A couple weeks back I enjoyed watching the Dordt Women's soccer team play at home. It was a well-fought game and it came down to penalty kicks which I had never seen before but enjoyed! Sadly they lost but that's not what this post is about.
As I sat freezing my butt off on the metal bleachers, I observed a group of young men sitting a few seats below me. They were there to watch the game and were generally good-natured. Very friendly with each other, they threw snowballs and tackled each other into the snow, making "impressions".
Speaking of impressions, I also observed a young man sitting about 10 feet away from them. He appeared to be 16 and was quite intent on watching the other boys' activities. I didn't really pay any attention until their conversation took a turn for the immoral! I just sat there in utter amazement as this young, impressionable boy absorbed what I can only assume he thought was "cool behavior". And why shouldn't he think it's cool; the boys are older, confident and in public. It's very natural for this young man to assume that what they're doing is okay.
I'm not judging the college boys, nor do I think it's wrong for a young man to watch other people in public. I can't judge because at the same soccer game I shouted something that was quite inappropriate. Then as I was leaving I had the above recollections which sparked the following questions:
Are we consciously aware of what sort of messages we're sending to others?
Do we constantly rethink our behavior in light of how it might influence the next generation or even our own peers?
Do we care more about ourselves and having fun than we care about encouraging others and showing Christ to others?
I ask these questions as someone who's just as guilty as anybody else. Like the motto of my website says "We've all got our wild (and perhaps sinful) side. Figured you might want to hear about mine...and maybe learn from it! We've all got a place in God's world. Figured you might want to hear about mine...and maybe learn from it!"
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
Kim And I's Latest Favorite Song!
"Suspension"
Lately I'm alright
And lately I'm not scared
I've figured out
That what you do to me feels like
I'm floating on air
I don't need to know right now
All I know is I believe
In the very thing that got us here
And now I can't leave
Say anything, but say what you mean
'cause I'm caught in suspension
Now,
I'm wanting this for sure
And I'll beg for nothing more
I'll plan all day and drive all night
You'll love what's in store
I can't seem to stop this now
Even if it's not so clear
And I'll take what I can get
If you want me here
Say anything, but say what you mean.
When you whisper you want this
Your eyes tell the same
We are gaining speed
I can barely breathe
'cause I'm caught in suspension
It's enough for me to get excited
It's enough for me to feel...wooooooah oooh oh oh oh
Say anything, but say what you mean
When you whisper you want this
Your eyes tell the same
Say Anything
But say what you mean
I'm caught in suspension
I'm caught in suspension
Picking up speed
I can barely breathe
I'm caught in suspension
I'm caught in suspension
Say anything
But say what you mean
I'm caught in suspension
Lately I'm alright
And lately I'm not scared
I've figured out
That what you do to me feels like
I'm floating on air
I don't need to know right now
All I know is I believe
In the very thing that got us here
And now I can't leave
Say anything, but say what you mean
'cause I'm caught in suspension
Now,
I'm wanting this for sure
And I'll beg for nothing more
I'll plan all day and drive all night
You'll love what's in store
I can't seem to stop this now
Even if it's not so clear
And I'll take what I can get
If you want me here
Say anything, but say what you mean.
When you whisper you want this
Your eyes tell the same
We are gaining speed
I can barely breathe
'cause I'm caught in suspension
It's enough for me to get excited
It's enough for me to feel...wooooooah oooh oh oh oh
Say anything, but say what you mean
When you whisper you want this
Your eyes tell the same
Say Anything
But say what you mean
I'm caught in suspension
I'm caught in suspension
Picking up speed
I can barely breathe
I'm caught in suspension
I'm caught in suspension
Say anything
But say what you mean
I'm caught in suspension
Monday, September 1, 2008
...such small sacrifice...
LifeLight=Amazing for every reason imaginable: reunited friends, awesome bands worshipping God and a great atmosphere in general.
We sang and danced all night. Our bodies were definitely in motion and it was sweet! As we listened to Natalie Grant sing, she was all about the "put your hands in the air." It was sweet to see everybody doing it and having a good time, too. But then I noticed my own hands in the air for songs to which I didn't know the words. I found myself questioning my motives for raising my hands. Yes, it was good for me to worship with the rest of the people around me. It was truly a beautiful picture of the body of Christ worshipping instead of individuals worshipping.
But then Casting Crowns came out to sing. I know their songs. I love their songs, both musically and lyrically. They speak to me about things I've always known but in ways I've never considered. Their song "Lifesong" is (pardon my French) FRICKIN' AMAZING!! I love what this song says and I love the tune and I knew I would raise my hands for this song. But the words of the songs speak directly to that act of raising the hands.
Empty hands held high
Such small sacrifice
If not joined with my life
I sing in vain tonight
May the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You
Chorus:Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign your name to the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You
Lord, I give my life
A living sacrifice
To reach a world in need
To be Your hands and feet
So may the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to you
After raising my hands for no apparent reason during Natalie Grant and after hearing and loving that song so much, I couldn't help but think, "Why do we so easily follow the leader in church but never outside of church?" In other words, at a Christian concert with thousands of believers and a great artist singing, we raise our hands as soon as we're asked. But, and I'm speaking primarily about myself, when we leave that Christ-focused arena and enter the "real" world, do we offer the rest of our bodies as living sacrifices? Why must we only be church-people on Sunday? Why can't we follow the other things the leaders/singers say such as giving up that big sin in our life or getting out of our comfort zone for Christ?
One of the hardest things I wrestle with is how to be a Christian when I'm around those who aren't Christians. If I can raise my hands in worship at a concert for no reason, then why can't I worship after the concert for a GREAT reason: Jesus.
My comfort zone has been broken recently. I realize now that all those times I've said "no" to God about doing a mission trip in a foreign country was a stupid thing to say. God has different plans for me. It's not about me and my comfort zone. So many times I've heard speakers and singers mention that giving yourself as a living sacrifice is mandatory as a believer. So many times I've raised my hands in acknowledgment of that fact but failed to follow it after that time is over.
Just so you know, I'll be doing a foreign mission trip sometime in the future. Sooner than later.
I gotta let my lifesong sing!
We gotta let our lifesongs sing!
