As we near Easter I felt it was a fitting time to release the list of my favorite worship songs! Now this list changes almost constantly, but these five have solidified their position in my heart. They speak truth and the lyrics proclaim Jesus. Now without further delay, let's get to the countdown. Number five is "Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)" by Chris Tomlin.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbe7OruLk8I
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
America Has Forgotten It's Past
I don't typically have the urge to post political topics. Mostly because they create a load of unnecessary talk, opinion stating, and division among people. But I feel it is important to make an exception on this blog post.
Politics have been around for centuries. From the old Pharaohs of Egypt, the kings and queens during the Middle Ages, to monarchies and democracies, politics are, and always will be a part of human civilization. There are many forms of politics in the world, however, American politics differ from any other nation on earth. America is a democracy. America is a nation where people are willing to get the job done. America is a nation where people are willing to work hard and provide a better life style. America's government works hard to compromise, and do what is best for the American people. America's people, in turn, respect and support the candidates who are in office, regardless of political status. Sound like the America we live in? Didn't think so. America is polar opposite of what I just named, and the sad thing is, it didn't used to be that way.
For those who know me, and for those who don't, I am a history geek. I am specifically interested in American history. The history of America is so diverse, so special that I am convinced only Israel has a greater story of their creation as a nation. America was founded on the backs of men, women, and children who were willing to risk fortune, safety, and health to find freedom in the New World. Not all these pilgrims were Christians, but most, if not all had a high moral standard. These people created the United States of America. They courageously fought the British to gain independence. They wrote the most important piece of legislation in the history of the world. They created a government, "of the people, by the people, for the people." But men like George Washington, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, and Richard Henry Lee all seem like fables told from the desk of a history teacher who has been in the past way too long.
They created important documents that protected neighboring nations from European invasion. They saved the United States from going into a Civil War fifty years before it did. They came out of the Civil War stronger, and more united than ever before. They created, invented, and improved life. They put aside their political differences and worked toward the common goal of improving America. But James Monroe, Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun, Daniel Webster, Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, Ulysses S. Grant, James A. Garfield, Booker T. Washington, Thomas Edison, Samuel Tilden, and William Jennings Bryan are all but forgotten.
The list continues on and on of great men who knew how to work together. Not all these men professed faith in Christ, but many of them were Christians. They stood for their beliefs. These men were, honest, upright, and moral, something that can not be said about many Congressmen today. These men made America a great nation, and because of them we live the way we do.
America is much different now. The men and women in Congress don't think as the Congressmen of old. Their agenda is much different now, both Republicans and Democrats. But the cause for the decline of America lies not with the government, but with us, the American people. Americans today are bent on entitlement. Americans today don't work to improve their situation, instead they expect the government to do it. Americans aren't generous with their time, money, and effort. Americans are lazy. Americans expect someone else to do the work. Americans don't all vote, or fulfill their duties as citizens. But more frightening than this, is the fact that Americans have forgotten their past. If you personally recognized every name I have wrote in this article, I commend you. However, these names mean nothing to most people. Sure, you know some of them, but we have forgotten what these men stand for. These men did not let political opinions stop their effort to make America great. The men I have named were both Democrats and Republicans, but to them that didn't matter. What mattered was their morals.
America is headed down a road with a bleak outlook. No one gets along, and no one is willing to improve their situation. America has forgotten its past. America has forgotten the lessons it has learned from past mistakes. But there is hope. Not all Americans have forgotten. Not all Americans have thrown morals out the window. There are some willing to make America great. Those men made America great because they trusted in God, and He guided them. We who are willing to remember our past, fulfill our civil duties in the present, and trust God for the future will fix this nation, not the government.
Politics have been around for centuries. From the old Pharaohs of Egypt, the kings and queens during the Middle Ages, to monarchies and democracies, politics are, and always will be a part of human civilization. There are many forms of politics in the world, however, American politics differ from any other nation on earth. America is a democracy. America is a nation where people are willing to get the job done. America is a nation where people are willing to work hard and provide a better life style. America's government works hard to compromise, and do what is best for the American people. America's people, in turn, respect and support the candidates who are in office, regardless of political status. Sound like the America we live in? Didn't think so. America is polar opposite of what I just named, and the sad thing is, it didn't used to be that way.
