I have made a decision. I want to live life, no questions asked... I want to live a life without thinking about the "what ifs"; I want a life filled with spontaneity, potential, and abundance. I'm pretty sure that fear has a lot to do with most people's (including my) decision to live a safe life. But what is fun about a safe life? Now, granted, it is a heck of a lot easier to say than to enact in everyday life-so maybe this is something that I need to strive more and more towards everyday?!
I want to be myself and not worry about what others think
I want to run that race and not care how slow I am
I want to ask that beautiful girl out, and not worry about being shot down!
I want to make moves...take that to mean whatever you want!
I want to do what God has intended for me, and not ask questions! (failed at this plenty of times)
The thing that saddens me most is that when I have lived in fear-what awesome things have I missed out on!
Now, don't get me wrong, I have taken risks, chances, and lived plenty of times before...I just want to be more deliberate about doing it!
I will keep you updated on how this new philosophy of life goes!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Love is a Decision
What a statement! And I am slowly and surely finding the meaning of it. I have heard two different schools of thought on this statement, though.
First, you have the Alan Jacksons of the world that speak of "Livin' on Love...."
You also have the Beatles of the world that state "All you need is love..."
I've also heard that it takes a lot more than just love to make a relationship work. And I have to agree.
I bought a shirt about 3 weeks ago and on the front it says "Love is a Decision". It's by Jedidiah, they have awesome clothes and have an awesome message. Definitely check out the website. Little did I know though, that I would be seeing this decision right before my eyes today in a situation that directly involved myself.
To Love someone-wow, that's so strong-to love someone you have to disregard feeling; you have to throw away looks; you have to submit; you have to decide. It is a huge huge decision. I can't help but thank of the women that I have told "I Love you" too, only to break up months later. Did I truly love them them? Did I love them for a time and then it simply ended?
I believe to truly love someone, you are obviously going to be attracted to them, you are obviously going to have strong feelings for them, you are hopefully going to treat them right; but more than anything you have to make the firm decision to love them for the rest of your life. Breathe. You have to decide to Love when finances are tough; you must decide to love when the job sucks; you must decide to love when looks have faded away and you are both pushing each other around in wheel chairs; you must decide to love when the in-laws are getting on the nerves; (it's about to get deep)....You must decide to love when a job requires you to move to an unknown territory away from family and friends; you must decide to love when your child is born with an incurable disease; you must decide to love when your child is taken away from you through a tragic event; you must decide to love when your secretary whispers sweet nothings into your ear at work; you must decide to love when the divorce papers are all but signed.
Bottom Line: Love is a Decision.
Kids (Am I still a kid?) these days are getting married so young. I wonder if they have decided to love. Maybe it comes easier for some than others. Be mindful of your feelings, they will betray you (quote straight out of Star Wars!). Be grounded in the decision to love.
In 1 Corinthians 13, the Bible talks about Love and all of its glory. It is a beautiful passage that ends by saying that out of Faith, Hope, and Love...The greatest of these is Love.
Protect your Heart; Love with everything that you have. Treat people right. And Decide To LOVE.
First, you have the Alan Jacksons of the world that speak of "Livin' on Love...."
You also have the Beatles of the world that state "All you need is love..."
I've also heard that it takes a lot more than just love to make a relationship work. And I have to agree.
I bought a shirt about 3 weeks ago and on the front it says "Love is a Decision". It's by Jedidiah, they have awesome clothes and have an awesome message. Definitely check out the website. Little did I know though, that I would be seeing this decision right before my eyes today in a situation that directly involved myself.
To Love someone-wow, that's so strong-to love someone you have to disregard feeling; you have to throw away looks; you have to submit; you have to decide. It is a huge huge decision. I can't help but thank of the women that I have told "I Love you" too, only to break up months later. Did I truly love them them? Did I love them for a time and then it simply ended?
I believe to truly love someone, you are obviously going to be attracted to them, you are obviously going to have strong feelings for them, you are hopefully going to treat them right; but more than anything you have to make the firm decision to love them for the rest of your life. Breathe. You have to decide to Love when finances are tough; you must decide to love when the job sucks; you must decide to love when looks have faded away and you are both pushing each other around in wheel chairs; you must decide to love when the in-laws are getting on the nerves; (it's about to get deep)....You must decide to love when a job requires you to move to an unknown territory away from family and friends; you must decide to love when your child is born with an incurable disease; you must decide to love when your child is taken away from you through a tragic event; you must decide to love when your secretary whispers sweet nothings into your ear at work; you must decide to love when the divorce papers are all but signed.
