The Mutual Misery of Married Men in Malls

This blog came about from witnessing precisely what the above title states (although these men were doing a good job of circumnavigating the misery part). One man sat down in the comfy chair to wait on his wife, and another man proceeded to do the same in the nearby chair. Comments about wives and shopping were mutually exchanged back and forth. And of course places of origin, current living location etc. followed. I have no idea how long those men waited patiently in those plush chairs until their wives made some sort of merchandise resolution, but I think it's safe to say that it was long enough to make these two men, once strangers, kindred spirits.

My New Musical Outlet :)

So, I've decided to try my hand at guitar. Seems like a peaceful and useful instrument to know how to play. Haha, but... I was unaware of the PAIN that accompanies playing guitar, particularly the pain that comes before you build up the callouses on your fingers. As I type this, my fingers feel kind of numb on the keyboard. But, no pain, no gain, right? Looking forward to learning how to play! :) Wish me luck!

Conformity...why?

I was thinking, about this thing of conformity... It's like a contagious disease. Someone starts a movement, and before you know it, everyone acts and looks the same. Same hair cuts, same jeans, same brands, same words, same music, sameness... It's so stifling. I don't think I realized how much I had given into conformity during my school years until I went to college. Conformity completely limits creativity, growth, and new thoughts. It also blocks opposing opinions, upholding one viewpoint (which is not necessarily the correct one). Life is much more interesting as a non-conformist. Dare to dig deeper and seek answers. Dare to wear crazy shoes. And dare to care about those around you who have not been freed by the Truth, and therefore, have not discovered their real identity. As Christians, we should not conform to the standards of this world. Our words should be edifying, our actions God-glorifying, and our appearance showing respect of self and respect for others. People think religion is stifling and based too much on tradition, and it is! Christianity is not a religion, thankfully. And Jesus Christ was the ultimate non-conformist. So, if you're sitting around thinking "man, I want to be part of a counter-culture movement" then really live your Christian life! As a result, you will be kind to those who are never acknowledged, you will embrace purity, you will hold your tongue, you will serve when you'd rather be served, and you will love even when you are not being loved in return. Very counter-cultural indeed. So, go be a non-conformist, not just in your hobbies and attire, but in your actions!

Tuesday thoughts...

Not much to say this morning. I am liking my new job, and working later tonight. It is definitely a challenge and much different than fast food, but such a great blessing. To be surrounded by prayer and Christian music, and being PAID to share Christ through our merchandise is AMAZING. I hope this job will enbolden me to be more passionate and open about my faith outside of the comforts of the store, my school, and church.

I heard a song on the radio, "I Made It," and it made me want to cry for them. Check these lyrics: "I look up to the sky/ And now the world is mine/ I've known it all my life/ I made it, I made it!/ I used to dream about, the life I'm living now/ I know that there's no doubt/ I made it, I made it!" He goes on to talk about fame and money falling from the sky, climbing to the top like it's just part of the game. It's so terribly sad. What a horrible, pitiable way of life! And to think, all the kids listening to these songs and looking up to these artists, thinking "man, that's the good life." Tears me apart. If you ever think you've made it, check your prescription. That is such a sign of pride and ignorance. We will never "arrive" in this world, and the only way we can "make it" is through the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ who declares us whole.

The Blessing of True Friends

The older I get (and after being away at college), I have discovered that true, real friends are like rare gems. How amazing it is to sit down and un-burden your soul with a kindred spirit, someone who is also in this journey of life with you. How even more amazing and encouraging it is when this friendship exists between two brothers or sisters in Christ. I love my closest girlfriends, and I consider them to almost be family. We share heart-to-heart conversations about our walk with Christ, frustration with relationships, and individual passions. To build each other up in prayer, encouraging one another is the heart of a friendship. Friendship is scattered all throughout the Bible: Ruth and Naomi, Jonathan and David... The writer of Hebrews states "encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today..." (Hebrews 3:13). And Proverbs 27:17 declares "as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." If you look throughout the Bible, God does not approve of solitude. In the words of John Donne, no man is an island. Solomon gets this idea in Ecclesiastes: "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" (Eccl. 4:10) I was really struck this weekend over how grateful I am for Christian friends. What a blessing! But remember, sometimes we have to be that blessing too.

Faith like a Child

I love working with kids, especially the younger ones who are so innocent and full of life. They trust you full-heartedly and always say the greatest things, things that make you want to laugh but that you know its serious business to them. This one girl I work with, loves to stand on chairs and jump into my arms. She'll catch me off guard too; out of the blue blurting out "catch me!" She trusts that I will alway be there for her; that I will not let her fall. The more I thought of this, the more it made sense in my spiritual walk. Christ asks us to come to Him as a child, full of faith and trust. So many times I'm just like, "but God..." or "If I do that then..." But He says jump! As in Peter on the water, he called him out of his boat to come to him. Peter had to take a step of faith, and everything went well until he took his eyes off of Christ. The same principle applies in our daily lives. Focus on Christ and trust in His sufficiency and protection. In the works of the old Hymn, Trust and Obey. That is key to peaceful living, something I am just beginning to learn...

Singlehood: A Curse or a Blessing?

So here goes my mini rant... Facebook knows I am single (it knows all) and is constantly showing me ads to "Date Mature Men" and such and such. Now, I am not against dating and relationships, but do you really think I want to go about it through an online program? It seems our society is so lonely and desperate that they think a special someone will fill their God-sized hole. Well, it won't. I've come to realize that singlehood is a time of self-discovery, closeness with God, and ministry. I am not less than Larkin because I choose to be single. A significant other can never complete you, but only complement you. Ok, I'm done ranting for now. :)

The Gym: Have a Healthy Perspective

Ok, so going to the gym is great. I go; most everyone goes. It's good to stay in shape and work your muscles. But for all you gym-obsessed people, with arms the size of my waist (no, I haven't seen anyone like this)and all the name-brand athletic gear, please just chill. Why should one go to the gym? To improve their body, get in shape, and stay healthy. But keep it balanced! 1 Timonthy 4:8: For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. Yes, have a healthy perspective, people. Gym is good; God and his people living outside the gym are better.

Haven't written in awhile...

Life is good, even when it's dreary. Seems like a dichotomy, but it is true. The sun is shining always (even if it's not in your neck of the woods) and the rain can't last forever. Thorns are painful, but they often come with the most beautiful and delicate rose. Pain is real, but with the right perspective, pain can always be channeled into growth and beauty. As Jesus said, "every branch that does bear fruit [the Father] prunes so that it will be even more fruitful" (John 15:2). What does pruning entail? Cutting away, cleaning up... discomforts. But what is our reward in the end? Character, fruits of the spirit, and eventually, eternal life. Yes, life is good, because He is good.