I love the Matrix movies. I wish there was more coming out. If you haven't seen them then the main theme of the movie is that the world that we are living in is not real. It is a computer program designed to keep us contained and controlled. The main character Neo is chosen to be the "one" and is rescued from the matrix into the real world to eventually save those that are still plugged into the matrix. They call it being unplugged. I would recommend the movies but that term "unplugged" got me thinking about today's culture.
We are so plugged in. We are connected all the time. Whether it be through our smart phones, facebook, twitter, blog, myspace (i know...but some people do still use it), youtube, google, email, etc....we are always connected and always plugged in. We cant get away from it....I mean do we really have to check our FB statuses every 2 minutes??? Has that much really changed? We even get FB alerts on our phones now so that when we are away from the computer we can still know what is going on!?! It is crazy and i believe that it is getting out of control. And I'm not talking about other people...I'm talking about myself. If I cant have a conversation with some one with out looking at my FB on my phone then something is wrong. If i leave my cell phone at the house and freak out then something is wrong. We were not created to be plugged in all the time.
I believe that social networking as become some peoples god. It is what consumes them and drives them. And that is when it has really become a problem. I'm not against social networks....i love them...it has allowed me to connect with people that i never see. But we have to have time away. FB cant take the place of real relationships, time with our families, time with God, time for peace and quiet and rest. You should never have an important conversation with someone you love over FB...it needs to be done in person.
So i have decided to always make time to become unplugged.
So.....if i don't answer your call right away please forgive me.
If i don't answer that text the exact moment i get it...I'm sorry
If i don't answer that FB message right away.....my bad
I will eventually get back to you i promise...and if its really important, ill call you right back.....but i need time to be with my God, family, friends, and myself....in person, not on a screen.
I would encourage you to do the same thing
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
What I've learned in 29 yrs of life
I was thinking about this today and wanted to share with those of you that read some of my wisdom from 29 years of living. (not 30 yrs which would be old)
Which isnt very exciting I know. But these are things that life has taught me. Some of these things may be wrong but its what Ive seen in my life
- never try and take a bone out of the mouth of a 200 lb great dane....she will bite you
- The worst feeling in the world is waking up 30 mins before your alarm and having to use the bathroom so bad that you cant just lie there for 30 more mins
- ant bites hurt
- Love can be the greatest and worst thing to happen to you....at the same time
- Dont put to much faith in people. Its ok to have faith, but there is no promise that those you love will not hurt you or turn their back on you.
- Life circumstances can change in a second. You can wake up having a good day and with in a moment your world is rocked and you cant wait for tomorrow. You can wake up healthy, and go to bed with cancer. You can wake up in love, and go to bed crushed. You can wake up with a stable job and go to bed wondering where the next paycheck will come from
- it is so easy for us to take advantage of people that love us unconditionally.
- people make time for what is a priority to them
- if you are not happy with yourself you will never be happy to/with anyone else
- strawberry cake is from heaven
- so is outback
- dogs make my life better
- cats do not
- the only 2 things that really matter in life are a relationship with God and relationships with people. love is the key in both
- material things will never make you happy...in a lot of cases it makes you worse
- people are crazy
- i understand that going through hurt and pain is necessary, and that it helps me grow...but i do not like it...it hurts
- loving and serving people is the key to happiness.
- But more than anything i have learned that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. That He is my everything and my reason for living. No matter who leaves me, who hurts me, or who rejects me. He died for me, and will never leave nor forsake me. His love has never failed, and it never will.
What has 29 years of life taught me?
it can summed up like this
Love God Love People
Which isnt very exciting I know. But these are things that life has taught me. Some of these things may be wrong but its what Ive seen in my life
- never try and take a bone out of the mouth of a 200 lb great dane....she will bite you
- The worst feeling in the world is waking up 30 mins before your alarm and having to use the bathroom so bad that you cant just lie there for 30 more mins
- ant bites hurt
- Love can be the greatest and worst thing to happen to you....at the same time
- Dont put to much faith in people. Its ok to have faith, but there is no promise that those you love will not hurt you or turn their back on you.
- Life circumstances can change in a second. You can wake up having a good day and with in a moment your world is rocked and you cant wait for tomorrow. You can wake up healthy, and go to bed with cancer. You can wake up in love, and go to bed crushed. You can wake up with a stable job and go to bed wondering where the next paycheck will come from
- it is so easy for us to take advantage of people that love us unconditionally.
