Ok people, lets get a few things straight. Obama has just won the election. Thats fine, I'm not thrilled nor down because of this election. Why? Well, because I don't really think that the next President of the United States will change the course of history. Past Presidents have changed some aspects of the world, but surely everything. And it is for this reason that I fear for this nation, not because of who it elected, but because of the reasons why I percieve this president to have been elected (I could be wrong though). The common trend I'm seeing is that many people have pinned the entire future of our country on one person. In reality I feel that many of us felt like that is what this election was about, both republicans and democrats, the entire future of the country. But lets be honest with ourselves people, does the future of this country really rest in one man's hands? - I don't think so.
The future of this country rests in the hands of every American and what we decide to do with our hands on a daily basis. We can choose to do good, or we can manipulate truth and trade truth for a lie. We can use white lies in business negotiations, we can cheat on the test, we can wait another day to get involved in our Church's and communities, or we can do the opposite. We can be honest in our dealings with other people, even when it hurts. We can study harder for the test because we believe an honest grade is better than a fun night before the test. We can get involved in Church and be leaders, with both words AND ACTION. I'm speaking about myself here too, so don't get me wrong, we all have some responsibility in making our world a better place (if you believe in Christ, you make the world better in His Name).
But, we are in very grave danger when we become armchair citizens and give the government a mandate to fix everything. This armchair mentality lead to the nightmare that is social security, the HUGE MONEY spent on this election, the awful immigration laws that has allowed for a system of second-class citizens (illegal immigrants) who work hard and yet have little protection from worker exploitation because our laws don't apply fully to them. Because we have chosen to not take care of our environment, the government steps in to do what we should have been doing all along- making sure we leave a planet for our kids better than the one we were given. So lets do something about our country other than giving a huge check to the government to act like its fixing things. IT'S NOT!
Second thing (i'm probably going to get murdered for this one but i don't care)
There is no such thing as a 'white race,' a 'black race,' a 'mexican race,' or an 'asian race.' There is only a human race. We may have different ethnicities, countries of birth, etc, but we do not have different races. Barack Obama is not of a different race than me, just as much as I am not of a different race as the Costa Rican family I currently live with. We are AMERICANS, and we are united in that, not divided in it. Sure, the people of the world may look different, but lets get this clear, THAT ONLY SHOWS THE CREATIVITY OF THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY! No one is superior to me because of how they look, nor is anyone inferior to me because of how they look. The only distinction God makes is between those who fear Him, and those that despise His ways. And even then, the Lord desires that "all men come to repentance."
Third,
Why are the political pundits talking about 'Confederate' states and 'Union' states? I mean, are you kidding me?! How long ago was the Civil War and we are still allowing ignorant people to be on tv talking about how the ideals of our ancestors still divide us? Most of the people in this country have family that immigrated after the Civil War, so lets allow ourselves to put that piece of history to rest, especially when grouping people together! Good grief! Lets not perpetuate the myth here people.
Fourth,
Pray for the world, and in this time pray for the United States. Especially those of us that are citizens should be concerned right now because we have become a country dependent on buying things we cannot afford, and every leader I've heard has only encouraged more of the same. We are now all more in debt to the government because we keep buying things we cannot afford. The housing 'crisis' is an example of us buying thing we truly cannot afford. Lets pray that the consumer demon that haunts our country is replaced by a country that gets back to the good things in its past where we spend wisely and realize that 'things' wont ever truly make us happy. Lets start investing in people, because they actually matter. Stuff doesn't truly matter. And those of us that accept Christ as Lord, lets invest in people for the Glory of God, that we may bring a smile to His face as we bring invest truth and love into people's lives.
Fifth,
Lets pray that for our new leaders in Washington that they may listen to Heavenly Wisdom in doing their part to make this country, and this world a better place.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Piedras (rocks)
What motivates you?
