Our Daily Bread
The devotional reminded me of the old song Not Gonna Bow (I am listening to it a few times while I am writing this entry). It tells the story discussed in the devotional and also includes a modern day story as well. NO! We are NOT gonna bow! hehehe
Despite our best intentions, we all have things that could be counted as idols in our lives (not just American Idol! hehehe). It could be our jobs. It could be TV. It could be a relationship or the search for a relationship. It could be movies. It could be exercise. Lots of things. We first need to identify the things that are idols in our lives. We then need to say NOT gonna bow to them ANY more. We can do this!
Lord, thank you for your love and patience with me. I don't want any idols to come before you!
Teaching Tuesday
God has been speaking to me about some things the past few weeks. Some of them were hard to verbalize or write about. I wrote to one friend yesterday about one of the things. God told me to write about one of the other ones today.
When I was in my 20's I had a terrible fear that has carried through my whole life -- if I couldn't sing, especially at church, would people still like me? Would they think I was special? I have been given special treatment because of my singing ability since high school. It might seem silly to many folks, but it was important to me.
In the process of getting closer to God the past few years, I have not felt like singing as much. It has not worked out for me to sing that much at church for one reason or another. Most folks I know at church don't even know that I can sing. God helped me realize recently that my question has been answered once and for all. YES! Yes, people like me even if they know I can sing. They like me for me, not because of what I can do.
Why is this important? It is important to me for the development of some parts of my self-esteem. Those of you that know me even casually can tell I have a lot of self-confidence. ;-p There are some areas of my life that are not as strong as others, which is normal. One area is letting people like me for me and not because of what I can do for them. I can do lots of things. God has blessed me that way.
I want to praise God today for finally helping me realize my core self worth. The part that I have put sort of a facade in front of the past forty years. Being real is what God wants. It is what I want. Praise God!
I share these things to encourage you. If God can teach this old bear new things, he can surely teach you something if you are open and willing. Praise God!
Other Stuff
I finished my latest book last night! Woohoooo! That one took me a while even though it shouldn't have. I will start another book tonight.
I fixed a button on a pair of pants last night. I took a two mile walk. I should have worked on the lawn, but didn't feel like it. I rewarded myself by watching an old movie that I found at Walmart the other day -- From Dust til Dawn. It was a hoot!
Hang in there, my friends! I will be upbeat and steady. That is what I do...
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
It should be no surprise...
Our Daily Bread
It should be no surprise that "hard times" come our way, but they usually are. Losing a job. Getting the diagnosis of a disease at the doctor's office. The end of a relationship. Stuff happens.
The devotional today talks about getting over the surprise quickly so we can rely on God sooner to help us deal with the hard times! I don't know about you, but I usually wallow in self-pity for a while! That is just human nature, I guess! Part of being a child of God is to put aside human nature and become more like Jesus. I really suck at this part... I am very sorry to admit.
Lord, I want to be less selfish and insecure so I can be a better beacon for you!
Movie Monday
I saw th4 movie Xmen: First Class on Saturday morning. Despite some difficulty with the projector in theater 17, I finally got to see the movie in theater 15 an hour later. The best part is that I got a free movie pass for the inconvenience! Woohooooo! But I digress...
The movie was very good. I enjoyed the background on how the Xmen got started. How the different factions were started. How the school was setup initially. It was cool. The action was good, though not overwhelming with CGI. I liked the story line. Ithought the movie could have been a little shorter, but it held my attention most of the time.
I give this movie three bear paws. See it in the movie theater. Some of the scenes are great on the big screen.
Other Stuff
God taught me some stuff about myself the past few weeks. Too many times I approach things from a position of selfishness and insecurity. I am not always that way, but I am way too much. I tried to move away from that position last night when I attended a baseball game with some friends. There was a guy there that had a mutual attraction. The problem is that he was with a good friend of mine (sort of with him, it was a little odd...). Instead of pursuing the guy, I backed off and allowed my friend to spend time with the guy. It was an interesting evening.
