Where Do You Spend Your Love?

In such a day and age that we live in, it is hard to believe that anyone could love anyone in this world. Often I hear stories of good Samaritans being taken advantage of. Being lured by those falsely in need, some are robbed, beaten or worse. Such stories do one thing very well and that is to stifle ideas of those thing of reaching out and helping others. The world spins more smoothly when we love. I am not saying caution should be thrown to the wind, but allowing our giving nature to be shunted only breeds more disparity. God knows all that is in the world, but he still urges us to reach out and love our neighbor.  God is love, perfect love, and he knows that this world will work best when we can look past our own selfish desires and love each other with all our might for it works already so well in heaven. I look forward to the day that I become worthy to enter the gates of heaven and experience God's love first hand. Many who choose not to believe in God refuse to realize how much God's love surrounds them. Negating the fact that all in our world is made by God and that he did so for good out of his love, the many believers in this world that choose to sew love help to relieve much of the anguish man causes through sin. Because we Christians choose to follow Jesus and his ways, we silly believers, have through our faith created some of the first schools, hospitals and homes for the needy. Next time you see that person on the side of the road needing help you may not want to stop for fear of harm but you should still reach for your phone and call for help. Next time you see that person with sign in hand that you fear is looking for an easy fix or dollar rescue your compassion by donating to you local shelter. And if you do ever feel duped know that its not what someone does with your charity that matters its what is in your heart that counts. For by following God and his son Jesus' teachings not only do we secure love for this world but hopes to find a perfect love in the world hereafter.

John 12:1-11

1Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Laz'arus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Laz'arus was one of those at table with him. 3Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. 4But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said, 5"Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" 6This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. 7Jesus said, "Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. 8The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me." 9When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Laz'arus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10So the chief priests planned to put Laz'arus also to death, 11because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

Michael

Nerdy God Thoughts

Are You Shocked to Have a Wingman?

You know I don't get shocked much any more. It's not that I am so old and that I have seen everything, but that my life is fairly boring. I like a life that is nice and mellow. You won't find me jumping off cliffs or out of airplanes. I find many are like myself, maybe it comes with having children. My kids are great but with all the action they can bring to your life, it makes me just want to have a mellow lifestyle. I'll never forget the morning that my son woke up, he was still in diapers and was wearing on of those sets of PJ's that has the footies and everything. I unzipped him to get him dressed for the day and it was like peeling a poop banana. He was covered from neck to toe, so I guess after being shocked like that, ya know. Thing is that God will never give you anything that you can't handle with his help. God knows your amazing talents and abilities because he gave them to you. He will never give you something that you can't handle, with his help. The problem is that many think they are a one person army and refuse to ask for God's help. He is there waiting for you every day. He might not give you the help that you want but he is waiting none the less. Just like a great father he knows just what you need. He will never be shocked if you ask for his help all you have to do is ask. Question is are you ready to accept him?


Luke 1:26-38

26In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!"29But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. 30And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." 34And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?" 35And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 36And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37For with God nothing will be impossible." 38And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

Love, Are You Smacking Your Lips or Smacking His Face?

Love is a hard thing for a child to understand completely. Honestly love it seems is a hard thing for many adults to understand. Each day I try to teach my children to love. Love is not merely for the people you like. Love is being able to share that toy that you really want to keep all to yourself. Love is not just the mushy feelings you get in your tummy when you see a pretty girl at the age of 13. It is having respect and genuine appreciation for all men and women that you come in contact with. The love that Jesus brought to us on earth I think is often misunderstood if not understood at all. I often have a hard time wrapping my head around it myself. As humans we think on such a different level because we are so wrapped up into our physical side we don’t understand our spiritual side. We are part body and part spirit. God wants us to love and sent Jesus to teach us how to love in person. When we sin we hurt our relationship with God, its like going up to your best friend, looking them square in the eye and smacking them right in the face. God loves us all so when we sin against each other or him directly he takes it personal. When we sin we are focusing on ourselves, satisfying our own desires with disregard to others or God. Now God gives us free will so we can choose that, and if that is the life we choose then well God will let us have that, but we don’t get to live in God’s house in our next life eternally in the spiritual realm. God wants us to choose love so that we can share his kingdom which exists without blemish in perfect love. Jesus came as a perfect teacher and fell in love with us. He allowed himself to be the perfect sacrifice for all the sins that we had and will commit. He wanted to show us what true perfect love is so that we would have an example to follow. So if we choose to love as Jesus calls we will believe that he is the son of God. If we choose to live a life of love following and believing and choosing God’s way and loving everyone we meet as we love ourselves then we will be ready to enter the kingdom of heaven. We all make mistakes. No one is perfect and Jesus is ready to take away any sin at any time for those that believe and repent, but you have to have and open heart and love back. How many of your friends will invite you into their homes after you have slapped them in the face?