For those who know me, and for those who don't, I am a history geek. I am specifically interested in American history. The history of America is so diverse, so special that I am convinced only Israel has a greater story of their creation as a nation. America was founded on the backs of men, women, and children who were willing to risk fortune, safety, and health to find freedom in the New World. Not all these pilgrims were Christians, but most, if not all had a high moral standard. These people created the United States of America. They courageously fought the British to gain independence. They wrote the most important piece of legislation in the history of the world. They created a government, "of the people, by the people, for the people." But men like George Washington, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, and Richard Henry Lee all seem like fables told from the desk of a history teacher who has been in the past way too long.
They created important documents that protected neighboring nations from European invasion. They saved the United States from going into a Civil War fifty years before it did. They came out of the Civil War stronger, and more united than ever before. They created, invented, and improved life. They put aside their political differences and worked toward the common goal of improving America. But James Monroe, Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun, Daniel Webster, Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, Ulysses S. Grant, James A. Garfield, Booker T. Washington, Thomas Edison, Samuel Tilden, and William Jennings Bryan are all but forgotten.
The list continues on and on of great men who knew how to work together. Not all these men professed faith in Christ, but many of them were Christians. They stood for their beliefs. These men were, honest, upright, and moral, something that can not be said about many Congressmen today. These men made America a great nation, and because of them we live the way we do.
America is much different now. The men and women in Congress don't think as the Congressmen of old. Their agenda is much different now, both Republicans and Democrats. But the cause for the decline of America lies not with the government, but with us, the American people. Americans today are bent on entitlement. Americans today don't work to improve their situation, instead they expect the government to do it. Americans aren't generous with their time, money, and effort. Americans are lazy. Americans expect someone else to do the work. Americans don't all vote, or fulfill their duties as citizens. But more frightening than this, is the fact that Americans have forgotten their past. If you personally recognized every name I have wrote in this article, I commend you. However, these names mean nothing to most people. Sure, you know some of them, but we have forgotten what these men stand for. These men did not let political opinions stop their effort to make America great. The men I have named were both Democrats and Republicans, but to them that didn't matter. What mattered was their morals.
America is headed down a road with a bleak outlook. No one gets along, and no one is willing to improve their situation. America has forgotten its past. America has forgotten the lessons it has learned from past mistakes. But there is hope. Not all Americans have forgotten. Not all Americans have thrown morals out the window. There are some willing to make America great. Those men made America great because they trusted in God, and He guided them. We who are willing to remember our past, fulfill our civil duties in the present, and trust God for the future will fix this nation, not the government.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
New Year, New Chance
It is 2013 already. Last year the clocks ticked faster than it seems they have before, and time flew. Every year goes by quicker and with more haste than the last. But regardless, here we are, the beginning of a new year. New Year's Day is a special day because it symbolizes more than just a new year. It's also a chance to start over. To make this a better year than the last. New opportunities, new experiences, and new people all will flood in with a new year. New Year's resolutions are what people strive for to make this year better than the last. But we all know just how long those last. Why is it that something we desire to do to make our life better is so easily broken? Many people resolve to exercise more, but food is so delicious. Some people resolve to make more money. But in that desire they end up spending more than they should. The list goes on, but very few people actually keep their resolutions. I'm not huge on resolutions, because there is a sense of failure if you don't complete your resolution. Resolutions can turn into a chore. That's why this year I'm resolving to not have a resolution. Instead, I'm going to have goals. Goals are like prizes. Goals take work and effort, but the payoff is huge. Goals are hard to reach, but they are fulfilling. This year, instead of trying to resolve things on your own, ask God what goals you should set for 2013. With His help these goals can be achieved. But it will require work. It will require dedication. However, if you are willing to give your best, willing to put in the work, God can help you accomplish the goals you set for yourself. To help get started, here are a few tips for setting goals in 2013.
-Think realistic. Some goals won't happen in a year. Think of goals you know you can accomplish and work toward them.
-Ask God. Ask God what plans He has for you. You will accomplish your goals if God is calling you to accomplish them.
