On a different note,
You hear that artists should stay current, fresh, and up to date. I would agree with that sentiment for probably different reasons. I believe we should be growing continually, that we never get to a place of "Being There" or "Making It"... The goal should be to challenge ourselves, to be conscious of our surroundings, and not be "OK" with complacent. I also know in my spiritual walk, the Lord doesn't seem to want me to get lazy or too comfortable either. Our time is too valuable to sit and gloat, or worse to sit and pout.
I believe to be successful the eye on the goal should ever be moving... We should have achievable goals, but our goals should also be updated and added to. Otherwise, why are we here? Part of sanctification is knowing we are faulty... thus, shouldn't we be pondering, self-analyzing ourselves and our surroundings?
They call it "Artist Development" at the beginning, but I think it should be ongoing. Redefining, pushing ours creative juices, our performance, and our reflection in the world. We are given a voice, a platform, a gift, or a talent... How many people You know had Talent, and squandered it? How so we ask? Because they were complacent in their gift! They did Not add drive, sacrifice, perseverance and many more attributes to the equation. The sat back thinking they Already had it!!!
Don't be just fine with the minimum, don't take a God given gift and assume that's enough... don't Wait for your dreams, Go get em! They are there... waiting... You have the opportunity to be fresh, anew, and better each day! But, it takes effort! Other will support You, life You up, and encourage You... but YOU have to be the one to step out towards it!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Predictable...
On a different note,
As a boy, I remember making the decision to Not make promises. After years of lets down, unfulfilled in expectations, I determined it was best just to express a desire to provide for a given situation. We do Not have total control over this world, ergo how can we sincerely say we will or won't do something. Example: If I say "I will be there tomorrow at 5pm, I promise"... and, I get a flat tire, or a train comes, or etc, etc, etc... Even though my intention was to be there, I did not fulfill my promise. This of course doesn't take away from good intentions!! It's a reflection of where we put our faith, trust and expectations.
In scripture it speaks of putting your home on the rock, versus the sand... as the sand moves day by day, but the rock is firm. The only constant I have ever seen in my Life is God and the affects of His Love in peoples lives. Ergo, I have put my Life in His hands... I seek His way for my life! Trust me, this doesn't mean You can't have a normal life, it means the foundation of your thoughts, decisions, fulfillment are rooted in Him! My material things have been provided by Him, My Job, My money, My Marriage, and my Music all have come by following the path He had for me... by the way, now typically an easy road to follow. Meaning, I am human... thus not always easy to stay on the positive, Love filled, and righteous road... But that is what keeps me humble, broken and at His feet.. thus, on His path!!
We must understand that people are inconsistent, unpredictable, and unable to fulfill promises & expectations. That is not a dig, or a negative reflection... its the Truth. We must learn to set our course, seek our fulfillment, and gain our value from our Father in Heaven. It takes the weight of the world off our shoulders! He is my Rock, He has never changed, and I have the opportunity to draw close to Him! It's on Us to make the choice to Live with Him... He stands at the door and knocks, but we must let Him in!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
As a boy, I remember making the decision to Not make promises. After years of lets down, unfulfilled in expectations, I determined it was best just to express a desire to provide for a given situation. We do Not have total control over this world, ergo how can we sincerely say we will or won't do something. Example: If I say "I will be there tomorrow at 5pm, I promise"... and, I get a flat tire, or a train comes, or etc, etc, etc... Even though my intention was to be there, I did not fulfill my promise. This of course doesn't take away from good intentions!! It's a reflection of where we put our faith, trust and expectations.
In scripture it speaks of putting your home on the rock, versus the sand... as the sand moves day by day, but the rock is firm. The only constant I have ever seen in my Life is God and the affects of His Love in peoples lives. Ergo, I have put my Life in His hands... I seek His way for my life! Trust me, this doesn't mean You can't have a normal life, it means the foundation of your thoughts, decisions, fulfillment are rooted in Him! My material things have been provided by Him, My Job, My money, My Marriage, and my Music all have come by following the path He had for me... by the way, now typically an easy road to follow. Meaning, I am human... thus not always easy to stay on the positive, Love filled, and righteous road... But that is what keeps me humble, broken and at His feet.. thus, on His path!!
