Xtra, Xtra read all about it.

You think the headlines today are bad you have not seen anything yet. Revelation chapters 6 through 19 are filled with future headlines that quite frankly I don’t want to be around for. I picked out just a few from chapters 9 & 16.

Revelation 9

³ Then locusts came from the smoke and descended on the earth, and they were given power to sting like scorpions. ⁴ They were told not to harm the grass or plants or trees, but only the people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. ⁵ They were told not to kill them but to torture them for five months with pain like the pain of a scorpion sting. ⁶ In those days people will seek death but will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them!

¹⁵ Then the four angels who had been prepared for this hour and day and month and year were turned loose to kill one-third of all the people on earth. ¹⁶ I heard the size of their army, which was 200 million mounted troops.

 Revelation 16

⁸ Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, causing it to scorch everyone with its fire. ⁹ Everyone was burned by this blast of heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had control over all these plagues. They did not repent of their sins and turn to God and give him glory.

²⁰ And every island disappeared, and all the mountains were leveled. ²¹ There was a terrible hailstorm, and hailstones weighing seventy-five pounds^[d] fell from the sky onto the people below. They cursed God

 This  is some pretty bad stuff¸ These are all things that those who trust in Christ will be protected from it sounds like a no brainer that everyone should trust in Christ but if you go back and look the highlighted portions of Revelation 16 you will see something different. I also have Revelation 9:20-21 here as well that just seems unbelievable.

 ²⁰ But the people who did not die in these plagues still refused to repent of their evil deeds and turn to God. They continued to worship demons and idols made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood—idols that can neither see nor hear nor walk! ²¹ And they did not repent of their murders or their witchcraft or their sexual immorality or their thefts.

Even when those who don’t trust in Christ see what he can do and are subject to His wrath they still won’t change. Even more proof that it is only by God’s grace that we are saved and there is nothing we can do.

Some things are just hard to explain

Some things like this picture are very tough to explain. Revelation 4 is much the same way. Even with Christ telling John everything to write down this is one of those chapters where some will give up on trying studying this book of the Bible. In today’s picture there is only one thing you really need to know and that there is a guy in a tux holding s sewing machine, everything else does not matter. In chapter 4 of Revelation there is one thing that you need to know, John does his best to explain what he has seen but the second half of verse 8 is what we need to know it says

 Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty— the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”

Jesus is the only thing worshiped in Heaven and its non-stop.

Revelation 4

¹ Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” ² And instantly I was in the Spirit,^[a] and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. ³ The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. ⁴ Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. ⁵ From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit^[b] of God. ⁶ In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal.

In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. ⁷ The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. ⁸ Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—
the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”

⁹ Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), ¹⁰ the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,

¹¹ “You are worthy, O Lord our God,
to receive glory and honor and power.
For you created all things,
and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

So you got sent to the corner

I’m sure that if a child is told to go sit in a corner “or now days to go to time out” the first thing on their mind is that the parent that gave them that order is nothing but a mean and cruel person. They are not able as a child to see that the reason the parent put them in the corner was because they in fact did love the child and was trying to teach them something. In fact if a child is doing something wrong and is not disciplined the parent is not a good parent. So when it comes to God there are those that think that God is a loving God that would never do anything to anyone because God is love. When the truth is that to be a good God He may in fact have to discipline those He loves because if he didn’t He would then fail to love and be a good God. So if you feel that you are being disciplined by God while you are sitting in the corner stop and ask yourself what is God trying to teach me here. It may be because of something or have or have not done. Like what today’s verse is saying. However remember there are two kinds of discipline the sit in the corner kind and the discipline of an athlete you may also be going through what you are to make you stronger. So whenever you find your slef in a sitting in a corner take that time to ask God to show you why you are there and what you need to learn from it.

 Revelation 3:19

¹⁹ I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.

When do you wash your feet?

Mark 6:11

But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.”

How does a Christian reconcile this verse? With all of the verses about love, forgiveness turning the other cheek and the like this verse is also in the Bible. I have found myself in this exact situation. Over Christmas I came to the same conclusion and abandoned some to their fate and as I do feel bad for them I felt like a bad person myself. Because I realized they were going to Hell and my first thought was I didn’t care. However I then realized that it’s up to God and not me. I have prayed for these people over and over again and have tried to treat them just as I would anyone else. But when you and your family are attacked over and over again by the same people at some point it’s time to shake the dust from your feet. Now I as all Christians should leave the door open but there comes a point that the time and effort could be better spent somewhere else. Yes, sadly at some point you need to wash your feet and remember that God is in control. It’s funny how some will respond to the Gospel with a blank stare and others will attack. All we can to it to put it out there and let God do the rest.