John 8:21-30

21Again he said to them, "I go away, and you will seek me and die in your sin; where I am going, you cannot come." 22Then said the Jews, "Will he kill himself, since he says, `Where I am going, you cannot come'?" 23He said to them, "You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. 24I told you that you would die in your sins, for you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am he." 25They said to him, "Who are you?" Jesus said to them, "Even what I have told you from the beginning. 26I have much to say about you and much to judge; but he who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him." 27They did not understand that he spoke to them of the Father. 28So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority but speak thus as the Father taught me. 29And he who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him." 30As he spoke thus, many believed in him.

Where Did That Little Booger Learn That?

I have 4 wonderful children. I love them so very much and they love each other so. From an early time I developed rules for my home. Rule #2 is follow directions. This works well until the time when following direction goes in a complete opposite direction of what they want to do. Now they follow directions quite well but sometimes their attitude is rather sour. They do but in such a way that they do with spite. I try and teach them why I have them do what I ask so that they can learn and grow and become well rounded persons with well rounded hearts. Often I have seen some follow God's will but for the wrong reasons. They do so because it is the "law" and not because they want to. They do so because they want to stay out of trouble, rather than do so out of love. As my children follow my example I often have to question what I am doing as well as why I am doing. Am I doing out of love from examples that Jesus has taught me or am I doing out of spite or obligation. God is love and wishes communion with us all. He sent his son Jesus to teach us how to love his father God and how to love each other. While so many fear God and his vengeance many also over look the love that God wishes to give. Everything that Jesus taught was from his father and therefore know that his father is true perfect love. It may not always provide what we want, but it does provide what we need.

John 5:17-30

17But Jesus answered them, "My Father is working still, and I am working." 18This was why the Jews sought all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the sabbath but also called God his Father, making himself equal with God. 19Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever he does, that the Son does likewise. 20For the Father loves the Son, and shows him all that he himself is doing; and greater works than these will he show him, that you may marvel. 21For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. 22The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 23that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. 25"Truly, truly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself, 27and has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of man. 28Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29and come forth, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment. 30"I can do nothing on my own authority; as I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.

So Why You Gonna Do That?

There are few things that I do not like in this world, and one of those things is sleep. While I do believe that the body needs rest, I think of so many things that could do with the 8 or so hours I a lot myself for sleep each night. When I was in college sometimes I would go so far as to drink strong coffee or take caffeine pills to try and stay awake but the end result was that I would get too burnt out and my work would have little value, so now I have learned to get a good nights rest. God loves us and there is reason for the sabbath. It not just to sit around and waist time worshipping God. God actually loves you and wants to spend time with you. Whether you like the life you have or not God gave you your life as a gift. Everything in your life is a gift from God. And like anyone that loves, they too want to loved in return. God asks that we take the sabbath to commune with him, love him and worship him because he loves you and he wants the love and respect that he deserves. He wants you to observe the sabbath to rest so that you body and mind can recharge and rebuild for the week to come. He wants you to spend time with your family worshiping and loving him and each other so that your family will be and remain righteous and strong. By no means though does God want you to ignore your fellow man in need just because of the sabbath. God sent his son Jesus to teach us how to love and that we should be ready to love at all times, and never should we follow a tradition so blindly that we forget the reason for the tradition in the first place. For the one tradition that God does call us to each and every day is to love and to love with all the might that we can muster. For when we can learn to love God and everyone around us with all our might we will find true peace and true rest on this earth.