We sang and danced all night. Our bodies were definitely in motion and it was sweet! As we listened to Natalie Grant sing, she was all about the "put your hands in the air." It was sweet to see everybody doing it and having a good time, too. But then I noticed my own hands in the air for songs to which I didn't know the words. I found myself questioning my motives for raising my hands. Yes, it was good for me to worship with the rest of the people around me. It was truly a beautiful picture of the body of Christ worshipping instead of individuals worshipping.
But then Casting Crowns came out to sing. I know their songs. I love their songs, both musically and lyrically. They speak to me about things I've always known but in ways I've never considered. Their song "Lifesong" is (pardon my French) FRICKIN' AMAZING!! I love what this song says and I love the tune and I knew I would raise my hands for this song. But the words of the songs speak directly to that act of raising the hands.
Empty hands held high
Such small sacrifice
If not joined with my life
I sing in vain tonight
May the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You
Chorus:Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign your name to the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You
Lord, I give my life
A living sacrifice
To reach a world in need
To be Your hands and feet
So may the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to you
After raising my hands for no apparent reason during Natalie Grant and after hearing and loving that song so much, I couldn't help but think, "Why do we so easily follow the leader in church but never outside of church?" In other words, at a Christian concert with thousands of believers and a great artist singing, we raise our hands as soon as we're asked. But, and I'm speaking primarily about myself, when we leave that Christ-focused arena and enter the "real" world, do we offer the rest of our bodies as living sacrifices? Why must we only be church-people on Sunday? Why can't we follow the other things the leaders/singers say such as giving up that big sin in our life or getting out of our comfort zone for Christ?
One of the hardest things I wrestle with is how to be a Christian when I'm around those who aren't Christians. If I can raise my hands in worship at a concert for no reason, then why can't I worship after the concert for a GREAT reason: Jesus.
My comfort zone has been broken recently. I realize now that all those times I've said "no" to God about doing a mission trip in a foreign country was a stupid thing to say. God has different plans for me. It's not about me and my comfort zone. So many times I've heard speakers and singers mention that giving yourself as a living sacrifice is mandatory as a believer. So many times I've raised my hands in acknowledgment of that fact but failed to follow it after that time is over.
Just so you know, I'll be doing a foreign mission trip sometime in the future. Sooner than later.
I gotta let my lifesong sing!
We gotta let our lifesongs sing!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Hearts And Minds
We all love music, I'd dare say. We probably all have that one song that truly defines us, too. Music has been around a while and I'm assuming it'll continue to be written, recorded and performed until...well, the end of this world.
I encountered one such instance of music being performed last night. It was the Switchfoot concert at LifeLight in Sioux Falls. I've listenend to Switchfoot's music. I have one of their CDs. It's a good one and they sang some of those familiar songs last night. Songs that I put under the title of "Trevor's Life-Songs" Soundtrack and if you know me, you'll know that there's a song by Casting Crowns which is the title track of my soundtrack :)
As I was at the concert, the lead singer was talking about a song which spoke about the American Dream. Then he talked about politics and presidents. Then he said, "This next song is about the true leader of the nation." And then my thoughts went with it. In the realm of music, there is a war going on. It's not fought with bullets but with beats. There are no armies, just albums. There's rarely peace; just "pausing". The aim of this war: the hearts and minds of everyone but the target audience seems to be youth.
There are 4 battlefronts, at least in my mind:
1) Christian music fighting for Christian hearts and minds
2) Christian music fighting for non-Christian hearts and minds
3) Secular music fighting for Christian hearts and minds
4) Secular music fighting for non-Christian hearts and minds
1) Although I can't say for sure, I'm ASSUMING that all Christian music is safe to listen to and will not lead anyone away from Christ or understanding who He is. There may be some theological differences, and depending on what those differences are, they probably aren't enough to distract away from the point of Christian music: to worship and glorify God. So this battle front is winning, in my opinion.
2) It's on the radio. It's just a turn of the dial away. It's in the music stores ready to be purchased. There are varying styles enticing varying personalities of people. Again, my assumption is that more Christians purchase and listen to Christian music than non-Christians. But I'm not sure what else the Christian artists can do to get the non-Christians to listen to their music. It's not a lost cause but as a Christian, it's hard for me to take on the perspective of a non-Christian.
3) I listen to a lot of secular music. It's mainly country, rap, hip-hop and top-40. Here's my issue with this music: yeah, it doesn't always include lyrics which reflect the Christian life but as Christians, we need to listen with a discerning ear. I think it's okay to hear these songs as long as we understand that what they're singing needs to be put through a filter so it doesn't motivate us to actually change our lifestyle. Granted, there are some songs which are highly uplifting and even mention God or Jesus. But is it truly okay to listen to these songs? The radio is free so it's not like you financially support those non-Christian artists. These artists are truly talented and I feel that they ought to use their spiritual gifts of singing/playing to support themselves. But ought Christians put their dollars towards support non-Christian messages? It's a grey area and I'm not going to say one way or the other but I'm just throwing it out there.
4) There is a very dangerous song out there. It's dangerous for all of us, me included. I love this song because it's catchy and well written and fun to listen to. I hate this song because the messaage is this: one-night-stands are okay. The song is "Lookin' For A Good Time" by Lady Antebellum, a country group. I suggest listening to the song because it's very interesting. I listen to this song with a discerning ear; I know one-night-stands are wrong for several reasons. But what about the non-Christian audience? Do they have a discerning ear? It's possible they do but if they don't, then this song becomes a free-pass to a "good time".
The other issue with #4 is artists that sing/write these songs are very bold to distribue such songs. How comfortable with the lyrics do you have to be to write it, sing it and then send it out into the world and have everyone who hears it know that you "support" what the lyrcs say?! Don't you have to truly believe in what you're singing in order to sing it? And even if you don't agree with it and sing it anyway, you are essentially putting your stamp of approval on the message in that song. And those without a discerning ear recognize this and then they think it's okay to believe what the music says.
We've got a war to fight, people. Personally, I write a lot of music that I want to give to secular artists. My lyrics reflect Biblical principles. They are uplifting and positive. They acurately portray a Christian life which isn't always happy-go-lucky but is a blessing every day we live. I want to overflow the music stores with secular music with a Christian message.
There are a lot of unchurched people who get their "sermons" from the radio.