What was He thinking?

John 1:14

¹⁴ So the Word became human^[d] and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.^[e] And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

 Even after 30 year our extended families will not give up having Christmas on Christmas day. This year Stacy and Jared celebrated their Christmas on the 23^rd and our immediate family is going to treat the 24^th just like Christmas day. In doing so it made me stop and think about Christmas Eve 2011 years ago a little more. What in the world was Jesus thinking? Just think about all of the things that go through your head the night before you leave for vacation. What will it be like? Will I get there okay? Did I forget to pack something? I hope I don’t forget to unplug the iron. I can’t imagine what Jesus was thinking that day. When we go on vacation we more than likely go someplace nice but He was leaving Heaven to come to a depraved and sinful world. He had everything and was bringing nothing, not even a carry on. He was God and He was coming as a baby. He was in a place where everything and everyone worshiped Him and he was coming to a place where many would despise Him. What was he thinking? He was thinking of you! He didn’t have to wonder or worry about a thing because He knew exactly what he was getting into. So whatever you do on or for Christmas take some time and think about Him. Think about what He did for you so that you may live with Him forever. I think of all the kids that go to bed on Christmas Eve anticipating the arrival of Santa and think why can’t we go to bed every night with that same excitement, anticipating that fact that Jesus coming back again?

You'd better check your cup.

Revelation 3

¹⁵ “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! ¹⁶ But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! ¹⁷

 

Why would cold be better than lukewarm? After all lukewarm is closer to hot than cold. How can we make sense of this? A person who knows who Christ is but does not trust Him is lukewarm. These people are the ones who think that they and mankind itself is relatively good. That if you do the right thing, if your good outweighs your bad then that’s all it takes. These are very prideful people who find it very difficult if not impossible to trust in something or someone else. They are in possession of a counterfeit faith and can’t be told that what they have is not real. Whereas a person who has never considered Christ has nothing to protect thus would be more open to the truth. I am convinced that the most difficult people to witness to are “good people” it is very hard to tell a good person how bad they really are. My prayer for some time now is that those who are lukewarm would understand that at judgment day Jesus will spit them out like a nasty drink. I also pray that God would give those who are hot the courage and the knowledge to heat up those who are lukewarm, to get them to indentify that the faith they have is indeed counterfeit.   The question becomes and it’s a very important one. Are you lukewarm? You'd better check your cup.

Technical difficulties corrected

Looks like I had some technical difficulties. Here is the link to the blog. Has not been showing up on facebook for about a week.



http://mike-simplelight.blogspot.com/

You'd look good in white

Revelation 3
⁵ All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.

 What a promise! When it’s all said and done no matter what you have been through, if you have trusted in Christ you will look good in white. If you trust in Christ your name can not be erased from the Book of Life. And can you even imagine what it will be like when Christ tells his father and the angles that you are His?  It is this hope that keeps Christians going in a fallen and sinful world. So trust Him because you would look good in white.

I'm a big boy, be honest

Simple light is fast approaching its one year anniversary. It was January 1, 2011 when I published my first blog. As with everything comes a time to evaluate the things that you do. So I need your help in this evaluation. What do you like and or dislike about the blog? Are there things that you would like to see changed?  Have you gained anything from it?   You get the picture, please be honest, I’m a big boy.

Please contact me either though facebook private message, in person, or at one of the following email addresses with your comments.

mowens@alanizdirect.com

 mtpowens@hotmail.com
michaeldavidowens@hotmail.com

I will continue at least through the end of the year and based on your feedback and how the Lord leads determine my focus for 2012.

Deadly in the hands of an expert

A person can do almost everything correctly however you need to be wary of the things that are not correct. Like the letter to the church at Pergamum. Again they did a lot of things right even getting credit from Jesus himself. Then Jesus throws that but in, but you tolerate those who let’s say those who are tolerant. We must in love correct those whose tolerance and beliefs are against what the Bible teaches. Many of these things are the hot social issues of the day and others are not as visible but just as destructive. If you are afraid of how might look correcting someone who is wrong just consider the words of verse 16 and think about Jesus coming after you with the sword of His mouth. Yikes!!!!! Just think how deadly a sword would be in the hands of and expert.

Tolerance leads to treachery.

