Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Saturday, October 19, 2013
But what am I doing?
There are times when I wonder if I make a difference in this world at all.
Sure, I work with a group of people and do a monthly serving to those in need. We provide food, clothing, care kits, etc...
When I remember to do so, I hand out McDonald's gift cards to those on the corner flying the sign. Or 20 bucks, which I was called to do recently.
But is that all I can do?
Short answer is: no.
But there's a difference of what we can/should and are called to do. We can all do the SAME thing, but that doesn't mean we are supposed to. We are all called to something, and not always is that "something" the same as what others are doing.
The group of people that I work with that do a monthly serving to those in need - that's what we are currently called to do. Maybe this is all we will be called to do, I don't know. Maybe we will expand or grow in ways I can't foresee right now, but we know what we can do RIGHT NOW.
So what are we doing?
A couple things.
While we aren't "religious," that is while most of us are Christian that has never been criteria for what we do or people to help what we do, we are Christian. We are trying to love as Jesus loves. All who come to us get help, that we can provide.
We aren't the best at what we do, there are other organizations that do what we do better...but that's okay and that should spur others on. Anyone can share God's love in any number of ways. If we can, you can.
And sure, some days, you'll think "what am I doing?" because you won't see what you have done or know that you have really made a difference. But when you need it most, God will show you what exactly you are doing.
And no, not everyone you meet will be on the same page as you. And that's fine. God will find a way to use them too, if they are willing.
Honestly, I just want people to know - if you feel a passion toward something that you want to do: do it. God is with you in it. It might not be big or get noticed. We aren't and haven't and we have served for over three years!
But God notices and those whom we help notice too!
Some servings go better than others...but we never regret doing it.
So what are we doing?
We are loving...as best we can.
Can we do better? Of course! But that's part of why we keep doing what we do...to learn to love how Jesus loves.
No, we won't always see or know if we have made any impact...but when we truly need to know we will. Trust me.
So what can you do? You know it already. God's told you. Just trust him and follow it. It might not be World Vision (we aren't!) but it will impact someone and that is the truth.
Take care,
Chris
Sure, I work with a group of people and do a monthly serving to those in need. We provide food, clothing, care kits, etc...
When I remember to do so, I hand out McDonald's gift cards to those on the corner flying the sign. Or 20 bucks, which I was called to do recently.
But is that all I can do?
Short answer is: no.
But there's a difference of what we can/should and are called to do. We can all do the SAME thing, but that doesn't mean we are supposed to. We are all called to something, and not always is that "something" the same as what others are doing.
The group of people that I work with that do a monthly serving to those in need - that's what we are currently called to do. Maybe this is all we will be called to do, I don't know. Maybe we will expand or grow in ways I can't foresee right now, but we know what we can do RIGHT NOW.
So what are we doing?
A couple things.
While we aren't "religious," that is while most of us are Christian that has never been criteria for what we do or people to help what we do, we are Christian. We are trying to love as Jesus loves. All who come to us get help, that we can provide.
We aren't the best at what we do, there are other organizations that do what we do better...but that's okay and that should spur others on. Anyone can share God's love in any number of ways. If we can, you can.
And sure, some days, you'll think "what am I doing?" because you won't see what you have done or know that you have really made a difference. But when you need it most, God will show you what exactly you are doing.
And no, not everyone you meet will be on the same page as you. And that's fine. God will find a way to use them too, if they are willing.
Honestly, I just want people to know - if you feel a passion toward something that you want to do: do it. God is with you in it. It might not be big or get noticed. We aren't and haven't and we have served for over three years!
But God notices and those whom we help notice too!
Some servings go better than others...but we never regret doing it.
So what are we doing?
We are loving...as best we can.
Can we do better? Of course! But that's part of why we keep doing what we do...to learn to love how Jesus loves.
No, we won't always see or know if we have made any impact...but when we truly need to know we will. Trust me.
So what can you do? You know it already. God's told you. Just trust him and follow it. It might not be World Vision (we aren't!) but it will impact someone and that is the truth.
Take care,
Chris
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Blessings vs. Misfortunes
A thought popped into my head the other day: what does it mean to be "less fortunate" vs. what does it mean to be "blessed?"
Perhaps it's a bit unclear what this thought is about, but it was profound to me at the time.
People, myself included, have used the phrase: I have been blessed with/to/for ___(fill in the blank here)_____.
And, no doubt, we have said (I know I have said this) there are "those less fortunate than us."
