This is all that I'm gonna say on this one...
(and by the way, I'm putting this as nice as possible):
I am going to be a father who loves his daughter (if I have one someday) and teaches her to respect herself.
...Enough said?
Monday, November 2, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Loving People
During my reflecting time the other day, I realized something significant to my perspective, life, walk with God, and how I treat others. Even though we are all not brothers and sisters of the same family, I am called to love people (love your neighbor). But how can I love everyone? How did Jesus do it? How did he view people? So I changed my perspective and thought of people belonging to one family, my family; and it has given me a better perspective of how to treat people with more love. This includes the guy who cut me off on the road this morning, or the girl customer at work who treats me inferiorly because she's rollin' in a newly-leased Beemer, or the homeless person outside 7-11 asking for money to buy dinner, or the person I can't communicate with because he speaks another language. I share two of the greatest things in common with all of these people: we are human and God loves everyone of us.
These past few days, I've been thinking how much we, as people, all have in common, and it's kind of boggling my mind. So here's what really got to me: If I think of everybody as brothers and sisters, part of the same family, then how much differently will I think of the people who steal from me! What a radical change of perspective.
So here's the "getter": If God loves everyone of us, (and I couldn't comprehend this), how much would it please Him that I love the same people too. How much would it please Him that I show the same people he loves, mercy? How much would it please Him that I show them forgiveness and grace instead of frustration? Is that what we were made to do? Would that make a difference? Would that show people Jesus? I hope so, because I hope to please God.
These past few days, I've been thinking how much we, as people, all have in common, and it's kind of boggling my mind. So here's what really got to me: If I think of everybody as brothers and sisters, part of the same family, then how much differently will I think of the people who steal from me! What a radical change of perspective.
So here's the "getter": If God loves everyone of us, (and I couldn't comprehend this), how much would it please Him that I love the same people too. How much would it please Him that I show the same people he loves, mercy? How much would it please Him that I show them forgiveness and grace instead of frustration? Is that what we were made to do? Would that make a difference? Would that show people Jesus? I hope so, because I hope to please God.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Beautiful World
I've had quite some time to watch TV in between naps while being sick this week. Currently, one of my favorite channels is the nature channel. The other day, there was a show on about some intense explorers that got me thinkin' how awesome this world is in which we live.
I read a book not too long ago entitled Wild at Heart. Although there are some things that I don't 100% agree with, most of it is pretty 'spot on'. One subject author John Eldredge talks about is the one thing that is hardwired into the hearts of men: The need for exploration. This is true for me. Everytime I'm biking an unfamiliar mountain trail, it fills me with this rush of "gotta keep going" and "I know something beautiful is just around this next hill." Ten miles later I realized that I've spent all my energy getting there and not saved enough to turn around, just because I couldn't stop taking in all the new sights. Granted, it doesn't take being a man to appreciate the newness and beauty this world has to offer.
Here is what struck my brain while I was watching the nature channel's most extreme explorers: With all of our technological advances, and all the thousands of years humans have been exploring, we daily continue to discover so many new and exciting things about this planet. Even the little things like how every sunset is different, every rain fall is different, every season differs from the year prior...there are so many things that I take for granted that shouldn't be. It blows me away that after all this time, humans have not grown tired of this earth. It just left me in awe. Then it made me think how depressed humans would be if we knew everything about our environment and became bored with it. But that isn't who we were made to be (cue Switchfoot's "Meant To Live"). This world is such a wonderful gift. It's a gift of changing beauty, of which we sometimes need to be reminded.
I hope this reminds us to let nature's beauty make us smile again and to take enjoyment in such a wonderful creation: our home.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
First Day of School
First day back to the good 'ole SJSU. God provided today in soooo many ways.
God Provided Part 1: My music history teacher said that the music dept could not add any students for any reason b/c they would get fined by the university for any additional students (due to cut-backs). A few students (including myself) spoke with the professor after class and he said he'd see what he can do to add us. I just put it in God's hands and asked Him what I should do if I wasn't supposed to take the class. Anywho, I later saw the professor in the hallway and he said that he cleared it with the dean of the dept that we could actually add the class. I heard trumpets sound because of the good news. I really needed this class to carry on with my degree, so that was so awesome that I was let into the class =).