I had an unexpected lunch with some folks from my prayer group yesterday afternoon. I stopped in Oodles of Noodles for lunch and found them there. It was a nice surprise. We are still getting to know each other so spending time together is cool.
I am almost done with my latest book! This one has taken me a long time to plow through. I should finish the last chapter tonight. It will be a little too hot to work in the yard tonight.
Hang in there, my friends! I will be upbeat and steady. That is what I do...
It should be no surprise that "hard times" come our way, but they usually are. Losing a job. Getting the diagnosis of a disease at the doctor's office. The end of a relationship. Stuff happens.
The devotional today talks about getting over the surprise quickly so we can rely on God sooner to help us deal with the hard times! I don't know about you, but I usually wallow in self-pity for a while! That is just human nature, I guess! Part of being a child of God is to put aside human nature and become more like Jesus. I really suck at this part... I am very sorry to admit.
Lord, I want to be less selfish and insecure so I can be a better beacon for you!
Movie Monday
I saw th4 movie Xmen: First Class on Saturday morning. Despite some difficulty with the projector in theater 17, I finally got to see the movie in theater 15 an hour later. The best part is that I got a free movie pass for the inconvenience! Woohooooo! But I digress...
The movie was very good. I enjoyed the background on how the Xmen got started. How the different factions were started. How the school was setup initially. It was cool. The action was good, though not overwhelming with CGI. I liked the story line. Ithought the movie could have been a little shorter, but it held my attention most of the time.
I give this movie three bear paws. See it in the movie theater. Some of the scenes are great on the big screen.
Other Stuff
God taught me some stuff about myself the past few weeks. Too many times I approach things from a position of selfishness and insecurity. I am not always that way, but I am way too much. I tried to move away from that position last night when I attended a baseball game with some friends. There was a guy there that had a mutual attraction. The problem is that he was with a good friend of mine (sort of with him, it was a little odd...). Instead of pursuing the guy, I backed off and allowed my friend to spend time with the guy. It was an interesting evening.
I had an unexpected lunch with some folks from my prayer group yesterday afternoon. I stopped in Oodles of Noodles for lunch and found them there. It was a nice surprise. We are still getting to know each other so spending time together is cool.
I am almost done with my latest book! This one has taken me a long time to plow through. I should finish the last chapter tonight. It will be a little too hot to work in the yard tonight.
Hang in there, my friends! I will be upbeat and steady. That is what I do...
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Finding a healthy and loving balance...
Our Daily Bread
I have been a book by Markus Borg the past few months. Yes, I know, I need to finally finish it and move on! hehehe I hope to finish it this week.
One of the most important sections for me so far is the section about the faulty way some folks perceive and adopt as the idea of Christianity -- dying to self. Dying to self, which includes the ideas in the devotional, is not putting yourself at the back of every priority. It is having a healthy, Jesus-loves-you view of yourself while still being a loving, caring Christian! Part of that approach, which is new to some folks, is having a healthy confession of sins on a regular basis. We can also be wwaaaayyyy to had on ourselves about sins as well. Being a perfectionist at times, I beat myself up many days for not doing better. For not being a better Christian. For not putting aside my sinful flesh. That is not what God wants. He wants us to always remember "You are my beloved child in whom I am well pleased". Wow!
Try walking through your day with this thought in mind. Give your sins and sinful desires over to God. Praise him for the no ordinary life you are leading as his child!
Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart, in my heart!
Psalm Sunday
Psalm 12 is the psalm for today. All I have to say is that there must have been a LOT of wicked people running around during that period of time! Many of the psalms talk about God punishing the wicked. The wicked will get what they deserve. No one mourns the wicked (whoops, that is from the Broadway show!). hehehe This psalm also laments how you can't seem to trust anyone, even your neighbors. It also talks about how God will protect the poor. That is very cool.
Psalm 12
For the director of music. According to sheminith. A psalm of David.
1 Help, LORD, for no one is faithful anymore;
those who are loyal have vanished from the human race.