Funny, we don't call them less blessed.
With The Juniper Project, I'm sure I've said something to the effect that we are "helping those less fortunate."
Though now, I simply say: those in need.
But we don't call them less blessed.
Why not?
If we consider being in a better financial position (where we are able to help others in addition to providing for ourselves) a blessing, why is it only "misfortune" and not a "lack of blessings" that is the opposite?
I've heard it taught that God blesses people with money so that they can do great things with it. And not just money, but talent, fame, skill, etc...
So those less fortunate...did they miss out? Were they not blessed with something, anything? Or did misfortune TRUMP God's blessings to them?
Or (and this is what I think) is it that we have a skewed vision of what a blessing truly is.
Am I blessed to have my house?
Well, when I am elbow deep in sewer back up in my basement it doesn't feel so, but others would say I was.
Am I blessed to have other "things" in my life?
Depends on our view and vision.
Did God really mean for me to have such "things" as a blessing to me?
I'm having a harder time recently thinking so.
Back when I gave that guy on the corner $20.00 it was about detaching...not about hoping or a promise that I would be blessed with MORE money. It was about not putting money so high in my life - not that I chased the almighty dollar my entire life. Not many people get rich in my field of work.
So what really is a blessing?
I'm not sure I know anymore, if I even thought I knew at some time. However, just off the top of my head, I'm reminded that in the Bible PEOPLE were blessings and did bless - sometimes through THINGS, yes, but it was PEOPLE doing it to other people.
God did his fair share, and still does, but are we recognizing true blessings from just accumulation and purchase power?
I bought my iPhone...was I really blessed with it? I don't think so, but I CAN bless people with it in numerous ways.
That isn't to say that iPhones are blessings.
But as we know from experience and from the Bible, God can make good out of anything. And that TRULY is a blessing.
What I'm trying to say is this: BECAUSE we have more (things, money, etc.) than someone else doesn't mean we are necessarily BLESSED with those things or to have them. In most cases I would say were aren't. Especially if we aren't willing to say that someone who doesn't posses them isn't "less blessed."
Certainly sin didn't keep them from such blessings, as I am "blessed" with things and have sinned much in my life - and will til the day I die! We all will! If sin was the issue, why did I fare better with my sins vs. their sins?
I'm not saying that having what we do is bad - it's not. God doesn't say we can't have things. However, if we put those things first and foremost in our life and actually think we DESERVE them...then that's where we are crossing a line.
We can be thankful and grateful for what we have and we should be BECAUSE we don't deserve ANY of it.
In the end, I'm not sure I still have a great notion of what a blessing is - but I know it's not something we physically have...it's what we spiritually give and receive from each other. And maybe that's what a blessing is: something that "blesses" our souls...not our physical needs...but our spiritual needs.
That makes more sense to me...and thus someone with LESS than me, can have far more BLESSINGS...certainly they might be open for it more than I am...
Perhaps it's a bit unclear what this thought is about, but it was profound to me at the time.
People, myself included, have used the phrase: I have been blessed with/to/for ___(fill in the blank here)_____.
And, no doubt, we have said (I know I have said this) there are "those less fortunate than us."
Funny, we don't call them less blessed.
With The Juniper Project, I'm sure I've said something to the effect that we are "helping those less fortunate."
Though now, I simply say: those in need.
But we don't call them less blessed.
Why not?
If we consider being in a better financial position (where we are able to help others in addition to providing for ourselves) a blessing, why is it only "misfortune" and not a "lack of blessings" that is the opposite?
I've heard it taught that God blesses people with money so that they can do great things with it. And not just money, but talent, fame, skill, etc...
So those less fortunate...did they miss out? Were they not blessed with something, anything? Or did misfortune TRUMP God's blessings to them?
Or (and this is what I think) is it that we have a skewed vision of what a blessing truly is.
Am I blessed to have my house?
Well, when I am elbow deep in sewer back up in my basement it doesn't feel so, but others would say I was.
Am I blessed to have other "things" in my life?
Depends on our view and vision.
Did God really mean for me to have such "things" as a blessing to me?
I'm having a harder time recently thinking so.
Back when I gave that guy on the corner $20.00 it was about detaching...not about hoping or a promise that I would be blessed with MORE money. It was about not putting money so high in my life - not that I chased the almighty dollar my entire life. Not many people get rich in my field of work.
So what really is a blessing?
