God, I feel useless…

Is a statement, and certainly a feeling I know many of my friends, anyone college-age, and even myself can feel or say sometimes.  Please understand me, trying to “figure out life” is something that there seems to be so much pressure put on by parents, teachers, and even random people that strangely pop into your life that have no investment in you, but feel the need to tell you to “get the ball rolling and get your life together.”  The great question “what are you going to do with your life” is a huge one; and strangely becomes overwhelming after highschool.  I hope this post gives someone struggling with a job, school, or life that doesn’t seem to be going as planned.  One man said, “Life isnt about a title or position, but about who you are at the end of life.”  I know that life for me hasn’t always turned out as planned, and no dream is always as sweet as it is when it is in your head, but when life gets hard please remember to “look to the Author and Finisher of our faith,” Jesus, and be reminded that he is writing your story..our story… and the story of the world… Check out this post from Relevant, it deals with this discussion….

Also, be reminded, God isn’t “upstairs” trying to make life harder for you for no reason, neither did He create you to live a life to seek money, big houses, multiple cars, and fancy clothes.  He didn’t create us to meet a certain quota, or pray a certain amount of time a day to fill some sort of ”spiritual time sheet” as if to appease him.  Jesus came to set us free from living lives that live up to other’s standards, and freedom from feeling like we have to “do it all” and keep up with the Jones’.  Jesus-life is about peace, grace, humility, and realizing that its ok to be yourself, without apology.  So if it is a hard time, be patient, because Jesus is working on you, to make you more life him.. and that is always beautiful.  Even in the midst of job hunting, college, school work, and simply life.

Check out “To Build a Home” from The Cinematic Orchestra as well..

 

I cant sleep…

literally.. I can’t sleep.  But during this time of insomnia, I figured, why not relive some Catalyst 2009 moments on youtube.  I came across this video and wanted to share it with you.  Zach Williams, from Trinity Grace Church,  lead us in a powerful time of worship with a rendition of Come Thou Fount.. Watch this video.. and Enjoi

 

A walk with Luke..

A few months ago I went through a study in the book of Luke and wrote down these notes, and I want to share them with you.. They aren’t polished or anything.. enjoy..

Luke 8:25

It wasn’t that the apostles didn’t have faith on Jesus, they did 
that’s why they went to him, but they didn’t have faith that they 
could be like their rabbi… They didn’t try to rebuke the sea

Sometimes we spend too much time trying to keep the boat a float or 
use buckets to empty the water when we should be rebuking the wind and 
storm

Luke 15:32

The story is left open ended.. The bible doesn’t tell us if the 
brother joins or still stays outside. Maybe it is left open because we 
can either choose to celebrate or be caught up in jealousy.

Luke 23:42
What do you do when you are shrowded with your mistakes and son and 
you look over and it seems like all you see is Gods plan failin right 
beside you?
Do you gave enough faith to ask God to save you and your future? Do 
you have enough faith to still believe he is God and he still has a 
plan?

The man built his house upon the rock

-when strong enough storms come, some all you may be left with is a 
foundation
- you better have a strong foundation! In Jesus Christ!

…Please leave some comments about some of your thoughts or takes on these scriptures!

Creativity is healthy

A bit of creativity goes a long way folks.  Wether you are a small group leader, a teacher, blogger, or in whatever you do, using a bit of creativity helps anything and everything.  Deciding to teach in a different way, utilizing new methods and ways, can engage those people in your group, congregation, etc that usually arent engaged and those that have become bored.  Seriously.  I know, especially in teaching our highschool class “link,” that I have to change-up the ways in which I teach our students.  Between using music, videos, group activities, etc, I can’t rely on one example or idea to rule my class.  I have to engage those that are readers, those that learn visually, and those that are intrigued by competition.  So, in the spirit of creativity, enjoy how the city of Stockholm used creativity to encourage people to take the stairs.. literally…enjoy

article from Freakonomics inside the NY TIMES