2 Everyone lies to their neighbor;
they flatter with their lips
but harbor deception in their hearts.
3 May the LORD silence all flattering lips
and every boastful tongue—
4 those who say,
“By our tongues we will prevail;
our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?”
5 “Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan,
I will now arise,” says the LORD.
“I will protect them from those who malign them.”
6 And the words of the LORD are flawless,
like silver purified in a crucible,
like gold refined seven times.
7 You, LORD, will keep the needy safe
and will protect us forever from the wicked,
8 who freely strut about
when what is vile is honored by the human race.
Other Stuff
I finished laundry last night and read for a while. It was a relaxing day. ;-)
I am going to late church this morning, then reading for a while before going to the baseball game this evening. It should be a fun time.
I also heard from a close friend yesterday. We have been out of touch the past few weeks. We will get together in the next few weeks. We may have to wait until after the Pride Holiday.
Hang in there, my friends! I will be upbeat and steady. That is what I do...
I have been a book by Markus Borg the past few months. Yes, I know, I need to finally finish it and move on! hehehe I hope to finish it this week.
One of the most important sections for me so far is the section about the faulty way some folks perceive and adopt as the idea of Christianity -- dying to self. Dying to self, which includes the ideas in the devotional, is not putting yourself at the back of every priority. It is having a healthy, Jesus-loves-you view of yourself while still being a loving, caring Christian! Part of that approach, which is new to some folks, is having a healthy confession of sins on a regular basis. We can also be wwaaaayyyy to had on ourselves about sins as well. Being a perfectionist at times, I beat myself up many days for not doing better. For not being a better Christian. For not putting aside my sinful flesh. That is not what God wants. He wants us to always remember "You are my beloved child in whom I am well pleased". Wow!
Try walking through your day with this thought in mind. Give your sins and sinful desires over to God. Praise him for the no ordinary life you are leading as his child!
Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart, in my heart!
Psalm Sunday
Psalm 12 is the psalm for today. All I have to say is that there must have been a LOT of wicked people running around during that period of time! Many of the psalms talk about God punishing the wicked. The wicked will get what they deserve. No one mourns the wicked (whoops, that is from the Broadway show!). hehehe This psalm also laments how you can't seem to trust anyone, even your neighbors. It also talks about how God will protect the poor. That is very cool.
Psalm 12
For the director of music. According to sheminith. A psalm of David.
1 Help, LORD, for no one is faithful anymore;
those who are loyal have vanished from the human race.
2 Everyone lies to their neighbor;
they flatter with their lips
but harbor deception in their hearts.
3 May the LORD silence all flattering lips
and every boastful tongue—
4 those who say,
“By our tongues we will prevail;
our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?”
5 “Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan,
I will now arise,” says the LORD.
“I will protect them from those who malign them.”
6 And the words of the LORD are flawless,
like silver purified in a crucible,
like gold refined seven times.
7 You, LORD, will keep the needy safe
and will protect us forever from the wicked,
8 who freely strut about
when what is vile is honored by the human race.
Other Stuff
I finished laundry last night and read for a while. It was a relaxing day. ;-)
I am going to late church this morning, then reading for a while before going to the baseball game this evening. It should be a fun time.
I also heard from a close friend yesterday. We have been out of touch the past few weeks. We will get together in the next few weeks. We may have to wait until after the Pride Holiday.
Hang in there, my friends! I will be upbeat and steady. That is what I do...
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Keep pounding that message...
Our Daily Bread
I don't know if you experienced this in your life, but I have been in several churches that had Bible-thumping ministers that pounded the message in the pulpit every service. It was exciting and scary and confusing and inspiring at the same time! I didn't really enjoy those kinds of preachers then and I sure don't now!
The title of this posting refers to the way God is pounding his message in my head. Granted, this is what I have been praying for -- for God t speak to me about how I can become closer to him. For now, it is to put into action (and not just lofty thoughts and speech) these words:
All of us should be an example in word, conduct, love, faith, and purity. That’s how we make an impact for Christ.