Bottom Line: Love is a Decision.
Kids (Am I still a kid?) these days are getting married so young. I wonder if they have decided to love. Maybe it comes easier for some than others. Be mindful of your feelings, they will betray you (quote straight out of Star Wars!). Be grounded in the decision to love.
In 1 Corinthians 13, the Bible talks about Love and all of its glory. It is a beautiful passage that ends by saying that out of Faith, Hope, and Love...The greatest of these is Love.
Protect your Heart; Love with everything that you have. Treat people right. And Decide To LOVE.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Hope
Today I heard one of best Sermons I've ever heard in my entire life. Actually, it was the third time I had heard the exact same message! Mr. Louie Giglio presented a message on HOPE-When Life Hurts the Most.
Sometimes we don't have answers to the hard times in life; sometimes all we can do is cling to the cross of Jesus Christ.
I'm posting the link to the messsage. If you are going through a hard time, have experienced loss, or just feeling down in the dumps, please click and listen-it'll change your life!!
HOPE-When Life Hurst The Most
Sometimes we don't have answers to the hard times in life; sometimes all we can do is cling to the cross of Jesus Christ.
I'm posting the link to the messsage. If you are going through a hard time, have experienced loss, or just feeling down in the dumps, please click and listen-it'll change your life!!
HOPE-When Life Hurst The Most
Saturday, August 16, 2008
The World is FILLED with awesome people
Today I was thinking about what I wanted to post on the blog and something happened at work today that I had to write about. Now, some of this story is an assumption, but I think I assumed right!
Two men came in the store today looking for a pair of shoes for one of the men. One man was wearing a Southern Wesleyan University Safety Patrol Uniform and the other was wearing regular street clothes and old, old tattered shoes. The Safety Patrol Officer was extremely nice to the other gentleman. They began their search for shoes at the shoe wall after I measured the man's foot. It didn't take long for me to figure out that the Safety Patrol Officer, probably in his mid-20s was going to buy a pair of shoes for the other gentleman. After ease-dropping on their conversation, I figured out that the gentleman with the tattered shoes went to SWU and had a severe stuttering problem.
The assumption: This incredible mid-20 year-old saw a need in a SWU student, and met that need by buying him a pair of shoes. Now, I'm sure that the Safety Patrol Officer doesn't make a whole lot of bank working as an officer at a private college and gladly told his friend "to get whatever he wanted". The two guys walked out with a pair of shoes and 2 packs of socks for the student.
So...I want to say thank you to the Safety Officer for caring about people. For giving when he didn't have to, and for loving on people. You sir, are a true hero! Thank God for people like you!
Two men came in the store today looking for a pair of shoes for one of the men. One man was wearing a Southern Wesleyan University Safety Patrol Uniform and the other was wearing regular street clothes and old, old tattered shoes. The Safety Patrol Officer was extremely nice to the other gentleman. They began their search for shoes at the shoe wall after I measured the man's foot. It didn't take long for me to figure out that the Safety Patrol Officer, probably in his mid-20s was going to buy a pair of shoes for the other gentleman. After ease-dropping on their conversation, I figured out that the gentleman with the tattered shoes went to SWU and had a severe stuttering problem.
The assumption: This incredible mid-20 year-old saw a need in a SWU student, and met that need by buying him a pair of shoes. Now, I'm sure that the Safety Patrol Officer doesn't make a whole lot of bank working as an officer at a private college and gladly told his friend "to get whatever he wanted". The two guys walked out with a pair of shoes and 2 packs of socks for the student.
So...I want to say thank you to the Safety Officer for caring about people. For giving when he didn't have to, and for loving on people. You sir, are a true hero! Thank God for people like you!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Life To Do List!
I was inspired by my cuz Caitlin Pitts to write out my life "To Do" List. It is definitely a personal thing, and I originally thought that I should keep it to myself; but, by telling the world, maybe you can hold me accountable to my list! And, you will get to know the desires and loves that I have!
