I am found sitting on the balcony, sipping lemon ginger tea (you should really try it at the end of the day...I swear by it!!). I feel the cool ocean breeze blow through South Florida, as I take in the panoramic view of the horizon. The thought arises in my head of where I am, how I have gotten here, and all that has come along with it.
Sunday, May 13th: Mother's Day. After dinner, and our Mother's Day celebration, I gathered my clothes and various other important items, and packed up every bag that I had. Before I left the house, I took a last glance at my room, analyzing it. I wanted to make sure that I didn't forget anything, of course, but that wasn't only it. I have been in that room since 1993 (a time before I can recall my first memory). It was time to move on.
Wednesday, May 9th: I came home from work, showered, ate, and was relaxing before I went to the gym. I was in the guest room, having a conversation with my mother about her day. The tone of the conversation swiftly shifted, as she read an email from her brothers. It was in regards to dealing with my grandmother's things, following her death. Due to previous tiffs that she has had with them, I sensed an issue was on its way. She turned to me and laid out her frustrations on me. I heard her out, and tried to remain objective, as I encouraged her to see the issues from all sides of the coin, taking her brothers' opinions into consideration as well. I was later blamed for the involvement of taking sides, and agreeing with her brothers, while going against her opinions.
Friday, May 4th: After work, I showered and drove quickly to my grandparents' (my father's parents) apartment. Upon my arrival, I was offered the usual snacks before we went to dinner. I politely declined, and suggested we make our way to dinner. It was the last dinner we had together before they left to go back to New Jersey for the summer. During dinner, which felt like a literal last supper, we talked a lot about the coming week, them leaving, etc. By the time dinner had concluded, it was official, I was going to be making a move in my life sooner rather than later.
Saturday, April 28th: I made my way to their apartment to have dinner with my grandparents. This time, I got there a little earlier, and decided it appropriate to dine on their pre-dinner snacks. After a quick "nosh", we left to the restaurant. Over dinner, I updated them on the happenings in my life, and they strongly suggested that I take an opportunity that they had previously presented. Questions ran through my mind. How could I do it? How could it be pulled off? What would end up happening? School? Work?
Since I have moved away from home, I have noticed quite a bit about myself. I would say that I am not the person that I used to be, but that is way too cliche for how I feel about it. I just have a different feel about what I do, and how I act. I can easily deduce that this is due to a new found independence. When I first moved, I was a little bit distraught. The location of my new place is farther away from work and my friends, than was my parents' house. Therefore, when I leave in the morning, I have to be sure that I am prepared for the whole day (food, changes of clothes, etc.). I must admit, the routine is down pat now. I no longer have restless nights, wondering what I am going to bring with me, come morning time. And, well, I am getting better at finally being on time for things (although, I am sure it looks like Fast and Furious is being filmed on the highway sometimes when I am driving). Aside from the newly adopted preparations, I have added other things to my list: food shopping and maintaining a clean environment. As I said above, the routine is finally on point!!
I also have noticed a change in myself emotionally, mentally, and most definitely spiritually. I see a "calmer" me. Learning to balance school, work, and my own place, has left me to be more quiet and reserved (I suppose it is called "maturing"). Following calmer emotions, it is easy to assume that I have been more level headed and aware of things, mentally. I believe this holds true for me because, when on my own, I feel it is better for me to be more observant and aware (part of the independence deal). Due to the change in location, emotions, and mentality, I have grown stronger spiritually. This year has dealt some interesting things in my life. I would have to admit that 2012 has not been the best year up to this point, but that's okay. I have learned to live with different things in my life (whether difficult or not), by building my trust in Jesus.
On another note, people have been very negatively vocal about it:
"That drive is so far"
"That sucks"
"Do you even see anyone anymore"
"Why did you move"
...why did I move?
The realization hit me, as I felt the warm tea touch my tongue.
So I could the Sun rise every morning
So I could see the planes landing and taking off, everyday, right over my car
So I could gain necessary independence
So I could become more mature
So I could grow in my faith
So I could learn
So I could be responsible
...so I could be me
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Speak up!