Revelation 2

¹³ “I know that you live in the city where Satan has his throne, yet you have remained loyal to me. You refused to deny me even when Antipas, my faithful witness, was martyred among you there in Satan’s city.
¹⁴ “But I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel. He taught them to sin by eating food offered to idols and by committing sexual sin. ¹⁵ In a similar way, you have some Nicolaitans among you who follow the same teaching. ¹⁶ Repent of your sin, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Wrapped up

Well the whole worship song thing was fun however it’s time to get back to the Bible. Since starting this blog almost one year ago I have went through part of the Old Testament and all but one chapter of the new and today I will start Revelation.

 Revelation 2

² “I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. ³ You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. ⁴ “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first!

This chapter was written to the church of Ephesus did you notice all of the good things they were doing? Jesus was listing all of those things off like they were getting a lifetime achievement award. Until verse 4 when the but comes. But I have this complaint against you. I‘ll bet that changed the mood.  Even though they were doing all of these good things they did not love Jesus and others like they first did. I think they became so wrapped up in doing all of those things that they forgot about the reason they were doing them. Has this happened to you? If so remember the reason that you do the things that you do. if that reason is Jesus. If he’s not He should be.

Don't worry He's got you.

For something a bit different I am going to blog about lines or verses from some of my favorite worship songs.

Today’s song is: You never let go by Matt Redman and the chosen lyrics are:

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

This is all you need to know that Jesus will never ever let go of you. That is never, never, never, ever. Something a Christian should never ever forgot.

Here is the link to the song.

http://youtu.be/RB1NJV3rG6k

Presidental Endorsement

They say that there are two things that you should never discuss religion and politics. But in reality name me two things that affect your life more. The people that say these things are the ones who do not want the truthto get out. So if you have ever read my blog you know I mostly talk about faith and food. Today I have decided to weigh in on the 2012 presidential caucus and endorse a candidate. I truly believe that the people of the United State for whatever reason who are Conservative, for too long have remained to quite, including myself.  

Before I tell you who I am going to endorse there are some things that you need to know. I have always voted for the candidate who I think most closely follows my principals and convictions no matter where they stand in the polls. One year  I voted for Allan Keyes and my vote for him was the only one he got in the entire county.

I have never once voted for whom I think could or might win. If everyone did this the media would control who wins. Oh wait a minute that’s what’s going on right now. Another thing I don’t do is listen to what the candidates say they will do. I don’t watch the debates, read the mailings or watch the news. How can he know who to vote for you might be asking? It’s not that hard, I look at what they have done, not what they say they are going to do. The one thing you can be sure of is that a politician will tell you exactly what you want to hear. They can’t undo what they have done.  

This year has been probably been the toughest year I can remember for choosing who to support. I have only seriously considered two candidates all year and the one who came in second was Michelle Bachmann. The candidate that I have chosen to endorse this election is Rick Santorum because I feel he most closely however not exactly has my same core beliefs and convictions. I also believe of my final two he would make the best President.  

You are welcome to disagree, that’s fine. However if you take anything away from this please look into what the candidates have done and not just what they say they are going to do. Please don’t just go by what you hear on TV or read about in the papers or online. Please take the time to find if the candidates has a history of doing what you believe is right and stick with them no matter what the polls say. Voting for the winner means nothing if they don’t stand for what you stand for.

 I have included a fun quiz that if answered honestly is very accurate in telling you which candidate is the closest to your views.

Just remember the people we elect are supposed to represent us not rule us.

Here is the link to the quiz:
http://www.selectsmart.com/president/

Step Out

For something a bit different I am going to blog about lines or verses from some of my favorite worship songs.

Today’s song is: You can have me by Britt Nicole and the chosen lyrics are:

This was the first time I have ever heard this song. I found it while looking for another one and again I’m not being lazy but all of the words in this song are so true and inspiring.

 You look around
It's staring back at you
Another wave of doubt
Will it pull you under
You wonder

What if I'm overtaken
What if I never make it
What if no one's there?
Will you hear my prayer?

When you take that first step
Into the unknown
You know that he won't let you go

Chorus:

So what are you waiting for?
What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities try to alter you

You know you're made for more
So don't be afraid to move
Your faith is all
It takes and you can
Walk on the water too

Verse 2:
So get out
And let
Your fear fall to the ground
No time to waste
Don't wait
Don't you turn around and miss out
Everything you were made for
I know you're not sure
So you play it safe
Try to run away

If you take that first step
Into the unknown
He won't let you go

(chorus)

Bridge:
(step out)
Even when its storming
(step out)
Even when you're broken
(step out)
Even when your heart is telling you telling you to give up
(step out)
When your hope is stolen
(step out)
You can't see where you're going
You don't have to be afraid

So what are you waiting,
What are you waiting for?