I'm not sure I know anymore, if I even thought I knew at some time. However, just off the top of my head, I'm reminded that in the Bible PEOPLE were blessings and did bless - sometimes through THINGS, yes, but it was PEOPLE doing it to other people.
God did his fair share, and still does, but are we recognizing true blessings from just accumulation and purchase power?
I bought my iPhone...was I really blessed with it? I don't think so, but I CAN bless people with it in numerous ways.
That isn't to say that iPhones are blessings.
But as we know from experience and from the Bible, God can make good out of anything. And that TRULY is a blessing.
What I'm trying to say is this: BECAUSE we have more (things, money, etc.) than someone else doesn't mean we are necessarily BLESSED with those things or to have them. In most cases I would say were aren't. Especially if we aren't willing to say that someone who doesn't posses them isn't "less blessed."
Certainly sin didn't keep them from such blessings, as I am "blessed" with things and have sinned much in my life - and will til the day I die! We all will! If sin was the issue, why did I fare better with my sins vs. their sins?
I'm not saying that having what we do is bad - it's not. God doesn't say we can't have things. However, if we put those things first and foremost in our life and actually think we DESERVE them...then that's where we are crossing a line.
We can be thankful and grateful for what we have and we should be BECAUSE we don't deserve ANY of it.
In the end, I'm not sure I still have a great notion of what a blessing is - but I know it's not something we physically have...it's what we spiritually give and receive from each other. And maybe that's what a blessing is: something that "blesses" our souls...not our physical needs...but our spiritual needs.
That makes more sense to me...and thus someone with LESS than me, can have far more BLESSINGS...certainly they might be open for it more than I am...
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Dear God, I'm in a pissy mood!
Ever have those types of prayers?
A prayer where you just want nothing more than to bitch to God because we are in some funk, and worst of it - we have no idea why?
The hell is that about?
Why in the world do I get into such foul moods for no good reason. Sure, my life isn't perfect, but it is far from such a foul mood I'm in sometimes. Why?
The heck is going on?
This hanging...what? Heaviness? I don't know what it is. Sure feels like a heavy wet blanket that is NOT comfortable in the least. How did it get here, how do I get rid of it?
And as I said - worst of it, I have no idea WHY I'm in such a mood. Nothing has happened that should "cause" such a mood, yet there it is...and here it comes.
Then, because of this mood, thought and feelings come up that I know I don't want around me and in my head. Mainly, "why bother?"
Why bother with anything? Why not just eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we may die?
Why not just be selfish and live for ourselves?
Heck people will just take advantage of us anyway. Besides what good and I really doing? Am I really changing ANY part of the world, because is sure as hell doesn't appear so.
I know, someone who writes and blogs about following Jesus isn't supposed to have these thoughts, nor are they to SHARE these thoughts on a blog of all places!
Well, you'll get them here, folks!
I don't do fluffy and "saintly" and whatnot if I'm not feeling it - today: I'm not! LOL.
Yes, I get in foul moods that I can't explain where they come from or why they are hanging around me. Some would say it's possible spiritual warfare...I'm not in total disagreement with that notion as a possibility, however, I'm not going to go down that path here.
Rather, I'm going to tell you what I do when I get in these mood: I go to God...and I bitch to God.
Yep, I complain to God and sometimes get a bit angry with Him. Especially about things I believed Him to call me toward that don't seem to...do ANYTHING!
"The hell's the point?" I ask, in frustration and anger and sadness...
And, much to my chagrin, I don't always get an answer - not right away.
Somewhere in this prayer, when I feel like I'm near the end of my rope, I demand from God.
That's right, I make a demand. "You gotta give me something, Guy! You gotta show me something, a reason, hope, something..."
And again, I usually don't get my answer right away...because God isn't interested in giving me an answer right away - He's interested in listening, and letting me have my tantrum...
Oh, I kind of am holding back on some of my language - but what I exactly say to God is between me and Him - and I know he can take it...He's God.
But sometimes, I think we fall into this false belief that God ONLY wants to hear about when we're doing good. I know, I know, God knows everything...but SHARING it with God is far different that just assuming God knows.
Because when we share our feelings, especially the non "saintly" ones - we are admitting we are having them. But even better: we CONFRONT them.
What makes me angry about when I have these thoughts and feelings, is I know they are not truly mine. They are not me on any given day - which is what makes me more angry for having them.
And since God knows my heart better than I, it only is right that I go to him when my heart doesn't seem to be lining up. And yes, sometimes that comes in complaints toward God. Not that these complaints are TRULY complaints toward him - though they are directed at him.
