So I believe this is the first time I've ever decided to combine two different blog posts into one central idea, and I figured, why not? Dude, I've got this! I mean all the events that have taken place pretty much convert into one great idea, and that statement is claiming an exact truth stated by not only the events in other's lives around me, but God Himself telling me.
So it all started out with this one decision. The decision to change my priorities in life from being more focused on my own life and making it right and finally just saying, "You're screwing yourself up, give it up, you know what to do". And I did; I had to give my life away, to God that is. So I prayed about it, and pretty soon I found myself making the decision that I was confident enough would change myself for the rest of my life. I made the decision on May 9th, 2012 to be baptized on May 30th, 2012. And the days leading up to this momentous day were filled with many mistakes, but also happy days and great moments. It was as if sin after sin was committed and I found no true repentance until May 30th. And that is where our story continues.
On May 30th, 2012, I was baptized under my own will and decision. Baptized knowing that I would commit to having Jesus be the leader of my life and following him the rest of my days. Baptized knowing that this would be the second time I have been baptized, but under my own decision I would be making sure I continue this commitment I was making and enjoy the wonder that is God. For I knew that I had been going to Epic/Element for the past two to almost three years now, and I had failed to make my own establishment of getting baptized under my own accord. I was actually appalled that I hadn't made the decision earlier because I truly would've been very determined about it. I suppose my lack of priority organization was a huge sign that I wasn't putting God and Jesus first in my life, and that was the big reason behind it all. I was about fed up with not having God be first, and as of May 30th being immersed in the water just as Jesus was in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And of course, the tradition itself was not something to make me be of Christian status. My actions afterwards will constitute that along with my faith in God. I'm not worried now as I'm definitely putting God first in my life which is why my volunteering and service opportunities have spread throughout my schedule opening myself to be willing to help others more often now. Not only would this be a good note to end on for my senior year of high school, but it will also be a great beginning for the start of my life in adulthood and finally starting to become a man of God. How satisfying it has been since that day as the days have been growing better and better with each new day, and how grateful I am to wake up each new morning with the breath of life given to me by God, Himself.
Onto yesterday, May 31st, 2012, it was the day of our first graduation practice. It was also the day for many of my last classes, and such a shame it was to say farewell to the freshman debaters soon to be varsity debaters next year knowing that they have been taught well and the progress of their speaking abilities have increased tenfold. I know that I will be wishing to hear about their great successes the next couple of years, and there's no doubt that I'll be willing to help out when I can because that was more than likely to be another family of mine in an extra-curricular event. How regretful I am to have not been able to compete and be on the team for those awesome competitions!
It was the last day for my government class and I was probably more excited to leave that class than I was feeling crappy for leaving it. I mean, of course I learned a lot in the class, and there is no doubt that I will probably continue to remember some of the knowledge I gained from it, but if it wasn't for the people in the class that I had to tolerate every day I had that class, it probably would have been more enjoyable. If anything I'm more thankful for it bringing out my love for the classes stronger than how much I already loved them.
I went to graduation practice with the lowest expectations I've probably had for an event, and it didn't fail to disappoint. Rude humor, swearing all over, the innocence lost from a past good friend, and the easiest process for crossing a gymnasium I've ever gone through. No tears, no emotions really. Only anticipation for what would follow; my rehearsal for being the host at AK and this time under a new theme of EPIC proportions.
It wasn't until I arrived at Hope Fellowship to rehearse my script for the Adventure Kidz service I normally volunteer for did I realize, I found what I greatly enjoy doing! I feel that every time I get up on that stage to preach the word of God in a more fun and interactive, (and somewhat abstract), lesson to children, my heart warms at the cheering and the smiles of those kids. It is not just the joy of helping children that solely fuels my joy for sharing the word of God; it's the actual action of sharing the word of God itself that brings about the most joy. And it was then that I realized that my calling was to truly share the word of God through my gift of speech and wisdom and compassion. My gift of listening pertains as well when people explain their situations to me and therefore allowing me to pray for them. I might not be the greatest person when attempting to create prayers, and it's the hardest thing expressing my feelings through words and adjectives that are commonly used, but I do love doing so.
Everyone knows that one blues swing tune "The Best is Yet to Come", and they feel like it'll be their only inspiration for getting through their tough days. Well there is some truth to that statement, but at the same time, I found it extremely convenient that after the day I was baptized I would see the great fruits of the prayers I prayed hard over. These including the fun times with my girlfriend and the awesome hangout sessions with my own cadre of church goers and close friends. If you learn anything from this entry, know that God will definitely answer your prayers even if not in the fashion or strategy you expected. Be earnest in your prayers and make sure to live for God keeping him as first in your life. If not, then at least consider it or work on doing so!
The happy days are here and the best is not just yet to come, but the best is already continuing to be here.
