wet as I was, but still pretty damp...
Monday, October 13, 2008
Slapped with Solace
Zac and I had a short but sweet conversation tonight about finances, because let's be honest, us college kids aren't the richest on the planet. However, he said he likes it more when he has nothing. He enjoys being broke. This confused me, a lot. If I don't have much money I worry about it and freak out because I don't know what will happen. I told Zac this and he relied with, "exactly."
I gave him a puzzled look; he explained. "Now that I don't have any money I have to rely on God because there's nothing else I can do. I don't or rather can't worry about what will happen because I can't do anything about it. It's up to God. I have to let Him decide." That makes sense.
I then explained to him about my financial concerns. I don't have a job right now and my graduation money/savings bonds are dwindling down, and I really want to march drum corps this summer. My parents aren't going to pay for it all, I know that. I'm trying out for Troopers and expect myself to get in, as well as paying for at least half of it myself. Right now, if I wouldn't be possibly doing that this summer, wouldn't be as worried about finances as I am now.
God kind of slapped me in this face and calmed me down. As if to say, "I got it. Don't worry about it. If I want you to march with Troopers this summer, you will. I know how badly you want to."
It was the most comforting slap I've ever received.
I gave him a puzzled look; he explained. "Now that I don't have any money I have to rely on God because there's nothing else I can do. I don't or rather can't worry about what will happen because I can't do anything about it. It's up to God. I have to let Him decide." That makes sense.
I then explained to him about my financial concerns. I don't have a job right now and my graduation money/savings bonds are dwindling down, and I really want to march drum corps this summer. My parents aren't going to pay for it all, I know that. I'm trying out for Troopers and expect myself to get in, as well as paying for at least half of it myself. Right now, if I wouldn't be possibly doing that this summer, wouldn't be as worried about finances as I am now.
God kind of slapped me in this face and calmed me down. As if to say, "I got it. Don't worry about it. If I want you to march with Troopers this summer, you will. I know how badly you want to."
It was the most comforting slap I've ever received.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Bigot Ball
He kicked another one from the right side. It was a far distance and his right side was his weak side as well. It bounced off the left goal post. Frustrated, he jogged after it. It was 11:30 on a Saturday morning and Brett had been up since 7:00 practicing. His team had managed to make the state tournament and being one of the senior leaders, he wanted to give his team the best chance possible to get as far as they could. Maybe even win it all.
Brett put the ball in the same place and tried again. He knew he had to pull it back to his right a bit. He did so, but too far. The ball hit the side of the goal. He got it and put it in the same spot again. This time he knew how to get it in. He vaulted it with his foot and the ball met face to face with the back of the net. He did it twice more to make sure he could do it and it wasn't a fluke.
Pretty soon, his friend Alex showed up. He was going to go grab some food together. Alex was on the JV team; he wasn't the greatest player. Partially because he didn't practice, but he also wasn't as passionate about it as Brett. Alex walked onto the field. "You ready to go?" he asked Brett. "Almost, I just have take a couple more shots." Brett launched the ball towards the goal, it went in. "Nice," said Alex. "Thanks." Brett moved on. He took another shot from almost midfield. It hit the top crossbar of the goal and bounced back towards him. "Do you always do that when you take a shot?" Alex asked.
"Do what?"
"Right before you kick it, your arm comes out."
"I do it for balance. Don't want to fall over you know."
"Oh, well, I guess not."
Brett set up the ball to try the shot again. "It just seems kind of unnecessary," added Alex. Brett ignored the comment and kicked it. This time, it went in with ease. "Alright, I'm done."
As they walked back to the cars, Alex wasn't satisfied. "It's just, when I practice, I don't do that." Brett looked at him, "You practice?" "Of course I do," said Alex. Brett gave him a suspicious look. "It doesn't seem like it." "Just because I'm on JV doesn't mean I don't practice at all Brett. Give me a little bit of credit." He backed off, but Alex didn't. "You think that because you're starting varsity, you practice a lot more than I do?" Brett remained quiet. "I work just as hard as you do. I practice every day." Finally, Brett piped in.
"But I can't see it."
"See what?"
"The practice; I don't ever see you practicing and I also don't see it when you play."
"You think you're better than me."
Brett bit his tongue, hard. Alex stared at him. "Well, I am starting..." Brett said. Alex peeled away. He's the expert on soccer now Brett thought. He doesn't know the hours I put in. He doesn't know the things I've sacrificed. He left a ball on the field. He ran at it with frustration and kicked it. It veered right. Brett slowly begin jogging to get the ball and try again.
Brett put the ball in the same place and tried again. He knew he had to pull it back to his right a bit. He did so, but too far. The ball hit the side of the goal. He got it and put it in the same spot again. This time he knew how to get it in. He vaulted it with his foot and the ball met face to face with the back of the net. He did it twice more to make sure he could do it and it wasn't a fluke.
Pretty soon, his friend Alex showed up. He was going to go grab some food together. Alex was on the JV team; he wasn't the greatest player. Partially because he didn't practice, but he also wasn't as passionate about it as Brett. Alex walked onto the field. "You ready to go?" he asked Brett. "Almost, I just have take a couple more shots." Brett launched the ball towards the goal, it went in. "Nice," said Alex. "Thanks." Brett moved on. He took another shot from almost midfield. It hit the top crossbar of the goal and bounced back towards him. "Do you always do that when you take a shot?" Alex asked.
"Do what?"
"Right before you kick it, your arm comes out."
"I do it for balance. Don't want to fall over you know."
"Oh, well, I guess not."
Brett set up the ball to try the shot again. "It just seems kind of unnecessary," added Alex. Brett ignored the comment and kicked it. This time, it went in with ease. "Alright, I'm done."
As they walked back to the cars, Alex wasn't satisfied. "It's just, when I practice, I don't do that." Brett looked at him, "You practice?" "Of course I do," said Alex. Brett gave him a suspicious look. "It doesn't seem like it." "Just because I'm on JV doesn't mean I don't practice at all Brett. Give me a little bit of credit." He backed off, but Alex didn't. "You think that because you're starting varsity, you practice a lot more than I do?" Brett remained quiet. "I work just as hard as you do. I practice every day." Finally, Brett piped in.
"But I can't see it."
"See what?"
"The practice; I don't ever see you practicing and I also don't see it when you play."
"You think you're better than me."
Brett bit his tongue, hard. Alex stared at him. "Well, I am starting..." Brett said. Alex peeled away. He's the expert on soccer now Brett thought. He doesn't know the hours I put in. He doesn't know the things I've sacrificed. He left a ball on the field. He ran at it with frustration and kicked it. It veered right. Brett slowly begin jogging to get the ball and try again.
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