Love Found Me

"I found love and love found me/ Broke through my heart and set me free/ And now I know that I'm complete / 'Cause I found love and love found me." The song for this post is "Love Found Me" by Revive from their newest album Blink. This song has been a favorite of mine recently since picking up the CD from Lifeway Christian Stores. The love the band sings about in this song became so real to me once again this weekend while on retreat to Castaway with Side by Side Youth Ministries.

This weekend I was given the opportunity to lead one of three groups of high school volunteers known as the Servant Leader Team (SLT). Castaway is very different from the other 3 retreats put on by SBS because we are not only at a camp about 4 hours from the Twin Cities (where SBS is run out of) and it is a retreat focused towards Jr. High/Middle School aged campers (grades 6-8). One challenge of a Castaway is all the work that has to be done to make the weekend run perfectly. While there are dishes and kitchen work to be done at our high school retreats it is nothing compared to the meal time work done at a Castaway retreat. Without the SLT we would NOT be able to run these weekends as flawlessly as we do. That being said leading these students is a pretty big deal and a lot goes into making sure we are working fast to clean up and setup the dinning center and to still participate at games and big group time.

Coming into the weekend I was nervous about leading these students. This was my first time doing anything like this. Until now I had been mostly a behind-the-scenes guy working lighting and other "tech" aspects of the retreat. I was nervous about my ability to lead the students, my ability to have the words that they needed to hear, and my ability to just be there for them as they needed me. I prayed about it all week leading up to the retreat.

As Castaway came around and I met and worked with my group for the first time I realized that God had heard my prayers. I know that this weekend he was with me helping me lead and giving me the words I needed to say and that my students needed to hear. I had so much fun being their leader and getting to work with these students. Not only that, but I really truly learned from them as well.

Saturday night came around and I once again witnessed the amazing gift of God sending down the Holy Spirit to those who accepted it. We always put on a prayer service where students can pray with their leaders, each other, and pray at the foot of the cross. While praying at the foot of the cross I broke down. I confessed to God all the pain that I was hiding deep down that was causing a rippled relationship between me and God. I had lost myself and I cried out to God to take that away from to take away my impurity and my ways of acting not as myself. As I prayed and cried and confessed all this to God I felt Him take all that away from me. In 1 John 1:19 it says "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

How amazingly true I found this verse to be as I instantly felt God cleanse me of my pain as if saying "You are forgiven do not let this burden bring you down any longer." What an amazing God we have that he is so ready to forgive us when we fall short of him. In Ephesians 2:4-5 it says "But because of his GREAT love for us God, who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved." Great doesn't even begin to describe how amazing his love is. God gave us his son Jesus Christ so that we live. He is constantly throwing his mercy and grace at us, we just need to open our eyes and realize it is there all the time. This weekend truly "I found love and love found me."

Lord God,

Thank you so much for your mercy and grace. For loving us even when we fall. For picking us up when we fall short of you and carrying us when we think we can't go on. Lord please continue to protect us as we seek you out and journey in this life for our next life with you in Heaven. God thank you so much for all of the people involved in the Castaway Retreat with SBS. Lord protect them as they go back to the real world and experience the challenges of this world. For the campers Lord thank you so much for sending your holy spirit down on them and for changing their lives. Thank you for their energy and their willingness and openness to hearing your word and praising you with so much enthusiasm. Lord continue to be with them as their experience all you have to offer them. Life them up Lord and continue to build a relationship with them. God thank you so much for the SLT and their amazing hearts for serving you and making your presence real. God continue to bless them and let them know that they are loved by so many people and that each and every one of them are beautiful. Lord help them to stay with you and continue to bless them. Lord protect all of the members of SBS Team and the Church Leaders. Lord what amazing people of faith you have given to build up strong communities all over the twin cities. Help them to continue to lead and to continue to show the love you show us. We love you so much God and you are so AMAZING. Thank you for life and for all you have done Adonai. In your son Jesus's name we pray forever and for always.

Amen.

I Still Miss You

The title of this post comes from Hawk Nelson's "I Still Miss You." This song lays true in many instances. In the last year (within about 6 months) 4 faithful servants of God were lost to various illnesses and ages. Some of these men I knew very well, some I didn't know. Nonetheless their deaths have not only affected me, but my family. In scripture we are told by Paul in Romans 6: 23 "For the wages of sin is death, but but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." I know that each of these men is living in heaven with their Lord God and savior His son Jesus Christ.