God bless,
Clark G.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Raider Shirts and Past Judgments-May 12, 2012
So I went about my day not knowing much of what we would do; considering that my little cousin's soccer game was cancelled due to inclement weather, and also knowing that we'd be going back home the same day. It's not easy trying to continue your day wondering if your love for God is strong or not, and whether or not the things you see on television are truly what you're supposed to be watching (which in most cases is probably a negative). However I do know this; love for God should always be there and never hard to resurface, if lost, or found, if though to be hidden. But how do your actions and language constitute how much love you're showing for others? Time for another one of Uncle Clark's day stories!
I'm going to a University I've never really thought about, let alone considered when I was in my younger years of high school, but nonetheless it isn't a bad choice in my opinion. It might not be the best choice for engineering, but it's still an engineering school, so I refuse to treat it any less than what it's worth. Getting to the point, I didn't have any attire to at least show some kind of school spirit, so you can imagine I was overjoyed when we went shopping yesterday for some Tech shirts, and I found some great ones at pretty much half the price of the usual priced collegiate wear products, sweet! And being the crazy person I am that wears the same shirts every week, I had to get at least three Tech shirts to add to my new attire and wouldn't you know it, I felt like I was finally supporting my college. Granted, I probably wouldn't get caught up in those silly rivalries like Texas and Oklahoma, or A&M and Texas, (Yeah, I called them silly).
Anyway, going back to the lesson, story time ends here. I've obtained some new shirts and feel great wearing new clothing, always do. But subsiding my behavior on them (the shirts), I'm still not a big fan of materialism, even though I'm the person who always wants to spend my money on gifts for others soon after I obtain the money. But rather, the big lesson is bent upon when I found the verses of Scripture that are truly against judgmental actions or instances. Each speaking about not judging others, but one in particular stuck out to me the most.
"Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?"-James 4:11-12
In other words, how dare us be the ones to call people names, label people for their past mistakes and take them for who they've been in the past. You wonder why I make connections with others who I have somewhat disliked strongly in the past? It's due to the fact that I wish to further people by loving them and not simply destroying their self-esteem further as they probably often dwell on the mistakes they've made in the past. Granted, no one is perfect, and I've made my own share of mistakes, so has every other person in this wacky world.
Each and every one of us has a dark secret, a story that has never been told except to those whom we have given our time, love, and life committed to or at least expecting to stay with those people for a large margin of time or even in the span of one's entire lifetime. Take this as such, quite recently my closest friends made it as such to not keep any secrets nor anything bother us when we bring up any topic. The very essence of loving one another is to be forgiving of them for all that they've done, and build them up in such a way that will benefit their drive and motivation to turn away from such bad habits that hindered them in the past.
Of course, I never expected perfect friends, but rather than shun them for their past mistakes, I was rather happy and proud to call them my closest friends and brothers and sisters in Christ for turning away from their bad habits and going to God for their salvation and greatness in life. I'll love people, but if you're not willing to change yourself for God, then I won't become a close friend of yours and I won't confide in you as I do with my other close friends.
My three best brothers and I all share similar perceptions about how to go about our lives. However, we each differ with our own struggles, one buddy and I being similar but also different to a certain extent. And we grow closer on the strong basis of one ideal: We will not judge each other because it is not our job, and we will sharpen each other both in faith and fellowship, as we do not like others judging us, we shall not confide in the same practices as those against us. Of course, we realized that those who judged us did not build us up, nor did the friends who increased the harmful behavior did we choose to not associate with them any longer. I'm very grateful to say that with the gifts from God that I receive being these best friends and other close friends, I learned so much more about them and the trust keeps growing.
Take one thing from all of this: Don't judge others for their past mistakes; especially if they're doing something to change it for the better and going for God. Rather embrace them and be joyous with them as they develop in their new lifestyle for Christ and enjoy and cherish the growth with them.
Your love and compassion alone can further the growth of your close loved ones, and you guys can change the world.
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love"-1 Corinthians 13:13.
I'm going to a University I've never really thought about, let alone considered when I was in my younger years of high school, but nonetheless it isn't a bad choice in my opinion. It might not be the best choice for engineering, but it's still an engineering school, so I refuse to treat it any less than what it's worth. Getting to the point, I didn't have any attire to at least show some kind of school spirit, so you can imagine I was overjoyed when we went shopping yesterday for some Tech shirts, and I found some great ones at pretty much half the price of the usual priced collegiate wear products, sweet! And being the crazy person I am that wears the same shirts every week, I had to get at least three Tech shirts to add to my new attire and wouldn't you know it, I felt like I was finally supporting my college. Granted, I probably wouldn't get caught up in those silly rivalries like Texas and Oklahoma, or A&M and Texas, (Yeah, I called them silly).