God Provided Part 2: When I got back to my car after class (around 11:30am), a gal who parked right next to me, saw me headed for my car and said, "Oh, is this your car?" "Yeah, why?" "Oh ok, well I left a note on your windshield this morning about what happened...but after you left, a girl totally hit your car while driving into the space next to you. She didn't see me, so she backed out and parked in another spot 6 spaces down and didn't leave a note. I guess she was hoping that you wouldn't find out. I wrote this note as a witness to what happened and left her plate and model/make of her car." "Wow! No way, you actually did that? That's so nice of you, bless you!" "Yeah, you're welcome."
I just couldn't believe that someone would uphold such an avenger (need to have justice served) attitude...I really admired that. I was driving away when I got a feeling like I should file a police report at the "scene." It so happened that I missed my exit to get on the freeway and I was headed back to the parking lot anyway...so I said, "Ok God I hear ya." When I got there I called the campus police who came and filed a report. It turns out that I don't have collision coverage on my car (just the basics). So I filed the police report just to be paid for the damage and not to seek revenge or anything for the girl who hit me (which didn't even cross my mind). I asked the officer what the charges would be against the other driver. She told me that a hit-and-run is considered a misdemeanor and ordered that a wheel boot (immobilization device) be secured on her wheel so she couldn't drive anywhere...I actually saw them put it on (serious stuff). I really did feel bad that the other driver would be in "it" so deep, 'cause all I really wanted was just reimbursement for my car's damage; but I guess the other driver shouldn't have been so shady as to park somewhere else to avoid trouble.
So yeah, someone at Starbucks said, "Dang man, you're really goin' through it lately huh...bike, tickets, accidents?!" And all I could say and think about was how impressed, grateful, and blessed I was with the gal who did leave a note. I can honestly say that today was a blessing more than a disappointment! So thank you, God for today...thank you!
God Provided Part 1: My music history teacher said that the music dept could not add any students for any reason b/c they would get fined by the university for any additional students (due to cut-backs). A few students (including myself) spoke with the professor after class and he said he'd see what he can do to add us. I just put it in God's hands and asked Him what I should do if I wasn't supposed to take the class. Anywho, I later saw the professor in the hallway and he said that he cleared it with the dean of the dept that we could actually add the class. I heard trumpets sound because of the good news. I really needed this class to carry on with my degree, so that was so awesome that I was let into the class =).
God Provided Part 2: When I got back to my car after class (around 11:30am), a gal who parked right next to me, saw me headed for my car and said, "Oh, is this your car?" "Yeah, why?" "Oh ok, well I left a note on your windshield this morning about what happened...but after you left, a girl totally hit your car while driving into the space next to you. She didn't see me, so she backed out and parked in another spot 6 spaces down and didn't leave a note. I guess she was hoping that you wouldn't find out. I wrote this note as a witness to what happened and left her plate and model/make of her car." "Wow! No way, you actually did that? That's so nice of you, bless you!" "Yeah, you're welcome."
I just couldn't believe that someone would uphold such an avenger (need to have justice served) attitude...I really admired that. I was driving away when I got a feeling like I should file a police report at the "scene." It so happened that I missed my exit to get on the freeway and I was headed back to the parking lot anyway...so I said, "Ok God I hear ya." When I got there I called the campus police who came and filed a report. It turns out that I don't have collision coverage on my car (just the basics). So I filed the police report just to be paid for the damage and not to seek revenge or anything for the girl who hit me (which didn't even cross my mind). I asked the officer what the charges would be against the other driver. She told me that a hit-and-run is considered a misdemeanor and ordered that a wheel boot (immobilization device) be secured on her wheel so she couldn't drive anywhere...I actually saw them put it on (serious stuff). I really did feel bad that the other driver would be in "it" so deep, 'cause all I really wanted was just reimbursement for my car's damage; but I guess the other driver shouldn't have been so shady as to park somewhere else to avoid trouble.