I don't think I am very good at any of these things! Yikes! God is particularly working on me in the areas of conduct and purity. I have been better about these two areas in the past 14 months, but I have a long way to go. I praise God for showing me that cleaning up my act, as they say, is really the best thing for me in the short run and in the long run. This approach to life, especially the life of a gay man, is very different than most single men. As I mentioned to my minister once: "I don't know why gay men think they receive a get out of jail free card for fornication!" God help us all!
Lord, thank you for your leadership and grace. I want to have an open mind and open heart to recognize when you are speaking to me, whether it be via a devotional or a song or something around me.
Simply Saturday
I have been thinking a lot about prayer the past few months. I know some people would stop doing something if they thought they were doing it wrong. With prayer, I ask God to teach me how to pray. I have been praying some simple prayers when I am not sure what to pray for or how to ask or how to intercede for someone. They are:
The Lord's Prayer (always a good choice!)
The Thomas Merton prayer (I modify this one to add "be lost, lonely and in the shadow of death" )
Some short sentence prayers, the first of which was taught to me by a former monk, and I modified a little bit:
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, please have mercy on me
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, please have mercy on me a sinner
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, please heal my mind and heart
The point is this: we can get caught up in the WAY we are supposed to pray that we DON'T pray enough. Paul and others teach us to walk around in a spirit of prayer. What? How are we supposed to do our daily tasks if we are down on our knees, hands folded and eyes closed? ;-p To me that means we should always be open to God speaking to us, whatever we are doing and wherever we go.
Try some of these prayers. Ask God to teach you to pray. I can testify that prayer works. I have a joke with a friend about prayer: "What mountains are we going to move today?" hehehe Prayer and faith are powerful things!
Other Stuff
I don't know if you experienced this in your life, but I have been in several churches that had Bible-thumping ministers that pounded the message in the pulpit every service. It was exciting and scary and confusing and inspiring at the same time! I didn't really enjoy those kinds of preachers then and I sure don't now!
The title of this posting refers to the way God is pounding his message in my head. Granted, this is what I have been praying for -- for God t speak to me about how I can become closer to him. For now, it is to put into action (and not just lofty thoughts and speech) these words:
All of us should be an example in word, conduct, love, faith, and purity. That’s how we make an impact for Christ.
I don't think I am very good at any of these things! Yikes! God is particularly working on me in the areas of conduct and purity. I have been better about these two areas in the past 14 months, but I have a long way to go. I praise God for showing me that cleaning up my act, as they say, is really the best thing for me in the short run and in the long run. This approach to life, especially the life of a gay man, is very different than most single men. As I mentioned to my minister once: "I don't know why gay men think they receive a get out of jail free card for fornication!" God help us all!
Lord, thank you for your leadership and grace. I want to have an open mind and open heart to recognize when you are speaking to me, whether it be via a devotional or a song or something around me.
Simply Saturday
I have been thinking a lot about prayer the past few months. I know some people would stop doing something if they thought they were doing it wrong. With prayer, I ask God to teach me how to pray. I have been praying some simple prayers when I am not sure what to pray for or how to ask or how to intercede for someone. They are:
The Lord's Prayer (always a good choice!)
The Thomas Merton prayer (I modify this one to add "be lost, lonely and in the shadow of death" )
Some short sentence prayers, the first of which was taught to me by a former monk, and I modified a little bit:
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, please have mercy on me
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, please have mercy on me a sinner
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, please heal my mind and heart
The point is this: we can get caught up in the WAY we are supposed to pray that we DON'T pray enough. Paul and others teach us to walk around in a spirit of prayer. What? How are we supposed to do our daily tasks if we are down on our knees, hands folded and eyes closed? ;-p To me that means we should always be open to God speaking to us, whatever we are doing and wherever we go.
Try some of these prayers. Ask God to teach you to pray. I can testify that prayer works. I have a joke with a friend about prayer: "What mountains are we going to move today?" hehehe Prayer and faith are powerful things!
Other Stuff
Going to take it easy today. There are a few things I wanted to do tonight, but I decided to stay home. I am going to the movies this morning, the read and do laundry this afternoon/evening.