We must understand that people are inconsistent, unpredictable, and unable to fulfill promises & expectations. That is not a dig, or a negative reflection... its the Truth. We must learn to set our course, seek our fulfillment, and gain our value from our Father in Heaven. It takes the weight of the world off our shoulders! He is my Rock, He has never changed, and I have the opportunity to draw close to Him! It's on Us to make the choice to Live with Him... He stands at the door and knocks, but we must let Him in!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
Monday, September 9, 2013
Father knows best...
On a different note,
This morning I will be meeting with my son and His school in regards to certain behavioral aspects of His day to day activities. In this I am reminded of the Goal of my role as His father, and the Love, Correction, Guidance & Love my Father in Heaven provides me. And honestly, sometimes in my moments of parenting, I wish I had His patience, sympathy, grace and mercy!
Scripture talks about those who are above correction or feel they do not need help. When we All know our own deficiencies, and we could ALL use a helping hand. Sanctification is not only a life long process, but a painful endeavor that can only be accepted once You know the True Love, Salvation and end result of our walk. It amazes me that He is willing to forgive, forget, over look, and have patience with my short comings. That He loves me so much, he's willing to take His time and peel back the layers of my carnal nature. As we see this unfold in our lives, I can say for me it is inspiring. It drives me to reflect the Lord, it drives me to emulate Him as a father, a husband, friend, and so on. Our children will also look to us for that very same guidance!
As we do with the Lord... our Children will look to us as an example... We seek God with doubt, selfishness, and hesitation. And once we begin to draw close to Him, we see the Love that is behind His correction. We see the path He has for us, once we have aligned with His goals... Tis the same in parenting! We must look to emulate the Lord in our lives that the Love might supersede any doubts, that our Grace will fade the hurt that comes through parenting. We have been provided an opportunity to be successful in all areas of our life... All we have to do is allow the Lord to permeate our day to day activities, our ongoing thoughts & decisions, and seek to deflect the Lord He shines down on us to ALL those around us! Then we will know the feeling of Victory!!
We have a Father who loves us unconditionally, which we can only dream of. We are His children, and We in turn can grow and emulate Him in our day to day... just as Our Children will do by Us! Reflect LOVE in your Life, Reflect Him in your day to day!! See the fruits of this in generations to come!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
This morning I will be meeting with my son and His school in regards to certain behavioral aspects of His day to day activities. In this I am reminded of the Goal of my role as His father, and the Love, Correction, Guidance & Love my Father in Heaven provides me. And honestly, sometimes in my moments of parenting, I wish I had His patience, sympathy, grace and mercy!
Scripture talks about those who are above correction or feel they do not need help. When we All know our own deficiencies, and we could ALL use a helping hand. Sanctification is not only a life long process, but a painful endeavor that can only be accepted once You know the True Love, Salvation and end result of our walk. It amazes me that He is willing to forgive, forget, over look, and have patience with my short comings. That He loves me so much, he's willing to take His time and peel back the layers of my carnal nature. As we see this unfold in our lives, I can say for me it is inspiring. It drives me to reflect the Lord, it drives me to emulate Him as a father, a husband, friend, and so on. Our children will also look to us for that very same guidance!
As we do with the Lord... our Children will look to us as an example... We seek God with doubt, selfishness, and hesitation. And once we begin to draw close to Him, we see the Love that is behind His correction. We see the path He has for us, once we have aligned with His goals... Tis the same in parenting! We must look to emulate the Lord in our lives that the Love might supersede any doubts, that our Grace will fade the hurt that comes through parenting. We have been provided an opportunity to be successful in all areas of our life... All we have to do is allow the Lord to permeate our day to day activities, our ongoing thoughts & decisions, and seek to deflect the Lord He shines down on us to ALL those around us! Then we will know the feeling of Victory!!