I have come to learn why I do not keep a journal. My hand would grow tired by thought number two. However, I am proud to be back on here to express myself. I may not be documenting my entire life, but it makes me feel better to share what I feel and believe about certain issues, whether they are being read [or heard], or not. I have come to recognize the true reward of self expression and communication.
I went to my friend's house to watch the Miami Heat - Indiana Pacers game 6, last Thursday. I sat down to eat dinner with my friend's uncle, minutes before the opening tip-off. Before taking a bite, he looked around the room, and became welled up in frustration. As he turned his attention to me, he blurted, "isn't it unbelievable!?" Seeing that I was about to fall victim to an older gentleman's pointless, frustrated banter, I played dumb: "huh?" "You know, what is a tweet anyway!?", he exclaimed. "Well it is expressing yourself through this social network, Twitter," I replied. "Well who cares about what I'm doing, that I have to tell everyone!?", came blasting out of his lips, as he gathered some food onto his fork. "Uh I don't know," I responded, playing dumb (and attempting to eyeball the food from the fork to his mouth, to shut him up). "I just learned what a Facebook was, and now this whole Twitter thing comes along!? Man, I gotta get up on the times," he said, as the food was entering his mouth. This time, I responded by shrugging my shoulders, and diverted his attention to the TV. As I shifted my own attention, I glanced around the room. Everyone in the room was on their cell phone.
Just a day later, I got into a similar conversation. I had gotten off work, and was hanging around my boss' house, chatting for a little bit. Then his wife and I started to get into a conversation about relationships. We soon shifted to the topic of communication. She said that she "has no idea how people even know each other anymore. All they do is text, tweet and facebook each other." It's scary, but she has a point. It was estimated in 2009, that 2.5 billion text messages were sent per day in the United States. And that was only 2009!! I can see where texting can be useful. And I must say that I can see how social media is useful, as well. Short spurts of conversation (reminders and simple notifications) seem to be the best reason to communicate via text or social media. Unfortunately, having conversations using these outlets, has become the norm. What makes it difficult to communicate this way? The truth is evident...it is emotionless. Aside from punctuation marks, there is no way to decipher what a person is truly trying to express, emotion wise, via text (it is hard to read into some jokes and sarcasm, for the majority of time). I suppose many would defend it by stating how they recently downloaded the new emoji app, but even that doesn't suffice. The expressed emotions provided through this app, are usually used in a humorous manner anyway.
I'm straying too far off topic.
What is the excuse for people to not simply call each other to communicate (the 'old?' norm)!? Not enough minutes? Don't want to talk that much!? Can't talk? Oh, and my favorite: "I don't have time to talk!" Although all the excuses may be valid, the fact that there is time to go on Twitter, Facebook, and type out a 20 page text to send, means that there is enough time to call someone to tell them what is necessary to be told. No, this isn't being written to single out an individual with horrible communication skills...I am writing this for EVERYONE with poor communication skills. We have become so accustomed to the vrrt vrrt (the sound of a phone vibrating), that verbal communication is lacking. How does this even matter in life? Even if we forget about the relationship aspect of communication, mentioned above, there is still reason for concern.
I believe that we are slowly slipping in the wrong direction. Life has become too easily accessible. We are constantly striving for the easy way out of things, or the easy way to solve something (or get through something). It is innately ingrained in human beings to be most efficient in what we do. Therefore, making life easier, makes the tasks at hand easier to perform. Now, in relation to communication, texting is a human beings wildest dream. Social media is like the icing on the cake. What is incredible to me, is how far we have strayed from the traditional way of life. We have lost sight of the important, simple things that life has to offer. Continuously engulfing ourselves in the madness of life, we have no time for anything else, let alone lay our heads in peace at night. So, it is correct, we do not have time to call each other anymore. And verbal communication? It better be important, because "I only have 3 minutes before I have to keep moving (and when I pick up, I apologize for the noise, I am driving to work)." No, I am not perfect, nor am I striving to call every single person I know, and talk to them, each and every single day. That would be outrageous, and wildly uncalled for. I am just slightly disappointed, and I do not look forward to what is to come in the future.