But who's preaching to them?
Who's preaching to you?
I encountered one such instance of music being performed last night. It was the Switchfoot concert at LifeLight in Sioux Falls. I've listenend to Switchfoot's music. I have one of their CDs. It's a good one and they sang some of those familiar songs last night. Songs that I put under the title of "Trevor's Life-Songs" Soundtrack and if you know me, you'll know that there's a song by Casting Crowns which is the title track of my soundtrack :)
As I was at the concert, the lead singer was talking about a song which spoke about the American Dream. Then he talked about politics and presidents. Then he said, "This next song is about the true leader of the nation." And then my thoughts went with it. In the realm of music, there is a war going on. It's not fought with bullets but with beats. There are no armies, just albums. There's rarely peace; just "pausing". The aim of this war: the hearts and minds of everyone but the target audience seems to be youth.
There are 4 battlefronts, at least in my mind:
1) Christian music fighting for Christian hearts and minds
2) Christian music fighting for non-Christian hearts and minds
3) Secular music fighting for Christian hearts and minds
4) Secular music fighting for non-Christian hearts and minds
1) Although I can't say for sure, I'm ASSUMING that all Christian music is safe to listen to and will not lead anyone away from Christ or understanding who He is. There may be some theological differences, and depending on what those differences are, they probably aren't enough to distract away from the point of Christian music: to worship and glorify God. So this battle front is winning, in my opinion.
2) It's on the radio. It's just a turn of the dial away. It's in the music stores ready to be purchased. There are varying styles enticing varying personalities of people. Again, my assumption is that more Christians purchase and listen to Christian music than non-Christians. But I'm not sure what else the Christian artists can do to get the non-Christians to listen to their music. It's not a lost cause but as a Christian, it's hard for me to take on the perspective of a non-Christian.
3) I listen to a lot of secular music. It's mainly country, rap, hip-hop and top-40. Here's my issue with this music: yeah, it doesn't always include lyrics which reflect the Christian life but as Christians, we need to listen with a discerning ear. I think it's okay to hear these songs as long as we understand that what they're singing needs to be put through a filter so it doesn't motivate us to actually change our lifestyle. Granted, there are some songs which are highly uplifting and even mention God or Jesus. But is it truly okay to listen to these songs? The radio is free so it's not like you financially support those non-Christian artists. These artists are truly talented and I feel that they ought to use their spiritual gifts of singing/playing to support themselves. But ought Christians put their dollars towards support non-Christian messages? It's a grey area and I'm not going to say one way or the other but I'm just throwing it out there.
4) There is a very dangerous song out there. It's dangerous for all of us, me included. I love this song because it's catchy and well written and fun to listen to. I hate this song because the messaage is this: one-night-stands are okay. The song is "Lookin' For A Good Time" by Lady Antebellum, a country group. I suggest listening to the song because it's very interesting. I listen to this song with a discerning ear; I know one-night-stands are wrong for several reasons. But what about the non-Christian audience? Do they have a discerning ear? It's possible they do but if they don't, then this song becomes a free-pass to a "good time".
The other issue with #4 is artists that sing/write these songs are very bold to distribue such songs. How comfortable with the lyrics do you have to be to write it, sing it and then send it out into the world and have everyone who hears it know that you "support" what the lyrcs say?! Don't you have to truly believe in what you're singing in order to sing it? And even if you don't agree with it and sing it anyway, you are essentially putting your stamp of approval on the message in that song. And those without a discerning ear recognize this and then they think it's okay to believe what the music says.
We've got a war to fight, people. Personally, I write a lot of music that I want to give to secular artists. My lyrics reflect Biblical principles. They are uplifting and positive. They acurately portray a Christian life which isn't always happy-go-lucky but is a blessing every day we live. I want to overflow the music stores with secular music with a Christian message.
There are a lot of unchurched people who get their "sermons" from the radio.
But who's preaching to them?
Who's preaching to you?
Friday, August 29, 2008
On The Journey...
WAVING
I traveled to work this morning, as usual. It wasn't anything special but I was in a particularly great mood! Anyway, as I traversed the roads I've come to know and love I was waving (lifting my pointer finger) to everyone who passed me. It's a Kansas thing, I suppose but I've transplanted it to good ol' Iowa. My hope was and still is that everyone I meet will wave back in some fashion. Most people don't wave back and that's fine. They don't HAVE to. But my reasons for doing it are listed here. Although the people I pass don't know why I wave, I think it would be good for you to read this so you know why I do it.
1. It's Kansas tradition. People are constantly waving in Kansas. Not everybody, but several folks. Maybe it's the small town that makes it easier to identify who you're actually waving at and therefore makes you more willing to do so. So, I've grown up with it and it's become a habit, which leads me to the next reason.
2. It's a habit. It's a good thing to keep in mind as I'm driving in my car. I've done it for so long, I hardly think about it; it's instinct. Plus how much effort could it take to literally "lift a finger"? Little to none!!
3. It's selfless. Granted, it takes little to no effort but for that split second I'm thinking more of another person than I'm thinking of myself. I think that's a good thing plus it's easy to do so why not try it? Sure, it's not in Scripture: "Thou shalt be selfless and wave at people." but it definitely is a small way to put selflessness into practice.
Just think if we all practiced a selfless habit which let others know we were thinking about them, even if we don't know them!!
Also on the way back from work I noticed two motorcycles pass each other. I've seen riders stick their hands out and down towards the road to signal to each other. I guess it's just a motorcycle-riding-thing...who knows! But this particular time only one rider waved. I felt bad for the rider who waved and got nothing in return...
SINGING
It was such a blessing this morning. I was stopped at the light trying to listen to the words of the Christian song on the radio. I had heard the song previously but never listened to the words. A car pulled along side me and I glanced at the driver. She was singing to herself and I couldn't help but notice that her mouth appeared to be singing the same lyrics as I was hearing in the song. Then I realized they WERE the same lyrics! Same station! And while that might have been cool if we were in the middle of nowhere, I loved it because she knew the words! The song might have been meaningful to me but how much MORE was it meaningful to her! And that's really what worshipping God is all about, right? We might know the words to songs and love them dearly (whether for the tune or the lyrics) but in the end, it's not about us! It's not even about the people next to us or around the world! It's about glorifying God with what we sing and why we sing it! I'm going to LifeLight this weekend. It's my first time there since I was a wee-little-freshman! At camp this summer it was Christian music all the time! I played drums for morning chapels and listened to songs while the kids came into the chapel! It grew on me and I realized that listening to Christian music was not only fun but it helped me through the day! So now I'm lovin' it and listenin' to it ALL the time! And while I'm thankful it motivates me, I'm even more glad that it glorifies God! I can't wait to see thousands of people (a total number of people MORE than attended Obama's speech last night!) worshipping the TRUE leader of this nation! It's gonna be amazing! See you there!
