With a Mouth Full of B&G!

Is there anyone out there on call 24/7? Those that live with that type of career know that it can be a blessing and a curse. It’s nice to know that you are needed but at the same time you can be in the middle of something important and get the call. I remember years ago when I worked a home improvement store I was out on my day off. I was sitting in a restaurant eating breakfast, big ol’ fork of biscuits and gravy in my mouth and someone came up to me and asked, “How do you determine the operation of a sliding glass door?” I was amazed, I would never think of doing such a thing to someone but I cleared my mouth answered the question politely and had a bit of a chuckle with my family. I was happy to help. As Christians we are called to help our fellow man 24/7. Not when we feel like it but at any time. See someone on the side of the road? Stop, hear a bout a fundraiser? Help or donate, you know someone that is going though a tough time? Put in some face time and help them. God is on call 24/7. It may not seem like it cause some of us treat God like a Genie and get upset when he doesn’t do what we want. Usually its cause he gives us what we need instead. Basically God never wants us to be too “anything” to help each other. He even sent his son Jesus as the perfect example. Feeding the hungry, healing the sick and forgiving the sinful, and he wants us to do the same. Now as mere mortals we do not have the power to forgive sins on the behalf of God we can forgive our brothers and sisters that sin against us. More importantly we should ask for forgiveness from those we sin against. God wants us to be happy and humble. For a humble person is more likely to help those in need, and if we were to all help each other when we saw someone in need this world would be a much happier place. 

Luke 14:1-6

1One sabbath when he went to dine at the house of a ruler who belonged to the Pharisees, they were watching him. 2And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy. 3And Jesus spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath, or not?" 4But they were silent. Then he took him and healed him, and let him go. 5And he said to them, "Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well, will not immediately pull him out on a sabbath day?" 6And they could not reply to this.

Are You Screaming?

Do you ever feel like you are alone in the wilderness screaming at the top of your lungs with no effect when actually you are in a crowded room screaming at the top of your lungs with no effect? Some of the most frustrating times in my life were when I was trying to help someone(s) and the reaction was as if I hadn’t said anything at all. People can be rather stubborn all the facts can be laid out before them and still they will continue to ignore. God with all his love could not hold it in anymore and had to create. He made a world filled with beautiful landscapes filled with living things that all feed each other in great balance and then he made us. In his Image and with free will he gave us the grand gift of life. He gave us man and woman and wanted us to love each other and love and care over all he created. Even when we took our free will and broke his command and ate from that tree he still loved us. When Cain killed Able he still loved. When the world was so wicked he brought the flood he still loved and saved Noah. He wanted to give us guidance so he chose a special people to teach to love. When they became enslaved and could not find a way out, he loved and sent Moses to free them. When the “law” became confusing and not of love he had Moses give us 10 rules (commandments).

When his people lost their way he would send a prophet. Again and again these were ridiculed and killed because men could not see to love. Finally when things had become so bad again God sent his son Jesus out of love. Jesus gave us 2 rules. Love God with mind, body and soul and love each other as yourself. Jesus fed, cured and forgave sins. He loved with all his heart and for us he died. Jesus took the blame for all the sins for everyone that would ever live because he loved and still to this day some choose to not listen. Some so lost, angry and full of despair refuse to listen. They choose to only fill their own desires and God still loves them. If we choose to walk away it saddens God but he gave us free will. We are not slaves, but he is waiting with open arms to hold and love us and share all he has. So when you feel like you are alone screaming with no one listening, know that God hears you. Turn your conversation to him, you may not like everything he has to say at first but then again you will never find such a overflowing love anywhere else either.

Luke 13:31-35

31At that very hour some Pharisees came, and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." 32And he said to them, "Go and tell that fox, `Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. 33Nevertheless I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.' 34O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! 35Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, `Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'" 

In or Out That Door Gonna Shut!