First early in the year my cousins Troy and Faith lost their grandpa Mike. Now I didn't know Mike very well. I know I met him once or twice, but never knew him as they did. In our celebration of his life Faith told us about his absolute LOVE of food and music. Some lessons that we can all take away from Mike's legacy:

1. Always enjoy the food you are eating and eat as much as you can. Leave your plate clean
2. When you are in the car and a song comes on that you enjoy ALWAYS wait until it is over before getting out, even if the song just started as you pulled into the destination.
3. Be thankful always for your family and have relationships with them. Love them and they will love you in return

Mike had certainly taken to heart the scripture of: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Mike you'll never be forgotten by those who loved you and we'll see you again in glory with our savior Christ Jesus.

In late May only a few short months after Mike had passed away my grandpa Pete passed away after various medical complications and months of testing. He made the decision that he didn't want any more surgeries and was ready to meet his maker. This death was a lot harder for me as I knew my grandpa very well and had really connected with him on subjects such as Twins Baseball and Gophers Football. Although relationships with my grandpa had taken a hit recently and things were never really the best between him and his kids it didn't mean we didn't love him and won't miss him. We do miss him and we do love him. I know he's always watching over his beloved Minnesota Twins and probably still never misses a game. Some things I learned from my grandpa are:

1. Be a fan of your sports teams and never give up on them, even through the losing seasons and bad decisions. Part of being a fan is being one through the good and bad.
2. Family is more important than sports. Even though he loved to watch the Twins he always was willing to let us use the TV when we stayed over as kids and never thought twice about it.
3. Take joy in the small things. He always folded up his Taco Bell wrappers in perfect squares just to throw them away. One thing that was special between Him and my brother Tom was puzzles. Even though he finished most of the puzzle during the week when Tom wasn't there he always saved the last piece for Tom to put in.
4. Let nothing stop you from having a relationship with God. Even though he had his problems one thing Pete never did was miss church. He was there every Sunday without a doubt.

One verse that really helps to illustrate my grandpa Pete's life is 1 Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it in gentleness and respect." I love you a lot grandpa. Things might not have always been the smoothest in the family relationships you had, but you were still loved very much and we can't wait to be with you in Heaven with God and our Savior Jesus Christ.

Shortly thereafter in July two great men were welcomed into the kingdom of God. Tony was the grandpa of my cousins Neil and Gina, and Reuben was a mentor and friend from mission trips I had gone on.

Tony was another greatly faithful man. In life he had 3 main priorities: His faith, His family, and His Travels. First of all his faith was extremely important to Tony. Not only was he always at mass without a doubt, but he was always early, usually saying the rosary. He was always willing to help out at church, and was friends with anyone and everyone in his community. Secondly his family.

Tony LOVED his family. He was always a sure thing at family events. He rarely missed a sporting event of his niece and nephews. He was always willing to lend a hand or word of advice when needed, and was never afraid to ask his family for the same. Tony was devastated at the loss of his wife Ann, but I know they're together again in God's arms.

Last but certainly not least Tony always loved to travel. He and his wife Ann saw much of the world together. He had visited all 50 of the United States and parts of Europe as well. One thing you could be sure about his travels was that he would have his camera. Thousands and thousands of pictures exist from Tony's travels, and many many hours of video. He was always so thankful for the opportunities he got to travel.

Two days after celebrating the life of Tony we celebrated the life of Reuben Jr. Reuben passed on to our Father after a long grueling battle with cancer. Of all the people mentioned Reuben had the biggest impact on my faith. If there is one thing that I know for sure it is that I'm going to see Reuben along with the rest of these guys when I enter the Kingdom of God. In their song Hawk Nelson mentions that "I know that Jesus has the answer / And He's way bigger than the cancer in you. / But I still miss you." This is so true and really hits me hard. I know that Jesus has the answer and I know Reuben knew it as well. I'm excited to be reunited with Him in heaven, and I know he was happy to be reunited with his wife Connie who had passed a little over a year before.

Reuben taught me many things and most importantly he always reiterated the verse that Jesus spoke in John 14:6 "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." He knew that the way to Heaven was through Jesus and made sure that others knew it as well. About a week before his passing some friends and I had the opportunity to visit with Reuben. He shared many things that I want to pass on to as many people as possible:

1. There are zero people in hell who won't have had their sins forgiven, but millions who didn't accept it
2. If you feel called to lay your hands on someone and heal them in the name of Jesus Christ, do it and DON'T limit God
3. Faith is the one true gift you need. Without faith you can not speak with God and have no relationship with Him.
4. Everything in this world was created for you by God. You must remain humble and be thankful for it all
5. God's messages are there all the time. They are subtle, you have to seek them out and interpret them
6. Spend time with older Christians. They have things figured out because God has been working through them for a long time.
7. Become involved and build strong relationships. These relationships will be there for you if you are ever in need of a handout
8. When at all possible offer a hug not a handshake.