“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.
Acts 14:22b
Strength
I was at work the other day, and I found myself questioning my strength.
Following a long day of labor, in which I spent 8 or so hours in the
Florida sun, I proceeded to eat, shower, change, and go to the gym. I
bumped into someone I know, upon my arrival, and was questioned about my
day. I explained the job that we worked on, and skimmed through our
list of required tasks. Through his twisted brow, I could sense his mind was
in great wonder. He then asked me how I "even have the strength to be
in here". I responded with a blank stare; attempting to conjure up some
witty response, like how I have some sort of supernatural ability
(which, for curiosity purposes, I do NOT have). Needless to say, I made
it through the workout with ease, and with a high level of strength.
But I was left with something other than a good workout. I was left with a complex thought and perception of myself. The topic? Strength.
When I think about the word strength, several types of strength come to mind; mental, spiritual, and of course physical strength. [Yes, for some reason, many thoughts of mine tend to come in threes. Which I have deemed as unintentional, yet there may be a psychological meaning behind it (lucky number 3?).] As with most of my complex thoughts, I allow myself the time to think about, and analyze them. As a result, I have come up with interesting conclusions and discoveries; which relate to my life, but strength as a whole, as well.
Mental strength
I would define mental strength as the capacity that ones brain can be functioning at its highest rate, reaching its greatest capability. Well that's a mouthful! And it sounds like a Webster's definition. No, I did not look up the definition (if a documented definition even exists). What I have defined mental strength as, is actually very simple and easy to understand. I believe that everyone has different mental capabilities. Everyone's brain varies, giving people different abilities. The abilities are usually measured in some sort of intellect or intelligence. That being said, I do not believe that mental strength can solely be measured by intellect and intelligence. Yes, I believe that they play a great part in ones mental strength and capacity, but I do not believe that they are the sole variables in the measurement of strength. Questions arise: What about sanity? What about the fluctuation of emotions? What about being able to suppress feelings, in order to complete different tasks in life? What about the actual ability to be able to complete the said task? And wait a minute, how does this relate to me again? I measure my mental strength by three different things: 1. My emotions 2. My intelligence 3. My ability to survive. Emotions are mental. They develop in the brain, and influence the nervous system of the body (which begins in the brain anyway). Intelligence in developed in the brain as well. Different parts of the brain work together, with the result being some sort of intelligence. My ability to survive, I would give the title as 'natural instincts'. These may be genetic, developmental, influential, or a combination of the three. Either way, it is in my brain, which these 'instincts' come from, enabling me with survival. With the perfection of these three variables, working to their greatest ability, my mental strength is at its greatest capability.
Spiritual strength
I would define spiritual strength as the greatest relationship one has with God. That being said, it is not an easy task to define spiritual strength. Over the past couple of years, I have been in a great focus on my spirituality. I have come a long way to have the ability to EVEN define spiritual strength! Although I may be able to give a definition of spiritual strength today, I know that I would not have been able to, even as recently as a year ago. With that, measuring spiritual strength is an even harder task. I believe that everyone's faith has a variability to it. In other words, everyone's relationship with God is different (yes, choosing not to believe in God is still a relationship with God...just ignoring Him. Catch my drift?). I live my life with a Christian faith and Christian beliefs. Therefore, I believe that my spiritual strength is measured by my relationship with God, and mainly with Jesus. How have I grown to learn this? It has become more and more evident, as I dig into my spirituality, that a relationship with Christ is the most important thing in life. How can I back up this statement? In the old testament of the bible, it is centrally focused on having a relationship with God. As the new testament is written, the focus shifts. The focus does not go away from God, but it gives us a new focus, making it easier to reach God (Jesus). Having a relationship with Him is of utmost importance in order to strive to be spiritually in line, with the one whom spirituality came from. How do I perfect this strength? Or how do I become stronger in this relationship? Well, the bible talks about having to live by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). I think that the faith and the belief in God, through Christ, is how we reach the greatest spiritual strength. Several things can assist in the achievement of this greater relationship in spiritual strength: prayer, reading His word (the bible), and living as Jesus did (although a very general statement, I believe there are certain things that we should and should not be doing that coordinate with how Jesus lived His life). If these three are done to their greatest ability, then the greatest spiritual strength can and will be reached.