Hang in there, my friends! I will be upbeat and steady. That is what I do...
Friday, June 3, 2011
Was there really a book of Nahum?
Our Daily Bread
Was there really a book of Nahum? I guess there was if it is in major translations of the Bible! I was not familiar with it. It is interesting that it is a follow up to the Jonah story with the city of Ninevah. Very interesting.
The point of the devotional is that we are each responsible for our own salvation...our own sins and reconciliation with God. No matter how many times we hear that, it still doesn't completely register.
I started thinking of my sins like I do carbs in my diet. I eat too many carbs. I sin too much. When I eat carbs, i have to take insulin to manage my blood sugar. I have a joke with my coworkers who ask me "How many clicks will that take?" when they see me eating something that is not good for me. What if I had to inject myself with something more precious each time I sinned? What if I had to inject myself with the blood of Jesus to atone for each sin? Would I be so non-nonchalant about "How many clicks?" or would I really try to minimize my sins (like I should try to minimize my carb intake)?
I think we should use whatever it takes to get through to each of us to help us be more like Jesus. How many clicks for you?
Lord, thank you for having a relationship with me. I want to be the best I can be for you.
Foodie Friday
When I was in my mid 20's, I wrote some "Cooking for One" articles for my church newsletter. Some thought it was odd that a guy was writing that. Some thought it odd that a man was cooking at all! Here are some tips from those old newsletters.
1. Don't treat yourself as a second class citizen -- cook for yourself as time allows. Do easy stuff (not necessarily microwave stuff, but that is OK too). Keep it simple for tasty meals with minimal clean up.
2. Build a reliable list of favorites, then expand on them as you have time. I have several recipes that I make regularly that I love. One of them is the chicken-stuffing recipe on the back of a Stove Top stuffing box (though I leave out the veggie succotash...). I love to make simple things that taste great.
3. Find at least two cookbooks with recipes you like. Mark your favorites.
4. Cook with friends on occasion to try new recipes and to have some social time.
5. Eat at the table instead of in front of the TV.
6. Eat healthy meals instead of skipping meals or eating fast food all the time.
7. Make sweet treats for special occasions only. I have had periods where I wanted something sweet after each meal, including breakfast! That is not healthy!
You can cook for one and enjoy it! I know I do!
Other Stuff
I did a lot of stuff around the house last night. Mowed the lawn. Worked on the landscaping a little bit. Worked inside the house a little. Read a little bit. Set the AC to a program on the thermostat. Lots of fun!
I am taking a buddy out to dinner for his birthday tonight. Not sure about the rest of the weekend. I have plans to go to the Clippers game with the Bears (CUB) on Sunday. Saturday night is still up in the air.
Hang in there, my friends! I will be upbeat and steady. That is what I do...
Was there really a book of Nahum? I guess there was if it is in major translations of the Bible! I was not familiar with it. It is interesting that it is a follow up to the Jonah story with the city of Ninevah. Very interesting.
The point of the devotional is that we are each responsible for our own salvation...our own sins and reconciliation with God. No matter how many times we hear that, it still doesn't completely register.
I started thinking of my sins like I do carbs in my diet. I eat too many carbs. I sin too much. When I eat carbs, i have to take insulin to manage my blood sugar. I have a joke with my coworkers who ask me "How many clicks will that take?" when they see me eating something that is not good for me. What if I had to inject myself with something more precious each time I sinned? What if I had to inject myself with the blood of Jesus to atone for each sin? Would I be so non-nonchalant about "How many clicks?" or would I really try to minimize my sins (like I should try to minimize my carb intake)?
I think we should use whatever it takes to get through to each of us to help us be more like Jesus. How many clicks for you?
Lord, thank you for having a relationship with me. I want to be the best I can be for you.
Foodie Friday
When I was in my mid 20's, I wrote some "Cooking for One" articles for my church newsletter. Some thought it was odd that a guy was writing that. Some thought it odd that a man was cooking at all! Here are some tips from those old newsletters.