There are also two stories that I'd like to share with you. The first story takes place in West Virginia. Reuben and a group from our church were there serving on a YouthWorks mission trip. One night for the night activity the group was to go on a nature walk, but the rain was so bad that they were thinking they'd have to cancel. Reuben asked one of the staff if they really wanted to go on this walk. She of course replied "Yes." Reuben then proceeded to walk around the building where he could be alone with God in silence. He offered up a prayer saying "Jesus if it be your will stop this rain." He then walked inside and returned to the front of the building where the group was waiting. By the time he got there the rain had stopped and the staff member was in sheer awe.

The other story relates to the number 8 lesson I learned from Reuben. Reuben was a big guy, but he was honestly just a giant teddy bear who gave the best hugs. This poem is a poem that Reuben's wife Connie wrote, but transmitted to Reuben when she was sick and couldn't talk. The words were sitting in his head and he couldn't get them out until he wrote them down. He knew they had come from Connie. The poem is called All in Just a Hug

As I reach my arms around you,

I'm giving you a hug,

It's your spirit that I reach for

and to give your soul tug.

I'm sending out forgiveness

for any wrong you've done,

And seeking back from you, the same.

All in just a hug.

So when I come to greet you

and you just extend a hand,

I guess I'll have to shake it,

It's a custom made by man.

But think of what a blessing

that we could have shared,

The warm embrace of spirit

to show how much we care.

All in just a hug.

I miss Reuben and the rest of these men of faith a lot. All of them had such a great influence on my life with the lessons they shared. I'll always remember their lessons and take them true to heart. I hope that others can learn from their lives and the lessons we pass on. They were all great men, and I know I'll see them again in heaven.

Lord,

Thank you so much for the opportunity to spend time with many of these men and for the lessons that they pass on to future generations. Lord I ask that you help us to take their lessons to heart and learn from them. Lord I ask that you continually bless their family and friends as the grief will go on and we continually miss them. Help us to remember all the wonderful memories of their lives and to cherish the time we had to spend with them. Lord I ask you to welcome them all in your warm embrace and that you watch over those they left behind. I ask that when we come into your kingdom you have them their to welcome us. Lord we love you and we thank you for their lives and ours. We thank you for your son Jesus Christ through whom we have been saved and have been welcomed into your kingdom. Welcome us into your kingdom when the time comes God, and let us all live in peace and harmony forever. We love you so much God and in the name of your son Jesus Christ we pray forever and always.

Amen

Livin' the Life

Today's song is "Livin the Life" by Group 1 Crew. In this song the group speaks of how they used to act and live life thinking it was just a joke or a game and not really caring about their actions. Things all change when they decide to answer God's call. "I can't believe where you're taking me / you give me hope to believe now I'm living the life."

Now that I've done my usual song plug I'd like to write about what has been going on in life and maybe you'll figure out why I chose this song. As you can probably tell I haven't written anything on here in FOREVER! I always told myself "alright you're going to write today" or "Wow a lot has been happening and you can totally write about this" but I haven't. Why? I'm not really sure. Things got really busy and a lot of things happened. In this post I'll stick to the positive things that happened as I'll be writing a tribute post next.

Since my last time posting I've had a lot of changes and experiences. During the last week of June I got the great opportunity to serve the members of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. This mission trip was put on by YouthWorks!, an amazing organization based out of Minneapolis, MN who puts on mission trips for youth around the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

There are many scripture verses that talk about serving others. 1 Peter 4:10 says "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace" This verse really speaks the truth and encourages me to want to take Peter's words to heart and serve. We have all been given gifts by God. We are called to use these gifts, whether they be writing, strength, athletic ability, speaking skills, or compassion for others. God gave you these gifts to serve his people. Now that's not to say you can't use your gifts for your profession as well. If you are a gifted speaker, use that in your professional life, but also use it to give back to God by serving those who need it.

In my week of serving the people of Pine Ridge I truly saw Peter's words come to life. Each and every one of us were using the gifts we had been given to serve God. I saw it through everybody using the strength they were given to continually work to paint the house even in the hot sun. I saw it in the students who played basketball with the kids at Kid's Club as well as the students who sat and listened to what the kids wanted to do and who read with them. Seeing everyone serve really brought to mind Paul's words in his letters to the Romans. Paul says in Romans 12: 1 "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Each and every adult and student (and the YouthWorks staff) gave up their lives and their bodies that week to be servants of the Lord. They gave themselves up as a sacrificial worship to God for the good he has given them in their lives. We worshiped him in song, in devotional time, in the reading of his word, and in our serving the Pine Ridge community. Each day we must offer up our day to God. This can be as simple as praying: Lord I thank you for another day on Earth and another day to serve your people (whether this be by example or literally getting your hands dirty). Please Lord use me today. Take my day and make it yours. For it is you alone that I worship and you alone that I give my praise. Use me, take me, and guide me. I love your Lord. In your son Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Paul Says in Romans 12:6-7 "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in accordance to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching." Our gifts are different from everyone around us. Alone we can use our gifts to serve others, together we can serve an even greater amount of people using the gifts given. Think of it this way. One person was given the gift of speaking in public, but isn't sure what to say. Another is given the gift of writing, but is afraid to speak them to the public. Alone they can serve others, but together their serving can be greater. Through our serving, and taking the opportunities to serve that God presents us we can truly be "Livin the Life"