It's a good question that I think very few of us ask ourselves. I was viewing the Teach For America website along with a private environmental consulting company in Lexington and it just came to me...what would motivate me if I ever found a future in either? I think that for me, the opportunity for a challenge motivates me. Can I do this? I have yet to find something that is too hard, it all depends on my determination. It's less about if I think something is the right fit and more about the opportunity to try something new. Life is full of new surprises, new opportunities and new adventure, however, we often miss them because we are so focused on one thing that it becomes difficult to take a hold of life's many obstacles and make them stepping stones. Our greatest challenges often open the very doors and truths we have been seeking. Let God help you turn your stumbling stones into bridges to the blessed future He has for you. Blessings in Christ.
-J
It's a good question that I think very few of us ask ourselves. I was viewing the Teach For America website along with a private environmental consulting company in Lexington and it just came to me...what would motivate me if I ever found a future in either? I think that for me, the opportunity for a challenge motivates me. Can I do this? I have yet to find something that is too hard, it all depends on my determination. It's less about if I think something is the right fit and more about the opportunity to try something new. Life is full of new surprises, new opportunities and new adventure, however, we often miss them because we are so focused on one thing that it becomes difficult to take a hold of life's many obstacles and make them stepping stones. Our greatest challenges often open the very doors and truths we have been seeking. Let God help you turn your stumbling stones into bridges to the blessed future He has for you. Blessings in Christ.
-J
Friday, October 10, 2008
Community
Most people have experienced the feeling of loneliness. I know it's something I've had to fight since coming to Costa Rica. It's not something I'm unaccustomed to, I've known the feeling of loneliness before...but that doesn't make it any easier. God told Abraham his descendants would be "strangers in a country not their own" (Acts 7:6). Indeed the Children of Israel knew what it was like to feel out of place. So this is should not be a new concept to me, but it never seems to be any easier. God doesn't promise an easy life, but He does promise to "never...leave"(Hebrews 13:5). That does bring me comfort though.
In any case when I've felt lonely, I start to clam up and further isolate myself. It's easy to pity oneself and try to just endure it solo. But the Bible is very clear that we can't survive in isolation, and that we have to continue to seek out a community of believers and live in fellowship with one another. Christ prays that we "may all be one" (John 17:21) and I can't be one with the Church if I clam up. But also, God calls us to go and "make disciples" (Matt.28:19) and this does not permit simply clinging to a Christian huddle either. So as I have been encouraged to keep trying, I encourage anyone else to not give up in trying to get out of the "shell" of selfism and be in community with other believers, as well as those who don't believe, that they may know Christ and make Him know!
-Glory to God in the Highest! Bless you Lord Jesus Christ! May I honor your Name today in my community and encourage the brothers and sisters while drawing more to You in Love and Repentance for the Glory of Your Name Jesus Christ. Amen!
In any case when I've felt lonely, I start to clam up and further isolate myself. It's easy to pity oneself and try to just endure it solo. But the Bible is very clear that we can't survive in isolation, and that we have to continue to seek out a community of believers and live in fellowship with one another. Christ prays that we "may all be one" (John 17:21) and I can't be one with the Church if I clam up. But also, God calls us to go and "make disciples" (Matt.28:19) and this does not permit simply clinging to a Christian huddle either. So as I have been encouraged to keep trying, I encourage anyone else to not give up in trying to get out of the "shell" of selfism and be in community with other believers, as well as those who don't believe, that they may know Christ and make Him know!
-Glory to God in the Highest! Bless you Lord Jesus Christ! May I honor your Name today in my community and encourage the brothers and sisters while drawing more to You in Love and Repentance for the Glory of Your Name Jesus Christ. Amen!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
stand and don't blink
What does it mean when a decision stares you in the face and you blink? I make decisions everyday, but I always "blink." Sometimes I think that it's just me taking time to be sure, other times I think it's because I'm unsure and unreliable. I want to be sure, at the same time I know that indecision can make the worst decision for you if you let it. It's a simple analogy, a benign daily occurance, but this situation has implications for much more in life.