One thing that I have been trying to teach my children is that if there is something in life that you want then you have to go get it. Rarely do things fall into your lap by chance and circumstance. Often I have seen the phrase “Good Luck = Hard Work”. How these words ring so true. When I was young I had no confidence what so ever, and as a result I never tried for anything. When I did and I was met with words of opposition, I would stop and walk away. I did what I was told and tried to stay out of the way. I was satisfied but never really happy. It wasn’t until my twenties when I got fed up and started going after what I wanted. Now that was a problem, cause it was what I wanted and therefore I made some pretty big mistakes, and went down a long dark road. In my thirties I started to dig myself out. I got back to zero. I paid for all my mistakes and got right with God. Even though I had always believed in God I was “born again” and had a rededication to my faith. I sought knowledge, I prayed more and more in the passing months. I began to study and with God as my leader, Jesus as my teacher and the Holy Spirit as my advisor I began to make decisions but it wasn’t just what I wanted to do. I ran everything by God, “What do you think?” I would often say. Answers didn’t always come as quick as I wanted but they did come in time. Some of the things that I wanted I didn’t get but I am happier for it. The things I have received following Jesus have been more grand, but you have to want God. He is always there waiting, but he wants a dedication to him, a confirmation of faith. He wants you to take the plunge and become baptized in the Holy Spirit. He will wash away everything wrong you have done, and when you make mistakes in the future if you come to God with an honest and mournful heart he will forgive you of your sins when you ask. So many want what God offers, but they don’t want to take the first step. They want God to come all the way to them, but God isn’t a genie you have to make a commitment and meet him half way. This offer doesn’t last forever, you will die one day or this age will come to an end. At that time God will shut the door and the decisions you make will determine whether you are in or out. God will let you do whatever you want. He wants your company but will you come in?

Luke 13:22-30

22He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23And some one said to him, "Lord, will those who are saved be few?" And he said to them, 24"Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25When once the householder has risen up and shut the door, you will begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, `Lord, open to us.' He will answer you, `I do not know where you come from.' 26Then you will begin to say, `We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.' 27But he will say, `I tell you, I do not know where you come from; depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!' 28There you will weep and gnash your teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves thrust out. 29And men will come from east and west, and from north and south, and sit at table in the kingdom of God. 30And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."

Oh, Before You Throw That Thing

Ever have one of those days?  I have, actually I think sometimes that I have my share and a couple of other people’s share too. The days I wake up, loose my glasses, try to get out the door and it takes like an hour cause I keep forgetting things. I’m in a hurry but I need to get gas then I hit all the red lights and all my errands are on opposite sides of town. I get in the store but I left my wallet out in the truck. I get home to realize I didn’t hear my wife right on the cell and I was supposed to bring home lunch, and it just keeps getting better from there. I used to get mad so easily. I would yell and scream and sometimes throw things (and then have to buy new). Prayer comes in so handy. Nothing works better than a little alone time with God. It helps me find clarity when life is confusing. It helps me calm down with life is spinning out of control. Through prayer helps me find answers to problems. When I worry for others I goto prayer and God listens and even sometimes enlightens me on how to help those in need. God is my greatest cheerleader and through prayer he gives me the hope to succeed. Through prayer with God I find my faith strengthened so that I don’t doubt in times of question. I find talking to God through prayer he shows me how my charity can be put into action and where to go to help. Most of all prayer is awesome for asking for forgiveness when I do sin. Confession for me is the most amazing, wonderful, uplifting thing. My favorite place to pray is in my church, but God is everywhere he is at my beckon call 24/7. He doesn’t always do what I want. He says and does what I need. Going to mass I find such peace because it is like one GIANT prayer. I don’t know what I would do without God in my life. I know how it went before. I was lost, constantly trying to feed my needs. I didn’t care about anyone else but myself. I was a slave to vices that I thought defined my life as free. Now I have hope instead of fear. I have faith instead of feeling lost, and I have charity instead of being self-centered. It all started with prayer. God is waiting, he loves you and wants to hear from you. He doesn’t need fancy words. He just wants to hear what is in your heart. He just wants to help you feel whole. He wants you to feel as special as you are. He knows cause he made you. 

Luke 6:12-16

12In these days he went out to the mountain to pray; and all night he continued in prayer to God. 13And when it was day, he called his disciples, and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles; 14Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, 15and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, 16and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Blinded by the Light, Love or RULES?

Sometimes we ignore the important stuff and we don’t even know it. I lost my backup glasses bout a month ago but I had my main pair so I was like, “Its okay I’ll look for them tomorrow.” Well, this morning I was out on my morning run and as I walked down the drive on my cool down I took off my pull over and OFF they went. Now I tried to find my main pair outside but being that they are dark frames at 5:40am and leaves all over the ground I couldn’t find them. I am blind without my glasses, so off in search of my backups. I found them and I am fine but my morning would have been a lot more smooth if I had done the looking weeks ago. Church can be the same way. We become Christians and try to go to Church every week, follow all the rules and stay away from temptation but we can get lost in the process. We can get so lost in “staying away form sin” that we can ignore others in need. I have seen myself and others create a little fortress around their heart and faith while trying to follow the “rules”. Know this God has one rule in two parts. Love God with all your mind, body and soul. The second love your neighbor as you love yourself. We were all lost at one point in time (maybe even right now) and God wants us to help each other find our way through LOVE. Acting with love and speaking with love. As Christians our goal is not ONLY to get ourselves to heaven but to ALSO bring along as many of our “neighbors” as we possibly can. Might we get shunned in the process? Yeah, plenty of times I have been open about my faith and others scoffed, even ridiculed me but I don’t mind. I know where I am trying to get to. So when I see those in need I offer help because God asks me to and that is what Jesus taught. Times when I am nervous and unsure I get help from the Holy Spirit to find my way. If we all treated each other as we wished to be treated then I have no doubt famine would disappear, poverty wouldn’t be as nearly as bad and the lost would feel found. Each one of us can change the world one small step at a time, together in community, in communion with one another, through God’s Church, in and outside of the walls of a church. So if you find yourself hung up on the “rules” of the Church remember Jesus made it so simple. When in doubt love.