Lord,

Thank you for all the wonderful opportunities to serve you and your people. Help us to recognize these opportunities and those who need our servings. Help us to say yes to the opportunities you give us. Lord we thank you for the gifts you have given us. Help us to use them to serve, and to know what they are. Lord please bring us together to serve so that we can serve the greatest amount of people. Your love for us is so great God and you are worthy of our praise. Help us to take time to worship you and to remember that we are serving not for our own sake but to give you glory. Help us to offer our lives to you and to let you work through us. Take us, move us, make us a part of you. We love you so much God, Father. In the name of your son Jesus Christ we pray,

Amen.

My God's Enough

Wow so its been over a month since I've written anything. With the end of school (literally as I'm transferring), and the beginning of summer. Today while sitting at home and wanting to do something I decided that it was time to write about all the things I've been thinking about lately. Today's song of choice (and title) is "Psalm 73 (My God's Enough)" by BarlowGirl.

Lately I've been feeling empty not really knowning what has been missing. These feelings became more and more present with the loss of my grandfather. Although we probably didn't have the best grandpa-grandson relationship there are things I will always remember about him. His LOVE of all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Gophers Football. It was one level that we truly had a great connection and will miss discussing the two. Even before his passing into God's arms I had been feeling empty.

This whole feeling seemed to start with the beginning of summer/end of the school year. In all the crazyness of finals and moving out I realized that I had become disconnected from God. I can't even remember when I had last read my bible, or prayed during the day. What happened? Why did I get so disconnected and start falling into habits that I HATE and am so ashamed of?

I feel like what happened to me was falling into the ways of the world and away from the ways of God. Near the end of my school year I put off and put off doing things with the group of people who cared about their relationship with God and instead went with my own agenda. I pushed them away and I pushed God aside. In the end I realized it was the dumbest mistake I could have ever made. The things I care about and strive for are not in this world, but are in God.



Psalm 73 goes like this :


1Surely God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.

3 For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 They have no struggles;
their bodies are healthy and strong. [a]

5 They are free from the burdens common to man;
they are not plagued by human ills.

6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
they clothe themselves with violence.

7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity [b] ;
the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.

8 They scoff, and speak with malice;
in their arrogance they threaten oppression.

9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven,
and their tongues take possession of the earth.

10 Therefore their people turn to them
and drink up waters in abundance. [c]

11 They say, "How can God know?
Does the Most High have knowledge?"

12 This is what the wicked are like—
always carefree, they increase in wealth.

13 Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure;
in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.

14 All day long I have been plagued;
I have been punished every morning.

15 If I had said, "I will speak thus,"
I would have betrayed your children.

16 When I tried to understand all this,
it was oppressive to me

17 till I entered the sanctuary of God;
then I understood their final destiny.

18 Surely you place them on slippery ground;
you cast them down to ruin.

19 How suddenly are they destroyed,
completely swept away by terrors!

20 As a dream when one awakes,
so when you arise, O Lord,
you will despise them as fantasies.

21 When my heart was grieved
and my spirit embittered,

22 I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before you.

23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.

24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

27 Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.

I found myself envying the sinners and not being grateful for the things God had given me. In this life the things others have and the ways of life of other people are going to seem like better and easier choices. "They don't have a relationship with God, but look at them. They're beautiful, rich, happy, and have all the nicest things." Throw these thoughts away. Our God is enough for us. He provides us with the tools we need to do his will and we have to continue to trust him with our lives. He will not put us through anything we can't handle.

In Jeremiah 29:11 God says " 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." God has the ultimate plan for our lives. When we trust Him and His plan then shall we be whole and have true joy. I fell away from this belief. I fell away from the group of people that God had surrounded me with that knew these same things and that believed in them. I had seperated myself from God's word, and from going to Him with my problems and I felt empty and hollow. Now as I continue to work my way back to God and his son Jesus Christ I know the mistake of my actions and the stupidity of my thinking that I could survive without Him. I know this happens all the time and it happens to everyone. What a gracious and AMAZING God we have that he will welcome us back time and time again even when we push Him away.

Lord, I pray that you continue to welcome us back as we fall and push you away. God I thank you for your unending and AMAZING love. Lord continue to lead us to you and to help us to trust you plan for our lives. I thank you God for the wonderfully amazing friends that you have surrounded me with. I love each and everyone of them so much and I will do my best to be there for them in their hard times as they are there for me always and forever. Lord thank you for the gift of life and the gift of everlasting second chances. Lord help me to stay on your path of glory and continually help us to prosper and have hope for the future. I love you God and in your holy name I pray. Amen.