Physical strength
This one everyone should know. It's too easy right? Let me take a stab at it. Physical strength can be defined as the ability to perform tasks to their greatest physical capability. And how would physical strength be measured? People have different ways of measuring physical strength. Most would ask someone who goes to the gym, "how much do you bench?". I find it sickening that people can use one task, and base a measurement of strength on how that ONE task is performed. This applies to all aspects of physical strength, not just for the gym rats. I think physical strength is also measured by stamina. We have a certain level that we can perform at our greatest physical exertion. It is then, that one has reached their greatest physical stamina. Is that the only barometer for measuring physical strength? No. I believe that the ability to move things plays into physical strength as well. To measure that, ones muscularity would have to be measured. But muscle structure does not define strength. Muscle is built as a result of recovering from tearing the muscle in the first place. The obvious seems true, that the larger muscle mass, the stronger the person. That may be true in certain aspects, but what ever happened to the expression, "it's not the dog in the fight, but the fight in the dog"!? So how would I define the measurement of my physical strength? I would define it as the greatest ability to continuously perform the task at hand (very similar to my original definition). I believe that it isn't just the ability to lift or move things, it is also the ability to move or lift those things necessary to complete a task, over the given period it takes to carry it out (no pun intended).
Although I have been able to associate a definition, and a broad way of measuring [or not measuring] three different strengths, I have come to a grave conclusion. The greatest strength cannot be measured...at all! I believe that strength in certain things can be measured, but I find it impossible to clearly define how great ones strength truly is. Why? Well, what do we have to measure against ones strength? Yes, we can use specific tests and intricate devices, but what is it measuring strength to...a formulated mean or average? That doesn't help in measuring strength, because simply measuring apples to apples doesn't show ones will, drive, or resolve. There is another aspect that is immeasurable. The "it" factor, I suppose they call it. Allow me to translate it into layman's terms. We are all given different genes. With the genes, we have different abilities. Different strengths in different aspects. All which is immeasurable because we are forever developing and learning. With development comes an alteration in traits. With the alteration in traits, comes a change in strength(s). I assume the goal is to grow to develop the greatest all around strength in all aspects, which today, I deem as impossible to achieve within ones lifetime.
But hey, you tell me...
But I was left with something other than a good workout. I was left with a complex thought and perception of myself. The topic? Strength.
When I think about the word strength, several types of strength come to mind; mental, spiritual, and of course physical strength. [Yes, for some reason, many thoughts of mine tend to come in threes. Which I have deemed as unintentional, yet there may be a psychological meaning behind it (lucky number 3?).] As with most of my complex thoughts, I allow myself the time to think about, and analyze them. As a result, I have come up with interesting conclusions and discoveries; which relate to my life, but strength as a whole, as well.
Mental strength
I would define mental strength as the capacity that ones brain can be functioning at its highest rate, reaching its greatest capability. Well that's a mouthful! And it sounds like a Webster's definition. No, I did not look up the definition (if a documented definition even exists). What I have defined mental strength as, is actually very simple and easy to understand. I believe that everyone has different mental capabilities. Everyone's brain varies, giving people different abilities. The abilities are usually measured in some sort of intellect or intelligence. That being said, I do not believe that mental strength can solely be measured by intellect and intelligence. Yes, I believe that they play a great part in ones mental strength and capacity, but I do not believe that they are the sole variables in the measurement of strength. Questions arise: What about sanity? What about the fluctuation of emotions? What about being able to suppress feelings, in order to complete different tasks in life? What about the actual ability to be able to complete the said task? And wait a minute, how does this relate to me again? I measure my mental strength by three different things: 1. My emotions 2. My intelligence 3. My ability to survive. Emotions are mental. They develop in the brain, and influence the nervous system of the body (which begins in the brain anyway). Intelligence in developed in the brain as well. Different parts of the brain work together, with the result being some sort of intelligence. My ability to survive, I would give the title as 'natural instincts'. These may be genetic, developmental, influential, or a combination of the three. Either way, it is in my brain, which these 'instincts' come from, enabling me with survival. With the perfection of these three variables, working to their greatest ability, my mental strength is at its greatest capability.