- people make time for what is a priority to them
- if you are not happy with yourself you will never be happy to/with anyone else
- strawberry cake is from heaven
- so is outback
- dogs make my life better
- cats do not
- the only 2 things that really matter in life are a relationship with God and relationships with people. love is the key in both
- material things will never make you happy...in a lot of cases it makes you worse
- people are crazy
- i understand that going through hurt and pain is necessary, and that it helps me grow...but i do not like it...it hurts
- loving and serving people is the key to happiness.
- But more than anything i have learned that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. That He is my everything and my reason for living. No matter who leaves me, who hurts me, or who rejects me. He died for me, and will never leave nor forsake me. His love has never failed, and it never will.
What has 29 years of life taught me?
it can summed up like this
Love God Love People
Thursday, March 10, 2011
3 C's of Leadership
Here at High Praises Church we put a HUGE value on leadership. We believe that everything rises and falls on leadership. There are certain things that we have built into our leadership culture here and I thought I might share them this morning. These are our 3 C's of leadership and theses are the attributes that we look for when considering a new leader in a respective ministry.
1. Character- We believe this is the most important attribute of a leader. You can have all the talent in the world, be the best speaker, organizer, singer, counselor, etc. But if you have a character flaw you will never be a successful and long term leader. Your integrity and your character is all you really have and once you are willing to compromise that, you have begun a dangerous slope.
2. Competence- Do you have the talent and the ability to perform your job? I know it sounds simple but especially in ministry people get thrown into a certain area that they really aren't qualified to be in. Then it isn't long before they are discouraged and burnt out. If you don't have a heart for students, then why work in a youth ministry? If you cant sing, then stay in your seat and make a joyful noise unto the Lord, but don't try and sing on the praise team. But really its hard to fault people because we get so passionate about God and working for Him that we are willing to do whatever. Thats where a good leader has to evaluate your competence. And find the best place for you to use the talents and abilities that God has given you.
3. Chemistry- Do you work well with the leadership all ready established? Unity is a high priority at HPC, as well as a high priority with God. Its ok to disagree but in the end we all understand that its not about us, its about the big picture. Its about God and people. Working at HPC or any other church isnt about finding your own vision, its about working as a team to fulfill and accomplish the vision that God has already given Pastor Chris. We support each other and if we ever have a disagreement we confront in private but support in public.
These are just some things that Ive learned in my years of doing ministry and i hope they can help you in some way.
1. Character- We believe this is the most important attribute of a leader. You can have all the talent in the world, be the best speaker, organizer, singer, counselor, etc. But if you have a character flaw you will never be a successful and long term leader. Your integrity and your character is all you really have and once you are willing to compromise that, you have begun a dangerous slope.
2. Competence- Do you have the talent and the ability to perform your job? I know it sounds simple but especially in ministry people get thrown into a certain area that they really aren't qualified to be in. Then it isn't long before they are discouraged and burnt out. If you don't have a heart for students, then why work in a youth ministry? If you cant sing, then stay in your seat and make a joyful noise unto the Lord, but don't try and sing on the praise team. But really its hard to fault people because we get so passionate about God and working for Him that we are willing to do whatever. Thats where a good leader has to evaluate your competence. And find the best place for you to use the talents and abilities that God has given you.
3. Chemistry- Do you work well with the leadership all ready established? Unity is a high priority at HPC, as well as a high priority with God. Its ok to disagree but in the end we all understand that its not about us, its about the big picture. Its about God and people. Working at HPC or any other church isnt about finding your own vision, its about working as a team to fulfill and accomplish the vision that God has already given Pastor Chris. We support each other and if we ever have a disagreement we confront in private but support in public.
These are just some things that Ive learned in my years of doing ministry and i hope they can help you in some way.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
before thrive random thoughts
i am sitting in my office just relaxing a little bit before all the Thrivers start to show up. If you are wondering what that is it is our Student Ministry here at High Praises. So if you are in High School or middle school come check it out tonight @ 7pm
Anyway i love thrive. It's such an an awesome atmosphere. To be able to worship God with over 100 students every Wednesday night is just amazing. We have some of the best students and staff on the planet. I mean that.
I often think and find random questions so i thought while i an sitting here randomly typing a blog about nothing I would share some
What are the purpose of ants? I really just hate them
Why is the time when the traffic is slowest
called rush-hour?