What a Beautiful Smile

All of the "titles" of my blog posts have some significance and usually reveal (in some way, shape, or form) what my topic will be about. This is no different, and while I won't reveal what that is (then you might not want to read it) I will tell you that it comes from the song "Beautiful Love" by The Afters from their CD I Wish we all Could Win. Not that my usual music plug is done (what can I say I LOVE music) let's get on with our discussion.

In life many men struggle with our treatment of our brothers in Christ, and really struggle with our treatment of our sisters in Christ. Now why is this? What makes us think that we have to be "manly" around our fellow guys, and treat our sisters terribly and as only objects? Is it pride? Is it lust? Is it that we are truly just bad people and disrespectful? I like to believe that its not that last one. I don't think any one thing can be considered the "reason" that we act the way we do around different sexes. Unfortunately society has embedded this into our heads and it comes out.

In the bible Christ calls us to more. To be "manly" is not what Christ worries about. In my experiences what it means to be a Christian man is to treat others as they would want to be treated. We are called to show unconventional love to everybody (man and woman) just as Christ showed the ultimate love to us. We need to be raising each other up, not tearing each other down. This all starts within yourself. It can be small things, such as not laughing at crude jokes, not giving into temptation and peer pressure to fight or comment on others (again male and female) and to just treat everybody as equals. The bible says that "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps" (Proverbs 16:9). We can plan our way all we want, but it is through God that we take those steps. If you ask God to help you with these struggles he will direct your steps the right way and never let you down.

Now the other struggle (some what covered above) is the struggle for Men with their treatment of Women. Society instills a sense of treating women like objects of lust and for our own sexual desires. Society tells us to judge our sisters on the basis of looks and instills the "perfect" woman in our minds. Guys this is not what we should be doing. Truly our sisters in Christ are the greatest gift God ever gave to us. They are our companions and understand things about us that we don't even understand. God gave Adam the gift of Eve my taking one of his ribs and building her up. The bible tells us that: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28). We are all one in Christ. We are no better than our female counterparts, and they no better than us. We are equal. So why is it that we treat each other as naught? We should be treating our female friends as princesses and showing the respect and love we have for them. They are a gift from God and are our equals.

Now nobody said this was going to be easy. Its not easy to stand up to your friends and say "You know what the way your treated so and so was wrong and I don't appreciate it." It is even hard to go up to that person that may have been disrespected (whether male or female) and tell them that you are sorry for the way that your friend treated them or said the things they said. A true friend would be there with you helping you to stand up and helping you not be in those positions. "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" (Proverbs 27:17). We need to be encouragement for each other and help lift each other up and stand by each other through life's trials and demands. Be the iron to your friends, and let them be the iron to you. Blessings on your week and on your faith journeys. One love, one heart, one God.

Water for the Weary

How long will it take you to read this sentence? 15 Seconds maybe? In that time 3 people will have died because of insufficient means to clean water. Do I have your attention now? Hearing this statistic (among others) really got my attention Friday March 19, 2010 when a group of friends and I went to the Sanctus Real concert at Club 3 in Minneapolis. In between the last supporting band and Sanctus Real taking the stage we watched a video with a speaker (the speaker who was supposed to be there was in Haiti adopting his daughter) telling us about Mocha Club an organization working to provide clean water for those who don't have it in Africa.

The explaination was that for $7 a month we could provide water for 7 people in Africa for a year. Suddenly thoughts were running through my head. "Seven dollars? That's nothing! I spend that on bottles of pop alone. What was my excuse for not giving seven dollars to people who really needed it?" I had none. So along with my buddy Lucas we went back to the table and signed up to start donating.

After getting home I started to think more and more about these families in Africa that have no clean water. Do you even realize how much clean water you go through in a day? And they have none? I began to think of things that I could do to get the word out about this dire need. I started to put it in my status on Facebook, signed up to apply to be a campus rep for them, and now I'm blogging about it. In scripture Jesus says : "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in" "I tell you did the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:35, 40).

When we do these things for the least of our brothers we are doing it for Christ. One day in heaven Christ will thank us for giving him something to drink when we saw him thirsty. We may be confused and ask him Lord when did we see you thirsty and give you drink. He'll tell us that when we did it for those people in Africa we were doing it for Him. We are called to serve others before ourselves "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." (1 Peter 4:10). Let's start by serving our brothers and sisters in Africa.