John 5:1-16

1After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Beth-za'tha, which has five porticoes. 3In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed. 5One man was there, who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 6When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" 7The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me." 8Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your pallet, and walk." 9And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked. Now that day was the sabbath. 10So the Jews said to the man who was cured, "It is the sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your pallet." 11But he answered them, "The man who healed me said to me, `Take up your pallet, and walk.'" 12They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, `Take up your pallet, and walk'?" 13Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. 14Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you." 15The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16And this was why the Jews persecuted Jesus, because he did this on the sabbath.

Compassion, a Fragrance You Should Wear Every Day

Compassion is a beautiful thing, but it rarely shows up where we would like it. Having that bad day where it starts raining half way to work and cause your running late you have to park in the boonies. On your trudge to the front door you see someone else making the trek but the have an umbrella the size of Idaho and nice and dry. You give them the pity look, but they just awkwardly smile and walk even faster in the rain and you feel like you are showing up at work in a bathing suit. One might wonder where compassion is for that person that completely drives us nuts at work. Maybe you are a Christian, maybe not. You know you should be compassionate to those that push our buttons but it is so hard to summon that emotion into action. God sent his son Jesus to teach, preach and show us how to be compassionate. Jesus teaches us to love not hate, to forgive not condemn. When in doubt, love. It can be a hard thing to do, not because loving is hard, but because our selfish flesh wants things to be fair. My Mom taught me when I was 5 that life was not fair, but that we should love all with a fair dose of love, so as you go through your day smile at strangers, share that umbrella and most importantly forgive those that hurt you even if they are not asking for forgiveness. For if we all did our part to love as much as Jesus does each and every day this would could truly be heaven on earth.

John 8:1-11

1but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2Early in the morning he came again to the temple; all the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. 3The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst 4they said to him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. 5Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such. What do you say about her?" 6This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. 7And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." 8And once more he bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. 9But when they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the eldest, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. 10Jesus looked up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" 11She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and do not sin again."

It’s Not Instant Mashed Potatoes, but in an Instant…

We live in a world where so much can come in an instant that it often becomes taken for granted. Many times we overlook that the journey is more important than the destination. I went through a spell where my life was completely high speed 24/7. I felt rushed all the time. If everything didn’t happen right away then would get frustrated with life in general. Even when at Mc Donald’s if I was asked to pull up to the yellow line and wait for my food I would get frustrated. Those extra 5 minutes seemed to be absolutely horrible. When it comes to our God many get frustrated. We read “ask and ye shall receive”. Problem is we think that means we will receive “my will” instead of “thy will”. Just like our parents drove us nuts when we were younger with stupid rules/stupid chores, whose only purpose seemed to be to ruin our fun and waste our time, many think that God doesn’t do what we want because he doesn’t understand or care. The thing is, our parents had those stupid rules to keep us safe. Our parents had us do those stupid chores to help us learn life lessons. God works the same, he gives us what we can handle and that’s not always what we want. But God does work in an instant. The moment you decide to take his son into your life and follow him you are saved. The moment that you take Jesus Christ as your lord and savior you are saved but it doesn’t end there. Jesus wants to be your wing man and he has tons of grace to share with you. Its why he wants you to get baptized in the Holy Spirit. It’s why he wants you to become a member in his Church and confirm your faith. He wants to share with you his body and blood in communion. He wants to grant you forgiveness when you make mistakes and he offers you the chance to confess your sins. He may even give you someone to share your life with and wants you to join with them in Holy Matrimony for life through marriage in his Church. Jesus may put the calling for you to help others and be a member of his Church’s clergy and call you to Holy Orders. In later years or in times of ill health he also wants to be with and give you that grace that can get you through such time by Anointing of the Sick. Make no mistake God loves you he sent his only son Jesus who wants to be there by your side always so that he can help you… in an instant. 

John 4:43-54

43After the two days he departed to Galilee. 44For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. 45So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast, for they too had gone to the feast. 46So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Caper'na-um there was an official whose son was ill. 47When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48Jesus therefore said to him, "Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe." 49The official said to him, "Sir, come down before my child dies." 50Jesus said to him, "Go; your son will live." The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went his way. 51As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was living. 52So he asked them the hour when he began to mend, and they said to him, "Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him." 53The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live"; and he himself believed, and all his household. 54This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee.

