On a different note,
I found it almost fitting to speak of attire on this day of Halloween! BOO! Hehehe... You see, we have the ability to put on a facade in life... We can be happy or sad, we can be uplifting or depressing, and we can be sacrificial or selfish! Let's be honest, we all have craziness brewing inside, but the reflection we have in the world around us carries weight!
I was speaking to my wife last night, thinking back to days past when I lived in a different place, and for sure was in a different place mentally, emotionally & spiritually. I told her how different of a person I was, almost hard to fathom. So, my social capital, my personal influence has been transformed. No longer do I seek the validation of others for my self worth, but look to provide Love to those around me. It is a daily choice I must make to begin the process of even being able to do as such. I am human, ergo I fall prey to emotions which affect my daily walk. So, If I do not choose to "put on a happy face", then realistically I won't!
Just like dressing in a costume, I must choose to do so. We must choose who we want to be... daily! Even hourly! We are faulty, carnal, and selfish by nature, so we definitely need to make the choice to go against that at times in order to be a positive, enriching, and inspiring influence to our surroundings! It's funny, cause even as I write this part of me feels a lil like I'm promoting a sort of fake-ness. But that's not it at all... It is a realization of our selfish nature, and that for us to change our lives, our world, and our path we must make a conscious decision!
Think about how much effort goes in to choosing a Halloween costume, and the time, preparation and effort to pull off an incredible idea. You made a choice, well thought out, and had to put it into motion! Well, choosing a new path in life will start off by being an effort... but the more You choose to live a certain way, the more it becomes the norm. Shouldn't we choose and desire to be a positive influence in the world we live? Happy Halloween, I hope it is a fun day for all who participate.. and if You don't, that's great too! Enjoy life by choosing the kind of person You want to be! Allow God to lead and transform, and wake up each day with a purposeful mindset! Much Love!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Identity...
On a different note,
I remember being very small, and watching my mother take out her sketch pad and create. She would draw the most amazing things, and she was always quick to share her Love of art. We'd get art supplies at Christmas, and be encouraged to create during down times (Not watching TV...LOL). It didn't take long for my brother and I to begin expressing ourselves. Whether we were building a go-karts, cabins, drawing or coloring... We seemed to be expressing/creating quite often.
As we venture this life, much time is spent on defining and identifying who we truly are. Seems to be very hard for some people to even get to that point. As you've seen in my writing, I encourage people to begin Now if they haven't already. And to be Ok with stepping out side the box and taking a leap of faith. I also believe it takes time, and that it is something we'll have to seek out and cultivate. We can all look back at pictures of ourselves and say "Oh My, what was I thinking!"... Well, that is how we learn, grow, and prosper. The sad part are some never even try... as human being we easily fall into complacency and routine, which is not all bad. But if we are not pushing ourselves, and growing by choice we become stagnant. We must seek out the Lord, seek out our path, and discover who we are in Him!
My wife Joy had never picked up a paint brush until she was an adult and was willing to step forth and do something different. Something she knew she had inside her. Now she is an accomplished abstract artist, with many accolades in only a few years of painting. Incredible! Why? Cause she was willing to follow her heart, and try something... even if Art wasn't going to be Her thing, she made an effort! 10 years ago or so I made a choice, out of the blue to join a band... No experience, no training, just a desire! Since then I have invested in my craft to the place I am now. Two examples of people stepping out of the box, investing, putting effort and finding a path that was made for us all along!
You will never know your limits until you push them!! You will never know success until you challenge life! And You will never know fulfillment & Love unless YOU seek out the Lord for your sustenance!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
I remember being very small, and watching my mother take out her sketch pad and create. She would draw the most amazing things, and she was always quick to share her Love of art. We'd get art supplies at Christmas, and be encouraged to create during down times (Not watching TV...LOL). It didn't take long for my brother and I to begin expressing ourselves. Whether we were building a go-karts, cabins, drawing or coloring... We seemed to be expressing/creating quite often.
As we venture this life, much time is spent on defining and identifying who we truly are. Seems to be very hard for some people to even get to that point. As you've seen in my writing, I encourage people to begin Now if they haven't already. And to be Ok with stepping out side the box and taking a leap of faith. I also believe it takes time, and that it is something we'll have to seek out and cultivate. We can all look back at pictures of ourselves and say "Oh My, what was I thinking!"... Well, that is how we learn, grow, and prosper. The sad part are some never even try... as human being we easily fall into complacency and routine, which is not all bad. But if we are not pushing ourselves, and growing by choice we become stagnant. We must seek out the Lord, seek out our path, and discover who we are in Him!