In their book Do Hard Things Brett and Alex Harris challenge teens of our generation to strive for more. To want to do bigger things and overcome the low expectations the world has for us. Who's to say that we can't rise up and make a difference in the world. This book has really spoken to me to want to do more for these people who haven't known the joys of clean water. If i get one friend to join the cause and they get one friend and that friend gets one friend and so on and so on pretty soon we'll be really making a difference and bringing clean water to thousands of people in Africa. So rise up and do hard things join the cause. Clean water is something everyone should be entitled to.

I Will Walk by Faith

Today while reflecting on things that took place earlier this week I was listening to Jeremy Camp's song Walk by Faith. I found this song to be a good reflection on what I'll be writing about next. So that plug being placed let's get into the real discussion.

Throughout the last few weeks and even into last month a lot had been floating in my mind about if I'm in the right place or not. A lot had happened at school, and suddenly I wasn't so sure that this was where I wanted to be, and if it was were I was supposed to be. I felt like God was putting these thoughts into my head for a reason, and so I started to pray about it. I prayed long and hard and even got the opportunity to talk to others about what I was going through. I found great support in the friends and community that God had surrounded me with.

After much searching in prayer I decided to look at some scripture and see what it had to say about God's plan for my life. One that I found particularily interesting stated: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11). Duh! Of course God has a plan for my life. How could I have forgotten that? Not only that but he has a plan to give me a future and to give me hope. AMAZING! The fact that this seemed to fit so perfectly towards what I needed to read seemed almost too good to be true. Then I kept reading and I came across this one and it said: "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps" (Proverbs 16:9).

Once again this seemed like too perfect of a bible verse. I started to pray asking God to guide my steps to take over this process and thoughts that are running through my head. If it is your will and what you want me to do, then help me God! To side track slightly it should be noted and made perfectly clear that at this point the idea in my head was to transfer schools, and to transfer to NDSU, a place I had applied, been accepted, and declined, earlier. Suddenly it wasn't a question of whether I would transfer, but more of a how would I break it to my parents. I was scared. It would be the first time my parents would hear that one of the kids was having second thoughts or that one of the kids was suddenly changing their mind on school, but it was just that fact that it had happened that made me afraid. I kept telling myself I couldn't do it, but I knew I had to.

So at this point the time had come, and I had to let it known one way or the other. Now to make a long and emotional story short I orginally hinted at it to my mom. She got really upset at me (later telling me that it was actually her displacing other anger towards me). When I was "asleep" (half asleep) she told my dad that I wasn't sure about school anymore. This made it sound more like I wanted to quit than that I wanted to just transfer. So when it came time for someone to take me to the grocery store to get food for the next few weeks and my dad volunteered I knew that it was because he wanted to talk about this. I was nervous, but I asked God just to help me and to give me the strength just to let the facts be known.

Suddenly the time came and my dad flat out asked what was on my mind as far as school. I told him I was thinking of transferring out. At first he seemed confused asking if I was thinking of another major or just another school and I informed him that just another school and that I was set on NDSU. I then told him before anything else could be said that this wasn't just me doing something without thinking. I told him all the prayers and talks and considerations that I had had over the last few weeks. To my surprise he said "ok." Ok? Is that it? No yelling at me? No getting angry? What? Oh God I know you helped me on this one I thought. My dad gave me his full support and before I left I was able to give him a hug and tell him I loved him and thank him. If God wasn't part of this working I can't explain it.

So what was the point of this story? Just for me to vent and write? No, of course not I've always got a reason to my works. See I wanted to share a story in my life that really represents and shows that we can always go to God for help in our problems. That God has plans for our life (as stated earlier) and that He is able to give us hope for our future. I know that I am stoked for what God has ahead of me at NDSU and the new challenges that await. I also know that I have support up there in my friends Lucas and Kelly. I know that God has a reason for bringing me to this new community and I look forward to it. I wanted to leave you with one last verse that really sums up my reason for writing and what God really wants us all to know and be able to do: "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass ... Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." (Psalm 37:4,7) Blessings on your week and your journey ahead. Put your trust in God and go to him in times of need. One love, one heart, one God.

Valley of the Shadows

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. -Psalm 23:4

Today I got the unfortunate news that somebody I had graduated with, been comfirmed with, and served on a mission trip to Mississippi with died. Not only was his life ended, but it was at his own hands. Now I wasn't super close to this person, but I felt that I knew him on a deeper level than most by witnessing the growth of his faith in Jesus Christ.

What compels somebody to take their own life is a hard question, usually one that goes unanswered. Unfortunately this world is full of a lot of pain. Some people deal with it decently, and some are unable to handle it. It seems like its always the kids that you would least suspect. In the case of this friend not only was he a joyful smiling young man, but he always showed compassion and love towards others, much like the love Christ showed us. He always seemed so happy and full of life. A lot of questions arise when it comes to taking one's life. One of the biggest questions is does a Christian who commits suicide go to heaven? The bible has the answer for us.