Sometimes I have thought that a "To Do" list for my life was selfish-but, the Lord has created me who I am for a reason, and put desires in my heart for a reason, so as long as I am glorifying Him-I've got nothing to lose!
The fun thing about writing this stuff down is that everyday I can ask myself..."what have I done to achieve 'so-and-so'?" We all have plenty of time during the day, it's just a matter of prioritizing that time for what is important to us! It is definitely a work in progress, too.
(In no particular order)
-Hike the Appalachian Trail (entire thing)
-Win a race
-Participate in the Kona IronMan
-Run the Boston Marathon
-Be on a reality show-preferably the Amazing Race
-Marry the girl of my dreams
-Adopt from Africa
-Have Dreadlocks
-Meet Dikembe Mutombo
-For somebody to say, "we need 1 million dollars for such and such" and be able to write the check on the spot.
-See the Tour De France in person
-Have a friend in Sherry
-Go to Uganda
-6 pack
-Speak in front of 10,000 + people
-Get a Doctorate
-Meet Lance Armstrong
-Become fluent in another language
-Build my own house
-Visit Hawaii
-Tour Europe
-Visit Australia
-Get a least 2 more tattoos
-Write a book
-Skydive
-Bungee Jump
-Scuba Dive
-Learn to Surf
-Cycle in the Alps and Pyrenees
-Own a business
-Run, instead of Jog
...to be continued...
Sometimes I have thought that a "To Do" list for my life was selfish-but, the Lord has created me who I am for a reason, and put desires in my heart for a reason, so as long as I am glorifying Him-I've got nothing to lose!
The fun thing about writing this stuff down is that everyday I can ask myself..."what have I done to achieve 'so-and-so'?" We all have plenty of time during the day, it's just a matter of prioritizing that time for what is important to us! It is definitely a work in progress, too.
(In no particular order)
-Hike the Appalachian Trail (entire thing)
-Win a race
-Participate in the Kona IronMan
-Run the Boston Marathon
-Be on a reality show-preferably the Amazing Race
-Marry the girl of my dreams
-Adopt from Africa
-Have Dreadlocks
-Meet Dikembe Mutombo
-For somebody to say, "we need 1 million dollars for such and such" and be able to write the check on the spot.
-See the Tour De France in person
-Have a friend in Sherry
-Go to Uganda
-6 pack
-Speak in front of 10,000 + people
-Get a Doctorate
-Meet Lance Armstrong
-Become fluent in another language
-Build my own house
-Visit Hawaii
-Tour Europe
-Visit Australia
-Get a least 2 more tattoos
-Write a book
-Skydive
-Bungee Jump
-Scuba Dive
-Learn to Surf
-Cycle in the Alps and Pyrenees
-Own a business
-Run, instead of Jog
...to be continued...
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Family
Man I love my family. I don't know what I would do without them. Now, when I say family I'm talking about my extended family, not just the 'rents-though I love them too. I'm talking Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Grandparents...amazing. Thanks to a few divorces, I have a pretty big family. Growing up with 8 Grandparents ain't too bad! Essentially, I am my family. They have helped shape me into who I am today. My parents nurtured me, taught me, and loved me; and in turn, I want to be like them when I grow old-it's like a cycle. I can always count on my family too. Some a lot more than others, but the bond I have with them is undeniable and unbelievable.
There are still some family problems; there always is (you can pick your friends, not your family!) Namely, my biological Mom. Not having ever had a relationship with her is tough to deal with sometimes. Am I better for it, you bet. Patti Pitts my quote, unquote "step mom" is one of the greatest things to ever happen to me.
After being in Africa for a month last year, I saw firsthand how not having a family affects you and your life. There's not much direction, not much promise. It's tough. Seeing young children care for their YOUNGER siblings will sober anybody up.
I thank God for my family.
There are still some family problems; there always is (you can pick your friends, not your family!) Namely, my biological Mom. Not having ever had a relationship with her is tough to deal with sometimes. Am I better for it, you bet. Patti Pitts my quote, unquote "step mom" is one of the greatest things to ever happen to me.
After being in Africa for a month last year, I saw firsthand how not having a family affects you and your life. There's not much direction, not much promise. It's tough. Seeing young children care for their YOUNGER siblings will sober anybody up.