-God I pray I stand on your principles daily and when looked in the eye by evil I stare back ever resolute in your promises and righteousness. I'm in a new world of different, but similar patterns of evil- new challenges to me that are nothing new under the sun. God here I stand with you-don't let me stand alone. Bring up others to stand with me in Christ Jesus. Amen. Psalm 119:29 & Proverbs 23:17,18.
-God I pray I stand on your principles daily and when looked in the eye by evil I stare back ever resolute in your promises and righteousness. I'm in a new world of different, but similar patterns of evil- new challenges to me that are nothing new under the sun. God here I stand with you-don't let me stand alone. Bring up others to stand with me in Christ Jesus. Amen. Psalm 119:29 & Proverbs 23:17,18.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Landing
So i just got here in Costa Rica! No problems or hiccups with the travel and my roommate is cool and my family is very kind. "Mama y Papa" as they like to be called are very kind and so far i understand most of what they are saying! I'm still a bit nervous about everything but I will just trust in the Lord to calm my nerves. Blessings on you all!
Proverbs 23:17-18
"Do not let our heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a future hope for you and your hope will not be cut off."
Proverbs 23:17-18
"Do not let our heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a future hope for you and your hope will not be cut off."
Friday, August 29, 2008
chillin'
I was hanging with some old friends of mine today and I realized how much things change with time. The perpetual "hands of time" never stop and if you blink you might miss something. It again reiterates the notion that we need to be thankful for what we have, when we have it/them. I just looked around Chagrin Falls and realized how far I've come since high school. I'm not saying I've achieved a whole lot, but I know I- along with everyone else I know- has changed considerably. We are all growing up and taking on new responsibilities and challenges in life.
Since growing up (and out for some of us) is such a natural force of life, I think the key to staying close with someone is growing up with them. It's like old couples talk about "growing old together," I think I need to learn how to grow up WITH someone, and not just by myself. Growing apart from familiar things doesn't mean one is maturing with time. Growing up is taking the good and the bad that life throws you and making it bend as much as possible with the will of God in your life. And making that happen with someone else is difficult (as I'm learning). It's easier to live alone, but who wants that? For a gregarious introvert like myself, I have to consciously make it a part of my life to pray, thing about and fellowship with others. It's too easy to get discouraged and pull my armor around me and hide. Sometimes thats what needs to happen, but most times you have to face your fears/desires/decisions/etc. and trust that each step you take, God's already established before you. Peace on ya'.
Since growing up (and out for some of us) is such a natural force of life, I think the key to staying close with someone is growing up with them. It's like old couples talk about "growing old together," I think I need to learn how to grow up WITH someone, and not just by myself. Growing apart from familiar things doesn't mean one is maturing with time. Growing up is taking the good and the bad that life throws you and making it bend as much as possible with the will of God in your life. And making that happen with someone else is difficult (as I'm learning). It's easier to live alone, but who wants that? For a gregarious introvert like myself, I have to consciously make it a part of my life to pray, thing about and fellowship with others. It's too easy to get discouraged and pull my armor around me and hide. Sometimes thats what needs to happen, but most times you have to face your fears/desires/decisions/etc. and trust that each step you take, God's already established before you. Peace on ya'.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Camp and Soccer
Today I came to the realization of how low on the proverbial "totem pole" I am. I am at this camp in eastern kentucky for my major and it counts as class credit. Well we had this stream survey we had to do, but the problem is none of us know about this stuff and we were told by our instructors to "figure it out" - nice. Yeah I get the idea that its team building and we did a good job, but it hit me how my cushy collegiate status really means nothing to anybody. For our instructors it was an exercise, and we were the guinea pigs - without our knowledge. Its like an experiment that means little to them, supposed to be beneficial to us, and makes me feel like a complete idiot- which i'm not. I dunno, I can understand if you want to make me feel like an idiot because I lost you a ton of money, or because I broke something important, but I was like a half-baked fish swimming the wrong way just because they decided to see how well we handled ourselves. I dunno, but when you pay extra money for a course, teach me the right way first and then let me see if I get a handle on it. I get more and more disillusioned with the wacky world of academia every day. Dunno maybe one day I'll get the same way with the real world, but at least thats the reality of it all, this is a weird little academic bubble that is artificially held in place by Uncle Sam and skyrocketing tuition. I'll mean, I'll jump through hoops, just let me know where they are first.