Anyway, going back to the lesson, story time ends here. I've obtained some new shirts and feel great wearing new clothing, always do. But subsiding my behavior on them (the shirts), I'm still not a big fan of materialism, even though I'm the person who always wants to spend my money on gifts for others soon after I obtain the money. But rather, the big lesson is bent upon when I found the verses of Scripture that are truly against judgmental actions or instances. Each speaking about not judging others, but one in particular stuck out to me the most.
"Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?"-James 4:11-12
In other words, how dare us be the ones to call people names, label people for their past mistakes and take them for who they've been in the past. You wonder why I make connections with others who I have somewhat disliked strongly in the past? It's due to the fact that I wish to further people by loving them and not simply destroying their self-esteem further as they probably often dwell on the mistakes they've made in the past. Granted, no one is perfect, and I've made my own share of mistakes, so has every other person in this wacky world.
Each and every one of us has a dark secret, a story that has never been told except to those whom we have given our time, love, and life committed to or at least expecting to stay with those people for a large margin of time or even in the span of one's entire lifetime. Take this as such, quite recently my closest friends made it as such to not keep any secrets nor anything bother us when we bring up any topic. The very essence of loving one another is to be forgiving of them for all that they've done, and build them up in such a way that will benefit their drive and motivation to turn away from such bad habits that hindered them in the past.
Of course, I never expected perfect friends, but rather than shun them for their past mistakes, I was rather happy and proud to call them my closest friends and brothers and sisters in Christ for turning away from their bad habits and going to God for their salvation and greatness in life. I'll love people, but if you're not willing to change yourself for God, then I won't become a close friend of yours and I won't confide in you as I do with my other close friends.
My three best brothers and I all share similar perceptions about how to go about our lives. However, we each differ with our own struggles, one buddy and I being similar but also different to a certain extent. And we grow closer on the strong basis of one ideal: We will not judge each other because it is not our job, and we will sharpen each other both in faith and fellowship, as we do not like others judging us, we shall not confide in the same practices as those against us. Of course, we realized that those who judged us did not build us up, nor did the friends who increased the harmful behavior did we choose to not associate with them any longer. I'm very grateful to say that with the gifts from God that I receive being these best friends and other close friends, I learned so much more about them and the trust keeps growing.
Take one thing from all of this: Don't judge others for their past mistakes; especially if they're doing something to change it for the better and going for God. Rather embrace them and be joyous with them as they develop in their new lifestyle for Christ and enjoy and cherish the growth with them.
Your love and compassion alone can further the growth of your close loved ones, and you guys can change the world.
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love"-1 Corinthians 13:13.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
I Have Decided-May 9,2012
I have always had the strong feeling of wanting to get closer to God, but it always seemed as if something was holding me back. One would think, "Who needs to refocus on God? You're a good Christian man. I'm pretty sure you're covered". And can I say, just because you feel that you're covered doesn't mean that you've obtained enough of God. Those who are truly faithful to God desire to have more of God and continue to gain more of Him with a never ending thirst. Right? But it's not all that easy.
One would hope to have it easy when attempting to grow in their faith or always find time to spend with God, but some people fail to see that it's not easy at all. We'd be sinless creatures, non-human beings if it were truly that easy. Mistakes would be a thing of the past, and we'd never learn from what is perceived to be wrong or right. Maybe I'm taking more of an extreme approach, but I do know this: Staying dedicated can truly be a challenge in the midst of your life and one of the greatest beneficial aspects as well.
Being inspired from my youth group's Wednesday service, I found that once again I'm getting one of those guilt trips which always tends to make me feel heavier with the weight of the things I've done that I constitute as sin. Had it been a couple of months ago, it would feel even heavier, but truly, that is when the guilt trips started to begin. For the past month or so (excluding this past week), I haven't been letting God into all aspects of my life, my prayer habits have been incredibly unsatisfactory and lacking in much effort, and I've failed to really contribute much effort to my own life as well. However, after coming back from the band trip from Port Aransas, and with much credit to a situation that cautioned my focus on life last Wednesday, I've found that once again the calling of God is echoing in my heart and I wish to respond with my abounding faith and love for His word and all of us that He's created.
Upon adding more Bible reading, getting back into the habit of praying often, and spending more time with God, I hope to be inspiring people once again but not for my own credit, rather for God's credit. I've felt God preparing me as somewhat of a communicator, somewhat of a persuader in a good manner, but even more so as a good listener and compassionate individual. I may not have the gift of strong intelligence, but I do manage well as an above average student. I may not have the gift of an athletic individual, but my endurance can really stretch. I may not have the gift of an excellent writer, but that doesn't mean people do not receive any insight from my own little writings and former Facebook statuses. My gifts are known within myself and I'm incredibly grateful, as we all should be for each of our own talents and gifts!
