"God doesn't close a door without opening a window."
"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
"Everything happens for a reason."
We've all heard these before. Probably said them as words of comfort to someone a time or 12. I know I have. You might have even said it to yourself too. The funny thing is it's EASY to say to someone else and easy to think it to yourself when things are good or not that bad. The hard part is to say it with conviction and believe it with the same conviction during the HARD times. I speak from experience again.
I'm here today BECAUSE of the things I've been through--both good and bad. My perspective on life has changed (for the good I believe). Like everyone I've had my share of hard times. Things I may or may not divulge. A lot of personal issues that through the grace of God I've come out of. I didn't have the appreciation then about how it would mold me and make me the person I am. Looking back on some of those things, I can honestly say I wouldn't make the same decisions today had I not gone through those things. I've come to embrace my experiences--the good and the bad knowing God's PERFECT plan was for me to endure them. Even the bad decisions made were all a part of his plan.
As parents you do this daily with your children. From the time their born you begin to teach them. You hold a child when they cry. You give them love and attention. You give them advice they may only need once in their life and you pray they remember it and apply it. Those things are based on our own experiences.
Parents want a better life for their children then what they had. That's not to say you had a bad life but always want more for your children. That's why you make sacrifices with time or finances or whatever is important.
I've been blessed by God with so many opportunities that His grace is overwhelming for me at times. It's when I think back to how much of a knuckle head I've been (putting it mildly) that I am so grateful for Him leading me to where I am today. I'm not talking about me being the mystery winner of the mega millions or anything like that. I'm referring to His blessings for the day to day things that make life FULL. My children's health, having a roof over our heads, being able to take my family on vacations, being able to serve at church, having this opportunity to share my thougths and feelings about my faith with those of you who read this blog. My wonderful family who always supports each other. In particular my cousin's who we're always touching base with each other (James, Tiffany, Shannon, Shawncy, Casey, Raymond, Zandra, my brother Stacey, Hallie, Helen, Teresa, Karl, Bernard, and Joann) to name a few.
If I had any advice to give it would be appreciate the little things, look for the glory of God in all things and use your one and only life to honor the One who gave it to you.
Deuteronomy 8: 17-18:
You may say to yourself, "my power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who give you the ability to produce wealth...
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Metta World War
Saw the Lakers and Thunder double OT game yesterday. The game was filled with subplots and story lines. Among them: Thunder attempting to get back to the top spot in the West, the Lakers trying to hold onto the 3 spot and clinch the Pacific division. The end of the game talked more about what transpired than what the last week of the NBA still holds
Metta World Peace (aka Ron Artest) had been playing increasingly better in the month of April compared to the rest of the season. MWP was averaging less than double digits in points and rebounds prior to April. Now he was averaging 16 pt/ 9 rebounds per game. This came at a good time for the Lakers with Kobe Bryant missing 7 straight games. The team seemed to gel during that time in his absence going 5-2. A hard fought nationally televised game yesterday saw MWP revert back to Ron-Ron of the Malice in the Palace infamy. MWP celebrating a breakaway steal and dunk did the obligatory chest pound when James Harden got a little too close for comfort. The result was a much publicized vicious elbow to Harden's head. He feel like a stack of bricks. At first glance it looked (to me at least) like a flop. It looked like MWP pushed him out of the way and Harden was just looking for a cheap foul. Nothing could have been further from the truth. Replay clearly shows a vicious hard elbow that got extended. What ensued afterward was most concerning to me.
MWP had been a model citizen with the Lakers. The one time defensive player of the year seemed to be playing well in LA. On Sunday, after a nasty hit on Harden MWP got into his fighting stance when forward Surge Ibaka came charging. Ibaka apparently remembered WHO he was dealing with because he stopped well short of actually engaging MWP. Meanwhile MWP was locked and loaded and gunning for bear. He prodded Ibaka to "come get some." To me that was a different MWP/Ron Artest that the Lakers hadn't seen. While you have to be ready if someone runs up on you--not knowing their intentions. This just seemed different to me.
I think back to when Mike Tyson was at the end of his career and still fighting. He was known to go a little haywire on his opponent...reporters...or anyone else in the vicinity. Mike blamed it on not taking his meds just before fights. He felt it took his edge off--an edge he felt he needed as a competitor--a gladiator. I can't help but think MAYBE Ron (who by his own admission) suffers from mental issues in which he's being treated. Ron's numbers have picked up during April. His aggressiveness Sunday showed a different guy Laker fans haven't seen in the purple and gold.