My wife Joy had never picked up a paint brush until she was an adult and was willing to step forth and do something different. Something she knew she had inside her. Now she is an accomplished abstract artist, with many accolades in only a few years of painting. Incredible! Why? Cause she was willing to follow her heart, and try something... even if Art wasn't going to be Her thing, she made an effort! 10 years ago or so I made a choice, out of the blue to join a band... No experience, no training, just a desire! Since then I have invested in my craft to the place I am now. Two examples of people stepping out of the box, investing, putting effort and finding a path that was made for us all along!
You will never know your limits until you push them!! You will never know success until you challenge life! And You will never know fulfillment & Love unless YOU seek out the Lord for your sustenance!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Love of Music...
On a different note,
I have come to place in my life which I not only seek the path created for Me, but desire to seek the path God has for me. And it seems the time I am left in awe when I notice the work He is doing in my life. I see things in motion that were started previously, or that I was unaware of in the moment. I find such peace in knowing I am where He wants me. It's also pretty humerus to stop and see that I am now in the category of being a musician. For some reason, I never thought of myself as such... Just a music lover, who loved to sing!!
For me, I am not one for titles... which has also been a part of my sanctification. I do not need to be called anything, I don't need the entitlement that goes with expecting a name. When I was involved in ministry, it was the same way... I am a servant of the Lord, you do not need to call me by a position name. Shoot, I don't even like labels on my water bottles on stage! LOL
I know things are the working of the Lord when they are contrary to the ways of the world. We have been trained to judge by the titles, hierarchy, social status', and so on... If someone doesn't fit the upper echelon of the social order, they are deemed unworthy or not fit for certain circles. As we know, we are all created equal, everyone has their path and gifts to maneuver. Titles lead to entitlement and segregation... and we all know that typically leads to bad news!
So, for me to be an artist, a creator, a performer, singer, and I guess musician... it is a humbling thing to say the least. I LOVE music, I Love sharing my heart, I Love singing, and so on... that is my expression! That allows me the opportunity to share and infuse LOVE into the world! And I give credit to the Lord, because He brought me here... He continues to lead and drag me along...LOL
I feel so fortunate to be where I am at... music or not, I am blessed beyond measure! My desire is for ALL of us to know this Joy!! To find the path made just for us!! I am thankful to know the source!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
I have come to place in my life which I not only seek the path created for Me, but desire to seek the path God has for me. And it seems the time I am left in awe when I notice the work He is doing in my life. I see things in motion that were started previously, or that I was unaware of in the moment. I find such peace in knowing I am where He wants me. It's also pretty humerus to stop and see that I am now in the category of being a musician. For some reason, I never thought of myself as such... Just a music lover, who loved to sing!!
For me, I am not one for titles... which has also been a part of my sanctification. I do not need to be called anything, I don't need the entitlement that goes with expecting a name. When I was involved in ministry, it was the same way... I am a servant of the Lord, you do not need to call me by a position name. Shoot, I don't even like labels on my water bottles on stage! LOL
I know things are the working of the Lord when they are contrary to the ways of the world. We have been trained to judge by the titles, hierarchy, social status', and so on... If someone doesn't fit the upper echelon of the social order, they are deemed unworthy or not fit for certain circles. As we know, we are all created equal, everyone has their path and gifts to maneuver. Titles lead to entitlement and segregation... and we all know that typically leads to bad news!
So, for me to be an artist, a creator, a performer, singer, and I guess musician... it is a humbling thing to say the least. I LOVE music, I Love sharing my heart, I Love singing, and so on... that is my expression! That allows me the opportunity to share and infuse LOVE into the world! And I give credit to the Lord, because He brought me here... He continues to lead and drag me along...LOL
I feel so fortunate to be where I am at... music or not, I am blessed beyond measure! My desire is for ALL of us to know this Joy!! To find the path made just for us!! I am thankful to know the source!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
Monday, October 28, 2013
Tis the Season...
On a different note,
Tis the beginning of the Holiday season, with lots of festive events, holidays and opportunity to show some Love. It is the time of year which most people have the ability to put aside grudges, think of themselves as part of a body of people, and even put others first! It is an indication, reflection and example of how we should be living year round!
Even though this time of year is marred with marketing ploys, considered more of a fiscal windfall; it does seem to have its affect on peoples hearts. One of the biggest lessons I've learned in my walk, is to seek out intent and the reflection of peoples hearts. So in that, this season provides different opportunities to do so.