All in all, and forgive me for jumping around a bit, I made a decision last Wednesday that would of course be one of the greatest decision of my own steps into the journey of my faith. I'm getting baptized under my own choice. Now I'm not denouncing my faith under my previous denomination, of course not, but I feel it is an important step in my life and faith in growing closer to God to make this decision. So why not, right? Because no matter if I feel like it or not, I'm going to grow in my faith, and thanks to the assistance of my accountability partner, best friend and Christian brother, Sean, and my other best friend and Christian brother, Cody, I feel confident enough that I will be able to get back on my path while not swaying too much. However, I feel that I must also make my own decisions as an adult, of course, and with the growing confidence that God is giving me every day, I have decided to do just that.
Thanks be to God and thanks for reading.
One would hope to have it easy when attempting to grow in their faith or always find time to spend with God, but some people fail to see that it's not easy at all. We'd be sinless creatures, non-human beings if it were truly that easy. Mistakes would be a thing of the past, and we'd never learn from what is perceived to be wrong or right. Maybe I'm taking more of an extreme approach, but I do know this: Staying dedicated can truly be a challenge in the midst of your life and one of the greatest beneficial aspects as well.
Being inspired from my youth group's Wednesday service, I found that once again I'm getting one of those guilt trips which always tends to make me feel heavier with the weight of the things I've done that I constitute as sin. Had it been a couple of months ago, it would feel even heavier, but truly, that is when the guilt trips started to begin. For the past month or so (excluding this past week), I haven't been letting God into all aspects of my life, my prayer habits have been incredibly unsatisfactory and lacking in much effort, and I've failed to really contribute much effort to my own life as well. However, after coming back from the band trip from Port Aransas, and with much credit to a situation that cautioned my focus on life last Wednesday, I've found that once again the calling of God is echoing in my heart and I wish to respond with my abounding faith and love for His word and all of us that He's created.
Upon adding more Bible reading, getting back into the habit of praying often, and spending more time with God, I hope to be inspiring people once again but not for my own credit, rather for God's credit. I've felt God preparing me as somewhat of a communicator, somewhat of a persuader in a good manner, but even more so as a good listener and compassionate individual. I may not have the gift of strong intelligence, but I do manage well as an above average student. I may not have the gift of an athletic individual, but my endurance can really stretch. I may not have the gift of an excellent writer, but that doesn't mean people do not receive any insight from my own little writings and former Facebook statuses. My gifts are known within myself and I'm incredibly grateful, as we all should be for each of our own talents and gifts!
All in all, and forgive me for jumping around a bit, I made a decision last Wednesday that would of course be one of the greatest decision of my own steps into the journey of my faith. I'm getting baptized under my own choice. Now I'm not denouncing my faith under my previous denomination, of course not, but I feel it is an important step in my life and faith in growing closer to God to make this decision. So why not, right? Because no matter if I feel like it or not, I'm going to grow in my faith, and thanks to the assistance of my accountability partner, best friend and Christian brother, Sean, and my other best friend and Christian brother, Cody, I feel confident enough that I will be able to get back on my path while not swaying too much. However, I feel that I must also make my own decisions as an adult, of course, and with the growing confidence that God is giving me every day, I have decided to do just that.
Thanks be to God and thanks for reading.
Monday, May 7, 2012
The Facebook Vs. Life Comparison
Dear friends, acquaintances, or other people who usually read my status updates on Facebook,
I will say it has been quite a while, right? I remember when I first made the decision out of spite and anger and just depressed decision making. The more I think about it today and in the recent past days, I realized how much I get more out of life and now I can truly enjoy what experiences I have been somewhat missing in my life. But here's what I say to those who miss my status updates nowadays; you're probably missing some bright insight in your life, some optimism, or just a kind little bit of good news and honesty in this world, and quite frankly, I don't blame you.
Ever since I left on our band Spring Trip, I did a little getting closer to God thing, and living out His word and plans for my life. When I made the decision last Wednesday to go on the trip solo and not hang out with anyone else...Well, that was before I realized that my roommates are actually pretty incredible people. I always thought to myself, you're not close friends with them, so you're not going to be able to have a great time with them; but of course, Sean always kept telling me that two of them he was really great friends with, and for the most part, I trusted him, so of course I would be up for hang out time.
And boy was our room living it up! There were some of the greatest new experiences I've gladly called nowadays to be really something special and memorable. For instance, don't use olive oil to cook bacon on a stove that forgets that high temperatures burn things. Don't use sunscreen that fails to have a spray stream instead of a straight stream of sunscreen, or you might end up having cool sunburn designs. And most of all, don't forget to empty out your pockets before jumping into a body of water, or else you might end up losing one of your favorite electronic devices to that horrible thing called flooded by H2O. I enjoyed my time, most definitely, and I'm so very grateful to have the instances and opportunities I did get to have with my other friends as well as my best bud.