First off it is my belief that Christians who commit suicide do have a place in heaven. Many argue that suicide is a sin too powerful to forgive going against the commandment "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). We are saved by the grace of God and not by works. In Ephesians 2:8-9 it says and I quote: "8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast." Another verse that clarifies the assurance of salvation for a believer states that: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life" (John 5:24). Reading these verses has truly helped bring me comfort today. It's been hard and I miss the guy bunches. I know that he's in heaven with God and Jesus our savior. I look forward to the day that I can meet him again and that he welcomes me to paradise and everlasting life.

It's hard for people to understand why one would ever commit suicide. This is something I strugle to understand anytime the conversation comes up. In the bible it is said that "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). God has a plan for all of us. This plan has nothing to do with harming us. The harm and pain we experience comes from our sins and our disobedience to God, but salvation is for those who receive it. Suicide is not the answer, and never will be. We all have pain and problems, but Jesus told us "Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). He will give us rest from our problems and our worry. Suicide and depression are a big problem in this world. We need to be able to reach out to those who need it most. More than anything though we need to reach out to each other.

It seems that death has an unfortunate effect to bring people together. Why does it have to be in death of someone we all loved and who loved us all that my high school class (Class of 09) comes together. Why does it take something so tragic to bring people together? If we all show each other the love and compassion that this young man, whose life ended too soon and too young, showed to us and to everyone he met it wouldn't have taken his death for us all to be so close. Unfortunately we are stuck with the mentality that we have to pick on others, look down on the less popular, look down on the more popular, and treat others like crap to feel good about our own insecurities. Life is too short to hold grudges, to treat other poorly, and to live your life like a jerk. Find the compassion and love that Christ and our young friend showed to everyone they met. Wear a smile on your face and be friendly. Walk with that extra spring in your step, and know that you're making a difference in the lives of others. Blessings on faith journey and on your journey to a better place. Love you all. One love, one heart, one God.

Carrying our Cross

24Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come
after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

-Matthew 16:24

What does it mean for one to "pick up his cross" and follow Christ. This evening I had the unique opportunity to go on a Stations of the Cross "pilgrimage" around Menomonie, WI. Now this was no ordinary stations. The leaders of the Newman Catholic Students decided that rather than showing us the same stations we all know they would show us modern day things that represents the stages Christ went through in his Crucifixion.

As we walked from such sights as the vocational rehab building to the alley M&I Bank, to Buck's Bar we learned what each station continues to mean in the world today. The other unique opportunity we had was to actually carry the cross from station to station. Various members of the group were given a station to read for. After they read their station they were given the cross to carry to the next station. One of the most touching stations was station 12 "Jesus Dies on the Cross." At this point we looked over a looked over a basin to the land below and around us as the reader read. As we stood there in awe and prayer Father Tom sang "Were You There" to really put us in the mood. The whole scene was a very emotional one for me and others.

So does Christ really want us to pick up a physical cross and carry it? Short answer, no. Metaphorically Christ wants us to pick up the burdens in our life. To take responsibility for our action and words. Now there is something to be said about carrying a physical cross itself. In Jesus' day (and still many today) a cross of the size is not a light thing. It is heavy and weighs the carrier down. Not only does it take a toll on the body, but combine that with an already weakened Jesus and you can understand why he used this metaphor. The burdens we carry in life are not easy to carry. If they were carrying them wouldn't be such a hard task. God wants us to carry them in order to realize follow him, but he doesn't want us to do it alone.

God wants to help us carry our crosses. He sent Christ to forgive us of our sins and to give us everlasting life. He just wants us to be able to admit them and ask for help. When we ask for help with our crosses God is there to help us carry them. Nobody should go through life alone carrying that cross by themselves. We have friends and family that will help us carry them just as Jesus did. Friends to pick us up when we fall, and friends to wipe our faces. This life isn't meant to be lived looking out for only number one. We need each other, so don't close the door on those relationships. Welcome them and embrace them, just as you embrace the love and relationship with God and his son Jesus Christ. Say no to yourself and these Earthly ways. Embrace the way of Jesus, and ask him to help you carry that cross.

I Need a Hero

One of the worst kept secrets in my life is that I LOVE music. If you ever see me out and about it is almost a guarantee that I will have my iPod on me. Whether I'm walking to class or driving in the car I am always using it. Now don't worry I'm not listening to the earbuds in the car while driving, I use an FM tuner. One of the greatest things about listening to music is the fact that there is a song for everything. I've found this to be especially true with Christian music. When I've been in my lowest moments, or on an emotional high, God seems to have a song on my iPod for every occassion.

Recently I've been listening to a lot of different Christian bands, specifically hitting up the heavier music a lot. I've been going through a time in my life where I'm confused, and just lost walking through the everyday life day by day going through the routine. I put on this mask that everything is fine, but in reality, its not. I've been failing at staying true to myself and keeping my values true to me. I put on the heavy music thinking that it will be dark and the kind of thing that fits me well.

