Logical + Unexplainable = Truth

The most logical thing i know is also the most unbelievable and unexplainable thing I know.  It just doesn't make sense, and yet makes complete sense.....

It's the good news of Jesus Christ,

the love of a creator,

the forgiveness and second chances,

the grace and mercy of someone who desires our love, and allows the free will for us choose him or to deny him. 

Our creator loves us so much, and desires our love so much, that he made an example of himself for us

to know,

to follow,

to learn,

to live by. 

All so we could be saved from an eternal separation from him.

Choose,

Know,

Follow,

Learn,

Live.

Consider Love,

Consider Change,

Consider Christ.

From this day forward

On a day that is marked by greeting cards and chocolates, my wife and I begin a journey.

We're actually a day late however, but none the less, we begin our lent now.
The day after Ash Wednesday.
Valentine's Day 2013.

We agreed upon things we wish to give up.
Fried Foods and Sweets (including sodas)
We're excited, and encouraged.

And just as I started to feel selfish for us picking things that are seemingly for our own benefit, my wonderful wife, who God has blessed me with, makes another Lent proposal.
That we hold each other accountable to doing our individual daily devotionals with the Lord.
Though our Lent sacrifices of fried foods and sweets is all well and good, and we intend to continue our dedication to it,
the greater part of this Lent season will be our dedication to God.
We're beginning a journey of devotion and habit-forming.
And I must say, I feel guided and blessed by God to do so.
(And I ask that our friends in Christ hold us accountable to it as well)

And then:

Day one: the February 14th entry of my devotional book "God Calling", there's a paragraph that stands out:


"You are making one spot of earth a Holy Place, and though you must work and spend yourself ceaselessly because that is for the present your appointed task, yet the greatest work either of you can do, and are doing, is done in this time apart with Me. Are you understanding that?"



The day we choose to spend a time apart from one another in devotional time with God is the day I read this.....

Wow!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Love

Happy Lent season

May your love, devotion, habits, and life flourish this day, this lent, and this year.

Paradoxical Portfolio

Ok, so I'll admit right away that this has nothing to do with money, or stocks, or dividends.

But it does have to do with some very important assets, and with investments which we have the opportunities to make every single day.

Investing your money can be stressful and risky at times, but what about lending some other assets?

Assets which you own, possess, and which are free to give.

What about giving away some of the things that make you you?
Your attributes?
Your talents?

But let's not stop there.

Lets diversify.

What would happen if you would give away some things that are more precious and valuable than all of those other things?

What if you gave something that yields much higher dividends than you could even imagine with money or skills?

You see, there's a bit of a paradox however.

A page of your portfolio that may almost definitely reflect a beneficial unbalance of you returns on investments.

A page that would reflect your most precious assets as investments.

But it's not necessarily your money,
nor your skills,
nor your advice,
but your best assets.


Consider this:

Invest in

Patience...
Smiles...
Kindness...
Hugs...
Joy...
Friendship...
Righteousness...
Love...
Selflessness...
Hope...
Peace...


Here's the paradox:

You give what you got without decreasing what you've got.

Unlike money, which must be divided before it's dispersed, these inherent defining principle qualities and attributes and actions can actually be multiplied before being shared, and as such, should be.

This in-turn also yields a higher return.

It allows us to share what we have with those around us in wonderful ways.

You've got something to give.
Something that could not only brighten your day,
better your life,
and calm your anxieties,

but also
when shared in-kind
it comes back around
and exponentially
saves life.

You have the opportunity to better someone's day through your
kindness,
patience,
love,
smile,
gentleness,
friendship,
selflessness,
and hope.

And consider
that your day may improve too!

Live Love my friends.

Invest in life.

Be the light of someone's day.

Be patient,
Be kind,
Be honest,
Be respectful,
Be true.


Not just from your mind,

Not just from your possessions,

But investments of your heart.

What guides you?

Soul -> Heart -> Mind -> Strength

From the inside -> out.

-------

Could it be that our actions, the physical part of us, the strength, if you will, is a result of the very being of who we are?

Think about where our actions come from.
Our strength is mustered up by, and through, our thought process and decisions to act.
Our strength being a direct result of our decision making process.
The mind being a source of guidance for your strength, and consequently your actions.


But where does that process start?

Think about your thoughts.

As paradoxical and strange as that might seem, it is possible. Since we are a very self-aware creature we can consider from where our thoughts derive.

Almost all your thoughts stem from your true feelings on matters; your passions, your desires, etc.
The heart of you, being the source of guidance for your mind.

But what shapes our hearts?

What gives you that sense of love, hate, morals, ethics, emotions, etc?

Typically our feelings on a matter are a reflection of what we truly believe, of what makes up your soul.
Your soul being the very root of who you are, at your core.

------

Your single genuine tear during a chick flick gives your girlfriend a glimpse at the kind of man you are. (which, by the way, she may like)


Your anger and tension when hearing political news may tell your friends a little about your deep patriotic convictions.