So what are you waiting for?
What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities try to alter you

Here is the link to the song. I happened to find a great unplugged version.

http://youtu.be/Wddc8UzNiG8

The first Tweet

For something a bit different I am going to blog about lines or verses from some of my favorite worship songs.

Today’s song is: You can have me by The Sidewalk Prophets and the chosen lyrics are:

 If I saw You on the street
And You said come and follow me
But I had to give up everything
All I once held dear and all of my dreams
Would I love You enough to let go
Or would my love run dry
When You asked for my life

If You’re all You claim to be
Then I’m not losing anything
So I will crawl upon my knees
Just to know the joy of suffering
I will love You enough to let go
Lord, I give you my life
I give you my life

 I love the first two verses of this song. If Christ asked you to follow Him would you give up everything? Do you love Him enough to let all of that other stuff go?

Then in the second verse, He is everything He claims to be and everything you gave up to follow Him was really nothing. Then finally once you can find the joy again not happiness but when you can find the joy in suffering you know the glory of Christ. It’s in that suffering that all of that other stuff gets stripped away and that’s when Christ is the closest and the easiest to follow. Long before twitter Jesus sent out the first tweet when He said follow me. There is a cost to follow Jesus and at the time it may seem high. However for what you get, the value it priceless.

Here is the link to the song. I happened to find a great unplugged version.

http://youtu.be/rdgg7XmTWls

Today is the Day!

For something a bit different I am going to blog about lines or verses from some of my favorite worship songs.

Today’s song is: Today is the Day by Lincoln Brewster and the chosen lyrics are: All of them!

I’m not really being lazy today I just don’t really know which lines to pick they are all so good and true. I just love this song you can’t help but smile and possibly even bounce up and down a little bit. So make sure you click on the link and listen and make today the day to do all of these things.

I'm casting my cares aside
I'm leaving my past behind
I'm setting my heart and mind on You
Jesus

I'm casting my cares aside
I'm leaving my past behind
I'm setting my heart and mind on You
Jesus

I'm reaching my hand to Yours
Believing theres so much more
Knowing that all You have in store for me is good
Is good

Chorus:
Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
And I won't worry about tomorrow
I'm trusting in what You say
Today is the day
I putting my fears aside
I'm leaving my doubts behind
I'm giving my hopes and dreams to You
Jesus

I'm reaching my hand to Yours
Believing there's so much more
Knowing that all You have in store for me is good
Is good

I will stand upon Your truth.
(I will stand upon Your truth)
And all my days I'll live for You
(And all my days I'll live for You)

Here is the link to Today is the Day:

http://youtu.be/B300gQkgDS0

Meats and Sweets

On Wednesday night our small group gathered for a meal in which we dubbed specialty night. The premise was that everyone was supposed to bring something that they were known for aka their specialty. The trick was that no one was supposed to coordinate with anyone else on what they were bringing so the mix that we would end up with was going to be a complete surprise. I was really looking forward to the mix of foods more that the actual food its self. It turned out to be quite a night. The meal was tabbed Meats and Sweets, there was some absolutely delicious food. I took some pictures to share.  

Now that the punch and the breads are out of the way here comes the meats and the sweets. First here are some chicken enchiladas

                                             Ham balls yumm yumm!

                                               A chicken potato casserole

                                                  
                               Ribs complete with Cowboys sauce from Jimmy Jacks

Homemade eggnog custard, it was smooth enough you could suck it through a straw

                                 Pralines cheesecake and there was also homemade ice cream

A night of good food, good friends, and good fellowship

When things get tough, look up.

For something a bit different I am going to blog about lines or verses from some of my favorite worship songs.

Today’s song is: Always by Kristian Stanfill and the chosen lyrics are:

My foes are many, they rise against me
But I will hold my ground
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way

Troubles surround me, chaos abounding
My soul will rest in You
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way

Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always

I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
From You Lord, from You Lord

The first two verses of this song do a pretty good job of describing our everyday problems. My foes are many and they rise against me. How many times have you felt like that? The it says to hold your ground. How do you do that? We’ll get to that. The second verse goes on to say Trouble surrounds me and chaos is abounding. Is that your day today? Then is says my soul will rest in you? Again how do you do that? The answer is YOU don’t but help is on its way. The chorus says God will not delay, he is refuge and strength, so do not fear because His promise is true, and he will come through. Then look when he comes through. Is it sometimes, once and a while? No its always.