I'm a die hard Lakers fan--always have been. I'd love nothing more than to get another ring this year and tie Boston for most all time. Not at the expense of another player. I hope Ron isn't sacrificing his mental health for the sake of a game. He appeared to be contrite afterward. I believe him. For a guy who worked hard to get a championship his whole career only to auction the ring off to donate to mental health charities says a lot about his character. I certainly hope James Harden is OK and back playing, but selfishly I'm rooting for my guy--Metta World Peace aka Ron Artest to get himself back where he needs to be. Not for another ring, but because it's the right thing to do.
Metta World Peace (aka Ron Artest) had been playing increasingly better in the month of April compared to the rest of the season. MWP was averaging less than double digits in points and rebounds prior to April. Now he was averaging 16 pt/ 9 rebounds per game. This came at a good time for the Lakers with Kobe Bryant missing 7 straight games. The team seemed to gel during that time in his absence going 5-2. A hard fought nationally televised game yesterday saw MWP revert back to Ron-Ron of the Malice in the Palace infamy. MWP celebrating a breakaway steal and dunk did the obligatory chest pound when James Harden got a little too close for comfort. The result was a much publicized vicious elbow to Harden's head. He feel like a stack of bricks. At first glance it looked (to me at least) like a flop. It looked like MWP pushed him out of the way and Harden was just looking for a cheap foul. Nothing could have been further from the truth. Replay clearly shows a vicious hard elbow that got extended. What ensued afterward was most concerning to me.
MWP had been a model citizen with the Lakers. The one time defensive player of the year seemed to be playing well in LA. On Sunday, after a nasty hit on Harden MWP got into his fighting stance when forward Surge Ibaka came charging. Ibaka apparently remembered WHO he was dealing with because he stopped well short of actually engaging MWP. Meanwhile MWP was locked and loaded and gunning for bear. He prodded Ibaka to "come get some." To me that was a different MWP/Ron Artest that the Lakers hadn't seen. While you have to be ready if someone runs up on you--not knowing their intentions. This just seemed different to me.
I think back to when Mike Tyson was at the end of his career and still fighting. He was known to go a little haywire on his opponent...reporters...or anyone else in the vicinity. Mike blamed it on not taking his meds just before fights. He felt it took his edge off--an edge he felt he needed as a competitor--a gladiator. I can't help but think MAYBE Ron (who by his own admission) suffers from mental issues in which he's being treated. Ron's numbers have picked up during April. His aggressiveness Sunday showed a different guy Laker fans haven't seen in the purple and gold.
I'm a die hard Lakers fan--always have been. I'd love nothing more than to get another ring this year and tie Boston for most all time. Not at the expense of another player. I hope Ron isn't sacrificing his mental health for the sake of a game. He appeared to be contrite afterward. I believe him. For a guy who worked hard to get a championship his whole career only to auction the ring off to donate to mental health charities says a lot about his character. I certainly hope James Harden is OK and back playing, but selfishly I'm rooting for my guy--Metta World Peace aka Ron Artest to get himself back where he needs to be. Not for another ring, but because it's the right thing to do.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Top Center in the NBA
I got home from Myrtle Beach yesterday to catch the end of the Lakers V. Mavs game. This was game #5 Kobe has missed. Granted the Mavs are struggling just to make the 8 seed for the playoffs but it's still a good rivalry. Game went back and forth with the Lakers pulling it out in OT. Some questionable no calls, but that's what home court is about.
Funny thing though on the way to 4 wins in 5 games w/o Kobe. The role players stepped up. Ramon put in 22 and 5 dimes, MWP (aka Ron-Ron) did his thang on defense and chipped in a few on offense. Matt "crazy man" Barnes had a great all around game with defense, rebounds, assists and points. He was close to a triple double. Bynum had a "bad game" with 23 points and 13 boards. Pau was solid as well. Everybody is playing better as a unit. Kobe was coaching them up on the sidelines at each time out. Mike Brown and Kobe looked like they were learning from each other. Scary thought! The Lakers biggest knock has been at PG and lack of depth on their bench. Yesterday the PG was playoff caliber and the role players looked like they were geling for the first time this season.