Divided in Hate or United in Love?

One thing that I hate and, well maybe HATE is too strong, but what I dislike very much is wasting my time. While some see me work and wonder why I do the way I do. Know that I try and think about everything that I do before I do it. I remember as a child growing up working so hard sometimes and because of short-sidedness I would have to go back and start all over again. Many I talk to don’t believe in God or have a hard time believing cause of the way things work in our world. As humans we think of our own lives so much. We think so MICRO while God thinks so MACRO. What may work great for us may not be so grand for the big picture. I am convinced that God is also a master in Jujustu for he has the ability to take events that are so horrible and create such beautiful possibilities. God has one mission, love, that’s it pure and simple. Personally I think that God had too much love held up inside of him and that is why he created us and everything else. God’s way and passion is simple, love. He wants us to love him. He sent his son Jesus to show us how he is, who he is and how to best live and follow him. God also wants us to love each other. He sent his son as a living, breathing human example of how to live, heal, love, feed and console those in need. Through Jesus God has given us so much and it all is focused on one goal going in the same direction, love. So while I see so much pain in the world today and so much confusion it frustrates me that more do not see the simple beauty in working with God on this earth in one undivided passion. For if we all focused together in love with love we could bring so much Heaven to this earth and before we die we might actually get a glimpse of what the Kingdom of Heaven looks like. 

Luke 11:14-23

14Now he was casting out a demon that was dumb; when the demon had gone out, the dumb man spoke, and the people marveled. 15But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Be-el'zebul, the prince of demons"; 16while others, to test him, sought from him a sign from heaven. 17But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. 18And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Be-el'zebul. 19And if I cast out demons by Be-el'zebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 20But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace; 22but when one stronger than he assails him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoil. 23He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. 

Getting Back to the Basics

Occasionally I find myself trying to get back to basics. Often it is because my life becomes so big and bulky that trying to manage all the balls I have in the air becomes rather difficult. I refocus on what is important and build my life again. Jesus came at a time when the Jewish people in the world were lost. They’re lands were taken by the Roman Empire and their beliefs and practices towards God had gotten a bit out of hand. Just as Moses gave us the 10 commandments Jesus came to reinforce them and to teach us that it all comes down to really 2. Love God with all you mind, body, and soul and love each other as you love yourself. For many a year prophets spoke of the coming of Jesus and there were many predispositions on what he would be and what he would do. Jesus came to heal, feed and teach. He taught love and that God was love. He taught that God was a loving father not a harsh Task Master. Jesus came to teach us to get back to basics and what loving God and loving others was really all about. So now when I find my world getting out of control I get back to basics and I start with Jesus and the 10 Commandments for nothing does better to get my life back on track than focusing on how to love God and everyone else.

Matthew 5:17-19

17"Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them. 18For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

The Building Strength of Forgiveness

I have always kind of thought that the cornerstone of love was forgiveness. Why? Because for some reason we all decide to put the Captain Stupid Cap on from time to time and we mess up. We hurt the ones that we love. Really the only way to repair what we have done is out of our hands, it instead is in the hands of those that we hurt. Broken relationships can only be healed with forgiveness. Jesus taught us a simple but potent prayer to pray, and of its lines is, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us.” That’s a pretty heavy thought. Forgiveness is love and if one appreciates the forgiveness they receive, not only should they dole it out liberally themselves but they should also love those that forgive them even more. Forgiveness can make the circle of love stronger with each passing turn. We are all flawed. None of us are perfect. Even the most pious Christian falls and makes mistakes. What God wants is simple, love. He wants us to love him and to love each other as we love ourselves. We are all beautiful important gifts to this world made out of love and, if we heed, can be made stronger out of forgiveness. If God can forgive all, what is holding us back from forgiving each other?

Matthew 18:21-35

21Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" 22Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven. 23"Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; 25and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, `Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' 27And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, `Pay what you owe.' 29So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, `Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' 30He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. 31When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. 32Then his lord summoned him and said to him, `You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; 33and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' 34And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt. 35So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."