The next lyrics are the one I want you to pay attention to today when times get rough, when it seems like everything is against you, when your surrounded by trouble and chaos. Just remember help is on the way. Just look up because your help come from the Lord.

Here is the link to Always by Kristian Stanfill
http://youtu.be/hN7L3m9jIcc

Who Found Who?

For something a bit different I am going to blog about lines or verses from some of my favorite worship songs.

Today’s song is: Fall apart by Josh Wilson and the chosen lyrics are:

The song starts out like this

 Why in the world did I think I could
Only get to know you when my life was good?
When everything just falls in place
The easiest thing is to give you praise
Now it all seems upside down

I really like the first three lines of this song. Because it is so true, it is really tough for most to get to know and depend on God in the good times. The reason is pride when times are good who usually gets the credit? Why you of course. I do question the 4^th line in the song because in reality when times are really good do you give God the praise he deserves? I know I don’t In our sinful condtion it's hard to praise God when everything falls into place. That may be why things get turned upside down.

It’s the last chorus in the song that I really like. All of the chorus’s prior to the last one make me twinge just a little bit because it says “I find you when I fall apart”. I don’t believe that anyone can find God because you can find something that was never missing.  In the very last verse it gets it right when it says you find me when I fall apart.

 'Cause my whole world is caving in
But I feel You now more than I did then
How can I come to the end of me
And somehow still have all I need
God, I want to know You more
Maybe this is how it starts
You will find me when I fall apart

I hate to say it but this is so true for us God is the closest when we are at our lowest. Because to really enjoy God everything else has to be stripped away and we just don’t get it on our own. It’s those times when your whole world is caving in that people “Christians” will find out they do have all that they need. For some I would even say for most that’s how it all starts that God finds you when you fall apart. God knows what it takes to get your attention and when the time is right He will get your attention. For some the way he may get it may seem mean and perhaps cruel but when He gets your attention or you, it is not good? So it begs to ask the quesiton who found who? 

Here is the link to Fall Apart by Josh Wilson

http://youtu.be/TKISYTwnn0A

What to hold on to?

For something a bit different I am going to blog about lines or verses from some of my favorite worship songs.

Today’s song is: I need a Savior by Among the Thirsty and the chosen lyrics are:

You're what I hold onto, I know that You brought me through
All the days of loss and to the cross You knew,
That I'd need a Savior
I'd need a Savior,
I need You Savior.

Just like in today’s picture if you do not have anything to hold on to, you will get swept away by life. You will not be able to get through on your own. The key is to find the one thing that you can trust to bring you through. That one thing, that lifeline that you can hold onto and trust with your life is Jesus, the Savior. He knew that you would need a Savoir that’s why he came to earth. If you haven’t already just say I need you Savior and if you have tell others how your Savoir has rescued you.

Here is the link to the song

http://youtu.be/uSPddjiJ9us

That's going to leave a mark

For something a bit different I am going to blog about lines or verses from some of my favorite worship songs.

Today’s song is: Christ is Risen by Matt Maher and the chosen lyrics are:

Beneath the weight of all our sin
You bowed to none but heaven's will
No scheme of hell, no scoffer's crown
No burden great can hold You down
In strength You reign
Forever let Your church proclaim

Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death

 I don’t know if we really realize the implications of the fact that Jesus did bear the weight of all of our sins and how that must felt for someone who never sinned. I truly wish that I could say that I bowed to no one but God’s will as did Jesus but I cave continually to  things other than God’s will. Nothing can hold Jesus down including death and because of that Jesus does reign in strength and we do in fact need to proclaim that Jesus does reign. I will admit that it is the last line here that peaked my interest on this song trampling over death by death. Interesting concept one that we would never think of on our own but by defeating death Jesus has allowed us to come before God again after Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden. The phrase that comes to mind with today’s picture is “that’s going to leave a mark” that same can be said for the resurrection of Jesus it definitely left a mark.

Here is the link to the video

http://youtu.be/-mXeA0G_xKc

Who is your best friend?

Today’s song was one of my original favorites it is Jesus Freak by DC Talk. There are two different verses to look at in this song.

 Let’s start with the chorus.

What will people think when they hear that I'm a Jesus Freak?