What happens when you get scared
half-to-death twice?
Why is the alphabet in that order?
Why are they called stands when there
made for sitting?
Can fat people go skinny-dipping?
Why do they announce power shortages
on TV?
Why do you press harder on the
remote-control when you know the
battery is dead?
Do you find it unnerving that what doctors
do is called 'practice'?
If a turtle doesn't have a shell is it
homeless or naked?
Can vegetarians eat animal crackers?
Why do they sterilize needles for lethal
injections?
These are questions that need real answers....feel free to add to the list
Anyway i love thrive. It's such an an awesome atmosphere. To be able to worship God with over 100 students every Wednesday night is just amazing. We have some of the best students and staff on the planet. I mean that.
I often think and find random questions so i thought while i an sitting here randomly typing a blog about nothing I would share some
What are the purpose of ants? I really just hate them
Why is the time when the traffic is slowest
called rush-hour?
What happens when you get scared
half-to-death twice?
Why is the alphabet in that order?
Why are they called stands when there
made for sitting?
Can fat people go skinny-dipping?
Why do they announce power shortages
on TV?
Why do you press harder on the
remote-control when you know the
battery is dead?
Do you find it unnerving that what doctors
do is called 'practice'?
If a turtle doesn't have a shell is it
homeless or naked?
Can vegetarians eat animal crackers?
Why do they sterilize needles for lethal
injections?
These are questions that need real answers....feel free to add to the list
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Aftermath
I went and saw Hillsong united last night in Atlanta on their Aftermath tour. I just have to say that God is o awesome and one of their songs really got to me.
Aftermath
The skies lay low where You are
On the earth You rest Your feet
Yet the hands that cradle the stars
Are the hands that bled for me
In a moment of glorious surrender
You were broken for all the world to see
Lifted out of the ashes
I am found in the aftermath
Freedom found in Your scars
In Your grace my life redeemed
For You chose to take the sinner's crown
As You placed Your crown on me
In that moment of glorious surrender
Was the moment You broke the chains in me
Lifted out of the ashes
I am found in the aftermath
And in that moment You opened up the heavens
To the broken the beggar and the thief
Lifted out of the wreckage
I find hope in the aftermath
And I know that You're with me
Yes I know that You're with me here
And I know Your love will light the way
Now all I have I count it all as loss
But to know You and to carry the cross
Knowing I'm found
In the light of the aftermath
Do you know how much God loves you? We are such imperfect people, people who reject and disobey Him everyday. People who go after our own desires, kill each other, steal, lie, cheat.....yet in the mist God gave the One who means the most to Him.....Jesus
And its in the Aftermath of His perfect sacrifice that I can finally find Love, Peace, Joy, and Salvation. What love.....
Aftermath
The skies lay low where You are
On the earth You rest Your feet
Yet the hands that cradle the stars
Are the hands that bled for me
In a moment of glorious surrender
You were broken for all the world to see
Lifted out of the ashes
I am found in the aftermath
Freedom found in Your scars
In Your grace my life redeemed
For You chose to take the sinner's crown
As You placed Your crown on me
In that moment of glorious surrender
Was the moment You broke the chains in me
Lifted out of the ashes
I am found in the aftermath
And in that moment You opened up the heavens
To the broken the beggar and the thief
Lifted out of the wreckage
I find hope in the aftermath
And I know that You're with me
Yes I know that You're with me here
And I know Your love will light the way
Now all I have I count it all as loss
But to know You and to carry the cross
Knowing I'm found
In the light of the aftermath
Do you know how much God loves you? We are such imperfect people, people who reject and disobey Him everyday. People who go after our own desires, kill each other, steal, lie, cheat.....yet in the mist God gave the One who means the most to Him.....Jesus
And its in the Aftermath of His perfect sacrifice that I can finally find Love, Peace, Joy, and Salvation. What love.....
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
It starts with God
I have been thinking a lot about purpose. My purpose. Am i really who God has intended me to be, am i fulling His purpose for my life?
