I've posted a pretty long string of silly blogs in a row. Most of you who know me well, know that I can be a pretty silly (and corny) guy. I love to laugh. As some of you may have noticed, I can occasionally be so joyous that I will start to giggle in the middle of my own sentences :)
I am sure, though, that those of you who really know me also know that I am extremely serious about loving the LORD. I love the Word of God, which I believe the Holy Bible is. There is a concept, and a correlation between faith, hope and love that is difficult to grasp fully. These concepts seem to be difficult to grasp by themselves, but when you put them together and begin to see how they intertwine, it can become rather confusing. I was thinking about this a lot as I prayed today.
Faith:
Faith is Biblically defined as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)
*** Without it, we cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6)
*** Everything that does not come from it, is sin (Romans 14:23)
*** It seems that it cannot coexist with possession or sight (Romans 8:23, II Corinthians 4:18, Philippians 3:7-21)
*** It is the defining characteristic of the life of the righteous (Habbakuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, II Corinthians 5:7, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38)
*** It has its own Hall of Fame (Hebrews 11)
Hope:
Is not as well defined or discussed in the Bible as faith or love, the best definition that I can infer from the context clues in the Bible is as follows:
Hope is the expectation of something good in the future.
*** When it is deferred (or delayed), the heart is sickened (Proverbs 13:12)
*** The loss of hope is likened to depression and death (The whole book of Job, many of the Psalms - Psalms 42 is a good example)
*** If it is placed in the LORD, your strength is renewed (Isaiah 40:31)
*** If it is placed in the LORD, you will not be disappointed (Isaiah 49:23)
*** The Plans the LORD has for you are to give you more of it (Jeremiah 29:11)
*** It is developed in us through perseverence, which is developed in us through suffering --> and it does not disappoint us (Romans 5:4-5)
*** It is the basis of our faith (Colossians 1:5, I Timothy 1:1, Colossians 1:27, Titus 1:2)
*** It is to what we were called (Ephesians 4:4)
*** It protects our minds (I Thessalonians 5:8)
*** It is an anchor for our soul (Hebrews 6:19)
*** It is how we draw near to God (Hebrews 7:19)
Love:
It is Biblically defined thus: "This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins" I John 4:10
*** It is described in I Corinthians 13:4-8a
*** Love is Patient
*** Love is Kind
*** Love does not Envy
*** Love does not Boast
*** Love is not Proud
*** Love is not Rude
*** Love is not Self-Seeking
*** Love is not Easily Angered
*** Love Keeps No Record of Wrongs
*** Love does not Rejoice in Evil
*** Love Rejoices With the Truth
*** Love Always Protects
*** Love Always Trusts
*** Love Always Hopes
*** Love Always Perseveres
*** Love Never Fails
*** It is greater than Faith or Hope (I Corinthians 13:13)
*** It is how faith expresses itself (Galatians 5:6)
*** It is the nature of God (I John 4:8)
Love could be given a much, much, MUCH longer and deeper treatment than I have given it, but you get the idea..... Please take the time and REALLY search out the love that God has for you. Please take the time to read all about love in the Bible. True love is so much deeper than most of this world can fathom.
HERE IS MY REQUEST:
If you really know me, leave a comment and let me know how the love I have shown you measures up to the Truth of what love is. I want to love you better, stronger, and deeper. Thanks. I love you!!!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Four Letter Words
Please excuse the rough language in the following story... I would have deleted them, but the story wouldn't be the same. (Keep reading - you'll laugh)
A young couple got married and went on their honeymoon. When they got back, the bride immediately called her mother.
"Well", said her mother, "so how was the honeymoon?"
"Oh mama", she replied, "the honeymoon was wonderful! So romantic"......Suddenly she burst out crying. "But, mama, as soon as we returned, Sam started using the most horrible language -- things I'd never heard before! I mean, all these awful 4-letter words! You've got to take me home! PLEASE MAMA!"
"Sarah, Sarah", her mother said, "calm down! You need to stay with your husband and work this out. Now, tell me, what could be so awful? WHAT 4-letter words?"
"Please don't make me tell you, mama," wept the daughter. "I'm so embarrassed, they're just too awful! COME GET ME, PLEASE!!"
"Darling, baby, you must tell me what has you so upset. Tell your mother these horrible 4-letter words!"
Sobbing, the bride said, "Oh, Mama..., he used words like: dust, wash, iron, and cook..."
"I'll pick you up in twenty minutes," said the mother
A young couple got married and went on their honeymoon. When they got back, the bride immediately called her mother.