We have a Father who loves us unconditionally, which we can only dream of. We are His children, and We in turn can grow and emulate Him in our day to day... just as Our Children will do by Us! Reflect LOVE in your Life, Reflect Him in your day to day!! See the fruits of this in generations to come!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
Friday, September 6, 2013
By Nature...
On a different note,
1st Timothy 1:16 “But that is why God had mercy on me, so that Christ
Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience
with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can
believe in him and receive eternal life.”
I wanted to start today by sharing my favorite passage. It is one of self-recollection, self-reflection, humility, gratitude, transparency and Grace. Once I truly had the relationship with the Lord, I knew the amount of sacrifice, Love, and Grace that had to be provided to myself and all others within His children. It is something that carries much weight as far as shame and guilt go... well, I should say at the beginning of our walk it is a hard revelation to receive.
Once we realize the sin we are born into, the carnal nature of our very existence, we can begin to piece together a picture of Godly Love, Fatherly Love and one that can only be provided by the One who isn't human. We don't Love like that typically, nor do we have the ability on a consistent basis... BUT, once we start to create a relationship, we then begin to reflect and emulate His Love! Amazing!
We are broken, we are sinners, and we will screw things up... even on purpose at times... but He already sent Jesus to die... the debt has been paid! He asks for our focus, our communion, our intentional Glorification... We must give Him the Glory, Honor and Love that He so easily deserves. Knowing the debt He paid, makes it easier to accept my brokenness... which also keeps me at His feet in thankfulness. I stand strong in my faith know the things I could not do on my own... I live in Love knowing the Love I am provided daily... I seek to give Grace to others because of the Grace I received!! Yes me, the worst of the worst!
I share His name, His Love with others not because I'm religious... it's because of the incredible relationship He has allow me to share in... One of unconditional Love... I share it because it is the most amazing things I've experienced on this earth! That IS worth screaming from the roof top! If You do not know Him in that way, I urge You to start by seeking Him, speaking to Him... He'll help with the rest!!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Be Prepared...
On a different note,
Imagine winning the Lottery! I know, right! Would be such a relief, would take away all our problems, and we wouldn't have to work! Hehehe... Not sure I 100% believe that, but it would for sure change our lives! Unfortunately the odds are against us, and that it not a realistic life plan. And I almost feel guilty even thinking it from a work ethic perspective! Life takes work, doesn't mean we can't be happy in what we do. Hopefully WE are all working on a plan for our lives, and Yes I would LOVE for ALL of us to have a career, occupation that fulfills us!!
Our world is built on "Now", "Me", "Fast" and so on... Lets be honest here, that most things that are rushed, self focused, and not planned out tend to not be the best decisions. Lets look at History and see how things are trending out in the success corner! Hehehe
It took over 30 years to build a pyramid, 12 years to graduate High School, and even the Son of God was 30 before he began preaching... Any who, we can see that things do not happen over night, at least not things of quality. We have been brain washed into the "Get Rich Quick" schemes of this day and age... Our money, our Health, Our Food... We need to get a hold of our lives, and began changing the culture around us. We must begin living our lives on purpose, with intent! Can we not be realistic in our decisions?
The Great things in this world take sacrifice, no "And's, Ifs, or Buts"!! Eating right, exercising, paying bills, communion w the Lord, years of practice at your hobby, and so on! Once we can take that as a "Known" we will be much happier... We won't have skewed expectations!
Life is a journey, full of trials, full of mountains and valleys. Let's prep for a hike, and enjoy the scenery!! God made us a beautiful path!!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
Imagine winning the Lottery! I know, right! Would be such a relief, would take away all our problems, and we wouldn't have to work! Hehehe... Not sure I 100% believe that, but it would for sure change our lives! Unfortunately the odds are against us, and that it not a realistic life plan. And I almost feel guilty even thinking it from a work ethic perspective! Life takes work, doesn't mean we can't be happy in what we do. Hopefully WE are all working on a plan for our lives, and Yes I would LOVE for ALL of us to have a career, occupation that fulfills us!!