Don't get me wrong, the Thunder are still the talent in the West but if we keep the 3 seed and the Clips keep the 4, that will be a good match up that the Thunder could lose. Two young and athletic teams going at it. Meanwhile the elder statesmen of the conference (spurs and Lakers) would likely do battle in the 2nd round. Again, a very good match up.
JA Adande wrote an article about the game and put in a little factoid. Dwight Howard is now out with back problems--never good for an NBA player (see Larry Bird, Larry Johnson, Amare Stoudemire). JA shows at this rate Bynum is set to play in more games this year than D12. A first for the big fella who's been ravaged with injuries since coming into the league. In hindsight, the Lakers trades and non-trades seem to be panning out. Odom shipped to Mavs for a first round pick and a trade exception. That pick netted Ramon sessions. Odom hasn't done anything for the Mavs this year and now got Keyshawned for the season. Lakers not trading for D12. Gasol and Bynum keep ballin and the Lakers keep their height advantage. The Lakers still have the trade exception from the Mavs to use in the off season. They also unloaded the hefty contract of Luke Walton and they still hold their amnesty clause to use in the future as well.
Jim Buss was adamant of not trading Bynum. Maybe he knew something we all didn't. My cousin (C3) said the Lakers were the class of the West--called his shot months ago. I thought he was crazy BUT I'm beginning to think he had something there. Maybe he was the one who whispered in Jim Buss' ear about Bynum?! While all eyese are on the East with the Heat and Bulls, quietly the Lakers are making a run of their own. 5 games left (2 with the spurs, 1 with the thunder). The mission is to stay at either the 3 or move to the 2 if we can.
The playoffs should be fun!
Funny thing though on the way to 4 wins in 5 games w/o Kobe. The role players stepped up. Ramon put in 22 and 5 dimes, MWP (aka Ron-Ron) did his thang on defense and chipped in a few on offense. Matt "crazy man" Barnes had a great all around game with defense, rebounds, assists and points. He was close to a triple double. Bynum had a "bad game" with 23 points and 13 boards. Pau was solid as well. Everybody is playing better as a unit. Kobe was coaching them up on the sidelines at each time out. Mike Brown and Kobe looked like they were learning from each other. Scary thought! The Lakers biggest knock has been at PG and lack of depth on their bench. Yesterday the PG was playoff caliber and the role players looked like they were geling for the first time this season.
Don't get me wrong, the Thunder are still the talent in the West but if we keep the 3 seed and the Clips keep the 4, that will be a good match up that the Thunder could lose. Two young and athletic teams going at it. Meanwhile the elder statesmen of the conference (spurs and Lakers) would likely do battle in the 2nd round. Again, a very good match up.
JA Adande wrote an article about the game and put in a little factoid. Dwight Howard is now out with back problems--never good for an NBA player (see Larry Bird, Larry Johnson, Amare Stoudemire). JA shows at this rate Bynum is set to play in more games this year than D12. A first for the big fella who's been ravaged with injuries since coming into the league. In hindsight, the Lakers trades and non-trades seem to be panning out. Odom shipped to Mavs for a first round pick and a trade exception. That pick netted Ramon sessions. Odom hasn't done anything for the Mavs this year and now got Keyshawned for the season. Lakers not trading for D12. Gasol and Bynum keep ballin and the Lakers keep their height advantage. The Lakers still have the trade exception from the Mavs to use in the off season. They also unloaded the hefty contract of Luke Walton and they still hold their amnesty clause to use in the future as well.
Jim Buss was adamant of not trading Bynum. Maybe he knew something we all didn't. My cousin (C3) said the Lakers were the class of the West--called his shot months ago. I thought he was crazy BUT I'm beginning to think he had something there. Maybe he was the one who whispered in Jim Buss' ear about Bynum?! While all eyese are on the East with the Heat and Bulls, quietly the Lakers are making a run of their own. 5 games left (2 with the spurs, 1 with the thunder). The mission is to stay at either the 3 or move to the 2 if we can.
The playoffs should be fun!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Real Talk
I caught this exchange on ESPN radio yesterday (http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7800707). It started with Jalen Rose calling out Skip Bayless who was dogging Russell Westbrook for shooting too much (in his opinion). Jalen brought up Skip's high school b-ball stats. Skip apparently "embellished" a bit about his own skills in a tweet. What ensued was fans gold. Three highly opinionated analysis going at it about what should/should not be considered "over the line." Jalen coming from a pro athlete standpoint, Skip and Stephen A from a journalist's.