Whether it's dressing up on Halloween, or spending the day cooking for family, or giving gifts to one another, it's a decision to step outside of the norm... Dressing up for Halloween doesn't typically constitute worshiping the dead or the devil...LOL... Sorry, but this has always been a funny thought to me. Some people just wanna step outside their box once a year and be someone different... is that really a stretch? There are many ways we can find joy in our life... sometimes it's just congregating and finding fellowship with our friends! Just like a Thanksgiving, as we come together and break bread as a group of family & friends who desire to show a sense of unity and thankfulness. And even thought it has become a money making time, Christmas provides traditions, reflection, and opportunity to express Love to those around us. In credible!!
Now, I could of written of the down side in all this... just like everyone else! But, I choose to find the Love in life... find the God in our midst! His concerns are the reflections of our hearts! The expressing of Love to the body! And keeping Him as #1 in our daily lives!! This season just seems to provide more opportunity!
Take this time and cherish the moment with friends, family and loved ones! And see if we can make these aspects habits for the rest of the year!
Good day & God bless!
Chris
Tis the beginning of the Holiday season, with lots of festive events, holidays and opportunity to show some Love. It is the time of year which most people have the ability to put aside grudges, think of themselves as part of a body of people, and even put others first! It is an indication, reflection and example of how we should be living year round!
Even though this time of year is marred with marketing ploys, considered more of a fiscal windfall; it does seem to have its affect on peoples hearts. One of the biggest lessons I've learned in my walk, is to seek out intent and the reflection of peoples hearts. So in that, this season provides different opportunities to do so.
Whether it's dressing up on Halloween, or spending the day cooking for family, or giving gifts to one another, it's a decision to step outside of the norm... Dressing up for Halloween doesn't typically constitute worshiping the dead or the devil...LOL... Sorry, but this has always been a funny thought to me. Some people just wanna step outside their box once a year and be someone different... is that really a stretch? There are many ways we can find joy in our life... sometimes it's just congregating and finding fellowship with our friends! Just like a Thanksgiving, as we come together and break bread as a group of family & friends who desire to show a sense of unity and thankfulness. And even thought it has become a money making time, Christmas provides traditions, reflection, and opportunity to express Love to those around us. In credible!!
Now, I could of written of the down side in all this... just like everyone else! But, I choose to find the Love in life... find the God in our midst! His concerns are the reflections of our hearts! The expressing of Love to the body! And keeping Him as #1 in our daily lives!! This season just seems to provide more opportunity!
Take this time and cherish the moment with friends, family and loved ones! And see if we can make these aspects habits for the rest of the year!
Good day & God bless!
Chris
Friday, October 25, 2013
Go Forth...
On a different note,
I've heard the term "waiting on God" many times in my life. I'm not sure that blanket statement is fitting for most of the time during our walk. I do believe there are quiet times, and spans we'll spend in the desert like Jesus did... and there will be times of perseverance and being steadfast in our plights. But even in those times, we shouldn't be stagnant or complacent in our seeking out the Lord.
The Bible speaks of opening the door and allowing Him in, it speaks of stepping out in Faith, stepping out of the boat... Actions for Us to take first in Faith which allow Him to intercede on our behalf. Those that know me, know that I am more of a re-direct kind of guy! hehehe... I figure I will seek out the Lord, give Him the credit, Glory, honor and focus, and move forward allowing Him to lead. Now, as I stated before, there are times I will seek an answer or direction from Him prior to making an absolute final decision. But even in those situations I am researching, praying, seeking and looking for His hand in the situation.
Look at it like this... are you prepared for His movement in your life? Would You be ready if He brought you the very thing You ask for? Being a believer is and must be reciprocal... meaning, we have our part, and He does His! We cannot deny Christ 95% of the time, then expect Him to drop a check in your mail box... Not that I haven't seen that! But it's the hope and expectation of His intercession that comes from knowing Him! When You life for Him, then You know what He is capable of... and you also know at times No answer, or No movement is actually an answer all together! In that we must find solace! Cause I will say this... If it is His will, it will happen regardless of our desires. Meaning, we must be moving in His direction, preparing for a journey, possibly a flood, or a feast, or even a miracle! He sent His disciples out to the world, telling them to leave their stuff there, that He would provide for them! Go forth and make believers of men!
Go forth in life, your goals, your dreams and your seeking of the Lord... He'll be right next to You!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
I've heard the term "waiting on God" many times in my life. I'm not sure that blanket statement is fitting for most of the time during our walk. I do believe there are quiet times, and spans we'll spend in the desert like Jesus did... and there will be times of perseverance and being steadfast in our plights. But even in those times, we shouldn't be stagnant or complacent in our seeking out the Lord.