I traveled to work this morning, as usual. It wasn't anything special but I was in a particularly great mood! Anyway, as I traversed the roads I've come to know and love I was waving (lifting my pointer finger) to everyone who passed me. It's a Kansas thing, I suppose but I've transplanted it to good ol' Iowa. My hope was and still is that everyone I meet will wave back in some fashion. Most people don't wave back and that's fine. They don't HAVE to. But my reasons for doing it are listed here. Although the people I pass don't know why I wave, I think it would be good for you to read this so you know why I do it.
1. It's Kansas tradition. People are constantly waving in Kansas. Not everybody, but several folks. Maybe it's the small town that makes it easier to identify who you're actually waving at and therefore makes you more willing to do so. So, I've grown up with it and it's become a habit, which leads me to the next reason.
2. It's a habit. It's a good thing to keep in mind as I'm driving in my car. I've done it for so long, I hardly think about it; it's instinct. Plus how much effort could it take to literally "lift a finger"? Little to none!!
3. It's selfless. Granted, it takes little to no effort but for that split second I'm thinking more of another person than I'm thinking of myself. I think that's a good thing plus it's easy to do so why not try it? Sure, it's not in Scripture: "Thou shalt be selfless and wave at people." but it definitely is a small way to put selflessness into practice.
Just think if we all practiced a selfless habit which let others know we were thinking about them, even if we don't know them!!
Also on the way back from work I noticed two motorcycles pass each other. I've seen riders stick their hands out and down towards the road to signal to each other. I guess it's just a motorcycle-riding-thing...who knows! But this particular time only one rider waved. I felt bad for the rider who waved and got nothing in return...
SINGING
It was such a blessing this morning. I was stopped at the light trying to listen to the words of the Christian song on the radio. I had heard the song previously but never listened to the words. A car pulled along side me and I glanced at the driver. She was singing to herself and I couldn't help but notice that her mouth appeared to be singing the same lyrics as I was hearing in the song. Then I realized they WERE the same lyrics! Same station! And while that might have been cool if we were in the middle of nowhere, I loved it because she knew the words! The song might have been meaningful to me but how much MORE was it meaningful to her! And that's really what worshipping God is all about, right? We might know the words to songs and love them dearly (whether for the tune or the lyrics) but in the end, it's not about us! It's not even about the people next to us or around the world! It's about glorifying God with what we sing and why we sing it! I'm going to LifeLight this weekend. It's my first time there since I was a wee-little-freshman! At camp this summer it was Christian music all the time! I played drums for morning chapels and listened to songs while the kids came into the chapel! It grew on me and I realized that listening to Christian music was not only fun but it helped me through the day! So now I'm lovin' it and listenin' to it ALL the time! And while I'm thankful it motivates me, I'm even more glad that it glorifies God! I can't wait to see thousands of people (a total number of people MORE than attended Obama's speech last night!) worshipping the TRUE leader of this nation! It's gonna be amazing! See you there!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Self-fulfilling Prophecy
If I write a blog stating that this year will be one of transition, odds are I'll think it's a prayer and then if it's a prayer God is sure to answer it in some fashion. I'm not sure how I feel about this. I've never liked transitions, unless of course they're easy and/or selfish ones. I'd prefer the easy ones. I'd prefer the ones where everything is laid out and recognizable. There have been times where hard decisions during transition times are easier to make because of the signs being shown.
Such as when I was failing my science classes at Dordt, I began to question God's call on my life to do clinical laboratory science. I began to understand that He wanted me to do ministry but I wasn't sure. I kept looking for signs. I begged and pleaded and prayed to Him that He might reveal His Will. It finally came down to that one day when I went to the registrar to ask about how to change majors and how my classes would work out. The registrar's secretary and I had been talking for a while and she finally just asked me, "Do you want to change your major?" It hit me then that I did want to change to ministry and I've never looked back.
Also during transition points you are torn between tradition and the comfortability that comes with it and the future and uncertainty that comes with it. They are both positive things. I could stay around Sioux Center and work for Hope Haven all my life. I could try to get a job at Dordt doing spiritual guidance and counseling. Those would be the easy choices. The hard choices involve moving and getting a place of my own and getting a real job that I may or may not be great at.
One way I've legitimately justified waiting around to make the transition is this: spiritual strength. I know the story of salvation and I can put Scripture into good words for sermons and messages. But I don't truly KNOW Scripture. I met some amazing people this summer who have memorized parts of Scripture for various reasons. But here's the thing: no matter why they memorized it, they can still apply those memorized verses to numerous situations during their days. It's an amazing thing to not only look to Scripture when you have a sermon in mind but it's more amazing to know Scripture and let it lead your day and actions.
I think that's the transition that needs to happen: take my faith seriously by having outwardly actions. For 5 years at Dordt I studied the Bible for all my classes and I absorbed it. That was truly a good thing because what I believed was detailed on a daily basis. But on a daily basis, did I feed myself by reading Scripture just for the sake of reading it? Did I meditate on it for my own life rather than for journals? Did I learn to LOVE reading the Bible? Did my prayer journal get filled twice a day? No. I truly believe that before I do any sort of full-time ministry I ought to come to that level of spirituality.
Pray that I might reach that level in God's timing and with His blessing.
Such as when I was failing my science classes at Dordt, I began to question God's call on my life to do clinical laboratory science. I began to understand that He wanted me to do ministry but I wasn't sure. I kept looking for signs. I begged and pleaded and prayed to Him that He might reveal His Will. It finally came down to that one day when I went to the registrar to ask about how to change majors and how my classes would work out. The registrar's secretary and I had been talking for a while and she finally just asked me, "Do you want to change your major?" It hit me then that I did want to change to ministry and I've never looked back.