1. Don't treat yourself as a second class citizen -- cook for yourself as time allows. Do easy stuff (not necessarily microwave stuff, but that is OK too). Keep it simple for tasty meals with minimal clean up.
2. Build a reliable list of favorites, then expand on them as you have time. I have several recipes that I make regularly that I love. One of them is the chicken-stuffing recipe on the back of a Stove Top stuffing box (though I leave out the veggie succotash...). I love to make simple things that taste great.
3. Find at least two cookbooks with recipes you like. Mark your favorites.
4. Cook with friends on occasion to try new recipes and to have some social time.
5. Eat at the table instead of in front of the TV.
6. Eat healthy meals instead of skipping meals or eating fast food all the time.
7. Make sweet treats for special occasions only. I have had periods where I wanted something sweet after each meal, including breakfast! That is not healthy!
You can cook for one and enjoy it! I know I do!
Other Stuff
I did a lot of stuff around the house last night. Mowed the lawn. Worked on the landscaping a little bit. Worked inside the house a little. Read a little bit. Set the AC to a program on the thermostat. Lots of fun!
I am taking a buddy out to dinner for his birthday tonight. Not sure about the rest of the weekend. I have plans to go to the Clippers game with the Bears (CUB) on Sunday. Saturday night is still up in the air.
Hang in there, my friends! I will be upbeat and steady. That is what I do...
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Here comes the Son!
Our Daily Bread
Doo, doo, doo, doooooo, Here comes the Son! Yes, that is a little silly. I don't know about you, but I don't think about the second coming of Jesus that much. It has been said for thousands of years "this could be the day!". There was even a date advertised by some religious sects recently -- May 21 -- as THE day! Yikes!
I like the thought of remembering that Christ will come. We are not exactly sure what will happen. There are some sketchy details that ministers like to expound on with possibilities. We will just have to wait and see. I know that drives some folks crazy!
What should we do? IMHO, we should keep on doing what we know is right. Loving God, loving others and trying to brings God's will to earth like it is in heaven. We can do this as long as we live or until Jesus returns!
Lord, help me to look to the skies, but not forget what is on the ground!
Technology Thursday
There is a lot more talk about hackers and viruses than ever before. It appears that hackers are getting "hacked off" and more active than ever. They are coming up with new ways to attach almost every type of computing device, including phones and online services. Here are some tips:
1. Don't open emails from folks or companies that you do not know. There are some viruses that can infect your computer if you just open it or even preview it. Be careful.
2. Use and keep updated an antivirus and antimalware software solution. I use the Microsoft Security Center solution, which is free from Microsoft. The updates come down with my Windows updates. It is seemless and works pretty well. There are some other free alternatives or you can pay for AV/AM software if you like.
3. Change your passwords regularly on important sites like banking or credit card sites. Also change your password regularly on any sites that store your credit card information.
4. Use more sophisticated passwords than your birthday, pets names, childrens names, etc... Those can be easily hacked. The password should be at least eight characters long. It should include letters, numbers and special characters like ^&*( (for example).
Other news
Apple has their WWDC next week (World Wide Developers Conference). I checked out the preliminary agenda. There are no planned hardware announcements. They plan to announce new software and OS developments. Still should be interesting. I was hoping for the new iPhone announcement....
Other Stuff
I got a few things done around the house last night and then did some reading. I decided that I can't see another movie until I finish this one book that has been lingering around my house for a few months now. ;-p I will finish it because I want to see the new XMen movie this weekend!
I am thinking about driving to Cincinnati this weekend for the mens chorus concert. I will figure that out tonight.
Hang in there, my friends! I will be upbeat and steady. That is what I do...
Doo, doo, doo, doooooo, Here comes the Son! Yes, that is a little silly. I don't know about you, but I don't think about the second coming of Jesus that much. It has been said for thousands of years "this could be the day!". There was even a date advertised by some religious sects recently -- May 21 -- as THE day! Yikes!