Jalen's first point was 'why dog Kwame Brown?' This is near and dear to my heart because I too detested the Lakers getting Kwame Brown. His best contribution to the franchise was being the center piece in the Pau Gasol trade. Jalen's point was there are only 450 jobs in the NBA and he's had one for 10 years making millions. He may not be one of the elite players in the NBA but he's better than non-NBA players. Ironically CC (Cris Carter) agreed. He said "I gotta stack of money I'm putting on Kwame Brown vs. any non-NBA player." Interesting take...
Stephen A and Skip's take was Kwame's numbers suck. His play is sub par and he shouldn't be in the NBA. If you compare him to other Center's in the NBA his salary doesn't match his output and based on peer to peer comparisons he's deserving of the criticism. Again, interesting points...
From there the conversation turned to HOW you criticize someone. Name calling--scrub, waste, Prince James, etc...Jalen's point was you can criticize someones stats, their work ethic and their performance but to call someone out there name or take it further is crossing the line. He contends everyone is human and to talk about them badly like that is crossing the line. Their family is effected by what and how you say things about them and as journalist/media types they need to be more responsible.
Skip/Stephen A contend because he's a public figure making big money he (by default) accepts that part of the career he's chosen. Neither saw it as crossing the line because they get paid to evaluate and report talent.
Now, this is where I jump off their band wagon. The type of money you make or the type of job you have does not give anyone the right to disrespect you. Disagree with you or oppose you--sure! Disrespect, no. It's not in any job description (that I'm aware of) that says because you've agreed to take this position at this pay, public flogging is a given. Now, don't get me wrong I'm not naive to think that certain positions do come with that type of scrutiny--ex President of the US, CEO of major companies, Police Chief, etc...BUT my point it doesn't make it right to disrespect someone. You can vehemently disagree all day long, campaign against them, protest policies, actions, etc...but the name calling and personal attacks are just wrong.
I'll admit that I've done it. Right here on this blog as a matter of fact. My nickname for Pau is "Butta"--sometimes he plays smooth, sometimes he plays soft. I'm not saying its right, but now I have a different perspective on how it affects others. I'm certain being in management I have/still have unflattering nicknames from current/previous employees. I know that I'm not here to make friends but to get a job done. In the end all I want/expect is respect not to be liked. Respected in that what I say gets done the way I want it done. if not there are consequences. The best an athlete could do is deny certain reporters interviews. You can't stop talking to the media entirely because of company rules and they'll get fined for it. But, you understand that going into that career field.
What's my point? Honestly, I don't think I have one today. I'm just giving my opinion on how I saw/heard things yesterday. Will I change what I say and how I act, yea somewhat. As a fan though, I'll still be critical of players. I'll cheer them when they ball and boo them when they suck. I'd end by saying 'maybe it's just me' but I know it's not.
have a great one!
Jalen's first point was 'why dog Kwame Brown?' This is near and dear to my heart because I too detested the Lakers getting Kwame Brown. His best contribution to the franchise was being the center piece in the Pau Gasol trade. Jalen's point was there are only 450 jobs in the NBA and he's had one for 10 years making millions. He may not be one of the elite players in the NBA but he's better than non-NBA players. Ironically CC (Cris Carter) agreed. He said "I gotta stack of money I'm putting on Kwame Brown vs. any non-NBA player." Interesting take...
Stephen A and Skip's take was Kwame's numbers suck. His play is sub par and he shouldn't be in the NBA. If you compare him to other Center's in the NBA his salary doesn't match his output and based on peer to peer comparisons he's deserving of the criticism. Again, interesting points...
From there the conversation turned to HOW you criticize someone. Name calling--scrub, waste, Prince James, etc...Jalen's point was you can criticize someones stats, their work ethic and their performance but to call someone out there name or take it further is crossing the line. He contends everyone is human and to talk about them badly like that is crossing the line. Their family is effected by what and how you say things about them and as journalist/media types they need to be more responsible.
Skip/Stephen A contend because he's a public figure making big money he (by default) accepts that part of the career he's chosen. Neither saw it as crossing the line because they get paid to evaluate and report talent.