On the contrary God put the right kind of heavy music for me to hear. A few days ago I was shuffling through music on a playlist and Skillet's "Hero" came on from their new CD Awake. As I listened to the music I felt I finally was understanding God's message for me. At one point the song reads:

I need a hero to save me now

I need a hero to save my life

A hero will save me just in time

I've gotta fight today

To live another day

Speaking my mind today

My voice will be heard today

Suddenly this hit me like a ton of bricks. I needed a hero to save my life a hero to save me now. That hero is Christ. I wasn't living my life for him and staying true to him. I didn't need some superficial person to tell me what to do and I didn't need to be pretending to be someone I wasn't. I'm a follower of Christ. I'm in love with God and Jesus my Lord and Savior. I have to fight for my faith to live another day at the end of my life on Earth with God and Jesus in Heaven. My voice will be heard, but I have to be willing to speak my mind and let the world know where I stand.

Suddenly I was rejuvinated. Christ is my savior. There had to be other messages in my music. Suddenly I started paying attention to my music more closely. What was it telling me? This Beautiful Republic "My God" from their album Perceptions:

My God, oh, my God – what have I become?
The self-addicted one
My God, oh, my God – You never failed me
You're what I need

Of course! God has never failed me. He's been there all along. He is what I need always and forever. A life without God is just a life that is never lived. I'd become so centered around my life adn what I wanted that I forget that it isn't about me and what I want. It is about God and his plan for my life. In their song "You and Me" from their album To Die as Kings the Ascendicate writes:

It's you and me, (it's you)
It's you and me. I wanna tell you
everything, I wanna tell you everything
'cause I am so in love with you,
I wanna fall in love with you.
There's no where else I'd rather be,
there's no one here but you and me.

Tonight let it be just you and God. Tell him how in love you are with him. Let him know that he is everything to you and that you don't need anything but him. Offer up your life to Christ and tell him to use your life for his will. Tell him all your pains, all the things that keep you up at night, and all your personal demons and struggles. Let him know that you want him to take all of that and give it all up for him. We only have one life to live here on Earth. Let us use that life serving God in whatever way he sees fit. Tonight it is only you and God. God is so in love with you and you are so beautiful in his eyes. Jesus I love you and God I love you. My life is forever yours. I need a hero, and I found one in God.

Hebrews 6:9-20

Hebrews 6:9-20 (New International Version)

9Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case—things that accompany salvation. 10God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. 12We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

The Certainty of God's Promise
13When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14saying, "I will surely bless you and give you many descendants." 15And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
16Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. 19We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

Questions:
Verses 9-12. What gives the writer confidence concerning his readers' final salvation? In what ways does he desire to see improvement in their Christian living? Examine yourself to see in which of these characteristics you are strong or weak.

Verses 13-20. If we have made Christ our refuge, what three unshakable grounds of assurance have we that our confidence and hope will not disappoint us? In what ways is Jesus himself like an anchor? What benefits does he guarantee?

Blessings on your journey,

Discovering God's Beauty in the World

Today I wanted to discuss traveling and the reasons that I find it is important to find the hidden gems that God has placed in this world.



Feel free to leave me a comment. I would love to know what you think is beautiful in traveling and seeing God's Earth. Also what is a favorite place that you know of to go?

VLog 2

Coming at you from my day last Friday I show what things I did. Better and more up-to-date videos are coming, I'm just really busy.

We have hope in this world and a promise by God

While doing my daily devotional I came across the following verses. They really hit home in the sense that sometimes I wonder if by serving in youth ministry and serving God that I'm doing the right thing. It seemed to fit perfectly and really reaffirm that God wants us to serve others and he needs us to serve each other. It really helps to give one a sense of pride in serving. Now you shouldn't serve just for pride and personal joy, but you should want to serve because you feel the calling and because you truly want to make a difference in the life of others. Christ is the anchor in our life. He has saved us, and the least we can do is show that same love to those who need it most.

Hebrews 6:9-20 (New International Version)

9Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case—things that accompany salvation. 10God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. 12We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

The Certainty of God's Promise
13When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14saying, "I will surely bless you and give you many descendants." 15And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
16Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. 19We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

VLOG 1

So I this is what I hope to be the first VLOG of many. It is outdated (from last Thursday) but I will try to get better about making them more frequent and getting them online soon.

Welcome

Welcome to the first of what I hope to be many posts. On this blog I (Tony) will be posting up Vlogs of my everyday life. Things that I do and things that are on my mind. I would love to have this become a place of discussion for Christian Students. We are all constantly learning in Christ and so this blog/vlog is for everyone. Stay tuned for more to come in the future.