How Much it Too Much?

Not to name-drop, but I was pretty stoked that one of my favorite authors, Donald Miller, tweeted back to my response to his tweet.  Unfortunately I am terrible at presenting a clear and intelligent point within the limitations of 140 characters.  But that's not my point.

Yesterday was Easter Sunday.  Easter is the most important day in Christian faith.  I love everything about the day, the hope, the renewal of life, the time with my church family, and how gorgeous my wife looks in her Easter finest.
But this year was different.  I don't know if it's just because I am more aware or if the world really has taken a sharp turn.  This year, amid all of the wonderful aspects of the day, I found my heart breaking.  This year I couldn't help but notice all of my unchurched friends, and even some that have been brought up in church, posting things on various forms of social media that I found to be offensive.  I found the "Zombie Jesus" jokes and cartoons in particularly disturbing.  Considering the current zombie trend in television and movies, this is not okay.  Zombies are portrayed as mindless, soulless beasts bent on feasting on the flesh of the living.  As Christians, calling Jesus a zombie should piss us off!  (Yes, I typed a slightly offensive word and ended a sentence in a preposition.  That should be some illustration of how angered this makes me.)
Why is it that if someone speaks against other religions they are considered hateful and intolerant, but Christianity is fair game?  Not long ago I saw a picture someone had posted where Jesus and Santa Claus were riding a dinosaur while UFO's were shooting from the sky. I told the person I found it offensive and they basically called me a whiner.  Yet when word got out a while back that there was to be an episode of the cartoon South Park featuring Muhammad, they creators of the show received death threats and were protested.  Why the double standard?
I understand that the Bible warned us this would happen.
1 Corinthians tells us:
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

For the most part, I kept silent on the offensive posts, but I did call out one friend and he totally didn't get it.
I would really like to hear your opinions on this.  First, have you seen the things I've mentioned or similar?  If so, how did you respond?  If not, how would you respond?
I really want to turn the other cheek, but dang, they both are getting pretty tired!

Not Okay, Yet

Greetings,

Some interesting thoughts that I want (or probably need) to share.  I've always been pretty transparent so why change now?

I've been going through some junk with my eyes.  I was born with congenital glaucoma.  In the past I was extremely vigilant about my eye care.  I went to specialists regularly and did an excellent job at taking the necessary medications to keep them under control.  But then came money issues.  I'll spare you the details, except to say that I haven't been properly caring for my eyes.  In the past year I have seen steady degeneration in my vision.  So I finally sought treatment.  For a minute things looked like they were going great and that everything would be better.  During that brief period it was easy for me to be positive.  I had no problem telling people how I had put the situation in God's hands and that I was willing to trust Him no matter the outcome.

But then things didn't go as smoothly as they originally appeared to be headed.  Suddenly the answers that seemed to be miraculously headed my way didn't pan out in the ways I had expected.  Perhaps I misread some of the signs.  But either way I must admit that I'm disappointed.  I've been attempting to mask my disappointment and push through.  I tell myself that the words I said a week ago are still true.  And I really do believe it.  But that doesn't stop me from currently feeling sad, frustrated, and quite a bit scared.  I don't want to go blind!  Even as I type this I tell myself to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding" (Psalms 3:5.)

Here is the thing.  For a change, I'm not running away.  In the past I might have rebelled by crawling in to my own personal pity pit.  I probably would have skipped church and church-related activities.  But this time I have realized how dumb those decisions were in the past.  First Corinthians 12 tells us how we are one body.  I've really been allowing that one to roll around in my brain this week.  I got this strangely weird and very cool image:
Imagine a body having a broken leg.  It doesn't just lay in bed until the leg gets around to mending.  The arms grab a pair of crutches in order to help the body continue to move as necessary until the leg is strong enough to resume its assigned role.

I went to church yesterday.  I think I did a decent job of not wearing my emotions on my sleeve.  But at the same time, when asked, I was honest.  I shared with at least two arms, Karen and Mark, how I was feeling.  These friends didn't tell me I was dumb for feeling that way.  (Funny thought, just as with crutches, if we rely on armpits we're going to be in a great deal of pain; it's important to share our struggles with those who won't put us down for feeling the way we do.)  Instead, these arms shared the load and promised to pray.  And they built me up with words of encouragement.  They didn't chastise me for my past failures in getting treatment (which an armpit would do.)  They had compassion.  I was again reminded how God is in control.  And even if things go differently than I would like, I am part of a body.  I'm still working through my feelings as far as my eyes are concerned.  But I know that with God, and the body of Christ, everything will be okay.

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you or forsake you.  Do not fear or be dismayed- Deuteronomy 31:8

Makes Scents

I love coffee shops!
I especially love the small independent shops; the ones where the machines are, at times, too loud to hear my conversations.  This morning I was in one such shop.  