Now, this is where I jump off their band wagon. The type of money you make or the type of job you have does not give anyone the right to disrespect you. Disagree with you or oppose you--sure! Disrespect, no. It's not in any job description (that I'm aware of) that says because you've agreed to take this position at this pay, public flogging is a given. Now, don't get me wrong I'm not naive to think that certain positions do come with that type of scrutiny--ex President of the US, CEO of major companies, Police Chief, etc...BUT my point it doesn't make it right to disrespect someone. You can vehemently disagree all day long, campaign against them, protest policies, actions, etc...but the name calling and personal attacks are just wrong.
I'll admit that I've done it. Right here on this blog as a matter of fact. My nickname for Pau is "Butta"--sometimes he plays smooth, sometimes he plays soft. I'm not saying its right, but now I have a different perspective on how it affects others. I'm certain being in management I have/still have unflattering nicknames from current/previous employees. I know that I'm not here to make friends but to get a job done. In the end all I want/expect is respect not to be liked. Respected in that what I say gets done the way I want it done. if not there are consequences. The best an athlete could do is deny certain reporters interviews. You can't stop talking to the media entirely because of company rules and they'll get fined for it. But, you understand that going into that career field.
What's my point? Honestly, I don't think I have one today. I'm just giving my opinion on how I saw/heard things yesterday. Will I change what I say and how I act, yea somewhat. As a fan though, I'll still be critical of players. I'll cheer them when they ball and boo them when they suck. I'd end by saying 'maybe it's just me' but I know it's not.
have a great one!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
...just not feeling it this year...
Now that Holy week (including Easter) is over, I'm back with some sports takes...I guess. Normally this time of year is one of my favorites. You've got NFL draft and Free Agency going bananas, NBA playoff seeding is heating up--it should be a good time for a sports junky like myself. Usually I've got Twitter opened, checking Rumor Central on ESPN/NFL.com, scouring local sports pages for FA visits, pro days, putting my Draft binder together with the top 10-15 players at each position. I'm scheduling time off to let the draft soak in. 3 glorious days of football, football AND more football. this year, eh, not so much
Why the lack of enthusiasm..my teams are less than inspiring. The Raiders (under new management) APPEAR to be making the right decisions under new GM (former Raider) Reggie McKenzie and new Head Coach Dennis "the menace" Allen. Oakland has no CAP room and 2.3 draft picks this year--none until the end of round 3. The team had to cut lose some BAD contracts and make some solid decisions for starters and depth. Based on what we could pay, it looks solid but only real action will show if it was the right call or not. By not overpaying (typical Raider fashion) and NOT offering the farm (in terms of draft picks) we're setting ourselves up for a bright future...hopefully
The Lakers...SMH...the good, the bad and the ugly! Sometimes they play like world beaters, most times they play like a good And 1 team. Depth is not strong but getting better. The coach is clueless and in awe of his players--bad sign. The GM has his hands tied by the owner's son and shackled by David Stern--the villain--yup still not over how we got jobbed on the CP3 deal. One bright spot, the Lamar Odom trade makes us look like bandits! LO just got the Keyshawn treatment for the year and we're no worse for wear. We parlayed his trade into Ramon Sessions, Bo Bo Johnson and got rid of Luke Walton's contract. Not bad if you ask me. Not great, but not bad either. Not sure which Lakers team shows up from day to day so I have no idea what to expect in the playoffs.
Times like these I think I need to get into a new sport. Maybe baseball? The Indians are a farm team for the Yankees and others, so that's a no. Hockey? Not ready to get into that yet. Soccer? Adult kickball (in my expert opinion)--not happening. Before any of you start with the "it's the most popular sport in the world" take, I DON'T CARE! Running around a field the size of a continent for hours on end only to see 2-3 goals made is not entertaining for me. So take your juice boxes and orange slices elsewhere! oh I forgot, "with all due respect" of course :)
OK, that's all I got today--I know it wasn't much but it's my expert opinion!