Spiritual strength
I would define spiritual strength as the greatest relationship one has with God. That being said, it is not an easy task to define spiritual strength. Over the past couple of years, I have been in a great focus on my spirituality. I have come a long way to have the ability to EVEN define spiritual strength! Although I may be able to give a definition of spiritual strength today, I know that I would not have been able to, even as recently as a year ago. With that, measuring spiritual strength is an even harder task. I believe that everyone's faith has a variability to it. In other words, everyone's relationship with God is different (yes, choosing not to believe in God is still a relationship with God...just ignoring Him. Catch my drift?). I live my life with a Christian faith and Christian beliefs. Therefore, I believe that my spiritual strength is measured by my relationship with God, and mainly with Jesus. How have I grown to learn this? It has become more and more evident, as I dig into my spirituality, that a relationship with Christ is the most important thing in life. How can I back up this statement? In the old testament of the bible, it is centrally focused on having a relationship with God. As the new testament is written, the focus shifts. The focus does not go away from God, but it gives us a new focus, making it easier to reach God (Jesus). Having a relationship with Him is of utmost importance in order to strive to be spiritually in line, with the one whom spirituality came from. How do I perfect this strength? Or how do I become stronger in this relationship? Well, the bible talks about having to live by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). I think that the faith and the belief in God, through Christ, is how we reach the greatest spiritual strength. Several things can assist in the achievement of this greater relationship in spiritual strength: prayer, reading His word (the bible), and living as Jesus did (although a very general statement, I believe there are certain things that we should and should not be doing that coordinate with how Jesus lived His life). If these three are done to their greatest ability, then the greatest spiritual strength can and will be reached.
Physical strength
This one everyone should know. It's too easy right? Let me take a stab at it. Physical strength can be defined as the ability to perform tasks to their greatest physical capability. And how would physical strength be measured? People have different ways of measuring physical strength. Most would ask someone who goes to the gym, "how much do you bench?". I find it sickening that people can use one task, and base a measurement of strength on how that ONE task is performed. This applies to all aspects of physical strength, not just for the gym rats. I think physical strength is also measured by stamina. We have a certain level that we can perform at our greatest physical exertion. It is then, that one has reached their greatest physical stamina. Is that the only barometer for measuring physical strength? No. I believe that the ability to move things plays into physical strength as well. To measure that, ones muscularity would have to be measured. But muscle structure does not define strength. Muscle is built as a result of recovering from tearing the muscle in the first place. The obvious seems true, that the larger muscle mass, the stronger the person. That may be true in certain aspects, but what ever happened to the expression, "it's not the dog in the fight, but the fight in the dog"!? So how would I define the measurement of my physical strength? I would define it as the greatest ability to continuously perform the task at hand (very similar to my original definition). I believe that it isn't just the ability to lift or move things, it is also the ability to move or lift those things necessary to complete a task, over the given period it takes to carry it out (no pun intended).
Although I have been able to associate a definition, and a broad way of measuring [or not measuring] three different strengths, I have come to a grave conclusion. The greatest strength cannot be measured...at all! I believe that strength in certain things can be measured, but I find it impossible to clearly define how great ones strength truly is. Why? Well, what do we have to measure against ones strength? Yes, we can use specific tests and intricate devices, but what is it measuring strength to...a formulated mean or average? That doesn't help in measuring strength, because simply measuring apples to apples doesn't show ones will, drive, or resolve. There is another aspect that is immeasurable. The "it" factor, I suppose they call it. Allow me to translate it into layman's terms. We are all given different genes. With the genes, we have different abilities. Different strengths in different aspects. All which is immeasurable because we are forever developing and learning. With development comes an alteration in traits. With the alteration in traits, comes a change in strength(s). I assume the goal is to grow to develop the greatest all around strength in all aspects, which today, I deem as impossible to achieve within ones lifetime.