Luke 13:10-17

10Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. 11And there was a woman who had had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. 12And when Jesus saw her, he called her and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your infirmity." 13And he laid his hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and she praised God. 14But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the sabbath, said to the people, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be healed, and not on the sabbath day." 15Then the Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger, and lead it away to water it? 16And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?" 17As he said this, all his adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him.

A Big Old Slice of Humble Pie? Mmm

Being humble today is such a hard thing to do. For some reason it seems to be a sin anymore to be wrong. Consequently I guess, I have seen people try and defend their actions to no end to prevent from being “wrong”. We are human therefore we will make mistakes. Anymore if I am wrong and I know it, I just admit it right away. I humble myself and say, “Sorry, you are so right I messed up I will try my hardest to not do that again.” If I get into an argument with my wife and she calls me out on a short coming on how I act, I don’t defend I acknowledge. “Yes, honey I am sorry. I am bad about “X” I will try and change my behavior.” I find that when I am willing to be humble and admit mistakes my peers and family are more likely to do the same. It’s funny how we can so easily see the mistakes of others. We can even sometimes see mistakes people will make before they even make them, but we can see our own faults. Jesus taught us to love. He taught that part of loving is forgiving. Forgive someone to no end. No matter how many mistakes they make. In our Lord’s Prayer we say, “Forgive us our sins/trespasses as we forgive those that sin/trespass against us.” That’s a pretty hefty line. We know that we all make mistakes and sometimes our mistake is a real doozy. And we say, “Okay God forgive me like I forgive that guy that cut me off in traffic last week. Forgive me like I forgave that woman for shorting me in the drive thru. Forgive me like I forgive my family member for lying to me.” We all know the world is not a fair place. Largely because it’s filled with humans. So before we look into another’s eyes and skewer them for mistake they have made let us look into our hearts and be humble. Look to God for help. He is ready to give us blessings through grace that he provides. He even made the Church so that we have a place to go to learn more, help others and grow stronger in our faith. Should we turn a blind eye to our brother? No, but we need to examine ourselves, the time we are in and move forward in love, speak with love, don the cloak of humility and spread forgiveness like dew on a spring morning. Covering all so that no one is left behind or left out and maybe through that we can find a little more unity and peace. For one day the age will close and Jesus will return and we will be judged. How well do you forgive?

Luke 12:54-59

54He also said to the multitudes, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, `A shower is coming'; and so it happens. 55And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, `There will be scorching heat'; and it happens. 56You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky; but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? 57"And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? 58As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison. 59I tell you, you will never get out till you have paid the very last copper."

Daily Run Log 10232014:      Having a running partner isn't always what it is cracked up to be.

I took out Roman our dog with me today. It was an experience.

1. Broke my record but that was because we cut quite a few corners cause I got tired of getting my arm pulled out of socket every time he saw something he wanted to pee on. We'd be going along fine and then YANK!

2. My running partner completely demeaned me at every step. I pumping, hot and sweaty, trying to keep my breathing rhythm under control. Trying to ignore the tightening muscles. Wondering if this will every get my body out of the jello mound shape its in so that my wife will attack me. I look down at Roman to see how he is doing and he is trotting along, ears perked up, bright eyed with that look on his face, "WE GONNA START RUNNING ANYTIME SOON?" His tongue wasn't even hanging out.

3. He saw no need for a cool down cause he didn't even get warmed up and kept trying to pull me inside before I was done with that, "The kids have donuts in there lets go get some look."

Yeah, running partner, great can't wait for tomorrow.

In or Out or Are You Giggly Wiggly?

In or Out or Are You Giggly Wiggly?