I met with a couple men from church for a coffee, Bible study, and prayer.  It was a fantastic time and I highly recommend any dudes that are free on Monday mornings to join us.  I left spiritually refreshed and energized.  And I left smelling of freshly roasted coffee.
I love that smell!  As soon as I got in the car I noticed how strong the scent.  It got me to thinking. 

I was reminded of how many of us go to church on Sunday to get our weekly pick-me-up.  A lot of times we leave ready to conquer the world.  But sadly, like the scent of freshly roasted coffee, our drive to influence the world for Jesus often fades after a day or two.  

Church is great!  Please don't read otherwise.  I love gathering as the body of Christ.  But when we seek God, devote time to reading of the Word and prayer daily, the scent of God's presence stays with us.
How great would that be?
How cool would it be if in the same way you could tell that someone had spent an hour and a half in a coffee shop people could smell, hear, see Jesus on us all day every day?

For the past eight months or so I have made the effort to devote time for a personal quiet time.  That phrase used to intimidate me.  My brain told me that if I didn't have an amazing, supra natural experience where I spent hours in the Bible and angels sang to me, that I had failed.  But then I started reading a chapter or so each day and spending a couple minutes talking/listening to God.  Now, just as I crave that first cup of coffee in the morning, I crave my time with God.
I believe I carry His scent throughout the day.
And I don't ever want it to fade! 

Jimmy: The Spoiled Brat

I was blessed as a child.  Not just because I was in a loving environment, but also because (not saying this to brag,) we were also pretty well off financially.  If my mom and dad ever struggled to pay the bills or put food on the table I was never aware.  At Christmastime in our home the stack of presents spilled out from the tree and occupied half of the family room.  I got pretty much anything I requested as gifts.  I was not very accustomed to the word "No."

Why do I tell you this?  Because I still struggle with receiving "No" with grace.  Last year, when my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer I asked God to take it away and give him more time.  It was an honest request.  My dad was the most selfless, caring, kindest man I have ever known.  Why should he have to suffer?  But he still died.  And I learned something... In the midst of our sorrow God was still there.  I didn't rebel.  I didn't say "God's not listening so I'm not going to waste my time talking."  I kept attending church.  I kept surrounding myself with the family of believers.  Our lead pastor, Thomas, prayed with me and shared words that gave me great comfort.   I'm paraphrasing because this is the way I remember them speaking to me:
Jesus taught us to pray for God's will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven.  In Heaven there is no sickness, no suffering, no pain.  Your dad my not have been healed in the way we would have liked, but he is in Heaven.  He IS healed.  He is with Jesus.

Fast forward to February.
Thomas preached on the portion of the book of Mark 5, and the story of a woman who has been suffering with a bleeding issue for many years.  The woman had tried everything.  She had exhausted her finances seeking a cure.  Finally, she heard about Jesus. And she heard that He would be in the area so she sought him.  Mark tells us that the woman told herself "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.  So she reached out and touched his robe and immediately the bleeding stopped and she was healed.  It's a great story and if you haven't read it, check it out Here.
After the message, we had a chance to pray for one another.  I prayed with/for some of the members and it was great.  But during the closing song I felt a burning in my eyes and my heart started beating rapidly.  I have been struggling with eyesight that has been rapidly degenerating.  I rarely drive at night because of it and am scared that I may have to give up driving all together one day.  That coupled with the fact that I can't afford insurance to get the treatment I should probably be receiving all came to a head in that moment.  So I asked Thomas if we could pray specifically, as a body, for the healing of my eyes.  When the song ended we did just that.  I was a wreck!  I even cried.  I know that the God who made me is capable of giving me perfect vision.  I have participated prayer time when people have been healed.  This time, when we were done, my friend Erik asked "Do you see a notable change?"  Sadly I had to tell him and the church that I did not.

So what does that mean?  Has God stopped listening to me?  Does he hate me?  Is he trying to tell me that he doesn't care?
NO!
Those are the lies of the enemy!  I still believe, and will continue to ask for healing.  But God isn't Santa Claus.  He is the Lord of my life.  And he is far more wise than I.  So i will continue to follow him.  I will press in against the storm.  And the results may not ever end up being to my liking.  But my life is not mine.  I have given it over to God.  All I can do is live for him to the best of my ability.
Maybe there is hope that I'll stop being a spoiled brat yet.  

Growth

 My church celebrated its ninth year anniversary a couple of months ago.  In past years the founding pastor would bring his son, who was the same age as the church before the congregation as a visual aid to illustrate each year.  

For some reason I have had this on my mind as of late.  Maybe it's because this is the first year that young Conner was not present.  But here are my thoughts.

We must continually grow.  

The things Conner did at 1 are not cute for an 9 year old.  

If his vocabulary was limited to "Mama" and "Dada" now, we would think there were a problem.  

In that, I would hope that my vocabulary has changed over the years.  Are the words I speak blessing others?  Or as soon as things don't go according to my plan do I throw a verbal temper tantrum?

Conner outgrew diapers years ago.  