Sometimes I Just Need to Shut Up and Do

It’s a simple thing that I try to do. I fail often, but each and every day I get up and try all over again. I am not perfect but to be honest it’s not about me. 

I try and give as much as possible… actually I try and serve as much as possible. Whenever someone calls and asks I do all I can to serve, but like I said I am far from perfect. I give not because I want something in return, but because that’s what makes this world go around so well. 

I used to be a very selfish person. All I wanted was to consume and fill my desires cause my heart was empty and I thought filling it with stuff would help. Then I met Jesus.

I thought he was a joke or just something that was quaint and nice to talk about, but after I got to know the guy by reading his teachings he won me over and I dug deeper. Now I find fulfillment each and every time I follow his direction.

It’s a wonderful journey and I hope that it’s far from over. I have so much more that I want to learn.

Thanks God, cause you give your everything.

Matthew 20:17-28

17And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, 18"Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death, 19and deliver him to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day." 20Then the mother of the sons of Zeb'edee came up to him, with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Command that these two sons of mine may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom." 22But Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?" They said to him, "We are able." 23He said to them, "You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father." 24And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; 28even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Do What They Say Not What They Do?

I feel that I have been very fortunate over my lifetime. I am barely getting started and I have met so many wonderful people and more importantly had so many wonderful teachers. Rarely have a I had a teacher or boss that told me to do things that they themselves would not do, and even in those rare cases that I have I still completed what was expected of me. Jesus is the same way. I follow him because he doesn’t ask me to do anything that he did not do. Yes, Jesus is my hero. He teaches to love under all circumstances and he did himself. Dying a horrible death on the cross he spoke to God and asked, “Forgive them father for they know not what they do.” I feel so blessed to have had wonderful teachers that walked the walk and talked the talk. From my Protestant days to my Catholic ones, I have had preachers, Sunday school teachers and priests that have led the way by doing. But I am lucky, not all men and women are so, and even those that are rather righteous are still human they make mistakes. They are flawed and need to repent and ask for forgiveness just as myself. That is why I keep my mind open and learn from many but look to one. I look to Jesus. He is my hero, rather super hero. For when I strive to be like Jesus and love like Jesus is when I find true peace and happiness and spread that to others. 

Matthew 23:1-12

1Then said Jesus to the crowds and to his disciples, 2"The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; 3so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice. 4They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with their finger. 5They do all their deeds to be seen by men; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues, 7and salutations in the market places, and being called rabbi by men. 8But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren. 9And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10Neither be called masters, for you have one master, the Christ. 11He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; 12whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Whatcha Watcha Whatcha Want?

“Gimme gimme gimme”, I smile so wide and so happy when I see my little girl trying to trot as fast as she can across the room with her arms fully extended and her fingers waving in her hands as if she is trying to grab what she wants before she even arrives. I see so many adults going through life in a similar fashion as well. Okay, I too sometimes run through life trying to “get” all I can. I don’t think that there is anything wrong with wanting, but there needs to be balance. I follow the discipline of Jesus Christ, or rather I try to, and Jesus taught that life is not just about wanting but also giving. Make no mistake Christians are not perfect. We can mess up just like the rest of the people in this beautiful world, but Jesus wants us to give. For me this is the season of Lent. This is a time when I give up things that I love as a sacrifice to show love, honor and respect for Jesus dying on the cross for me. Also at this time I try and renew my focus on giving. I give back at church by helping with fundraisers so that we can help those in need. I serve others instead of serving myself. I fast on days through this period to become closer to God. I know that might sound weird, but living in America we are constantly encouraged to gouge our stomachs to feel good. Personally by avoiding food I feel empty and hollow inside. Temptation creeps in to stuff my face, but I turn to God and ask for help and so my relationship grows through prayer (talking to God). God has so much to give, so much to share. But like I don’t just give my son a $100 when he wants it, God wants me to earn what he has to give so that I appreciate it. God wants us to be ready for the gifts he has for us so that we don’t ruin the gift or ourselves if we get it before we are ready. So God sent his son to come to earth and teach us, to teach us to love, to teach us to give more that we receive. For if we can learn the value of what we give to others and do it through love then we will become ready to receive the love and gifts God has waiting for us. 

Luke 6:36-38

36Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. 37"Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back."