My faith has taken me to some strange places. Or rather my faith has taken me to some tense situations. I was once a man that played in Heavy Metal bands in bars and clubs. I have seen just about every type of sin and immoral action possible. I have seen people openly wearing clothing that depict ideas and thoughts that make Satan smile. Don’t get me wrong, for all the people that I have met choosing the dark side of life in that scene I have met others that are just plain lost looking for a community and home. Full of hate and rage and angst the heavy metal scene gives them a place they can call home and where they don’t feel out of place. I have always believed in God and originally my plan was to use my love for aggressive music to bring the ideas and teachings of Jesus to the world but surrounded by the counter culture I scummed to the temptations. Luckily I found my way back. I dug myself out of the hole I had put myself in and I started writing about God. Many just scratched their heads. Some felt pity for me because they thought that I was weak to follow God, that I was turning myself into a slave. Even some of my own family members felt put off by my actions. Some were even I think offended that I chose a faith that was different from my upbringing, but this is where I feel at home. Welcome I have found community. God is the way, Jesus is the one truth and the Holy Spirit is a guide and a confidant everyday of my life. Once I was chained to sin. There was never enough Sex, Alcohol or Rock ’n Roll. Instead of seeing the world as a gift to be treasured. I only concerned myself with how I would get what I wanted. While I had friends that I cared for our community only seemed to be concerned with satisfying our desires instead of reaching out and trying to take care of our fellow man. Though God I have gifts that allow me the freedom of self control so that I can lead a balanced life. Though Jesus’s teachings I have learned how to love and give back and fill content and full. I pray each days for those lost. I feel oh so extremely lucky. Are you lost? Are you satisfied? Do you truly feel loved each and everyday? I encourage all to come home. God is waiting. Might you lose some friends and family along the way? Maybe, maybe they will come with you. Maybe they will hate you. Most times they just fade away laughing at you while they figure out where and how to go. But make no mistakes there is a community and your Holy Father waiting for you to come home with open arms. It is a decision well worth making.

Luke 12:49-53

49"I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled! 50I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how I am constrained until it is accomplished! 51Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division; 52for henceforth in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three; 53they will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against her mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."

Do You Out In A Speedo?

It always helps to be prepared and ready. Few times I have been a in a  situation, not prepared and been like, “Cool this is great no problem” usually when I am not prepared I am like Ben Stiller in Meet the Parents where he goes over to that guys house and has no swimming suit and everyone is swimming and he ends up wearing a speedo. God wants us to pause to think about the road ahead. While he will get us whatever we need to overcome any obstacle he wants us to keep him front and center. I find the days where I want to smack myself in the head are the ones where I don’t follow his teachings, his rules or advice and do my own thing. Shortly after I get off course is when I fall on my face. Did I have relationship go sour? Then I probably didn’t treat my neighbor as I wanted myself treated. Was I humiliated? Then I probably got caught in a white lie or worse. Am I stressing out? Then I probably am waiting be busted for something I did but shouldn’t have. Have I lost my inner peace and tranquility, then I probably have skated on my prayer time. Do I feel squeamish when I see those in need? Then I probably haven’t been charitable enough. Do I feel like I have a giant hole in my life? Then I probably haven’t let God in and he is missing. Jesus came and gave so many teachings. God has created so much for you and me every single day. The Holy Spirit is with us as a counselor but do we let them in? Do we think we are masters of our own universe? Do we think that everything is because of ourselves? God loves so he created and he wants us to love him back as does any good parent. He wants us to follow his advice, rules and teachings. Not just so that we have better days than without but so that at the end we can share his perfect love up close and personal in heaven. God has given us free will and we can do what we want. Do we want to live with love, around love in peace and harmony for eternity or do we want to live void of love completely? Jesus will arrive one day for each and every one of us and we will be judged by what we have chosen to do. What we have done will determine where we will get to go and experience. The only thing left to ponder is are we taking the road that gets us to where we want to go?

Luke 12:35-38

35"Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning, 36and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the marriage feast, so that they may open to him at once when he comes and knocks. 37Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes; truly, I say to you, he will gird himself and have them sit at table, and he will come and serve them. 38If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those servants!

Gimme The Good Stuff, NOW!