I have started reading the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren again and some things jumped out at me so i thought I would share
Everyone struggles with the Who am I question. We all have the drive and longing to find out what we were created to do. This wednesday night I am speaking about King Solomon and his 40 year journey to find satisfaction. This man had everything and yet nothing was good enough. All the money, power, sex, and fame wasn't enough. The bottom line is he was looking for a purpose....just like you and me. But the problem is that we have things backwards. We think that looking for our purpose is about us. Self Help books teach us to find our dream, set goals, figure out your strengths, and GO FOR IT! Of course there is nothing wrong with doing these things and more times than not they will lead to success, BUT they will not lead to happiness nor will they get you any closer to finding God's purpose for your life. Because all those things have to do with you.
Ephesians 1:11 says
"It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone."
Rick Warren gives us 3 insights to this and i would like to share them and add some stuff of my own
1. You only discover your identity and purpose through a relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the beginning, middle, and end. It starts with Christ. Not Church, careers, dreams, talents, wants, desires, etc.... If you don't have a real everyday relationship with Jesus then you will be no different than King Solomon and will wander and search for satisfaction. And with no success of finding it.
2. God was thinking of you long before you ever thought of Him. His purpose for your life was planned before you ever existed, and guess what? He planned it without YOUR INPUT! You had no say in your purpose. You can pick your career, hobbies, relationships, and any other part of your life but you don't get to choose your purpose.
3. The purpose of your life fits into a much larger purpose that God has designed for mankind and for eternity. Its not just about you, its about Him and about all of us.
What is God's purpose for your life? I dont know.....but...i do know that the only way to discover it is to change our way of thinking. To began asking for the heart and mind of God. Ask Him, pray for it, fast meals for it. But let this be your warning......The Bible says seek and you will find. If you ask God for it, be ready......
because it may not be at all what you thought or even wanted.
is that something you can accept?
I have started reading the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren again and some things jumped out at me so i thought I would share
Everyone struggles with the Who am I question. We all have the drive and longing to find out what we were created to do. This wednesday night I am speaking about King Solomon and his 40 year journey to find satisfaction. This man had everything and yet nothing was good enough. All the money, power, sex, and fame wasn't enough. The bottom line is he was looking for a purpose....just like you and me. But the problem is that we have things backwards. We think that looking for our purpose is about us. Self Help books teach us to find our dream, set goals, figure out your strengths, and GO FOR IT! Of course there is nothing wrong with doing these things and more times than not they will lead to success, BUT they will not lead to happiness nor will they get you any closer to finding God's purpose for your life. Because all those things have to do with you.
Ephesians 1:11 says
"It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone."
Rick Warren gives us 3 insights to this and i would like to share them and add some stuff of my own
1. You only discover your identity and purpose through a relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the beginning, middle, and end. It starts with Christ. Not Church, careers, dreams, talents, wants, desires, etc.... If you don't have a real everyday relationship with Jesus then you will be no different than King Solomon and will wander and search for satisfaction. And with no success of finding it.
2. God was thinking of you long before you ever thought of Him. His purpose for your life was planned before you ever existed, and guess what? He planned it without YOUR INPUT! You had no say in your purpose. You can pick your career, hobbies, relationships, and any other part of your life but you don't get to choose your purpose.
3. The purpose of your life fits into a much larger purpose that God has designed for mankind and for eternity. Its not just about you, its about Him and about all of us.
What is God's purpose for your life? I dont know.....but...i do know that the only way to discover it is to change our way of thinking. To began asking for the heart and mind of God. Ask Him, pray for it, fast meals for it. But let this be your warning......The Bible says seek and you will find. If you ask God for it, be ready......
because it may not be at all what you thought or even wanted.
is that something you can accept?
Why Blog
This is a question that I have asked myself before. In fact why do Social networking at all really? I'm not anyone special, I'm not a big shot speaker, I'm not the most successful person that has a wealth of knowledge and life experience to offer. So why would anyone want to even read what I write? Well.......I don't know.
but
This blog is going to be a way for me to share what God is doing through the life of an average person. I guy who truly believes that if ANYONE surrenders their life to Jesus Christ that they can and will do extraordinary things. i hope to share leadership principles that i have learned over the years as well as the random thoughts that pass through my head. So you have been warned.
I have tried blogging before and didn't stick with it......so we will see how it goes
but
This blog is going to be a way for me to share what God is doing through the life of an average person. I guy who truly believes that if ANYONE surrenders their life to Jesus Christ that they can and will do extraordinary things. i hope to share leadership principles that i have learned over the years as well as the random thoughts that pass through my head. So you have been warned.
I have tried blogging before and didn't stick with it......so we will see how it goes
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