Our world is built on "Now", "Me", "Fast" and so on... Lets be honest here, that most things that are rushed, self focused, and not planned out tend to not be the best decisions. Lets look at History and see how things are trending out in the success corner! Hehehe
It took over 30 years to build a pyramid, 12 years to graduate High School, and even the Son of God was 30 before he began preaching... Any who, we can see that things do not happen over night, at least not things of quality. We have been brain washed into the "Get Rich Quick" schemes of this day and age... Our money, our Health, Our Food... We need to get a hold of our lives, and began changing the culture around us. We must begin living our lives on purpose, with intent! Can we not be realistic in our decisions?
The Great things in this world take sacrifice, no "And's, Ifs, or Buts"!! Eating right, exercising, paying bills, communion w the Lord, years of practice at your hobby, and so on! Once we can take that as a "Known" we will be much happier... We won't have skewed expectations!
Life is a journey, full of trials, full of mountains and valleys. Let's prep for a hike, and enjoy the scenery!! God made us a beautiful path!!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
What now?
On a different note,
Life is a journey, thus we have a choice... to stand in one spot, and waste away, or to step forward in life seeking opportunities to LIVE while we can! Time ticks, life goes on, regardless of circumstances. 200 years ago, 2000 years ago, people struggled with the same issues, just different details. Our jobs will be filled or reclassified once we're gone... So, I ask... What are You doing Now?
We've all heard of living for today... the "What If?" scenario... But what if (hehehe) I asked You what are You leaving behind? Or what did you miss out on? What didn't You do? What was something You wanted to do, that now has passed and the opportunity is been given to another. I have lived a full life myself, and have few regrets in regards to Giving life a try. Sure, I have regrets on How I might of handled the situation, but look at it this way... I've tried it, I've done it, and if given the chance again... I might even be successful this time! Those that never tried? Never had the chance for Victory!
I'm not saying YOU have to move to Hollywood and try acting... but maybe I am... You can take calculated risks, and we can prepare for our journeys...Whether it be creating a relationship with the Lord, whether it be starting a new job, or whether it be meeting a new partner... I ask everyone the same... "Is this where You want to be?"... Have You stopped to ponder your life right now? I call it Living on Purpose... Catchy, right?
My faith in God allows me not only opportunities, but strength in stepping out of the boat. I cannot fear TRYING Life. I can be scared of the results, but it shouldn't a deterrent for not trying. And I should be wise enough to stop and ponder the reasoning & results! What now? What mark will you leave? What COULD Your life hold? For me, I seek the path of my creator that I might not carry the burden as much. But I step out in Life, in Faith and in Victory! Whether I am successful or Not! Because it's the Effort that already made me a winner! Come on... Let's do this!!
Good Day & God Bless,
Chris
Life is a journey, thus we have a choice... to stand in one spot, and waste away, or to step forward in life seeking opportunities to LIVE while we can! Time ticks, life goes on, regardless of circumstances. 200 years ago, 2000 years ago, people struggled with the same issues, just different details. Our jobs will be filled or reclassified once we're gone... So, I ask... What are You doing Now?
We've all heard of living for today... the "What If?" scenario... But what if (hehehe) I asked You what are You leaving behind? Or what did you miss out on? What didn't You do? What was something You wanted to do, that now has passed and the opportunity is been given to another. I have lived a full life myself, and have few regrets in regards to Giving life a try. Sure, I have regrets on How I might of handled the situation, but look at it this way... I've tried it, I've done it, and if given the chance again... I might even be successful this time! Those that never tried? Never had the chance for Victory!
I'm not saying YOU have to move to Hollywood and try acting... but maybe I am... You can take calculated risks, and we can prepare for our journeys...Whether it be creating a relationship with the Lord, whether it be starting a new job, or whether it be meeting a new partner... I ask everyone the same... "Is this where You want to be?"... Have You stopped to ponder your life right now? I call it Living on Purpose... Catchy, right?