Sometimes I find it rather peculiar when some speak about income inequality. I understand the desire to make good money, especially now that I am a parent. I want to make sure that my children have what they need and better than what I had when I was young. Thing is we live in America, we live in a country where we can work for someone else and end up owning our own fortune 500 company. We in america truly have opportunity. The only thing holding us back from what we want is ourselves. With hard work we can achieve anything. To look at others, what they have and “covet” (desire and yearn) for what they have is wrong. There is nothing inappropriate with wanting nice things in life, but to look at someone else and desire what they have is not good. We should learn to be happy with what we have and if we want something to work hard for it. The same is to be said for being greedy. There is nothing wrong with being rich. It is not a sin. Never did God say that being wealthy was wrong. What God doesn’t like is when those with much keep it all for themselves. God calls on all of us to take care of each other. He calls us to take care of the poor, the sick, the lame. Even if we have nothing Jesus taught that we should use our talents that God gave us to help one another. I am a man with no riches but I share my love of God an writing with others. When I have extra I take some of that and give to food drives. I donate blood for the sick. I tithe 10% or as much as I can to help with my Church’s charities. Even when we think we have nothing we have so much. God calls us to share for what is it all worth if we die a rich lonely man while so many are in need. 

Luke 12:13-21

13One of the multitude said to him, "Teacher, bid my brother divide the inheritance with me." 14But he said to him, "Man, who made me a judge or divider over you?" 15And he said to them, "Take heed, and beware of all covetousness; for a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." 16And he told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; 17and he thought to himself, `What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' 18And he said, `I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.' 20But God said to him, `Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' 21So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

Hypocrites Don’t Do The Dishes

“HYPOCRITE!”, man if had a dollar for every time I have heard that phase. I would have a lot of dollars. Mo money, mo problems though, it’s hard cause we are people not machines. God gave us free will, and well, sometimes we do some pretty stupid things. Christians get held to a higher standard, and we should be. A Christian is someone who has taken the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal savior, been baptized in the Holy Spirit, Confirmed a belief and dedication to God and is supposed to be living a life according to the 10 Commandments and the teachings of Jesus. Tall order, like I said that free will and a hungry ego get us into a ton of trouble. When you say you are a Christian people watch, and when you act out of line, fingers go a pointing. I do believe that there are two types of Christians. Which one are you? There are the types that believe and follow God/Jesus/Holy Spirit. They make mistakes but their hearts are in the right place. That’s why we ask for forgiveness and try and do better. Others think of Church as a social club. Yeah, they give to the Church and back to their community but they seem to act as though sometimes it’s a place to hang on Sunday to look like they are good and Monday thru Saturday it is a different story. Being a Christian isn’t a Sunday thing. It’s a 24/7 thing, WOW, I know some of us are parents and we already have one of those jobs. Nice thing about being a Christian 24/7 though is that you can weave it in to everything you already do. Will people at work and in public make fun of you when you pray in public before meals. Maybe, but in all my life I have only had someone tell me to stop, ONCE. Be respectful and don’t make a spectacle and you will be fine. Living a life of prayer is HUGE in becoming a better Christian. It keeps your faith up front and center, making it harder for you to slip. I pray at night, before meals, at work, in the car, everywhere. Next, study, I know some may be are having bad SAT flashbacks with the word “study” but take 5 minutes a day and read passage from the Bible. Its like running, you don’t go out running 10 miles your first day. First you run around the block, then slowly adding more and more. Through this you will not only find your faith getting stronger but that your temptations are easier to battle. No one is perfect, but with God you can overcome anything. You can become an example for the lost and help so much in this world, but first you got get cleaned up and in shape. There is so much to be done and God is waiting to do it with you cause he loves you. Don’t wait, start today.

Luke 11:37-41

37While he was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him; so he went in and sat at table. 38The Pharisee was astonished to see that he did not first wash before dinner. 39And the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of extortion and wickedness. 40You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also? 41But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, everything is clean for you.

Are You Swimming, Treading Water or Drowning?

Sometimes I have felt like I have seen people drowning. I wave and try to get their attention. With all my might I throw a life preserver to them. They look at it and turn away. I’ve tried even swimming out to them, through the rough waters and as I try to put my arms around them they struggle to break free only sinking deeper. Trouble is some people are downing and they don’t even know it. They live a life consumed by things not God. They live a life feeding desires while the people around them are starving. “I don’t need to go to Church”, they say, “I believe in God. I’m all good”. “I’m not going to help those people. They’re dirty and up to no good”, I hear or, “Poor people can’t be helped, they have to get themselves out of it.” I see so many sink deeper and deeper into lives that only live to serve themselves and their desires, but how they moan and cry when they need help, or a shoulder or ear. “People suck!”, I hear, “Church didn’t do nothing for me!” Some seem to think that they don’t need to give back that the world is their servant and so should be God and his people. Sadness falls upon me when I see those that just want to take from the world and not give back. Living in a virtual world of electronic devices when there is so much going on around them every single day. God loves all very much but he is like a parent, he will wait and wait by the door calling out, but when those that never love him back only contact him for help he becomes weary. I have seen Churches rally around those in need. They will do just about anything they can to help those in need, but when they see someone just wanting a freebee, handout or “free stuff” they turn their backs. The Church wishes to spread its word. The people want to help those in need ,but not the ungrateful, not the users. Why some think God is so terrible I don’t understand. I believe a lot of it is ignorance. They do not understand that God is love, not just a bunch of stupid rules by stupid people. They do not understand that the “stupid rules” are there out of love. To keep us away from harm, danger and heartbreak. I encourage all that believe to reach out. To share God’s love and Jesus’s teachings. Even though I find heart break from time to time, it is so wonderful to see someone come home, to see someone lost become found, to see someone drowning take that hand and swim to shore. There is so much waiting. Peace, love and tranquility are past the door we just have to go to Jesus and take him as our savior. 