Only problem now is I get back to school and instantly there's an AP test smacking me in the face at 8 A.M. this morning, my job interview for Gatti Town had to be postponed due to my band director for jazz having to tell me to reschedule because I wouldn't be able to miss rehearsal yet again...Those commitments, of course I stick to them! And now that I currently still do not have a job, I have to raise money for the rest of my church camp fee, and I've got a load of make-up work. Honestly, now that I have no more Facebook for a little while, I feel I can get stuff done and there's nothing to distract me from reaching my goals now, with the exception of outer influences and other people's opinions and decisions I can't make nor control.
So in the grand scheme of things, it seems like a matter of refocusing on God and feeling His love and compassionate word take over my life for what it is and for what I've done and for what I'm to do in the very near future. And whatever God has planned for me before my high school career is over, well, I'll do what I can, and I won't slack off anymore. There's no more room for slacking, procrastinating excessively, or laziness. Time to get this show on the road and continue to improve my performance and motives and morals.
You've probably heard this once before, and now I will be saying this in the same mindset that others would say it: Facebook, you're pretty boring compared to life.
So thank You, God, for today, and a wonderful day to everyone else. To my Facebook readers, I sure hope you'll be reading these posts as these will be a nice substitute for my statuses, and I can certainly expand on thoughts that can be found on this blog rather than on someone's Facebook News Reel where it's probably not wanted or taking up space. More to come as I can now find time to keep up with my blog!
I will say it has been quite a while, right? I remember when I first made the decision out of spite and anger and just depressed decision making. The more I think about it today and in the recent past days, I realized how much I get more out of life and now I can truly enjoy what experiences I have been somewhat missing in my life. But here's what I say to those who miss my status updates nowadays; you're probably missing some bright insight in your life, some optimism, or just a kind little bit of good news and honesty in this world, and quite frankly, I don't blame you.
Ever since I left on our band Spring Trip, I did a little getting closer to God thing, and living out His word and plans for my life. When I made the decision last Wednesday to go on the trip solo and not hang out with anyone else...Well, that was before I realized that my roommates are actually pretty incredible people. I always thought to myself, you're not close friends with them, so you're not going to be able to have a great time with them; but of course, Sean always kept telling me that two of them he was really great friends with, and for the most part, I trusted him, so of course I would be up for hang out time.
And boy was our room living it up! There were some of the greatest new experiences I've gladly called nowadays to be really something special and memorable. For instance, don't use olive oil to cook bacon on a stove that forgets that high temperatures burn things. Don't use sunscreen that fails to have a spray stream instead of a straight stream of sunscreen, or you might end up having cool sunburn designs. And most of all, don't forget to empty out your pockets before jumping into a body of water, or else you might end up losing one of your favorite electronic devices to that horrible thing called flooded by H2O. I enjoyed my time, most definitely, and I'm so very grateful to have the instances and opportunities I did get to have with my other friends as well as my best bud.
Only problem now is I get back to school and instantly there's an AP test smacking me in the face at 8 A.M. this morning, my job interview for Gatti Town had to be postponed due to my band director for jazz having to tell me to reschedule because I wouldn't be able to miss rehearsal yet again...Those commitments, of course I stick to them! And now that I currently still do not have a job, I have to raise money for the rest of my church camp fee, and I've got a load of make-up work. Honestly, now that I have no more Facebook for a little while, I feel I can get stuff done and there's nothing to distract me from reaching my goals now, with the exception of outer influences and other people's opinions and decisions I can't make nor control.
So in the grand scheme of things, it seems like a matter of refocusing on God and feeling His love and compassionate word take over my life for what it is and for what I've done and for what I'm to do in the very near future. And whatever God has planned for me before my high school career is over, well, I'll do what I can, and I won't slack off anymore. There's no more room for slacking, procrastinating excessively, or laziness. Time to get this show on the road and continue to improve my performance and motives and morals.
You've probably heard this once before, and now I will be saying this in the same mindset that others would say it: Facebook, you're pretty boring compared to life.
So thank You, God, for today, and a wonderful day to everyone else. To my Facebook readers, I sure hope you'll be reading these posts as these will be a nice substitute for my statuses, and I can certainly expand on thoughts that can be found on this blog rather than on someone's Facebook News Reel where it's probably not wanted or taking up space. More to come as I can now find time to keep up with my blog!
Monday, July 18, 2011
The First Big Steps:Sacrifice - July 18, 2011
We always want something, whether it be a desire, a treasure, a passion, a want, a wish. Whatever you wish to call it, it is such and no one person is alone without at least one which drives them to do the many actions that build their lives.