"Well", said her mother, "so how was the honeymoon?"
"Oh mama", she replied, "the honeymoon was wonderful! So romantic"......Suddenly she burst out crying. "But, mama, as soon as we returned, Sam started using the most horrible language -- things I'd never heard before! I mean, all these awful 4-letter words! You've got to take me home! PLEASE MAMA!"
"Sarah, Sarah", her mother said, "calm down! You need to stay with your husband and work this out. Now, tell me, what could be so awful? WHAT 4-letter words?"
"Please don't make me tell you, mama," wept the daughter. "I'm so embarrassed, they're just too awful! COME GET ME, PLEASE!!"
"Darling, baby, you must tell me what has you so upset. Tell your mother these horrible 4-letter words!"
Sobbing, the bride said, "Oh, Mama..., he used words like: dust, wash, iron, and cook..."
"I'll pick you up in twenty minutes," said the mother
Saturday, May 12, 2007
The Stages of Acceptance
Other than the cursing, I feel this giraffe's pain... HA HA HA HA
I think Robot Chicken has hit the bottom of stupid!
Robot Chicken - 5 Stages of Acceptance
I think Robot Chicken has hit the bottom of stupid!
Robot Chicken - 5 Stages of Acceptance
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Animal Diaries
I thought this was cute :) The cat reminds me of Stewie from Family Guy:
A Dog's diary
6:00am - At last! I Go Pee! My favorite thing!
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
6:00 pm - They're home! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
"Excerpts from a Cat's Diary"
Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet.
I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards!
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now...
:)
A Dog's diary
6:00am - At last! I Go Pee! My favorite thing!
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
6:00 pm - They're home! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
"Excerpts from a Cat's Diary"
Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet.
I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards!
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now...
:)
Monday, March 12, 2007
Why?! OH WHY?!!!
Why does it feel so strange for someone to:
- Be who they say they are?
- Do what they say they are going to do?
- REALLY LOVE YOU?
Why does it make you want to run away when someone makes you feel so good?
I wish I could say that I have never run away because something was too good
Father, please help me to understand that I don't have to deserve your love to receive it. Please help me to understand that YOUR DECISION to love me is what makes me "worthy." It is your love and you can give it to whoever you want!!! Help me to stand there and press through my own discomfort in being loved so powerfully and lavishly. Your love will never leave me, so I don't have to fear that it will be taken away from me if I get "too comfortable!" Learning to live in your love will take me to greater levels of walking in the freedom that is ALREADY MINE in you! Help me, LORD!
- Be who they say they are?
- Do what they say they are going to do?
- REALLY LOVE YOU?
Why does it make you want to run away when someone makes you feel so good?
I wish I could say that I have never run away because something was too good
Father, please help me to understand that I don't have to deserve your love to receive it. Please help me to understand that YOUR DECISION to love me is what makes me "worthy." It is your love and you can give it to whoever you want!!! Help me to stand there and press through my own discomfort in being loved so powerfully and lavishly. Your love will never leave me, so I don't have to fear that it will be taken away from me if I get "too comfortable!" Learning to live in your love will take me to greater levels of walking in the freedom that is ALREADY MINE in you! Help me, LORD!
Monday, February 26, 2007
This is a PARTICULAR brand of sillyness
I'm sorry... This never fails to crack me up. I saw this in the theater with Butta and I was laughing so hard during this scene that was kicking the seat in front of me, saying "Stop! I can't breathe!"
Evan's unique newscast
Evan's unique newscast
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Just in case you want to support a brother!
I'm really focusing on school and on selling copies of my book to help offset the cost of said schooling SO, if you would like to support a brother, and read what is (in my opinion) a really good book. Go buy a copy or two... or 10
Since I am a first time author and not very well known, my book will probably not be on the shelves at your local bookstore.
HOWEVER, if you go to the customer service desk at your local bookstore, they CAN order one for you so that you wouldn't have to pay shipping.
IF YOU WANT TO GET IT ONLINE, you can do so at any of these websites:
My Publisher's Website
Barnes & Noble:
Amazon:
Walmart:
ChristianBook.com
Since I am a first time author and not very well known, my book will probably not be on the shelves at your local bookstore.
HOWEVER, if you go to the customer service desk at your local bookstore, they CAN order one for you so that you wouldn't have to pay shipping.
IF YOU WANT TO GET IT ONLINE, you can do so at any of these websites:
My Publisher's Website
Barnes & Noble:
Amazon:
Walmart:
ChristianBook.com
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