Luke 11:29-32

29When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, "This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of Jonah. 30For as Jonah became a sign to the men of Nin'eveh, so will the Son of man be to this generation. 31The queen of the South will arise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. 32The men of Nin'eveh will arise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.

RADIO INTERVIEW

So apparently I am going to be on the radio again doing an interview. Whether you like my music or not I always recommend listening to my radio interviews. Ask anyone my interviews are always entertaining. 

I will be airing TODAY at 3:15pm

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

You can listen online here: http://jiggyjaguar.com/jigg/?page_id=45

Wanting to Crawl

Help me crawl lord

Help me crawl

Once I ran in the fields free with you

Once I flew over mountains free with you

Once I swam to great depths free with you

Help me crawl lord

Help me crawl

Was I wise lord? 

No,I'm without you

Decisions I made brought shackles and chains without you

I tried to run, I tried to fly, I tried to swim without you

But there I lay, shackled and chained without you

The tears they fell for what I had done for me

The aches and pains for what I'd done for me

The tears, the blood for what I had done for me

Beside my tears I saw you tears inside me

You opened you arms and welcomed me in inside me

You tore away the shackles and chains inside me

Help me crawl lord

Help me crawl

For without you I'm nothing at all

Help me crawl lord it's all I need

Help me crawl

Longing Desire

Oh how I feel 

I feel sorrow though I am fine

I see the pain and I am weighted

Sinking in the ocean

Trying to breath

Your pain I take inside

Why do you moan

You have no rip, no tear

Sad that you don't have your desires

Longing some freedom

Why can't you just see the sun

By your side I guide as I try

I open the window

The view is grand

So much to do and see

So much to explore

Yet your head hangs low

Look past desire

See the plains

See the mountains

Se the rivers and the life that runs

I know your sorrow

I know your hope

I know you can overcome

Do You Have A Divided Heart?

Far too many times I have seen wonderful artists destroys themselves and their art. Having been a gigging musician I have met many a man and woman that could sing or play an instrument beautifully. Masters of their craft, reaching the insides of their souls with the gifts God gave them and paint beautiful soundscapes through voice or instrument. Words they used would convey hope of overcoming, pain of loss, or rejoice of good times past. With sorrow heart I have seen too many fade away and put their talents to sleep for good. Some chased to thrill of lust and got sick and died or lived but found had their heart and the hearts of many others shredded and spirit broken though false “love” and heartache. I witnessed artists that buried themselves in the bottle and slowly wasted away until death or watched all desire of their wonderful talents evaporate like the alcohol that they consumed. Others I saw fall prey to the high of drugs. So enchanting was the false sense of euphoria that they sold off everything including their talent for a false wonderland only to come down minutes later and be in agony trying to find a way to get back. Others turned their back on their passions for the love of money. When once they had that ability to reach many through art, move souls and give hope they walked away and became silent forever more for a paycheck. Each week they would ignore all that was important, family, friends and God for work, for money. Everyone of us has talents given by God and he wants us to use those talents to help ourselves and others come to God. He wants us to take care of each other. Jesus taught community together with God is when we are at our strongest and can achieve the most. When we are divided against each other and especially against ourselves, we are weak and easily conquered. God wants us to feel loved and to be happy. We can achieve that love and happiness in community at Church. For divided from people makes us lonely, but divided from God puts a hole in our soul. I have seen many a person try to fill that hole with lots of different things. The perfect fit is God. He fills it completely.

Luke 11:15-26

15But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Be-el'zebul, the prince of demons"; 16while others, to test him, sought from him a sign from heaven. 17But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. 18And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Be-el'zebul. 19And if I cast out demons by Be-el'zebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 20But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace; 22but when one stronger than he assails him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoil. 23He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. 24"When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he passes through waterless places seeking rest; and finding none he says, `I will return to my house from which I came.' 25And when he comes he finds it swept and put in order. 26Then he goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first." 