But is it possible that we can be so driven by these so called desires that we lose sight of what is most important and essential to our lives? Is it not possible that many become selfish, greedy, obsessed, or crazy over such "important" ideals and thoughts? I am not saying that it is wrong to have them, but to be careful as they could be another way to corrupt and manipulate us from the awesome and amazing life that God has promised us. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."-Luke 12:34 Instead of wanting something that takes away the ability to benefit others around you; why not give up that want and help to better the lives of others? Surely, that way you can be happier knowing that you probably benefited another's life who also had a wish that seemed impossible. Because our treasures are in heaven, and therefore our hearts should be there as well.
My last blog post, if you read it, was rejoicing about how I finally confirmed that God finally answered my prayers in my life that I wanted so much. He gave me the best friend for life I had always wanted, the happiness that I had been searching years for, and the solace and peace that I struggled for knowing my friends weren't truly happy until a certain occurrence.
With bringing it up I make this point, I took God answering my most wanted prayers for granted and thought I'd have even more answered. I didn't realize until a little while after that I was being turned into the sulky sinful person I struggled not to become yet again. I became selfish and started to lose sight of what was important. God gave me an opportunity to realize my wrongdoings, yet I didn't listen. It wasn't until yesterday when talking to my best bud's girlfriend that I had finally gotten a smack to the face and a reality check.
I spent a few hours last night battling it out with the dark thoughts that haunted me and crying out to God apologizing and asking for forgiveness of my sinful thinking and my selfish desires. Just as I was feeling myself at the pit of despair, I made a realization and finally perked up. Emily came over and surprised me and suddenly I lost all bad feelings I had before. God had come through the darkness and given me a light to look at in my struggle. Later that night, I had a changed perspective and talked it over with my best bud, but we never discussed what had sparked my dark thoughts in the first place and finally it seemed like everything in my life was returning to that remarkable happiness that God filled me with a little over a month ago.
I woke up this morning groggy and tired from the dreams that haunted me as if I was still struggling. So I went for a run and spent that constructive hour and ten minutes to think over what I had learned and what would be the right thing to do. Then suddenly my heart tugged at me and I found myself speaking the words "Help him, God. Help him to have his desires fulfilled. If it is in your will God, I will do everything I can to help if he so wishes it. I sacrifice all I want for the benefit of helping him so that he can continue to enjoy his happiness." A silent prayer under my breath that was spontaneously spoken without any planning beforehand. And as I walked back listening to "Lucky" on my mp3 player I soon realized, that is truly what I wanted. I am to live out my first principle again: Sacrifice your wants and desires for the benefit of your loved ones.
My faith has been held steady, I am strong and determined and courageous. No darkness can take me down; no shadow can extinguish the light of my life that is Jesus Christ. I am inspired by my burning heart that is ignited by the love and compassion and grace that is from God and Jesus. I care not for my life so long as I live out God's word and act as Jesus did. I want to be more like Jesus by helping others and that is my passion. I'd sacrifice the many things I want because I know God will create a better life for me along the way with the things He has promised me, my awesome best bud, my lovely girlfriend, and my amazing close friends who strengthen my faith everyday. I am dead to sin, and Christ lives within me, and I shall do my best to help out my loved ones as much as my limits and God will allow.
Thank you for reading, but keep in mind; sacrifice is just one step of many in continuing to follow God.
Monday, July 4, 2011
God Answers Prayers-July 4th, 2011
I'm long over due for a blog post! I've been inspired so many times, and yet I've forgotten to write. So here's something I felt the need to write that is also long overdue.
About a little more than two weeks ago, on one particular Wednesday, it was one that would change my life in something for the better. On that faithful day after Epic, I had to be understanding when it came to James not coming to church. I had just met this girl named Abby, who he seemed to really be fond of, and I barely knew anything about her, but strangely enough, she seemed really trustworthy even though I had only known her for a couple of days. So throughout our routinely night conversation on Wednesdays he was texting Abby and I was trying to be understanding and in the end I was getting happier by the second; even though originally I had been mad at James.
And then James pulls the ultimate card on me and says "Clark, I really like her. And you're my best friend, and I need your support on this. You're the only one who knows right now, and I must know what you think of her." My first thought was, "Wait a minute, he just called me his best friend. The very honor I've bestowed upon him and never got in return; until now. This girl, I mean Abby, must have really changed him somehow. Could it be that God has finally answered my prayers?" And then I looked into James eyes and said "I'm really your best friend? But you told me you'll never have any. When did you decide on this?" And he replied with a goofy smile on his face, "Well, I've always thought you were a good friend, but Abby convinced me about how much of a true friend you are to me. So now, you're my best friend." "You know, I think I'm really going to like this Abby girl, I owe her one." So we said our goodbyes and we both left with a huge smile on our face. I felt as if God was with me with each step I took until I got into my bedroom and decided to go to sleep early, but not before I prayed to God and thanked him for how awesome it was the he finally answered my prayer.