Also during transition points you are torn between tradition and the comfortability that comes with it and the future and uncertainty that comes with it. They are both positive things. I could stay around Sioux Center and work for Hope Haven all my life. I could try to get a job at Dordt doing spiritual guidance and counseling. Those would be the easy choices. The hard choices involve moving and getting a place of my own and getting a real job that I may or may not be great at.
One way I've legitimately justified waiting around to make the transition is this: spiritual strength. I know the story of salvation and I can put Scripture into good words for sermons and messages. But I don't truly KNOW Scripture. I met some amazing people this summer who have memorized parts of Scripture for various reasons. But here's the thing: no matter why they memorized it, they can still apply those memorized verses to numerous situations during their days. It's an amazing thing to not only look to Scripture when you have a sermon in mind but it's more amazing to know Scripture and let it lead your day and actions.
I think that's the transition that needs to happen: take my faith seriously by having outwardly actions. For 5 years at Dordt I studied the Bible for all my classes and I absorbed it. That was truly a good thing because what I believed was detailed on a daily basis. But on a daily basis, did I feed myself by reading Scripture just for the sake of reading it? Did I meditate on it for my own life rather than for journals? Did I learn to LOVE reading the Bible? Did my prayer journal get filled twice a day? No. I truly believe that before I do any sort of full-time ministry I ought to come to that level of spirituality.
Pray that I might reach that level in God's timing and with His blessing.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Chick Flick and Chick Sunglasses
I completed several chores today...much to my chagrin. Then tonight I had a "date" with my friends Brianna and Jamie. Went to go see "Made of Honor" which was glorious. Had a good time cringing and laughing and hoping...
Then Brianna and I ventured to Wal-Mart so I could purchase a set of sweet white sunglasses. From the girls' section...ya know...those pimp-lookin' ones that EVERY girl wears nowadays.
Anyway, got me a pair and they're nice. Can't wait to wear them all summer and have the kids laugh at me for being a huge dork!
Then Brianna and I ventured to Wal-Mart so I could purchase a set of sweet white sunglasses. From the girls' section...ya know...those pimp-lookin' ones that EVERY girl wears nowadays.
Anyway, got me a pair and they're nice. Can't wait to wear them all summer and have the kids laugh at me for being a huge dork!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Back from the dead
Yes, I'm still alive. Just took a break, I guess. School got to be a bit overbearing and I had to cut out something.
But an interesting event yesterday got me thinking I ought to get back to blogging. I was driving to my workplace south of Rock Valley. I've been working there for nearly a year, taking the same road most days to and from. I've enjoyed seeing the Christian signs declaring "Jesus is my Master. Who is yours?" or other ones regarding abortion. But there was one sign at an intersection which I've missed until just yesterday. A small sign, yet still significant. It says "Litter control this mile done by Niessink Group Home" My workplace cleans this ditch? Who the heck knew that????? Not only had I missed the sign but nobody had ever mentioned it to me. That's fine, I guess. I still find it intruguing.
There's another sign about a town north of Sioux Center that I always see but I won't blog about it. I'm planning on writing a song about it. Look for that sometime later.
In the meantime, wish me luck in the last few weeks of school. It's definitely crunch time and I'm sick of crunching, as it were. It'll be over soon and sometimes I wish there was more time.
But an interesting event yesterday got me thinking I ought to get back to blogging. I was driving to my workplace south of Rock Valley. I've been working there for nearly a year, taking the same road most days to and from. I've enjoyed seeing the Christian signs declaring "Jesus is my Master. Who is yours?" or other ones regarding abortion. But there was one sign at an intersection which I've missed until just yesterday. A small sign, yet still significant. It says "Litter control this mile done by Niessink Group Home" My workplace cleans this ditch? Who the heck knew that????? Not only had I missed the sign but nobody had ever mentioned it to me. That's fine, I guess. I still find it intruguing.
There's another sign about a town north of Sioux Center that I always see but I won't blog about it. I'm planning on writing a song about it. Look for that sometime later.
In the meantime, wish me luck in the last few weeks of school. It's definitely crunch time and I'm sick of crunching, as it were. It'll be over soon and sometimes I wish there was more time.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Underdogs
If you just watched the SuperBowl as I did, then you know all about underdogs. The New York Giants had a great season, shadowed by the Patriots' undefeated season. Granted, I wasn't exactly fanatic, watching every game I could or focusing on a particular team. I watched the Chiefs until their season was done and then watched more of the games because the hype began about the Patriots.
I cheered for the Giants for the following reason: the underdogs winning is a parallel story to the story of Scripture.
SUPERPOWERS
Patriots
They were undefeated going into the SuperBowl. They were assumed to win, as they had proved themselves to be powerful and victorious. It's obvious that they were a good solid team. I don't doubt this.
Rome
They were the superpower of the world. Prosperous and widespread. Just as with the Patriots, I don't exactly know all the details of their reign, but Rome was powerful, no doubt about it.
UNDERDOGS
Giants
They had a great season, but it wasn't perfect. They had legitimate claims to their potential but next to the perfection of the Patriots, they paled in comparison.
Jesus
He led a great life. He claimed to be the son of God; a blasphemous claim. Compared to the rule of the Romans, his future reign of the kingdom paled in comparison.
BUT LOOK WHO WON!! JESUS MAY HAVE BEEN VIEWED AS THE WEAKER POWER, BUT HE WAS ONLY VIEWED TO BE SUCH. HE WAS, IN FACT, THE MORE DOMINANT 'TEAM' AND HE KICKED SO MUCH TAIL!
I'm lucky; I was born into a Christian family. It was easy for me to recognize God as the eventual overall winner of the world. For you, you may perceive it as a bad choice to leave the power behind and accept Christ.
God loved you enough to set up a story to prove it to you. He may even have led the Giants to win so that we could see that power isn't everything. He loved you then and He loves you now.
I cheered for the Giants and I cheer for Jesus.
Who's team are you on?
I cheered for the Giants for the following reason: the underdogs winning is a parallel story to the story of Scripture.
SUPERPOWERS
Patriots
They were undefeated going into the SuperBowl. They were assumed to win, as they had proved themselves to be powerful and victorious. It's obvious that they were a good solid team. I don't doubt this.