Wanting To Sleep

Tired and weak I hold my head up

Feeling like the grains of sand

Blown so easily by the wind 

Thrown about thrown aside 

Weak and feeling unimportant

Lost in the masses 

Like all the others 

As if I were not unique

Up my eyes stare and I hear the wind calling

I hear the sky calling

I hear my god calling

I want to fade

I want to be unimportant

I want to sleep forever

Where is my time? 

It is passed?

Okay just let me go

As my eyelids slowly slide back down

I feel the pull

I feel the need

With the tide I am taken to sea

And I am taken to see

I travel far and wide

Inside my mind 

Outside the world

I am carried in my weakness

Put on a page

Put in a mind

Trying to help the helper

I am a grain sand

I am a building block

I am a nobody

But with the others I can become more

I can triumph

I can overcome

With the guidance of my lord

I find peace 

I find place

I find home

I find love

And the call of slumber fades

And the energy from the father invigorates

And I rise

And I become

And I journey towards home again

Wanting To Sleep

Tired and weak I hold my head up

Feeling like the grains of sand

Blown so easily by the wind 

Thrown about thrown aside 

Weak and feeling unimportant

Lost in the masses 

Like all the others 

As if I were not unique

Up my eyes stare and I hear the wind calling

I hear the sky calling

I hear my god calling

I want to fade

I want to be unimportant

I want to sleep forever

Where is my time? 

It is passed?

Okay just let me go

As my eyelids slowly slide back down

I feel the pull

I feel the need

With the tide I am taken to sea

And I am taken to see

I travel far and wide

Inside my mind 

Outside the world

I am carried in my weakness

Put on a page

Put in a mind

Trying to help the helper

I am a grain sand

I am a building block

I am a nobody

But with the others I can become more

I can triumph

I can overcome

With the guidance of my lord

I find peace 

I find place

I find home

I find love

And the call of slumber fades

And the energy from the father invigorates

And I rise

And I become

And I journey towards home again

By Your Side

I rise and I am amazed

The gift before encompassed in you

Toiling in work you never stop

No goal no achievement to large

Leading the charge relentless in passion

The path behind you scorned

Yet with each passing step you reach for joy

For my angel was given for protection

You were given to me for nourishment

Grateful and humbled I pass through my day

Well fed well clothed warm in love

My arrival sees smiles and I am welcomed home

In you warm arms I leave again

Through the sting, sweat ache

I long to see you again

My home in my home

Inside your arms can all the pain subside

So each day I move 

And with each breathe

I push to care for you

I push to remove the pain

I push when you fear to fail

I push to boast your accomplishment

I push to teach your value

Hand in hand

And heart in heart

The path that was so lonely

Is not so much so more

How Many Balls Can You Hold?

There are times when we have all been in need and asked for a friends help. I know some of us have great friends, family and neighbors who have helped you in your time of need. I know some have felt the lonely feeling of being rejected. God calls us to virtue of charity, which is when we love God above all things for ourselves and to love our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God. God wants us to love one another and to take care of one another. It’s not enough that we don’t steal, lie, covet property and spouses, that’s important but God wants us to go beyond that. God wants us to love and that means giving our time, talents and money if need be. God is not asking anything that he doesn’t already do. He has the sun rise and I have another day. He gave me that ability to do a hard days work so I can provide for my family. He has given me good health so I and work as well and bear, raise and take care of my children. I have a home filled with what I need and so much more. I live in America where I have the freedom to worship God without having to worry about having my head chopped off. At each and every turn I see blessings from God. He gives so much. My Lord sent his son who was God himself and taught how to love. Jesus taught so much in such a little time. He even established the Church so that we have somewhere worship, learn, give back and have community with one another. Jesus willingly let men of his day arrest, spit on him, beat, whip, mock and eventually kill him. Jesus to the blame for all of our sins. He was the perfect sacrifice from the perfect priest of God to God and was accepted by God. How much more can God give? I know many will say, “I prayed and asked for this or that and I didn’t get what I want.” God will give you want you need, but not always what you want. My children want to play video games and eat candy 24/7, but I don’t let them because I know they need discipline so that they can learn to be healthy and provide for themselves. Do you allow room for God? A wise man once said, “If you are so busy holding all this stuff (material possessions and things other than God that take up your free time) how do you have the ability to receive any blessings from God? Sometimes we have to learn to let go of earthly things to have the ability to receive blessings from God. Trust me, God wants to give. He lives to give and in abundance, but your heart need be prepared. You need to have a relationship with God. He loves you and wants to bless you and spend time with you. He is open to you but are you open to him?