I'd like to think that I am not making the same mistakes I did 9 years ago.  And when I do have an accident, I hope I don't need someone to swoop in and clean up the mess I've made.  (Perfect spot for a dirty diaper reference but I'll spare you.  See?  I can grow!)

The main form of communication in babies is to cry.  And when that doesn't work, they cry.  

Now that he's older Conner is able to articulate his needs to his parents.  

As I mature spiritually, I have learned that if I'm in an emotionally difficult place I need to speak up!  And just as Conner has learned to trust in the love of his parents, I have learned to find those I can trust.  As I struggle, at times, carrying what seems to be the weight of the world, I have learned to find wise counsel who not only help carry the load, but point out when I'm holding unnecessary baggage.  I have learned that asking for help is not a sign of weakness.  But rather at times, it is one of the strongest things we can do.

So I challenge you, faithful reader, ask yourself these questions:

Am I growing?
Am I struggling with the same issues I was a year, two, or even nine years ago? 

If so, what is holding me back?  And is there someone I can go to for help.

Peace,

Jimmy

Twenty Some Days Of Thanks

Eight days ago Thomas, the Lead Pastor of my church, shared something in our time of prayer prior to the worship service.  He made the observation that he had been seeing a lot of social media posts relating to frustration over the seemingly never-ending winter.  While he too was not a fan of the weather, especially in this, his first Wisconsin winter, he encouraged us to spend a few minute focusing on the positive and giving thanks to God.  Those 15 minutes were not only the highlight of my day, but were also pivotal in bringing about a change in my attitude.
The next day I decided to carry Thomas' encouragement further.  I was reminded how in November, leading up to Thanksgiving, many people updated their status daily with things for which they gave thanks.  So I thought it would be kind of fun to do something similar for the remaining days of February.  I have dubbed it the #TwentySomeDaysOfThanks.
So far it's been pretty cool.  I've noticed that my attitude has been better.  Instead of complaining about things I've been trying to look for the positive in every situation.  It's so easy, at least for me, to get caught up in the negative.  I mean let's be honest; it's been a tough winter.  But here's one thing that I have discovered.  When I look for the good and give thanks to God my whole outlook changes.
Is every aspect of my day going to be perfect?  I doubt it.  But all in all I've got a pretty fantastic life.  I have so much for which to be thankful!  So why not give praise, honor, and glory to Him who has given it to me?
Since I've started this adventure of thanks I have become so much more aware of all the wonderful things God has done.  For example, yesterday morning I was taken aback by the beauty of the flowers that were in a vase on our kitchen counter.  So much so that I had to take a picture.  They were given to my wife and I the night before by some friends we had to our house for dinner.  As I snapped the shot I couldn't help but give thanks to God for creating such beauty.  And when I uploaded the picture and made it the cover photo on my Facebook page had to again give thanks to God.  This time for blessing my wife and I with wonderful friends like them, and many more, who have brought such love, joy, and laughter to our lives.
It's not rocket surgery, (I know; I'm mixing them up on purpose because I'm also thankful for dorky humor,) nobody needs a PhD in gratitude.  Most of the time I just give a silent "Thank you God for _____" and go about my day.  I encourage you to do the same.  I'd love to hear/read your stories of thanks as well.


The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.  Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin fresh each morning.
   Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT)

Hearing Voices

I hear voices.
There are voices everywhere.
Some are just whispers.
Others are like sonic booms.

Before you call the men in white coats, think about it; you hear them too.
Some times the words from our past come back to haunt us.  They remind us of our previous failures.
Some times they come from those around us.  The words of others can have either positive or negative impact.  Their words can be used to build us up or tear us down.  Some times the one speaking isn't even aware of their possible impact.  Sadly, there are also times when some are so full of hurt that the only way to feel better is to make others as miserable as themselves.

But I've learned something...
Words are just words.
Deep, I know, I'll give you a second to bask in the brilliance.
.
.
Okay, now allow me to explain.
As I said, we hear things from many sources.  But how we receive them is what determines whether they touch us.
I'm learning that we are insulated.  We can choose what we allow to touch us and how.  Someone tells you that you possess the qualities that makes you a good friend.  You can accept those words.  (Sadly, we often times find it difficult to receive/believe compliments.)  And if someone tells you that you will never amount to anything of any good in this life- You can recognize it as a lie and refuse to let it affect us.

I spent too many years believing that the negative words spoken to me were true.  But I have come to realize that there are negative influences everywhere.  Just take a minute reading comments on online articles and the like.  People seem to derive pleasure from attacking others.
I have chosen to take the power back.  We have the choice whether to allow crippling words to distort our view of ourselves.

So what do we do?
First of all, I believe we need to break the cycle.  The easiest thing to do would be to lash out at the ones that hurt us.  But that usually ends up snowballing into a giant mass of hurt and negativity.  Instead, we must recognize the lies that do not come from God.  God is truth.  God is love.  If words are not tempered by truth and love they are garbage.  Turn your back on them and seek that which is good and perfect.