Rome
They were the superpower of the world. Prosperous and widespread. Just as with the Patriots, I don't exactly know all the details of their reign, but Rome was powerful, no doubt about it.
UNDERDOGS
Giants
They had a great season, but it wasn't perfect. They had legitimate claims to their potential but next to the perfection of the Patriots, they paled in comparison.
Jesus
He led a great life. He claimed to be the son of God; a blasphemous claim. Compared to the rule of the Romans, his future reign of the kingdom paled in comparison.
BUT LOOK WHO WON!! JESUS MAY HAVE BEEN VIEWED AS THE WEAKER POWER, BUT HE WAS ONLY VIEWED TO BE SUCH. HE WAS, IN FACT, THE MORE DOMINANT 'TEAM' AND HE KICKED SO MUCH TAIL!
I'm lucky; I was born into a Christian family. It was easy for me to recognize God as the eventual overall winner of the world. For you, you may perceive it as a bad choice to leave the power behind and accept Christ.
God loved you enough to set up a story to prove it to you. He may even have led the Giants to win so that we could see that power isn't everything. He loved you then and He loves you now.
I cheered for the Giants and I cheer for Jesus.
Who's team are you on?
Friday, February 1, 2008
Ultimates and Ultimatums
ULTIMATUMS
I've made a few hard-to-keep ultimatums with myself. It's been a year since I've knowingly or purposely drank alcohol. That's been a very good personal decision. I don't picture myself finding a positive reason to drink again. I won't lie to you; every now and then I really desire to have a beer. Just remember that denying those things that you feel you need is a way to glorify God.
A harder ultimatum to keep is cursing. I find no positive reason to curse or use inappropriate or unnecessary language. It truly is unnecessary, even if the situation may dictate it. Most situations could be funnier if they involved cursing which is a huge temptation for me. I love making people laugh.
ULTIMATES
The ultimate after-graduation situation
1. Form a rag-tag country group to tour around and play small shows and bars.
1a. Being the lead singer/guitarist of said-group.
1b. Learning how to sing and play guitar better and at a semi-professional level.
1c. Learning to write the melodies/harmonies to go along with the lyrics I write.
2. Spend the nights hanging out with random people I meet in various cities.
2a. Encourage these people to accept the semi-hidden Christian message in our songs.
3. Use the rest of my free time to write.
3a. Write plays with Christian messages for Dordt's theatre department (and other dept's)
3b. Write movies with Christian messages for Hollywood
3c. Write books with Christian messages for America so that we can actually become a light to the world.
3d. Use my writing to change the world.
I've made a few hard-to-keep ultimatums with myself. It's been a year since I've knowingly or purposely drank alcohol. That's been a very good personal decision. I don't picture myself finding a positive reason to drink again. I won't lie to you; every now and then I really desire to have a beer. Just remember that denying those things that you feel you need is a way to glorify God.
A harder ultimatum to keep is cursing. I find no positive reason to curse or use inappropriate or unnecessary language. It truly is unnecessary, even if the situation may dictate it. Most situations could be funnier if they involved cursing which is a huge temptation for me. I love making people laugh.
ULTIMATES
The ultimate after-graduation situation
1. Form a rag-tag country group to tour around and play small shows and bars.
1a. Being the lead singer/guitarist of said-group.
1b. Learning how to sing and play guitar better and at a semi-professional level.
1c. Learning to write the melodies/harmonies to go along with the lyrics I write.
2. Spend the nights hanging out with random people I meet in various cities.
2a. Encourage these people to accept the semi-hidden Christian message in our songs.
3. Use the rest of my free time to write.
3a. Write plays with Christian messages for Dordt's theatre department (and other dept's)
3b. Write movies with Christian messages for Hollywood
3c. Write books with Christian messages for America so that we can actually become a light to the world.
3d. Use my writing to change the world.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Debby In Winterland
I still remember the day I found out that I could bark like a dog. Not just any bark, but a realistic bark. Since then, this little quirk has followed me like a shadow. "Bark!" here and "Arf" there. And I've accepted the role and taken it seriously at times.
I still remember the day when I first watched Alice in Wonderland. Just another Disney movie about a girl minding her own business on a riverbank and winds up chasing a white rabbit down a hole. Tumbling and tossing into the Wonderland, Alice finds herself without a lot of control of the situations around her. One wonders at the moral of the story and whether it's actually more than just a dream.
I still remember the day when I first chased a rabbit on Dordt's campus, barking like a dog. It definitely attracted attention and caught my friends off guard.
What is my proverbial rabbit? What am I chasing? (If you know me, it's not a hard question) But the conclusion I've already come to is that I don't have a lot of control of what goes on around me. But I want control. I'm not a controlling person by nature. But when you want something so badly and you get curious, you tend to put aside what really matters and pour all of yourself into that endeavor. Passion is good but it works better if it's paired with some sense of how to do it right. I must not have it right yet. I must not have the skills.
I still feel helpless in this Winterland called Iowa.
I still remember the day when I first watched Alice in Wonderland. Just another Disney movie about a girl minding her own business on a riverbank and winds up chasing a white rabbit down a hole. Tumbling and tossing into the Wonderland, Alice finds herself without a lot of control of the situations around her. One wonders at the moral of the story and whether it's actually more than just a dream.
I still remember the day when I first chased a rabbit on Dordt's campus, barking like a dog. It definitely attracted attention and caught my friends off guard.
What is my proverbial rabbit? What am I chasing? (If you know me, it's not a hard question) But the conclusion I've already come to is that I don't have a lot of control of what goes on around me. But I want control. I'm not a controlling person by nature. But when you want something so badly and you get curious, you tend to put aside what really matters and pour all of yourself into that endeavor. Passion is good but it works better if it's paired with some sense of how to do it right. I must not have it right yet. I must not have the skills.
I still feel helpless in this Winterland called Iowa.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Perspective on 'Patience'
Expectations: I set mine high and then work my hardest to achieve those expectations. but i'm really hard on myself and therefore i get impatient
Example: The example I always use is my devotional life. I have the expectation that twice a day is minimum for devotions. So, let's say I'm feeling particularly spiritual. If so, I set an expectation that every day I will do my devotions twice a day. Let's say that my spiritual feeling dies off fairly quickly and I skip a devotion at night. My patience does not tolerate this. I must be completely devoted to devotions immediately after I promise myself (and God) that I will follow through.