Luke 11:5-13

5And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves; 6for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; 7and he will answer from within, `Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything'? 8I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Inside My Path

The ground shakes with great force

The metal clanging echoes all around

With each shriek the metal shard dives down my back

Mouth gagged and bound I merely hang

Roaring applause rains in from the crowd

Fists in the air they cock loaded ready to fire

Stones at hand some with knives torches still some others

My eyes are calm

I take the pain

I look into the windows of their minds

They seem to look past me

Their rage glaring past my soul

How many bridges were burnt to flame this fire?

When will it end?

Where will I go?

The road I might not know

I do not care 

For each place I go 

I have a shoulder at my side

I feel the rain or so I think

Yet it feels like more a wave

My eyes focus

And yes I see 

A wave of spit rains down on me

A moment in pain

In a life of faith

And hope knows well my name

A tear it shed 

Though not for me

Cause I don't feel their pain 

ATM, Slot Machine, Gossip Corner NOT!

Are you afraid? Perhaps you have things in your life that trouble you or maybe you have trouble even walking out the door some days. Do you have questions? Some things in life just don’t make sense. No matter how you try and wrap your head around it, nothing. Do you have troubles? Is the world piling up on you or are you just stuck on this one level of life? God knows all and see all and he is waiting to hear from you. I have had friends tell me, “Well okay I prayed about this and nothing happened and I didn’t get any answers.” I respond, “Oh, how often did you pray about it?” Reply, “Once.” My Reply, “Okay well how often do you pray in general?” Thats the moment that I usually get the angry glare. How would you feel if someone that you didn’t know came up to you and started asking for help with their personal problems? There is this notion that you should be able to pray to God about anything at any moment and he will do exactly what you want. If he doesn’t then he’s gotta be fake right? God is not a genie, he wants a relationship with you. Yes, he will help you with anything you want but you can treat him like a slot machine where you wait until you are in dire straits and then run up to him all quick and pull the arm and then run away just as quickly no matter if you did or didn’t get what you want. I find the more that I pray and hang with God not only do I live a better and happy life but I also avoid common pitfalls. By reading his word and studying Jesus’s lessons I learn how to treat people and react to people, this is AWESOME for keeping the drama out of my life. When I sit and have a conversation with God it’s not like a common back and forth where I literally hear him in my brain, but rather he speaks to me through the Holy Spirit (some may call it your conscience). If you are new to prayer you may feel like you are lost, nervous and part of you might think that you are stupid for trying. I find it is best to start with something simple like the Our Father. Say it slowly, think about what each word means. It’s the prayer Jesus gave the disciples when he was teaching them in his travels. It sums up so much in a few words. If you have something to say though say it. God just wants to hear from you. Are you happy, glad, sad or angry, it’s okay he wants to hear it. He wants to help but first you have to establish a relationship with him. He’s God not an ATM. He’s your father not a sugar daddy. He’s spiritual advisor not a gossip line. He loves you and he is waiting. This is the beginning, the best part, and on the journey to building a relationship with God it only gets better from here.

Luke 11:1-4

1He was praying in a certain place, and when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." 2And he said to them, "When you pray, say: "Father, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. 3Give us each day our daily bread; 4and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive every one who is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation."

An Average Day

An average day

I wake I rise and I plow again

The scenery so beautiful again

The path we'll travel 

Free of rocks and obstruction

Ease of passage is a sunrise

Lost in the familiar

Safe and unchallenged

Plodding head down

All known to well no need for seeing

In this chapter the wounds heal

In this chapter peace reins

In this chapter comfort come all too comfortable

Tend to the weeds

Tend to the path

Tend to the heart and what's in

For day that passes without any tending is day that the end begins

End to the peace 

For the enemy sees chance

End to the harvest 

For the weeds have overgrown

End to the heart

For its cold and now selfish

End to the sunrise

For the darkness of remorse casts it clouds

On the floor 

On my knees 

Swollen and sore

My hands on the floor 

Beaten and bruised

Tore is my heart 

For my loved is in pain

Tore is my peace 

For my complacency

There you stand strong honest and true

There you stand strong waiting for me

There you stand strong

The one truth a true love

There you stand strong forgiving and kind

As my head slowly rises

You smile and stretch your hand

In my direction a grip strong and warm

Slowly you pull me up 

I rise once again

Alone I can't stand

But with you I won't fall

You love and you peace