I thank God for my family.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
New Spring Church
This weekend has been great; off from work, a couple of bike rides, a little cleaning and a little sleeping, eating, and church!
I started to attend New Spring in Greenville about 3 weeks ago and am loving it. The messages are powerful, relevant, and speak right to me every week. New Spring Greenville is a "satellite" campus from New Spring Church in Anderson; I'm used to the whole "watch your preacher on a screen" thing though after attending Catalyst Church in downtown Greenville-which has since shut down-with Andy Stanley.
Currently, Perry Noble-pastor, is doing a series entitled "You Asked For It". He is preaching 6 sermons on questions the congregation has asked him to preach on, including: What is sexual sin? Can I lose my salvation? What is God's will? Is it okay to drink alcohol? Are we living in the end times? and Is it okay to be a part of popular culture and still be a Christian? All relavent questions that need sound Biblical answers.
Some of his sermons have already stirred up a little controversy, but as far as my 8-years worth of Christian schooling tells me...his sermons are Biblically based and sound. Can't argue with the Word of the Lord. Usually, those who do are directly doing what they are trying to justify!!
A quote that he said at the beginning of this series 3 weeks ago was that Oprah has the biggest church in America because she is answering the questions that people are asking; why is the church not answering these same questions. Why isn't the church "giving the people what they want" per say...directions and answers to life. WE as Christians have the cheat sheet, the answer book, if you will. Our only job on earth is to share that; that's why we are here.
Today, the sermon told that God's Will was a lot easier to know and follow than we make it out to be. We have the infallible, inerrant Word of God at our fingertips. When I Listen to the Word of God, and I Walk in the Ways of God, I will Discover the Will of God. (stole that from the bulletin outline-but I thought it was awesome.)
I can't tell how many times I have prayed, "Lord, show me your will" or "Show, me just the next small step, so that I may follow you" all the while, not being faithful to Listen to the Word of God or Walk in the Ways of God. I have it backwards-as I usually do! Why should God reveal more to me when I haven't been faithful following Him in the first place.
Thank you Perry for allowing God to speak and use you as His messenger. And thanks for getting me pumped up about church for the first time in along time.
Next week's message-"Is drinking alcohol okay?" I can't wait!!
I started to attend New Spring in Greenville about 3 weeks ago and am loving it. The messages are powerful, relevant, and speak right to me every week. New Spring Greenville is a "satellite" campus from New Spring Church in Anderson; I'm used to the whole "watch your preacher on a screen" thing though after attending Catalyst Church in downtown Greenville-which has since shut down-with Andy Stanley.
Currently, Perry Noble-pastor, is doing a series entitled "You Asked For It". He is preaching 6 sermons on questions the congregation has asked him to preach on, including: What is sexual sin? Can I lose my salvation? What is God's will? Is it okay to drink alcohol? Are we living in the end times? and Is it okay to be a part of popular culture and still be a Christian? All relavent questions that need sound Biblical answers.
Some of his sermons have already stirred up a little controversy, but as far as my 8-years worth of Christian schooling tells me...his sermons are Biblically based and sound. Can't argue with the Word of the Lord. Usually, those who do are directly doing what they are trying to justify!!
A quote that he said at the beginning of this series 3 weeks ago was that Oprah has the biggest church in America because she is answering the questions that people are asking; why is the church not answering these same questions. Why isn't the church "giving the people what they want" per say...directions and answers to life. WE as Christians have the cheat sheet, the answer book, if you will. Our only job on earth is to share that; that's why we are here.
Today, the sermon told that God's Will was a lot easier to know and follow than we make it out to be. We have the infallible, inerrant Word of God at our fingertips. When I Listen to the Word of God, and I Walk in the Ways of God, I will Discover the Will of God. (stole that from the bulletin outline-but I thought it was awesome.)
I can't tell how many times I have prayed, "Lord, show me your will" or "Show, me just the next small step, so that I may follow you" all the while, not being faithful to Listen to the Word of God or Walk in the Ways of God. I have it backwards-as I usually do! Why should God reveal more to me when I haven't been faithful following Him in the first place.
Thank you Perry for allowing God to speak and use you as His messenger. And thanks for getting me pumped up about church for the first time in along time.
Next week's message-"Is drinking alcohol okay?" I can't wait!!
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