The Bible speaks of opening the door and allowing Him in, it speaks of stepping out in Faith, stepping out of the boat... Actions for Us to take first in Faith which allow Him to intercede on our behalf. Those that know me, know that I am more of a re-direct kind of guy! hehehe... I figure I will seek out the Lord, give Him the credit, Glory, honor and focus, and move forward allowing Him to lead. Now, as I stated before, there are times I will seek an answer or direction from Him prior to making an absolute final decision. But even in those situations I am researching, praying, seeking and looking for His hand in the situation.
Look at it like this... are you prepared for His movement in your life? Would You be ready if He brought you the very thing You ask for? Being a believer is and must be reciprocal... meaning, we have our part, and He does His! We cannot deny Christ 95% of the time, then expect Him to drop a check in your mail box... Not that I haven't seen that! But it's the hope and expectation of His intercession that comes from knowing Him! When You life for Him, then You know what He is capable of... and you also know at times No answer, or No movement is actually an answer all together! In that we must find solace! Cause I will say this... If it is His will, it will happen regardless of our desires. Meaning, we must be moving in His direction, preparing for a journey, possibly a flood, or a feast, or even a miracle! He sent His disciples out to the world, telling them to leave their stuff there, that He would provide for them! Go forth and make believers of men!
Go forth in life, your goals, your dreams and your seeking of the Lord... He'll be right next to You!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Punishment...
On a different note,
I have been reminded in the last day or two the weight of even the smallest decisions. The impact just the tiniest choice could make. Without Grace these decisions could be the ruin of Us, our relationships, and those lives of others. It is easy to stand back and assume how we'd handle it, but until You are put in any given situation it's not typically that easy. We are broken, faulty, & selfish by nature... it takes 24/7 focus to counteract this carnality. Which is seemingly an unrealistic task!
The Youtube confessor was sentenced today to 6.5 yrs for killing someone in a drunk driving accident. I've seen stories of people who have run red lights and took the lives of children. I myself was arrested for something I didn't do, but also did not make the best choice in the situation. Split second decisions, some with incredible ramifications. It seems to be society's way to want to take revenge, to refute, to embarrass, to cast out and squash these people. There is no Grace, Love, Forgiveness, Mercy or Understanding provided. There is a difference between punishment and retribution. Jesus was nailed to a cross for sharing the Good News of Salvation. Killed for speaking His heart on something that would be the Greatest gift ever given. We carry that same hatred and desire to hurt each other still today.
For me, the bad decisions I have made, there are many; have led me down the road of understanding Grace. My poor, selfish, & irresponsible decisions have hurt many people. I have seen the wreckage they've caused. We All have to live with our choices... but we all should try and take that into consideration before we bash others for their iniquities.
I've been to death row and saw the heart ache, pain, loneliness, and lowest level of human treatment. Yes, they deserve to be there, and Yes I deserve to reap what I sow, but I also had Grace and empathy in my heart... born of the Love of Christ who died for My sins! Instead of cursing me or judging me, He took the punishment for me that I might know True Love from our Father in Heaven. Again, I'm not saying we let people do as they wish with no repercussions... I'm saying we All make bad decisions, and we ALL should be trying to giving Grace to those around us. I will fail at this, but I know in my heart it is the right way for Us to live!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
I have been reminded in the last day or two the weight of even the smallest decisions. The impact just the tiniest choice could make. Without Grace these decisions could be the ruin of Us, our relationships, and those lives of others. It is easy to stand back and assume how we'd handle it, but until You are put in any given situation it's not typically that easy. We are broken, faulty, & selfish by nature... it takes 24/7 focus to counteract this carnality. Which is seemingly an unrealistic task!
The Youtube confessor was sentenced today to 6.5 yrs for killing someone in a drunk driving accident. I've seen stories of people who have run red lights and took the lives of children. I myself was arrested for something I didn't do, but also did not make the best choice in the situation. Split second decisions, some with incredible ramifications. It seems to be society's way to want to take revenge, to refute, to embarrass, to cast out and squash these people. There is no Grace, Love, Forgiveness, Mercy or Understanding provided. There is a difference between punishment and retribution. Jesus was nailed to a cross for sharing the Good News of Salvation. Killed for speaking His heart on something that would be the Greatest gift ever given. We carry that same hatred and desire to hurt each other still today.