How many times have you asked yourself this question and has it held you back from doing what you know you should? Do care what people think or what God thinks?

What will people do when they find that it's true?
What will they do? Does it matter? If you worry about what they do you won’t do anything.


People say I'm strange
does it make me a stranger
my best friend was born in a manger?
When you are a Christian to those that don’t know better can’t help but think you’re strange because everything that you do goes against everything that they know. If your best friend was not born in a manger you had better get a new best friend

Link to Jesus Freak by DC Talk
http://youtu.be/6qm-eP6V5Xo

Resturant Review: Martinis

Martinis

Burlington Iowa

Made my first trip to Martinis in probably 15 years it was everything that I expected. The question was what did I expect? First of the views of downtown Burlington, the river and the bridge were amazing. A very elegant atmosphere that I’m sure was more appreciated by Teresa than myself,it was very nice. The service started out very strong but fell off quickly. The food was to be honest just okay. However I did try calamari for the first time and found it to be very good. They had a dill type sauce to go with it the complimented it very well. For the main course I had the tilapia with broccoli and mashed potatoes. Don’t get me wrong it was by no means bad it was what I would just call normal. I was disappointed at the serving size of the tilapia, the broccoli is actually better at the Texas Road House and the mashed potatoes were mashed potatoes. For a place of what we will call that caliber I would expect at least an attempt at presentation and besides a nice plate there was none.  I will say the salad did look nice but had a funky taste to it. I had a better salad at Mazzio's for lunch. However what I expected did come through and that was the value. I felt our bill was just about twice what it should have been for what we got. The bright spot was the good company and it was a place that did allow you to visit. I am never real happy when with a group of 6 and they add a 20% gratuity in my book a tip is earned not entitled. It’s one of those places where you can say I ate at Martinis if you’re trying to impress someone. If you tell me you ate at Martinis I’m not impressed.     

 Price range: (everyday, a night out, a special occasion only) special occasion only  

Overall rankings all based 1 to 5

Atmosphere: 4.5

Service:        3

Food:           3

Value:           1

Overall          2.5

Anchors Away

Going to attempt something just a little bit different with the blog for a bit, driving down road yesterday I was listening to a worship song and there was a line in the song that made me stop and think for a little bit so I thought why not blog about it. So for a little while I am going to blog about lines or verses from some of my favorite worship songs. I will include a link to a video each time so you can hear the song in it’s entirety. The first song we are going to look at is Day After Day by Kristian Stanfill. The words are

 Day after day our God is reigning
He's never shaken
My hope is in the Lord

 Every day our God is reigning and never shaken. We can take comfort in the fact that God is in control and he knows what he is doing and nothing surprises him. After all he is God and he is sovereign. The next line is important as well when is says my hope is in the Lord. The word hope here is not like we tend to use the word. I hope the Hawkeyes will win however that does not happen very often. But the word hope in the Bible is more like an anchor something we can cling to and count on and yes my hope is in the Lord. He is who I cling to and count on for everything. Do you? Cling to the Lord and say anchors away.

Please let me know over the next couple of days what you think of the new format. Still having troubles posting the videos the way I’d like but you should be able to access them.

Day After Day video with lyrics.
http://youtu.be/qYW3eT0RZ9Y

My Perfect Christmas

As promised I am going to share what my perfect Christmas would look like.

First and foremost the focus would be on Jesus that’s pretty much a given, after all the reason for the day is to celebrate His birth.

There would be decorations that had some type of Christian theme to them and no I would not ban Santa, Rudolf, or Frosty that would be religious of me. But it would be known that the focus was on Jesus.

Christmas music would contain Christ and would be more praise and worshipful. It would more than just sing of His birth, it would speak of his justice, power, might, love, discipline, mercy and without a doubt grace. These would be songs that would be sung year round and not just for the 30 days prior to Christmas.

As far as gifts go I could really do without adult gifts, as for kids I’m not that grinchy. Last year I was a part of a white elephant gift exchange where the only rule was your gift could not cost you a dime. It was so much fun and I know that more thought went into the gifts last year than in many years past put together. It would be nice to free up more cash to be able to buy gifts for complete strangers who were in need. The only gift that any of us really need has already been given to us and that is the reason for Christmas anyway.

Then for the schedule it would work out that everyone you wanted to be with could be together at one time without having to make any sacrifices. That people would be flexible on times to gather and give up Christmas day because really if you’re together does the day matter?