Some of the stuff that goes on in the academic world would cost you your job in the real world but it's normal here. Like paying more for office supplies because you have a contract with an office supplier. Or having your own expensive police squadron of castaway cops to guard the brightest young minds in the state, who don't do late-night emergency calls.
In all reality I just want to see what I can do with the whits the Good Lord gave me, maybe I'll flat on my face, or maybe I'll do ok. Something inside of me just wants to get out, I want to spread my wings and fly and have someone who has actually succeeded in a private enterprise show me a few of the ropes and what it takes to survive. Until then, and even in that time I'll just keep working diligently at the work God has given me. I can't complain because of the bountiful opportunities given to me...but I can let off a little frustration.
On another note: Major League Soccer and American soccer (real football). I watched the LA vs. ChivasUSA game tonight and I realized how much I cannot stand the LA team and franchise. This team pays butt-loads of money to bring in a foreign coach with a streaky track record and a GM without any success and the worlds biggest name is sports and roll the dice. Turns out the coach and GM get fired and the big player, well he's still pretty good. Then, on the other hand you have a struggling ChivasUSA franchise that has a good team, won some stuff last year but doesn't have the big names. These guys get treated by the league like second-class citizens to the LA team with a bunch of miss-fitting and often awful players. The broadcasters are practically cheering for the LA misfits and the league gives them not the regulated 1 Designated Player (whose salary doesn't count against the salary cap- each team got 1 DP slot last year) but 3 DP slots (unofficially)! Yeah and while they all talk about parity and all this crap, they give one team an unfair advantage and yet they still suck! And the ref's call the game for the LA misfits continually! All I have to say is wow, and I'm more of a ChivasUSA fan now than ever (second to the Columbus Crew!). My American soccer league doesn't need teams that are huge cash "blackholes" that play like a college team. Well thats my rant for the evening...
Some of the stuff that goes on in the academic world would cost you your job in the real world but it's normal here. Like paying more for office supplies because you have a contract with an office supplier. Or having your own expensive police squadron of castaway cops to guard the brightest young minds in the state, who don't do late-night emergency calls.
In all reality I just want to see what I can do with the whits the Good Lord gave me, maybe I'll flat on my face, or maybe I'll do ok. Something inside of me just wants to get out, I want to spread my wings and fly and have someone who has actually succeeded in a private enterprise show me a few of the ropes and what it takes to survive. Until then, and even in that time I'll just keep working diligently at the work God has given me. I can't complain because of the bountiful opportunities given to me...but I can let off a little frustration.
On another note: Major League Soccer and American soccer (real football). I watched the LA vs. ChivasUSA game tonight and I realized how much I cannot stand the LA team and franchise. This team pays butt-loads of money to bring in a foreign coach with a streaky track record and a GM without any success and the worlds biggest name is sports and roll the dice. Turns out the coach and GM get fired and the big player, well he's still pretty good. Then, on the other hand you have a struggling ChivasUSA franchise that has a good team, won some stuff last year but doesn't have the big names. These guys get treated by the league like second-class citizens to the LA team with a bunch of miss-fitting and often awful players. The broadcasters are practically cheering for the LA misfits and the league gives them not the regulated 1 Designated Player (whose salary doesn't count against the salary cap- each team got 1 DP slot last year) but 3 DP slots (unofficially)! Yeah and while they all talk about parity and all this crap, they give one team an unfair advantage and yet they still suck! And the ref's call the game for the LA misfits continually! All I have to say is wow, and I'm more of a ChivasUSA fan now than ever (second to the Columbus Crew!). My American soccer league doesn't need teams that are huge cash "blackholes" that play like a college team. Well thats my rant for the evening...
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