We shouldn't hide these feelings and thoughts - not from God anyway. For one, as we know, he already KNOWS we're having them! Second, by going to God, we are addressing them and fighting them and not backing away from them.
So, yeah, I found myself in a pissy mood today for no damn reason at all - it happens, it'll happen again, but I take it to God, and let loose on Him - and what is so GREAT about it? He can handle it and take it, he's God and further more: he WANTS us too.
No, I don't always feel immediately better. The clouds don't part and the angels don't sing...but I know that I have confronted it, and it will pass and what I asked for and "demanded" will be answered: when I'm in the position to best hear it and understand it.
As for today...for a couple of questions, I'm still waiting for the answer.
That's okay, I'll just keep bugging him about it. ;)
Take care,
Chris
A prayer where you just want nothing more than to bitch to God because we are in some funk, and worst of it - we have no idea why?
The hell is that about?
Why in the world do I get into such foul moods for no good reason. Sure, my life isn't perfect, but it is far from such a foul mood I'm in sometimes. Why?
The heck is going on?
This hanging...what? Heaviness? I don't know what it is. Sure feels like a heavy wet blanket that is NOT comfortable in the least. How did it get here, how do I get rid of it?
And as I said - worst of it, I have no idea WHY I'm in such a mood. Nothing has happened that should "cause" such a mood, yet there it is...and here it comes.
Then, because of this mood, thought and feelings come up that I know I don't want around me and in my head. Mainly, "why bother?"
Why bother with anything? Why not just eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we may die?
Why not just be selfish and live for ourselves?
Heck people will just take advantage of us anyway. Besides what good and I really doing? Am I really changing ANY part of the world, because is sure as hell doesn't appear so.
I know, someone who writes and blogs about following Jesus isn't supposed to have these thoughts, nor are they to SHARE these thoughts on a blog of all places!
Well, you'll get them here, folks!
I don't do fluffy and "saintly" and whatnot if I'm not feeling it - today: I'm not! LOL.
Yes, I get in foul moods that I can't explain where they come from or why they are hanging around me. Some would say it's possible spiritual warfare...I'm not in total disagreement with that notion as a possibility, however, I'm not going to go down that path here.
Rather, I'm going to tell you what I do when I get in these mood: I go to God...and I bitch to God.
Yep, I complain to God and sometimes get a bit angry with Him. Especially about things I believed Him to call me toward that don't seem to...do ANYTHING!
"The hell's the point?" I ask, in frustration and anger and sadness...
And, much to my chagrin, I don't always get an answer - not right away.
Somewhere in this prayer, when I feel like I'm near the end of my rope, I demand from God.
That's right, I make a demand. "You gotta give me something, Guy! You gotta show me something, a reason, hope, something..."
And again, I usually don't get my answer right away...because God isn't interested in giving me an answer right away - He's interested in listening, and letting me have my tantrum...
Oh, I kind of am holding back on some of my language - but what I exactly say to God is between me and Him - and I know he can take it...He's God.
But sometimes, I think we fall into this false belief that God ONLY wants to hear about when we're doing good. I know, I know, God knows everything...but SHARING it with God is far different that just assuming God knows.
Because when we share our feelings, especially the non "saintly" ones - we are admitting we are having them. But even better: we CONFRONT them.
What makes me angry about when I have these thoughts and feelings, is I know they are not truly mine. They are not me on any given day - which is what makes me more angry for having them.
And since God knows my heart better than I, it only is right that I go to him when my heart doesn't seem to be lining up. And yes, sometimes that comes in complaints toward God. Not that these complaints are TRULY complaints toward him - though they are directed at him.
We shouldn't hide these feelings and thoughts - not from God anyway. For one, as we know, he already KNOWS we're having them! Second, by going to God, we are addressing them and fighting them and not backing away from them.
So, yeah, I found myself in a pissy mood today for no damn reason at all - it happens, it'll happen again, but I take it to God, and let loose on Him - and what is so GREAT about it? He can handle it and take it, he's God and further more: he WANTS us too.
No, I don't always feel immediately better. The clouds don't part and the angels don't sing...but I know that I have confronted it, and it will pass and what I asked for and "demanded" will be answered: when I'm in the position to best hear it and understand it.
As for today...for a couple of questions, I'm still waiting for the answer.
That's okay, I'll just keep bugging him about it. ;)
Take care,
Chris
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