I guess in short my perfect Christmas would have a lot less stuff and a lot more substance and everything would be in the proper perspective. So there would be a lot less stress, a lot less debt and no one getting shot or pepper sprayed at Wal*Mart  30 days before.

Merry Christmas or Happy Holiday's which is it?

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays which is it?

The subtitle is: Is December 25^th Christmas Day or Expectation day.

When it comes to the debate over Merry Christmas or Happy Holiday’s you can say what you want but the real choice is made in your heart.

I have been quickly becoming known as the Grinch in my house when it comes to Christmas. It’s not that I don’t love Christmas because I do. The fact is I hate what Christmas has become even to the point that the phrase: remember the reason for the season has become clique.  Some who read this may think that my tirade is because I am a religious person that has went off the deep end and thinks that if you rearrange the letters in Santa your you get Satan, oh wait you do. But that’s not it at all the fact is its much deeper for me than that. Yes, I do think that most have forgotten the real reason for the season and honestly in today’s society there are those who have never known why we celebrate Christmas. Just to let you know up front I do think that Christmas is to first and foremost celebrate the birth of Jesus and the reason we should celebrate is because he came to this earth to sacrifice himself as a payment for our sins. The second thing I want you to know is that I am not on a crusade to vilify everything else associated with Christmas. I would just like to see everything put in the proper perspective.

Now if you notice one of the controversies associated with this time of year is whether you say Merry Christmas or Happy Holiday’s. I still think most people say Merry Christmas. However if Jesus is not the focus of the season please just say Happy Holiday’s because you can’t have Christmas without Christ. I really find it interesting that Santa is mythical and Jesus is real yet Santa gets the most press. 

Easter has become about bunnies and eggs and not about the resurrection.  Thanksgiving is now about turkey, football, and shopping and not about truly giving thanks. And to close out the year Christmas is now about Santa and expectations. Besides the wrong focus on the season I think it’s the unrealistic expectations that tend to make me Grinch like this time of year. I recently sat through the original “How the Grinch Stole Christmas “and had three thoughts. The first was what if the Grinch came today and took all of the “stuff” associated with Christmas would it come anyway?  The second is much tougher to explain so I won’t even try and that is was what he did such a bad thing?  The third is stranger yet and involves socialism, won’t touch that one either.

When it comes to all of the expectations associated with Christmas and there are many we will look the top five that bug me.  

5. Music

Everyone is expected to like Christmas music. It’s true stop and think about it. I have gone on record saying that I don’t like Christmas music and when I say this I really get a strange look. It’s not that I don’t like it but please define for me what Christmas music is.  Shouldn’t Christmas music be about Jesus? If a song does not reference Jesus is it Christmas music?  If not should be called Happy Holiday’s music. In theory is not any praise or worship music Christmas music and be sung all year? I do love all types of music as long as it’s done well and if you’re honest most “Christmas” music is not very well done.  I think some artists may just slap there voice on a Christmas song to feel good about themselves. So to set the record straight Christmas music must contain Christ and if well done I do like it. Happy Holiday’s music is all that other stuff that talks about silver bells, snow, Santa and the like. That is harder for me to take.

4. Food

Food is even an expectation at Christmas. Now admit it there are things that you only think about eating at Christmas time. Why is that? If these are some of your favorite foods why do you only make them at Christmas? I just love fried mush and as a kid my mom would make it every day for breakfast between Thanksgiving and Christmas now today it has been cut to Christmas day only. Again why? I’m sure you can think of many things you love that you too only get once a year. Another word comes to mind in the food category that would fit in every other category as well that is associated with Christmas and that is overindulgence. Why not take the food you love and spread it out throughout the year?

3. Decorations

You are expected to decorate at Christmas inside and out. Do you know how hard it is to find Christmas decorations that have anything to do with Christ? If you go to any regular retailer take a look around and see how many decorations you can find have anything to do with Jesus.  Again are you putting up Christmas lights or Happy Holiday lights? I know this may come across as harsh but in a sense displaying Santa Claus at Christmas would be like flying the North Korean or Chinese flag on the 4^th of July it has nothing to do with the real reason for the season. What would you think if you walked into a house on Christmas day and there was not a single decoration? My point exactly. When it comes to Christmas lights and decorations why not decorate your heart with Christ everyday and be a light that those you come into contact with can see it every day.