My faith in God allows me not only opportunities, but strength in stepping out of the boat. I cannot fear TRYING Life. I can be scared of the results, but it shouldn't a deterrent for not trying. And I should be wise enough to stop and ponder the reasoning & results! What now? What mark will you leave? What COULD Your life hold? For me, I seek the path of my creator that I might not carry the burden as much. But I step out in Life, in Faith and in Victory! Whether I am successful or Not! Because it's the Effort that already made me a winner! Come on... Let's do this!!
Good Day & God Bless,
Chris
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
By Grace...
On a different note,
It's rather ironic, the confidence I can only find in the Lord. I have screwed up so many things, hurt so many people, and yet the Lord continues to use me. By the worlds standards, I would be considered unworthy, damaged goods, and for sure not a reflection of Love & Purity! My favorite passage is 1st Timothy 1:16 for that reason... He isn't looking for perfection, shiny happy people... He's looking for those who need sanctifying, changing, fulfillment, and the utmost grace!!
I failed as a young father, I have failed as a husband, I have failed at pretty much everything "I" tried on my own! This I am willing to stand and say, which again seems a bit unorthodox. This is also the very reason I took me so long to give my heart to the Lord, knowing it was Home for me! I made the worldly, selfish, easy decision to just keep living for me! Thinking I could do it on my own!! Well, let's be honest, we are raised to "Make It" or "Get Through It"... Not to rely on anyone, never mind someone who possibly created Us.
I am a Godly man today, after years of Him choosing me, after years of failing, but also after Years of seeing Him intercede in my life! Over & over! Using me in the most inopportune times!! THAT is what gives me Hope, Faith, and LOVE for my Savior! Not because someone said I should!
I now take on His reflection as my own, ergo my desire and motives have changed... Now I know what it is like to live in Victory!! When I lived for me, all I know was pain, suffering, & unfulfillment. I implore you to keep striving for a relationship with the Lord, to seek our that intimacy which allows His intercession! I don't need to get into the Law, unless You are able to live in the Love by which He chooses to provide! The successes I have are based on the LOVE, Grace, Mercy, Forgiveness, Opportunities, and Reciprocation HE provides! And Only in this revelation will I be able to continue to stand firm in Faith!
Thank You Lord for drawing me in, for investing in me, for putting up with me, and having the patience to let me crawl onto the Path You had before me! It's is Not forgotten!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
It's rather ironic, the confidence I can only find in the Lord. I have screwed up so many things, hurt so many people, and yet the Lord continues to use me. By the worlds standards, I would be considered unworthy, damaged goods, and for sure not a reflection of Love & Purity! My favorite passage is 1st Timothy 1:16 for that reason... He isn't looking for perfection, shiny happy people... He's looking for those who need sanctifying, changing, fulfillment, and the utmost grace!!
I failed as a young father, I have failed as a husband, I have failed at pretty much everything "I" tried on my own! This I am willing to stand and say, which again seems a bit unorthodox. This is also the very reason I took me so long to give my heart to the Lord, knowing it was Home for me! I made the worldly, selfish, easy decision to just keep living for me! Thinking I could do it on my own!! Well, let's be honest, we are raised to "Make It" or "Get Through It"... Not to rely on anyone, never mind someone who possibly created Us.
I am a Godly man today, after years of Him choosing me, after years of failing, but also after Years of seeing Him intercede in my life! Over & over! Using me in the most inopportune times!! THAT is what gives me Hope, Faith, and LOVE for my Savior! Not because someone said I should!
I now take on His reflection as my own, ergo my desire and motives have changed... Now I know what it is like to live in Victory!! When I lived for me, all I know was pain, suffering, & unfulfillment. I implore you to keep striving for a relationship with the Lord, to seek our that intimacy which allows His intercession! I don't need to get into the Law, unless You are able to live in the Love by which He chooses to provide! The successes I have are based on the LOVE, Grace, Mercy, Forgiveness, Opportunities, and Reciprocation HE provides! And Only in this revelation will I be able to continue to stand firm in Faith!
Thank You Lord for drawing me in, for investing in me, for putting up with me, and having the patience to let me crawl onto the Path You had before me! It's is Not forgotten!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
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