I had been awaiting the answer to my prayer for many years, and it was that day it was finally answered. I haven't been any happier since the first time I met James and knew he was the one God destined me to be best buds with and since that day, it's been ultimately confirmed. But the happiness didn't stop there, my friends, now he had a girlfriend, and I had to make sure this girl was all the James had told me she was and still is to this day.
A few days later, Abby and I had begun talking a little each day since we were practically forced to meet each other. As the days passed, my acceptance of her became stronger and stronger. But then I started growing fond of her as well, but int he friendly sense. She was becoming a great person to talk to and because I trusted her so easily we talked about so many nice things, and so I decided, wow I have a new friend. The more I thought about it and seeing how happy Abby made James, it came to me in so many ways...I prayed that God keep giving me understanding and I concluded, Abby was someone that God had destined for James to meet in his life. The exact purpose, I'm not entirely sure, but I could tell another prayer was answered.
Let's not forget one more important detail in my life, Emily. I had began to be fond of Emily again and again and I was so afraid of breaking my word that I would never date her again and being heartbroken again. I prayed every night since last banquet for God to give me a sign. The fact that James kept pushing me to be with Emily was not the sign I was looking for; and then James started liking Abby. This was the sign I was looking for as Cody also got into a relationship. My two best friends who were done with dating and lived the single life philosophy found exceptions and gave in to their feelings of love. I decided to stop being so stubborn and did the same. That same Wednesday night I found out I'm James' best friend, I asked Emily as soon as we got out of Epic. I said the lyrics to Falling For You by Colbie Cailat, and she was completely dumbfounded, but then we embraced and James drove around the corner so I made a run for it and said bye, talk to you later! I'll never forget how she laughed and just kinda shoved it off.
So yes, now thanks to God, I'm now James's best friend, in a relationship with Emily, and made a new friend who is also James' girlfriend, Abby. Life is great and I'm enjoying all the happiness I receive everyday. Thank You God! Keep answering those prayers of my friends as I've no more to be fulfilled now. Now it's my turn to help my friends to be happy with their lives, and I'll gladly lay down my life to this cause.
Short blog post, dang, but it's still something, so I hope you enjoy the read! Thanks for reading, I hope to make more blog posts again!
About a little more than two weeks ago, on one particular Wednesday, it was one that would change my life in something for the better. On that faithful day after Epic, I had to be understanding when it came to James not coming to church. I had just met this girl named Abby, who he seemed to really be fond of, and I barely knew anything about her, but strangely enough, she seemed really trustworthy even though I had only known her for a couple of days. So throughout our routinely night conversation on Wednesdays he was texting Abby and I was trying to be understanding and in the end I was getting happier by the second; even though originally I had been mad at James.
And then James pulls the ultimate card on me and says "Clark, I really like her. And you're my best friend, and I need your support on this. You're the only one who knows right now, and I must know what you think of her." My first thought was, "Wait a minute, he just called me his best friend. The very honor I've bestowed upon him and never got in return; until now. This girl, I mean Abby, must have really changed him somehow. Could it be that God has finally answered my prayers?" And then I looked into James eyes and said "I'm really your best friend? But you told me you'll never have any. When did you decide on this?" And he replied with a goofy smile on his face, "Well, I've always thought you were a good friend, but Abby convinced me about how much of a true friend you are to me. So now, you're my best friend." "You know, I think I'm really going to like this Abby girl, I owe her one." So we said our goodbyes and we both left with a huge smile on our face. I felt as if God was with me with each step I took until I got into my bedroom and decided to go to sleep early, but not before I prayed to God and thanked him for how awesome it was the he finally answered my prayer.
I had been awaiting the answer to my prayer for many years, and it was that day it was finally answered. I haven't been any happier since the first time I met James and knew he was the one God destined me to be best buds with and since that day, it's been ultimately confirmed. But the happiness didn't stop there, my friends, now he had a girlfriend, and I had to make sure this girl was all the James had told me she was and still is to this day.
A few days later, Abby and I had begun talking a little each day since we were practically forced to meet each other. As the days passed, my acceptance of her became stronger and stronger. But then I started growing fond of her as well, but int he friendly sense. She was becoming a great person to talk to and because I trusted her so easily we talked about so many nice things, and so I decided, wow I have a new friend. The more I thought about it and seeing how happy Abby made James, it came to me in so many ways...I prayed that God keep giving me understanding and I concluded, Abby was someone that God had destined for James to meet in his life. The exact purpose, I'm not entirely sure, but I could tell another prayer was answered.