How you act, think, and feel may, more often than not, point to who you are!

And

If you're satisfied with the end result and display of your actions, you may be very satisfied and happy with life right now. And I'm happy for you, truly!

But

Consider this:

If you're unhappy, unsatisfied, depressed, regretful, ashamed.... then I challenge you with this:

Consider looking within yourself.
Trace your thoughts.
Determine not only who you are, which guides your actions,
but work at the core.

What do you truly believe?
How do you wish to be defined?
What can you do,
in practice and habit,
to shift your feelings, your thoughts, and your actions?


And know that you're not alone.


You are who you surround yourself with.
You are the books you read.
You are the music you listen to.
You are the games you play.
You are YOU as a result of what you do and what's been done around you.
You shape your being by the tools you allow to be worked on you.

For just as we are outwardly working creatures, acting upon our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs,

We are also inwardly influenced.
actions shaping minds,
thoughts shaping feelings,
and feelings shaping belief.

Soul <--> Heart <--> Mind <--> Strength

(From the outside --> In... And back again)

Fairly "simple" response for fairly "complicated" concerns.

I have received some debate and criticism for things I've posted online, like many others, in the wake of recent acts of violence around our country.

I have posted and "shared" opinions online, and I understand that those limited forms of communication simply leave areas open for assumption, and they don't always include everything we are trying to say.

I'd like to respond here honestly with my thoughts.

This response in-particular is to a question of relevance of recent second amendment debate and support, as well as a concern about the much needed answers for the families of the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary. It's also in response to a question of why I even post such things as I do.

These are my thoughts on the matters:

"Unfortunately there are no easy answers for the families (of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting victims). It's not necessarily about the 2nd amendment, nor even having the right answers. It's setting in motion principles and morals and ethics that lead our society toward a respect for liberties and life.

Not only do we have a right to defend against such atrocities, but we also have a right to life, a right to establish a society that stands up against those who wish to do us harm, no matter their motives. It's not about guns or knives or bombs, it's about what's right, justice, and truth.

The problem is not the liberals or conservative, nor the democrats or republicans, nor gun rights or gun bans. The problem is a degradation of the human experience, the desensitizing to violence, and a selfishness at the heart of our upbringings, that leads us to do such evil things, and even accept these things as "normal" and expected.

We need to not expect mass murders, we need to stand up against them, we need to teach justice, righteousness, liberty, and interdependency in a civilized society.

Enough of the selfishness.
Enough of the "me first" education.
Enough of accepting evil deeds as common-place.

To those families (of Sandy Hook): I am truly sorry for what has happened. It should not have, and should never happen. If there's anything we could do to go back and prevent it I'm sure any of us would. I am deeply remorseful for you and your lost.

But we must move forward.
We need to realistically seek principle-based solutions.
We need to fix the roots of our society.
Teach truth.
Teach family values.
Teach respect.
Defend righteousness!"


These are my personal thoughts on these matters.

Through it all,
Consider This:
Be patient, be kind, don't be envious, don't boast, don't be proud. Don't be rude or self seeking. Be slow to anger. Don't hold grudges. Don't delight in evil, but rejoice in truth.
Protect. Trust. Hope. Persevere.
Consider This.
For this is love.
And Love never fails.

Be. Live. Love.

It's been about four months since I last wrote. The main reason is because of change. Some major change. Changes that have been happening in my life, which are outlined and eluded to in my previous post.

I've been making some major life choices.

My world has virtually been shifting it's axis.

Instead of being in the world of retail food sales, management, multiple volunteer organizations, and college studies,
I am now part of something a little different, a world of help,
in the midst of despair.
a world of hope,
among the trouble.
a world of learning,
during times of ignorance.

It's been busy.

Now that I'm working for an organization called Heartlight Ministries, I have an amazing opportunity to be part of a world that is all around us,
even though many don't see it.
A world that needs love.
during a time of need.
I am in the midst of people,
who need
Love!

These times and people are usually also in the midst of trouble, conflict, and trying situations.
The kinds of things that test the will, strength, and drive to be.
And, unfortunately, it's the kind of stuff that drives people away into destructive life styles, low self-worth, depression, self-loathing, and apathy.

And that's where I find a passion, and desire, and empathy, and love.
Not just in what is,
but also in what could be.

Joy in the pain.
Patience during conflict.
Joy in the suffering.
Hope through despair.
Joy in life for what it is....

and
as much as I can teach, I can learn even more.
as much as I'm helping, I'm being helped even more.
as much as i can push others, I'm being pushed even more.

The greatest joys I've found have been in the midst of mutual respect, in hope, in living life together with others, and in honoring an ultimate drive to better the world around me,
to help others,
to be helped,
to be loved,
and to love,
no matter what,
no matter who.


This is what I'm Considering,
this is my desire,
this is my challenge:

to not just do, but

to Be,
to Live,
to Love...