Conclusions: My expectations are high (perfect devotional life) and my impatience is high (skipping one day = damned to hell). But setting high expectations is a good thing. It gives me something to shoot for. What I really need to understand is that growth is a process. It's not an overnight activity where the next morning muscles are bulging or bank accounts are overflowing. This may be a general statement, but all good things take time to achieve. If they're good, then they're probably worth working towards.
God could send Jesus back right now and everyone would be perfect. There would be no more need for setting expectations. But that's the whole point: we need to seek it, knowing the promises that He has of perfection in the new creation.
Ultimate Conclusion: Sometimes our expectations do not line up with God's expectations. Perhaps the reason I (we) get impatient is because God wants me (us) to choose what He wants for me (us), not what I (we) want for ourselves. Take on one of His desires for you and patience will come.
Example: The example I always use is my devotional life. I have the expectation that twice a day is minimum for devotions. So, let's say I'm feeling particularly spiritual. If so, I set an expectation that every day I will do my devotions twice a day. Let's say that my spiritual feeling dies off fairly quickly and I skip a devotion at night. My patience does not tolerate this. I must be completely devoted to devotions immediately after I promise myself (and God) that I will follow through.
Conclusions: My expectations are high (perfect devotional life) and my impatience is high (skipping one day = damned to hell). But setting high expectations is a good thing. It gives me something to shoot for. What I really need to understand is that growth is a process. It's not an overnight activity where the next morning muscles are bulging or bank accounts are overflowing. This may be a general statement, but all good things take time to achieve. If they're good, then they're probably worth working towards.
God could send Jesus back right now and everyone would be perfect. There would be no more need for setting expectations. But that's the whole point: we need to seek it, knowing the promises that He has of perfection in the new creation.
Ultimate Conclusion: Sometimes our expectations do not line up with God's expectations. Perhaps the reason I (we) get impatient is because God wants me (us) to choose what He wants for me (us), not what I (we) want for ourselves. Take on one of His desires for you and patience will come.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Opportunity Costs
Opportunity costs is an economics term. In order to gain one thing, you inevitably must sacrifice something else. For example, if you price shop at several locations, you save money but you sacrifice time. Also, if you want to invest in a C.D. or mutual fund, you sacrifice the ability to access your money freely to pay for current purchases.
I believe there are opportunity costs to most things, if not everything.
Tonight in the Humble Bean, I was challenged with opportunity costs. A friend wanted to have a meaningful discussion about something that had been on his mind. This was fine with me and I was happy to have a chat. But the ENTIRE time, my mind was elsewhere. No, it's not the early stages of A.D.D. It's just that I'm so wrapped up in my own crap that I couldn't sacrifice my "mental time" for the sake of his situation.
I don't want to pass the blame, but the events of today just consumed my mind and I couldn't let it go. Plus, there was visual stimulation directly tied to what I was thinking about. So I was obviously distracted. It was very hard to turn my eyes and my mind away.
After submitting this post, I decided to listen to The Calling and as I hit the play button, iTunes chose to play "Surrender". So I added the lyrics later but they fit best here.
"Now she's calling
And it hurts me to go
Away from my favorite addiction
There's no way that she'll ever know..."
It is like an addiction for me, and probably for most of us, to put aside our own situation when someone is in need of our attention. There's no way my friend would ever had known I wasn't fully invested in the conversation because I was able to fake it but I definitely felt guilty.
It's not like I didn't know about my focusing problems before today. The main difference is that this time I realized that by sacrificing for someone else, they in turn feel better about sacrificing for you.
This needs to happen everywhere with every relationship: with a spouse, g/f, b/f, friends, parents, siblings, God and even the earth.
What can you sacrifice for the benefit of someone or something else?
I believe there are opportunity costs to most things, if not everything.
Tonight in the Humble Bean, I was challenged with opportunity costs. A friend wanted to have a meaningful discussion about something that had been on his mind. This was fine with me and I was happy to have a chat. But the ENTIRE time, my mind was elsewhere. No, it's not the early stages of A.D.D. It's just that I'm so wrapped up in my own crap that I couldn't sacrifice my "mental time" for the sake of his situation.
I don't want to pass the blame, but the events of today just consumed my mind and I couldn't let it go. Plus, there was visual stimulation directly tied to what I was thinking about. So I was obviously distracted. It was very hard to turn my eyes and my mind away.
After submitting this post, I decided to listen to The Calling and as I hit the play button, iTunes chose to play "Surrender". So I added the lyrics later but they fit best here.
"Now she's calling
And it hurts me to go
Away from my favorite addiction
There's no way that she'll ever know..."
It is like an addiction for me, and probably for most of us, to put aside our own situation when someone is in need of our attention. There's no way my friend would ever had known I wasn't fully invested in the conversation because I was able to fake it but I definitely felt guilty.
It's not like I didn't know about my focusing problems before today. The main difference is that this time I realized that by sacrificing for someone else, they in turn feel better about sacrificing for you.
This needs to happen everywhere with every relationship: with a spouse, g/f, b/f, friends, parents, siblings, God and even the earth.
What can you sacrifice for the benefit of someone or something else?
A Feelin' Like That
A recent conversation was definitely fun because we talked about those times when it's almost like deja vu. You can absolutely sense that you are in a different place or time from the past and you've already been there. I suppose this could be a sad occurrence if the previous time/place had depressing events. But the memories we shared during this talk were fun times.
Here are some of my highlights:
Summer of '04?
I wish I could remember the exact year which might add credibility to my story. But the memories remain (haha) This summer I was living at home in Kansas. I was asked to help Brent Koops do his painting work on a particularly large house. So I did, not knowing what was going to happen to me. If it was '04, then it was the summer after my first year of college; the year in which I flunked out. During this summer I was writing an appeal letter, which ended up being 17 pages long, single spaced. So I probably wasn't in the best of moods until I started painting. It wasn't the painting or the heat which made me happy. It was the music. Just a simple radio with the dinky antenna and no bass whatsoever. We listened to country music for a week. In high school, I didn't listen to it because country wasn't 'cool'. But I fell in love with it. I think it came at the perfect time. I needed country music to fill the gap I was feeling with regard to my education. I felt like something was missing and country was a perfect fit. I've been in love with it ever since.