Why the lack of enthusiasm..my teams are less than inspiring. The Raiders (under new management) APPEAR to be making the right decisions under new GM (former Raider) Reggie McKenzie and new Head Coach Dennis "the menace" Allen. Oakland has no CAP room and 2.3 draft picks this year--none until the end of round 3. The team had to cut lose some BAD contracts and make some solid decisions for starters and depth. Based on what we could pay, it looks solid but only real action will show if it was the right call or not. By not overpaying (typical Raider fashion) and NOT offering the farm (in terms of draft picks) we're setting ourselves up for a bright future...hopefully
The Lakers...SMH...the good, the bad and the ugly! Sometimes they play like world beaters, most times they play like a good And 1 team. Depth is not strong but getting better. The coach is clueless and in awe of his players--bad sign. The GM has his hands tied by the owner's son and shackled by David Stern--the villain--yup still not over how we got jobbed on the CP3 deal. One bright spot, the Lamar Odom trade makes us look like bandits! LO just got the Keyshawn treatment for the year and we're no worse for wear. We parlayed his trade into Ramon Sessions, Bo Bo Johnson and got rid of Luke Walton's contract. Not bad if you ask me. Not great, but not bad either. Not sure which Lakers team shows up from day to day so I have no idea what to expect in the playoffs.
Times like these I think I need to get into a new sport. Maybe baseball? The Indians are a farm team for the Yankees and others, so that's a no. Hockey? Not ready to get into that yet. Soccer? Adult kickball (in my expert opinion)--not happening. Before any of you start with the "it's the most popular sport in the world" take, I DON'T CARE! Running around a field the size of a continent for hours on end only to see 2-3 goals made is not entertaining for me. So take your juice boxes and orange slices elsewhere! oh I forgot, "with all due respect" of course :)
OK, that's all I got today--I know it wasn't much but it's my expert opinion!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Preacher/Pastor/Teacher
I learned something new at church this weekend. I learned the meaning of Palm Sunday and how it originated. I also learned that Palm Sunday kicks off what is termed by some as "Holy Week." I've never heard the term "Holy Week" before in conjunction with Easter.
We are very blessed to have a wonderful Sr. Pastor at our church (Mecklenburg Community Church). He explains things from the bible and gives the background of that moment so that you can understand the circumstances surrounding the passage. As I was thinking about what to write about this morning I wanted to look up some definitions.
Preacher is defined as someone who gives earnest advice as on religious or moral subjects or the like. A Pastor is defined as a person having spiritual care of a number of persons. Teacher is defined as a person who imparts knowledge or skill.
What's my point? To be an effective Pastor or Preacher (whichever you want to call it) you have to incorporate elements of all three words effectively. In my experience too many times you find those on the pulpit with only part of the tools needed. I've sat in on sermons at various churches where the "preacher" advocated yelling at his spouse. I've sat in on sermons where "pastors" talked the talk but didn't walk the walk in terms of what they were preaching to the church. Don't get me wrong, I'm not here to be negative or take shots at other places. I'm merely saying when I decided to explore religion again, I did so with my eyes wide open. I was previously one of Jehovah's Witnesses. I learned my basis of the bible from them. From there I compared other religions, churches, and preachers. I always entered as a skeptic. It wasn't until I started going to "Meck" that I became a "listener."
I believe everyone should have something to believe in. Having true faith and love of God in your life is something immeasurable. Pay attention to what you listen to. When I told my dad about my new found faith he warned me "follow the Word, not the man." In other words, make sure it's God's message that you're listening to and not just following the Pastor. Why? Because we're ALL imperfect and we all sin--Pastors included. Sometimes we forget that but that's one of the things that our Sr. Pastor (Jim) preaches. He includes himself when he talks about the stumbles and challenges we face on our journey to Christendom. Refreshing to hear. He preaches about God's love and His forgiveness and how much He wants to have a relationship with us. When your view of God is one who is loving and just and gracious and merciful it gives you a sense of hope. It makes you want to learn more.
I had a chance to do an interview for my church. They asked me about my spiritual journey and my decision to get baptized. It played at the church last week and I've gotten some really nice comments about it. Jim came up to me Saturday and said 'thank you for sharing such a powerful testimony.' I was speechless. Here it is the Sr. Pastor who (to me) was responsible for getting me back into a relationship with God was thanking me. I wish I would have told him, 'no, thank you. Your words spoke to me. God's blessing is clearly on you and because of that it had enabled me to enter into a relationship with God, I honestly never knew existed."