I like the thought of remembering that Christ will come. We are not exactly sure what will happen. There are some sketchy details that ministers like to expound on with possibilities. We will just have to wait and see. I know that drives some folks crazy!
What should we do? IMHO, we should keep on doing what we know is right. Loving God, loving others and trying to brings God's will to earth like it is in heaven. We can do this as long as we live or until Jesus returns!
Lord, help me to look to the skies, but not forget what is on the ground!
Technology Thursday
There is a lot more talk about hackers and viruses than ever before. It appears that hackers are getting "hacked off" and more active than ever. They are coming up with new ways to attach almost every type of computing device, including phones and online services. Here are some tips:
1. Don't open emails from folks or companies that you do not know. There are some viruses that can infect your computer if you just open it or even preview it. Be careful.
2. Use and keep updated an antivirus and antimalware software solution. I use the Microsoft Security Center solution, which is free from Microsoft. The updates come down with my Windows updates. It is seemless and works pretty well. There are some other free alternatives or you can pay for AV/AM software if you like.
3. Change your passwords regularly on important sites like banking or credit card sites. Also change your password regularly on any sites that store your credit card information.
4. Use more sophisticated passwords than your birthday, pets names, childrens names, etc... Those can be easily hacked. The password should be at least eight characters long. It should include letters, numbers and special characters like ^&*( (for example).
Other news
Apple has their WWDC next week (World Wide Developers Conference). I checked out the preliminary agenda. There are no planned hardware announcements. They plan to announce new software and OS developments. Still should be interesting. I was hoping for the new iPhone announcement....
Other Stuff
I got a few things done around the house last night and then did some reading. I decided that I can't see another movie until I finish this one book that has been lingering around my house for a few months now. ;-p I will finish it because I want to see the new XMen movie this weekend!
I am thinking about driving to Cincinnati this weekend for the mens chorus concert. I will figure that out tonight.
Hang in there, my friends! I will be upbeat and steady. That is what I do...
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
"Hidden" sin
Our Daily Bread
I spoke with my best friend last week about one of my hidden sins. Don't get your hopes up. I am not going to post it on my blog! ;-p Let's just say that this hidden sin may not be wrong for everyone, but God has been convicting me of it. It seems the scripture passages about putting all sinful nature aside and being as pure as humanly possible have been jumping out at my everywhere! Yikes!
I am working on it. I might write about it some day. Probably not... ha!
All of my foolishness is a lead in to the point of the devotional. No sin stays hidden! You can bet on that! Death, taxes and hidden sins being made public!
One sad example is the formerly beloved coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Jim Tressel. I hate the fact that his sins were made so embarrassingly public and humiliating. Imagine one or all of your sins being made so public! It will be worse than that when we are judged by God! Yikes!
Lord, I want to be as pure and holy as I can be. I know I have a long way to go.
Witness Wednesday
I mentioned last week that I would write about my college days, I thought they were amazing even though I started a year later than my original plan. Yes, I usually have a plan! My plan for my life was to get my bachelor's degree in church music, then on to my masters and doctorate before the age of 30. I planned to be a PhD, married and at least one child by that age! Yikes, how plans change!
I started college at Campbellsville College (now Campbellsville University) on my 19th birthday. I was very, very homesick until I started meeting some folks at the dorm. I settled in very quickly. As most freshmen do, I committed to too many activities and not enough studying my first semester. I almost lost my President's scholarship, but managed to bring my grades up the rest of my college career. The second semester started a two year journey with the Campbellsville College Singers, the singing group that traveled around representing the college. I loved this time in school even though it was very busy traveling many weekends and throughout the summers. My third summer I went to summer school to recover from a brief change of majors from church music to psychology, so I had a few classes to make up. I graduated on time with honors.
What did I learn in college? Wow! I had friends from all over the world and the USA. I worked in churches all over the midwest. I sang and sang and sang. It was great. I also started talking about my sexuality. I remember writing about being a "bisexual who preferred women" in my Christian Love and Sexuality class. Whoa! The professor said I need to get those thoughts out of my head immediately! I had one sexual encounter with a man when I was in college. I wanted some more but was too afraid to try anything with the guys I was attracted to.