But hey, you tell me...
Scratch
the last post about me being done and all. I have too much to write to keep it in. Welcome back to me.
In the meantime, I created another blog. It's more of a poetry type blog, to express momentary snippets of thought.
http://whywouldispeak.blogspot.com/
In the meantime, I created another blog. It's more of a poetry type blog, to express momentary snippets of thought.
http://whywouldispeak.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
In The Moment
My final blog post:
I have deleted the things I have written, two times now. Every time I sit down to continue the writing, I read what I have written, and become a little bit disappointed in myself. I can't express my feelings correctly. Maybe I need to go find some more friends. Maybe I need to pick up another hobby or two. Or maybe I just need to go to God more. I go to Him, daily. I go to Him, whenever I have a chance. Maybe that's the problem. I should probably be allowing Him every moment of time in my life, and putting everything else to "chance". I have learned that I can't trust anyone, fully anymore. My life seems to be somewhat of a train wreck. When things seem to be going right...when God is SO prevalent in my life...when I am FINALLY heading in the right direction...something happens. This time, I happened to lose someone. I promised myself, that I wouldn't make a stink about it...that I wouldn't make my feelings public. Some things cannot be helped, I suppose. I have lost a girlfriend, a friend...a best friend. My go to person is gone. No, not to some horrible death, or move...but I suppose a moving of sorts anyway. I have come to the conclusion that there is only one true relationship that anyone can get anything out of. That is the relationship between a person, and God. Every other relationship falls down from there. It's a trickle down effect, you can say. Perhaps, the best way to describe it, is by making a list of priorities. If you are true to yourself, it becomes clear that the list is WAY out of order. God should ALWAYS be at the top. From there, everyone/everything else falls in line. If not for a relationship with God, none of the other relationships can be successful. This is not a declaration/suggestion to run from being involved with anyone or in any relationship. This is simply saying that all things should be built, with God as the foundation of all. Relationships are necessary, I believe, to satisfy one's physiological need of intimacy/connectedness. I also believe that relationships are made to help encourage growth. Growth in ourselves, and most importantly, with God. I have grown a lot in the past year, and I am proud to say that I had someone very special to me, providing help. I can also say that I don't feel like I am better on my own. I KNOW I have God. I will ALWAYS have Him. But when someone helps you to come to know Him better, daily, it is just a crush to lose them. Authentic love is non conditional. Inauthentic love is clearly conditional. I am learning how to achieve agape. Not for someone else, but for the only relationship that ACTUALLY counts. God isn't going to walk out on me. God isn't going to give up on me. God isn't going to say that I/our relationship is unfixable. God is authentic, and everything/everyone else trickles on down from there.
Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant through the trial and the change
One thing remains
One thing remains
Your love never fails
it never gives up
it never runs out on me
On and on and on and on it goes
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never ever have to be afraid
One thing remains
In death and in life
I'm confident and covered by the power of your great love
My debt is paid
There's nothing that can separate my heart from your great love
Thanks for reading
I have deleted the things I have written, two times now. Every time I sit down to continue the writing, I read what I have written, and become a little bit disappointed in myself. I can't express my feelings correctly. Maybe I need to go find some more friends. Maybe I need to pick up another hobby or two. Or maybe I just need to go to God more. I go to Him, daily. I go to Him, whenever I have a chance. Maybe that's the problem. I should probably be allowing Him every moment of time in my life, and putting everything else to "chance". I have learned that I can't trust anyone, fully anymore. My life seems to be somewhat of a train wreck. When things seem to be going right...when God is SO prevalent in my life...when I am FINALLY heading in the right direction...something happens. This time, I happened to lose someone. I promised myself, that I wouldn't make a stink about it...that I wouldn't make my feelings public. Some things cannot be helped, I suppose. I have lost a girlfriend, a friend...a best friend. My go to person is gone. No, not to some horrible death, or move...but I suppose a moving of sorts anyway. I have come to the conclusion that there is only one true relationship that anyone can get anything out of. That is the relationship between a person, and God. Every other relationship falls down from there. It's a trickle down