2. Schedule

How many times have you been expected to attend a gathering just because it’s Christmas. What fun is that when you are expected? Look at your calendar right now is it getting filled with holiday gatherings? If all of these people who you plan on seeing are that important to you then why don’t you get together at others times in the year. It gets to the point where people get stressed out because there are so many places they are expected to be due to the fact that it is Christmas. I always find it interesting or should I say sad when a gathering becomes and expectation. Have you ever heard someone say “ I am having Christmas at this time and this time only and who ever can come can come.” There is no flexibility on time no considering an alternate time to perhaps get everyone or at least more people there. I think that is sad and Christmas then becomes about the person and not the Christ.

1.       Gifts

The number one expectation that bugs me about Christmas is the expectations surrounding gifts. Here are a couple of stats surrounding Christmas gifts. Around 22% of Americans actually take out personal loans to afford holiday gifts, while around 68% utilize credit cards to fund the ‘necessities’ of this holiday. On average, parents spend around $400 per child during the holidays on gifts and holiday accessories. Sounds ridiculous doesn’t it? But it happens and a lot of times it’s a keeping up with the Jones’s theme. I sure for many there have been times that a gift limit is set (which is a whole other topic it’s self) that still may be too high for some but they are afraid to let anyone know. I remember a time that we would literally buy our last gifts (because we were expected to bring gifts) on Christmas eve day and take all the money we got on Christmas day and put it in the bank right away to cover the checks we had written. Is that really Christmas?

This leads me to gift lists, gift cards and gift exchanges.  Let’s take the list first, Now be honest how many times have you had to stop and think who you told what you wanted hoping that you didn’t give two people that same item. In all honesty if you do your Christmas list right you will know exactly what you are getting for Christmas. I am as guilty as the next person about getting a gift for someone that is on their list. Why because I want them to like it. If you buy something from a list does it cease to become a gift and become an expectation?  Now for gift cards I’ll have to admit they are more of a gift than money but not by much, I’ve bought a few myself. When you’re so afraid you’ll mess up because the person you are giving the gift to has certain expectations on what they will get, you just get a gift card or better yet money so they can go out and get what they want so they won’t be disappointed. After all its Christmas and you don’t want to disappoint. Then for gift exchanges if I had to guess 80 to 90% of the gifts given at Christmas time come as part of an exchange. If you give one you get one and in a large percentage of those the dollar amount is going to be pretty close.  At what point does it change from a gift to an expectation? All reminds me of a saying my dad has said for years when it came to gift giving he said sarcastically I may add “ you give me a $20 bill and I’ll give you a $20 bill and say Merry Christmas.”

If there comes a point where especially in family situations, what if you want or need to get out of the gift exchange? Can you really just say to people, “Don’t Buy Me a Christmas Present as I Am Not Buying You One,” without being ostracized from humanity?

The people I admire are the ones who will give a Christmas gift to someone they don’t even know expecting nothing in return. That is a gift and not an expectation. There are others who may in their heart want to do that as well but the expectations of other drain every penny they have so they are not able to do what they’d like. That’s sad but unfortunately it happens.  

In closing

All of the expectations associated with Christmas for most ends up in one of two places and that’s stress and or depression. Christmas time is the most likely time of the year to experience depression. The suicide rate is higher during December than any other month, which tells us that Christmas depression should be taken quite seriously. Depression at Christmas time can be triggered by a multitude of things, such as losses, failures, and loneliness. People fail to recognize that holidays are stressful enough to trigger a depression. Sometimes the hustle and bustle and the need to produce (food, presents, parties, and the lot) are enough to seriously frustrate a person right into a depression. Feeling disconnected with the holidays can easily lead to a mild to moderate depression. It’s sad, but Christmas overload has taken its toll on many people. Families are inhaling their Thanksgiving dinners and rapidly pushing away from the table in order to stand in line that night to get a good deal on a flat screen television. They are leaving friends and family early so they can rush out on Black Friday which has now officially started on Thanksgiving. Have we forgotten that Black Friday is a month (or more) away from Christmas? While the stuff you are filling your house with and racking up your credit card bill with might be a good deal, there is a good chance THE STUFF will be there the week before Christmas. But your family….you never know.

No one seems to go overboard during any other time of the year. If it were simply the religious importance of the holiday than most Christians would start celebrating Easter in February.

Again No, I don’t hate Christmas as it may sound. I do however hate what it has become. If you want to celebrate the Holiday’s that’s fine.  But if you want to call it Christmas at least invite Christ after all it’s His party.

On the next blog I will try and outline my perfect Christmas.