After all the preacher boys that dragged out of drinking binges or helped them study to get their grades up, most of them turned their backs on me when they found out I am gay. That was disappointing. On the bright side, I discovered at least a dozen folks that also "came out" after college. It was cool...
Next week--- my 20's.
Other Stuff
I was busy getting stuff cleaned up around the house last night. I finished cleaning up from the cookout and from Mom's visit. I also took the stuff back downstairs.
I got a kick out of the new nickname for my dining room -- the banquet hall! hehehe I like that...
I also rode my recumbent bike. I must lose weight so I can fit into the multitude of pants in my closet. I don't want to buy any more fat pants. Heavy sigh... I can do this. I ate better during the day. I can do this. Yes, I can. I am the little train that could lose weight, yes I am.... hehehe
Hang in there, my friends! I will be upbeat and steady. That is what I do....
I spoke with my best friend last week about one of my hidden sins. Don't get your hopes up. I am not going to post it on my blog! ;-p Let's just say that this hidden sin may not be wrong for everyone, but God has been convicting me of it. It seems the scripture passages about putting all sinful nature aside and being as pure as humanly possible have been jumping out at my everywhere! Yikes!
I am working on it. I might write about it some day. Probably not... ha!
All of my foolishness is a lead in to the point of the devotional. No sin stays hidden! You can bet on that! Death, taxes and hidden sins being made public!
One sad example is the formerly beloved coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Jim Tressel. I hate the fact that his sins were made so embarrassingly public and humiliating. Imagine one or all of your sins being made so public! It will be worse than that when we are judged by God! Yikes!
Lord, I want to be as pure and holy as I can be. I know I have a long way to go.
Witness Wednesday
I mentioned last week that I would write about my college days, I thought they were amazing even though I started a year later than my original plan. Yes, I usually have a plan! My plan for my life was to get my bachelor's degree in church music, then on to my masters and doctorate before the age of 30. I planned to be a PhD, married and at least one child by that age! Yikes, how plans change!
I started college at Campbellsville College (now Campbellsville University) on my 19th birthday. I was very, very homesick until I started meeting some folks at the dorm. I settled in very quickly. As most freshmen do, I committed to too many activities and not enough studying my first semester. I almost lost my President's scholarship, but managed to bring my grades up the rest of my college career. The second semester started a two year journey with the Campbellsville College Singers, the singing group that traveled around representing the college. I loved this time in school even though it was very busy traveling many weekends and throughout the summers. My third summer I went to summer school to recover from a brief change of majors from church music to psychology, so I had a few classes to make up. I graduated on time with honors.
What did I learn in college? Wow! I had friends from all over the world and the USA. I worked in churches all over the midwest. I sang and sang and sang. It was great. I also started talking about my sexuality. I remember writing about being a "bisexual who preferred women" in my Christian Love and Sexuality class. Whoa! The professor said I need to get those thoughts out of my head immediately! I had one sexual encounter with a man when I was in college. I wanted some more but was too afraid to try anything with the guys I was attracted to.
After all the preacher boys that dragged out of drinking binges or helped them study to get their grades up, most of them turned their backs on me when they found out I am gay. That was disappointing. On the bright side, I discovered at least a dozen folks that also "came out" after college. It was cool...
Next week--- my 20's.
Other Stuff
I was busy getting stuff cleaned up around the house last night. I finished cleaning up from the cookout and from Mom's visit. I also took the stuff back downstairs.
I got a kick out of the new nickname for my dining room -- the banquet hall! hehehe I like that...
I also rode my recumbent bike. I must lose weight so I can fit into the multitude of pants in my closet. I don't want to buy any more fat pants. Heavy sigh... I can do this. I ate better during the day. I can do this. Yes, I can. I am the little train that could lose weight, yes I am.... hehehe
Hang in there, my friends! I will be upbeat and steady. That is what I do....
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