Let's not forget one more important detail in my life, Emily. I had began to be fond of Emily again and again and I was so afraid of breaking my word that I would never date her again and being heartbroken again. I prayed every night since last banquet for God to give me a sign. The fact that James kept pushing me to be with Emily was not the sign I was looking for; and then James started liking Abby. This was the sign I was looking for as Cody also got into a relationship. My two best friends who were done with dating and lived the single life philosophy found exceptions and gave in to their feelings of love. I decided to stop being so stubborn and did the same. That same Wednesday night I found out I'm James' best friend, I asked Emily as soon as we got out of Epic. I said the lyrics to Falling For You by Colbie Cailat, and she was completely dumbfounded, but then we embraced and James drove around the corner so I made a run for it and said bye, talk to you later! I'll never forget how she laughed and just kinda shoved it off.
So yes, now thanks to God, I'm now James's best friend, in a relationship with Emily, and made a new friend who is also James' girlfriend, Abby. Life is great and I'm enjoying all the happiness I receive everyday. Thank You God! Keep answering those prayers of my friends as I've no more to be fulfilled now. Now it's my turn to help my friends to be happy with their lives, and I'll gladly lay down my life to this cause.
Short blog post, dang, but it's still something, so I hope you enjoy the read! Thanks for reading, I hope to make more blog posts again!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Epic Sermon Notes: April 27, 2011-Loving & Caring
In life we care and have our priorities laid out before us in a fashion that's typical for us teenagers. There are things that, believe it or not, we really do believe we could care less about.
- Chores
- School
- Work
- "Nagging" parents
- And even God
The thing is, some of the most important things we don't care much are things we should in fact take into higher consideration. You say you could care less about school; whenever an education is required for practically most of every college and some kind of degree is required to obtain a standard job. You say you could do without your parents "nagging" you all the time; whenever they've lived longer and experienced more in twice the amount of time we have and they just wish to keep you safe and prevent you from going down a dark road with many consequences. You say you could care less about chores; whenever it gives you something productive to do and your benfiting the household's tidyness and your losing some of you laziness. You say you could care less about God; well I can't help you there. That's your decision, but if you're truly wanting to know what He can do for your life and you're willing; that I can lead you to find help with.
Sometimes we make big deals over the darndest things. Often what's important in our lives, most people don't care to even lend a helping hand or an ear to listen. You suffer and you feel alone and isolated and what do you do? Nothing, right? You probably do something, but you always have that bitterness, that scorn, that hatred, that sadness and depressed feeling that continues to haunt you no matter what you do. Can I just admit to you right now, you're not the only one. None of us are perfect, and we never will be. That's the beauty of being a human, but you don't have to do it alone.
It all starts with this: You wonder why you find it so hard to let go of all the sadness, the anger, the grudges, the betrayals. Think about it this way, we all know a person in our lives or around us who is rejected, exiled, bullied, or whatever term you wish to use to describe it. We humans are sometimes really sick and twisted people. It's hard to accept, but it's the truth. The one that everyone gossips about, the one that does drugs or smokes and everyone knows, the one who was just created uniquely and is often rejected for somethign they can't control. That one person who stabbed you in the back, or the guy/girl who dumped you and left your heart in pieces that no one could pick up. What do you do?
Luke 10:25-27- " On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 26-"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" 27-"He answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (NIV)
One of the most greatest points made, and yet one of the hardest ones to keep alive and omnipresent. I always struggle with this, no matter how much I desperately wish to talk to that rejected kid or give someone I don't know a friendly greeting. My fear of awkwardness steers me in the other direction. It needs to stop. No matter if we accept it or not; we all have at one point in our lives talked bad about someone behind their back, hurt someone either purposely or unintentionally, given someone a compliment, and loved someone. We all have our quirks and knacks and histories. But we are all one through Christ and surely God does not show favor upon situations in which his children are always at each others' throats! Greet that rejected person, go out of your way to help stand up for someone you witness is being messed up and no one else is doing anything. Be an example to others by putting yourself and your schedule behind you and helping others in front or ahead of you. You have time, you honestly do, to help someone and possibly change their life. But ultimately, God changes the lives and mindsets of those we love and care about the most and the ones around us.
Bring your worry, your hate, your sadness to God. Restating, not at Him, but to Him. God really can change your life for the better if you just trust in and love Him with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. The Lord of our lives and the One who reigns above all else in the world. The God who loves us unconditionally no matter what we have done in the past or what we believe in. Love that is everlasting and never goes away, a God that never betrays or leaves us alone in the dust like "friends" can. It all starts with believing and trusting in Him, and putting other before yourself, and most of all,loving them. Please I encourage you to have a heart, and give a care. Lend an invitation to those who suffer every day of their lives and wonder if God really wants this for their lives when He truly doesn't wish it upon them. Lead people in the right direction, and be an example to those around by showing them how to lead others in the right direction.
Love them, don't convert them. Love them, and don't reject them. Love them, and don't spit back in anger. Love them, no matter what.
Thus concludes my notes from last night's sermon. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed sharing it.
This is for you my blessed friends, and for the ones who we need to care about more often.
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