So yeah, someone at Starbucks said, "Dang man, you're really goin' through it lately huh...bike, tickets, accidents?!" And all I could say and think about was how impressed, grateful, and blessed I was with the gal who did leave a note. I can honestly say that today was a blessing more than a disappointment! So thank you, God for today...thank you!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Wow...really?
So I was checkin out the B.A.R.F stolen bike postings and I saw a post from the guy who used to work on my old bike. His trailer with two bikes (along with some gear) were stolen from right in front of his repair shop. Seriously?? People would actually steal bikes from a guy who fixes them for a living? I don't really get that, but I guess that it doesn't really matter to people. Anyway, just some random information. Next post will be much lighter =)
Friday, August 21, 2009
Starbucks Shinanigans Make Me Laugh
I was on bar last night at work when a younger gal came in and ordered a Strawberry Banana Smoothie. After receiving her drink and having a seat with her boyfriend, she immediately came back up to the register and exclaimed in a repulsive manner, "Yeah, umm...This drink is disgusting!" I chuckled a bit to myself as I mentally asked, "Did she really say that?" I asked her in a sad, kiddingly tone, "Why are you calling something that I poured my heart and soul into making, disgusting?" She didn't really catch on and responded with, "Because it is! Yeah, I thought it was going to taste a lot better than this! Can you make me another drink!" I think I actually laughed out loud to her response and said, "Yeah, sure. What would ya like?"
After we made her another drink and she sat down, I looked over at my co-workers and asked, "Did that really happen?" "Uh...yeah!" they remarked. Laughing through it all, I was more dumbfounded than offended. It was definately the most funny moment of the evening.
After we made her another drink and she sat down, I looked over at my co-workers and asked, "Did that really happen?" "Uh...yeah!" they remarked. Laughing through it all, I was more dumbfounded than offended. It was definately the most funny moment of the evening.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
The Art of Weaving
Life is full of re-adjusting one's perspective. I've found that this has been a common theme for my life these past few weeks. One major area has been loving and accepting people in spite of frustrations. (This includes all areas of my life and is not referring to one particular event, more importantly not one specific person).
One word that I continuously hear God whispering to me, in regards to relationships, is "patience." This led me to question the line(s) between "having patience for people," "holding people accountable," "judging someone's actions," and "how to react in the midst of disappointment." Then, looking in the mirror, evaluate at my own actions; do I keep my promises? I understand that God's love, forgiveness, and patience is key. On the other hand, I've always been someone to say, "Hey...that's not right." But when should we excercise these two [different??] views? Also, if God's timing is perfect, should we really be disappointed with people? Should we accept circumstances as God's timing/plan instead of someone letting us down? View of a bigger picture? Yes! But I couldn't really find these comparisons in the Bible. I know that God wants us to love Him and show His love to others; but people aren't perfect (actually I'm referring to myself), in which reveals my struggle. I don't know the answers to these questions. So I guess I am writing this for participation reasons. Participation, in hope that you apply these questions to your own life, or leave feedback for me to apply to mine. Thanks for reading =)
Post Script:
I want to have faith in and love people, but more importantly, God. It's like a dance...listening to God's direction while weaving this with, or applying it to, other relationships.
One word that I continuously hear God whispering to me, in regards to relationships, is "patience." This led me to question the line(s) between "having patience for people," "holding people accountable," "judging someone's actions," and "how to react in the midst of disappointment." Then, looking in the mirror, evaluate at my own actions; do I keep my promises? I understand that God's love, forgiveness, and patience is key. On the other hand, I've always been someone to say, "Hey...that's not right." But when should we excercise these two [different??] views? Also, if God's timing is perfect, should we really be disappointed with people? Should we accept circumstances as God's timing/plan instead of someone letting us down? View of a bigger picture? Yes! But I couldn't really find these comparisons in the Bible. I know that God wants us to love Him and show His love to others; but people aren't perfect (actually I'm referring to myself), in which reveals my struggle. I don't know the answers to these questions. So I guess I am writing this for participation reasons. Participation, in hope that you apply these questions to your own life, or leave feedback for me to apply to mine. Thanks for reading =)
Post Script:
I want to have faith in and love people, but more importantly, God. It's like a dance...listening to God's direction while weaving this with, or applying it to, other relationships.
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