The Shack
It's our homemade hang-out. It's literally in the middle of nowhere; as in, not even cell phone signals can find it. Despite the rambunctious nature of the activities mainly done at the shack, it's overall feeling is still incredible. Bonfire, beer and babes are what most frequenters to the shack say are its main ideals. I thoroughly enjoyed the parties and the 'camaradarie' and the atmosphere, but I also enjoyed the quiet moments.
I've spent time on the front porch of this building into which I've poured several man-hours not to mention the blood and sweat. The completed building is a place of solitude on weekdays. With miles of scenery to the south, deer and other prarie animals make their living. After a hard day's work on the shack, the stillness makes it all worth it, especially contrasted with the wild weekends. Someday I'll take my guitar out there and see what flows out of it.
What 'feelings' do you get? I'd like to hear about them.
Here are some of my highlights:
Summer of '04?
I wish I could remember the exact year which might add credibility to my story. But the memories remain (haha) This summer I was living at home in Kansas. I was asked to help Brent Koops do his painting work on a particularly large house. So I did, not knowing what was going to happen to me. If it was '04, then it was the summer after my first year of college; the year in which I flunked out. During this summer I was writing an appeal letter, which ended up being 17 pages long, single spaced. So I probably wasn't in the best of moods until I started painting. It wasn't the painting or the heat which made me happy. It was the music. Just a simple radio with the dinky antenna and no bass whatsoever. We listened to country music for a week. In high school, I didn't listen to it because country wasn't 'cool'. But I fell in love with it. I think it came at the perfect time. I needed country music to fill the gap I was feeling with regard to my education. I felt like something was missing and country was a perfect fit. I've been in love with it ever since.
The Shack
It's our homemade hang-out. It's literally in the middle of nowhere; as in, not even cell phone signals can find it. Despite the rambunctious nature of the activities mainly done at the shack, it's overall feeling is still incredible. Bonfire, beer and babes are what most frequenters to the shack say are its main ideals. I thoroughly enjoyed the parties and the 'camaradarie' and the atmosphere, but I also enjoyed the quiet moments.
I've spent time on the front porch of this building into which I've poured several man-hours not to mention the blood and sweat. The completed building is a place of solitude on weekdays. With miles of scenery to the south, deer and other prarie animals make their living. After a hard day's work on the shack, the stillness makes it all worth it, especially contrasted with the wild weekends. Someday I'll take my guitar out there and see what flows out of it.
What 'feelings' do you get? I'd like to hear about them.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Death and Taxes
The title for this entry was based only on what was in my mind and what I wanted to write about. But, as I sit at home now, I am watching the end of "Stranger Than Fiction", a tale of a woman's novel which happens to be the same tale of a middle-aged, IRS agent. The novel's title: "Death And Taxes". I found it to be highly coincidental and amusing. Perhaps the same is true of you.
Anyway, I point out the following for several reasons, none of which are clearly defined in my own mind.
Ever heard of inheritance taxes? If you bequeath property to a loved one after you death, this tax is levied against your property. If you've had this in your own situation, then you know what I'm talking about. The main reason behind this tax is primarily the same reason behind most other taxes: you pay to gain the right to own property or money.
Sometimes money or property is given before the person dies. There can be transfers up to $11,000 from any two people without incurring taxes. However, because it is done so near to death, some states assume that the reason behind the transfer is to avoid estate or inheritance taxes.
I understand that money is and always will be a part of our society. I understand that everyone is affected by sin and falls short in many ways. I also understand that if governments didn't assume that their citizens were dishonest, many citizens would take advantage of their negligence.
I just wish we could trust people more.
Anyway, I point out the following for several reasons, none of which are clearly defined in my own mind.
Ever heard of inheritance taxes? If you bequeath property to a loved one after you death, this tax is levied against your property. If you've had this in your own situation, then you know what I'm talking about. The main reason behind this tax is primarily the same reason behind most other taxes: you pay to gain the right to own property or money.
Sometimes money or property is given before the person dies. There can be transfers up to $11,000 from any two people without incurring taxes. However, because it is done so near to death, some states assume that the reason behind the transfer is to avoid estate or inheritance taxes.
I understand that money is and always will be a part of our society. I understand that everyone is affected by sin and falls short in many ways. I also understand that if governments didn't assume that their citizens were dishonest, many citizens would take advantage of their negligence.
I just wish we could trust people more.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Proverbial Verbosity
"Somewhere Between Raising Hell & Amazing Grace" was too long for the web address but I wanted to share it as it accurately describes where I'm at and who I am. It's from a country song by Big & Rich and it's just a great song.
"Proverbial Verbosity", however, describes why I write. Here's why:
1) Proverbs: a collection of moral sayings and counsels forming a book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture. I hope to contribute some things I've learned and am learning to the greater blogging community and hopefully THE WORLD! After taking GEN-300 and a prophets class at Dordt, it seems the only natural response is to help people in a way that God would want. So, this is one way I hope to do that.
2) Verbosity: (a) containing more words than necessary (b) given to wordiness. I hope to explore my creativity, word usage and persuasive technique. I I plan to do a lot of writing in my life. Books, music, poetry, chapels, lectures, etc. I may be spreading myself thin within the realm of writing but at least I've established that God wants me to write and use it for His glory.
So, here's to God!
IN HIM
THRU HIM
FOR HIM
"Proverbial Verbosity", however, describes why I write. Here's why:
1) Proverbs: a collection of moral sayings and counsels forming a book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture. I hope to contribute some things I've learned and am learning to the greater blogging community and hopefully THE WORLD! After taking GEN-300 and a prophets class at Dordt, it seems the only natural response is to help people in a way that God would want. So, this is one way I hope to do that.
2) Verbosity: (a) containing more words than necessary (b) given to wordiness. I hope to explore my creativity, word usage and persuasive technique. I I plan to do a lot of writing in my life. Books, music, poetry, chapels, lectures, etc. I may be spreading myself thin within the realm of writing but at least I've established that God wants me to write and use it for His glory.
So, here's to God!
IN HIM
THRU HIM
FOR HIM
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