For me, the bad decisions I have made, there are many; have led me down the road of understanding Grace. My poor, selfish, & irresponsible decisions have hurt many people. I have seen the wreckage they've caused. We All have to live with our choices... but we all should try and take that into consideration before we bash others for their iniquities.
I've been to death row and saw the heart ache, pain, loneliness, and lowest level of human treatment. Yes, they deserve to be there, and Yes I deserve to reap what I sow, but I also had Grace and empathy in my heart... born of the Love of Christ who died for My sins! Instead of cursing me or judging me, He took the punishment for me that I might know True Love from our Father in Heaven. Again, I'm not saying we let people do as they wish with no repercussions... I'm saying we All make bad decisions, and we ALL should be trying to giving Grace to those around us. I will fail at this, but I know in my heart it is the right way for Us to live!
Good day & God Bless,
Chris
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
In love...
On a different note,
Have You ever been so in love that you felt you couldn't live without them? That You couldn't breath without their presence? That life wouldn't exist in their absence? True love, sincere Love, and everlasting Love! This type of love has been given to us, a gift from the One who loves Us this much!! I find myself yearning for the Lord presence in my life so much, that I feel this way. It reassures me that I have an intimate relationship with Him, and that He reciprocates! The signs of a healthy relationship... one that can withstand the span of our life time!
Since we are emotional beings we can feel the influx of passion, love, excitement, but even anger, frustration and disappointment. For us to Love someone unconditionally, it would seem impossible... Days my wife and I are at odds, it takes the life from me... My drive is diminished, My focus is blurred, and my heart is aching. Until we reconnect, refocus, and renew our connection there is a void... but we work to keep that bond! and not allow circumstances to dictate the Love we share. This is a goal we should strive for in ALL our relationships... to Love sincerely, to work at it, to protect it, and to always seek to rebuild it in times of strife. You see, the Lord never leaves my side.. I make choices which remove myself from His presence. So, that means it's my responsibility to always go back and reconnect with Him!
On days that things aren't going my way... slow traffic, forgetting things at home, spilling coffee, disagreements, money issues, etc... these all take me down a road of self pity or anger. I'm not thinking of feeling very Godly in those moments! So, I must choose to come back and find the Love of the Lord. Think about it, if Anyone is going to take me away from this, and change my heart or even the situation, who can?
I am in Love with Jesus because of what He has already done and shown me in my life. He loves me when no one else could, He provided when no one else could, and He changed ME even when I tried and failed!
Once You learn the Love of the Lord it is then a road map for how to Love those in your life! We are emotional, thus Love for us wavers... for the Lord, who is Love, He never wavers! So, if your feeling a void, that's where You need to start!! He welcomes ALL!
Good day & God Bless!
Chris
Have You ever been so in love that you felt you couldn't live without them? That You couldn't breath without their presence? That life wouldn't exist in their absence? True love, sincere Love, and everlasting Love! This type of love has been given to us, a gift from the One who loves Us this much!! I find myself yearning for the Lord presence in my life so much, that I feel this way. It reassures me that I have an intimate relationship with Him, and that He reciprocates! The signs of a healthy relationship... one that can withstand the span of our life time!
Since we are emotional beings we can feel the influx of passion, love, excitement, but even anger, frustration and disappointment. For us to Love someone unconditionally, it would seem impossible... Days my wife and I are at odds, it takes the life from me... My drive is diminished, My focus is blurred, and my heart is aching. Until we reconnect, refocus, and renew our connection there is a void... but we work to keep that bond! and not allow circumstances to dictate the Love we share. This is a goal we should strive for in ALL our relationships... to Love sincerely, to work at it, to protect it, and to always seek to rebuild it in times of strife. You see, the Lord never leaves my side.. I make choices which remove myself from His presence. So, that means it's my responsibility to always go back and reconnect with Him!
On days that things aren't going my way... slow traffic, forgetting things at home, spilling coffee, disagreements, money issues, etc... these all take me down a road of self pity or anger. I'm not thinking of feeling very Godly in those moments! So, I must choose to come back and find the Love of the Lord. Think about it, if Anyone is going to take me away from this, and change my heart or even the situation, who can?
I am in Love with Jesus because of what He has already done and shown me in my life. He loves me when no one else could, He provided when no one else could, and He changed ME even when I tried and failed!
Once You learn the Love of the Lord it is then a road map for how to Love those in your life! We are emotional, thus Love for us wavers... for the Lord, who is Love, He never wavers! So, if your feeling a void, that's where You need to start!! He welcomes ALL!
Good day & God Bless!
Chris
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