God puts people in our lives for a reason. It rarely clear up front why they're there, but if you reflect, you can pull out the reason why they're in your life. My wife found this church "on an accident." It took me 2 years before I decided to even come. It took me another year before I went all in. Along the way, I recognize moments and people who helped me on my spiritual journey--for them and for God I am eternally grateful. For some they consider me a "goody too-shoes". I wear that as a badge of honor. For those who knew me, know that I am differnt. For those that know me know, please know that I'm sincere in my words and deeds. I feel the need to share my spiritual journey with any and everybody who will listen. Mainly because I got the Word because my wife found a church while looking for the post office. She guilted me into going to Easter service. Jim gave me biblical knowledge that I could understand and God touched my heart to attend my first service at Meck in August 2010 then getting baptized June 11, 2011 and joining the church as an official member December 2011. I love the Lord and the relationship I have with Him. I SO want that for everybody I know and meet. So if you talk to me, just know I'll share some of the joy He's given me with you. You never know who you affect with a word or deed in this life. God puts people in your path for a reason.
God bless--reflect on Holy Week
We are very blessed to have a wonderful Sr. Pastor at our church (Mecklenburg Community Church). He explains things from the bible and gives the background of that moment so that you can understand the circumstances surrounding the passage. As I was thinking about what to write about this morning I wanted to look up some definitions.
Preacher is defined as someone who gives earnest advice as on religious or moral subjects or the like. A Pastor is defined as a person having spiritual care of a number of persons. Teacher is defined as a person who imparts knowledge or skill.
What's my point? To be an effective Pastor or Preacher (whichever you want to call it) you have to incorporate elements of all three words effectively. In my experience too many times you find those on the pulpit with only part of the tools needed. I've sat in on sermons at various churches where the "preacher" advocated yelling at his spouse. I've sat in on sermons where "pastors" talked the talk but didn't walk the walk in terms of what they were preaching to the church. Don't get me wrong, I'm not here to be negative or take shots at other places. I'm merely saying when I decided to explore religion again, I did so with my eyes wide open. I was previously one of Jehovah's Witnesses. I learned my basis of the bible from them. From there I compared other religions, churches, and preachers. I always entered as a skeptic. It wasn't until I started going to "Meck" that I became a "listener."
I believe everyone should have something to believe in. Having true faith and love of God in your life is something immeasurable. Pay attention to what you listen to. When I told my dad about my new found faith he warned me "follow the Word, not the man." In other words, make sure it's God's message that you're listening to and not just following the Pastor. Why? Because we're ALL imperfect and we all sin--Pastors included. Sometimes we forget that but that's one of the things that our Sr. Pastor (Jim) preaches. He includes himself when he talks about the stumbles and challenges we face on our journey to Christendom. Refreshing to hear. He preaches about God's love and His forgiveness and how much He wants to have a relationship with us. When your view of God is one who is loving and just and gracious and merciful it gives you a sense of hope. It makes you want to learn more.
I had a chance to do an interview for my church. They asked me about my spiritual journey and my decision to get baptized. It played at the church last week and I've gotten some really nice comments about it. Jim came up to me Saturday and said 'thank you for sharing such a powerful testimony.' I was speechless. Here it is the Sr. Pastor who (to me) was responsible for getting me back into a relationship with God was thanking me. I wish I would have told him, 'no, thank you. Your words spoke to me. God's blessing is clearly on you and because of that it had enabled me to enter into a relationship with God, I honestly never knew existed."
God puts people in our lives for a reason. It rarely clear up front why they're there, but if you reflect, you can pull out the reason why they're in your life. My wife found this church "on an accident." It took me 2 years before I decided to even come. It took me another year before I went all in. Along the way, I recognize moments and people who helped me on my spiritual journey--for them and for God I am eternally grateful. For some they consider me a "goody too-shoes". I wear that as a badge of honor. For those who knew me, know that I am differnt. For those that know me know, please know that I'm sincere in my words and deeds. I feel the need to share my spiritual journey with any and everybody who will listen. Mainly because I got the Word because my wife found a church while looking for the post office. She guilted me into going to Easter service. Jim gave me biblical knowledge that I could understand and God touched my heart to attend my first service at Meck in August 2010 then getting baptized June 11, 2011 and joining the church as an official member December 2011. I love the Lord and the relationship I have with Him. I SO want that for everybody I know and meet. So if you talk to me, just know I'll share some of the joy He's given me with you. You never know who you affect with a word or deed in this life. God puts people in your path for a reason.
God bless--reflect on Holy Week
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