effect, you can say. Perhaps, the best way to describe it, is by making a list of priorities. If you are true to yourself, it becomes clear that the list is WAY out of order. God should ALWAYS be at the top. From there, everyone/everything else falls in line. If not for a relationship with God, none of the other relationships can be successful. This is not a declaration/suggestion to run from being involved with anyone or in any relationship. This is simply saying that all things should be built, with God as the foundation of all. Relationships are necessary, I believe, to satisfy one's physiological need of intimacy/connectedness. I also believe that relationships are made to help encourage growth. Growth in ourselves, and most importantly, with God. I have grown a lot in the past year, and I am proud to say that I had someone very special to me, providing help. I can also say that I don't feel like I am better on my own. I KNOW I have God. I will ALWAYS have Him. But when someone helps you to come to know Him better, daily, it is just a crush to lose them. Authentic love is non conditional. Inauthentic love is clearly conditional. I am learning how to achieve agape. Not for someone else, but for the only relationship that ACTUALLY counts. God isn't going to walk out on me. God isn't going to give up on me. God isn't going to say that I/our relationship is unfixable. God is authentic, and everything/everyone else trickles on down from there.
Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant through the trial and the change
One thing remains
One thing remains
Your love never fails
it never gives up
it never runs out on me
On and on and on and on it goes
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never ever have to be afraid
One thing remains
In death and in life
I'm confident and covered by the power of your great love
My debt is paid
There's nothing that can separate my heart from your great love
Thanks for reading
Monday, January 16, 2012
Saved
From the day that I met you
I knew this was it;
we were meant to be
you and me
I knew this was it;
we were meant to be
you and me
you knew who I was
you followed me
you stalked me
you scared me
we went out all the time
even held hands in public
merrily we strolled
you and me
you watched me as I walked
you always gave me strange looks
you judged me the harshest
you scared me
one day we were hanging out
when I became sick
you weren't there to help me
you scare me
From the day that I met you
I knew this was it;
we were meant to be
you and me
you know who I am
you follow me
you stalk me
you scare me
we go out all the time
even hold hands in public
merrily we stroll
you and me
you watch me as I walk
you always give me strange looks
you judge me the harshest
you scare me
everyday we hang out
I never grow sick
you are always there to help me
you and me
you never give up
you nip at my heels
I will not give in
you scare me
you saved me from what I was
broken down and forgotten
you made me a better person
showing me the light in the darkness
eternal life is what you promised
but you could never come through
my soul is what you wanted
but I will never sell it to you
you promise me good things
and satisfy my soul
I have been granted eternal life
my past has been wiped clean
you can't hold me down
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Letter From Birmingham Jail
This was printed on the cover of the church's bulletin this morning:
http://coursesa.matrix.msu.edu/~hst306/documents/letter.html
There was a time when the church was very powerful -- in the time when the early Christians rejoiced at being deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society. Whenever the early Christians entered a town, the people in power became disturbed and immediately sought to convict the Christians for being "disturbers of the peace" and "outside agitators." But the Christians pressed on, in the conviction that they were "a colony of heaven," called to obey Gad rather than man. Small in number, they were big in commitment. They were too God-intoxicated to be "astronomically intimidated." By their effort and example they brought an end to such ancient evils as infanticide and gladiatorial contests.
This is an excerpt from a letter that Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote, while he was serving time in a Birmingham, Alabama jail. It is dated April 16, 1963.
The entirety of the letter is here:
I firmly believe that Martin Luther King, Jr. wasn't targeted because he was a black man, with the intent to free his people from racist oppression. I believe that Martin Luther King, Jr. was sought out to be stopped because he was an individual attempting to start a movement. His words are Christ centered. He simply was crying out for support and help. God doesn't say we can do it alone. We need God's strength to band together, as brothers...as one unit, to help free ourselves. God made us all free. It is our own self, that causes us to be enslaved, with the sin of this world. I challenge you to read this letter, and just like Martin Luther King, Jr. did, fight for your freedom...under God.
Be free
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