-Don't give up. Goals are hard to reach, but the reward of accomplishing them is fulfilling, so don't give up.
-Read the Bible and pray. These should go hand in hand with reaching goals. The Bible is spiritual energy for our lives, and should be the driving force toward our goals. Prayer is such a vitally important part of the Christian faith. We can talk to the Almighty God, and ask Him how to accomplish things.
-Enjoy the journey. Goals will take hard work and dedication, but that doesn't mean they can't be fun. A goal is like a long road trip. There are many stops along the way, there are boring fields and interesting towns and cities. So take your time and enjoy the journey toward your goals. Who knows, God may teach you more on the journey, then when you reach the destination.
What are your goals for 2013?
-Think realistic. Some goals won't happen in a year. Think of goals you know you can accomplish and work toward them.
-Ask God. Ask God what plans He has for you. You will accomplish your goals if God is calling you to accomplish them.
-Don't give up. Goals are hard to reach, but the reward of accomplishing them is fulfilling, so don't give up.
-Read the Bible and pray. These should go hand in hand with reaching goals. The Bible is spiritual energy for our lives, and should be the driving force toward our goals. Prayer is such a vitally important part of the Christian faith. We can talk to the Almighty God, and ask Him how to accomplish things.
-Enjoy the journey. Goals will take hard work and dedication, but that doesn't mean they can't be fun. A goal is like a long road trip. There are many stops along the way, there are boring fields and interesting towns and cities. So take your time and enjoy the journey toward your goals. Who knows, God may teach you more on the journey, then when you reach the destination.
What are your goals for 2013?
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
My Favorite Christmas Song
"The Night Before Christmas" by Brandon Heath is by far my favorite Christmas song. I know it doesn't qualify as a "classic" Christmas song, but I feel it represents the hope and joy that came into the world the night before Christmas. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCitZPr2oD0
Friday, December 7, 2012
Figuring Out Who Brought Christmas Presents
There are two people in history that are associated with Christmas. The first is obviously Jesus, but the second is almost just as well known. His name is Santa Claus. However, it took me a little while to get the whole Santa thing. Spoiler Warning: If you believe in Santa, stop reading now!
My parents never told me about Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, or the Tooth Fairy. They figured, I'd find out eventually they didn't exist, and it would save heart break down the road if I didn't think they were real in the first place. Since I had no idea about Santa, I came to my own conclusions about the giver of gifts. My first guess happened when I was about three years old. My parents owned a picture Bible, and would read it to me every night. On this particular evening, the Bible story was about Moses leading the people out of Egypt. In the picture, Moses had a long, white beard that showed his wisdom and flowing silvery hair; a typical Moses picture. However, to a three year old, this was a quaint looking figure. The next day my parents took me Christmas shopping. While we were in the store, we passed an inflatable Santa. Dad, wondering if I knew about Santa, asked who I thought it was. I thought for a moment, but then it all made sense. This inflatable man had a long, white beard and flowing white hair, so it had to be..."Moses!" My dad started laughing and preceded to the checkout isle. My parents never told me my answer wasn't correct so for about three years I thought Moses brought us gifts on Christmas.
My next guess happened when I was about six years old. I finally figured out that Moses was dead, so he couldn't bring Christmas gifts. One day I was busy doing whatever it is a six year old does, when I had a thought. I know someone that brings packages. He comes everyday, and leaves envelopes in our mailboxes. The mailman had to bring our presents! He must have a key to every house on his route, and on Christmas Eve, he sneaks in and leaves gifts under the tree! I think I told my mom this time, and she gave the same response my dad had given three years ago. But again, they never told me I was wrong so the mailman had to bring us presents.
After about three more years I figured out it had to be Santa. However, I wasn't totally convinced. A man in a big red suit with a reindeer sleigh, travels around the whole world in one night and fits through a chimney? The mailman made more sense. But everyone else I knew believed this man existed, so I went with it. I was still skeptical until Christmas Eve of that year. That's when I knew Santa had to be real. My dad had logged on to NORADsanta.org (North American Aerospace Defensive Command for those who don't know) because he had heard they do a mock Santa tracker. This website tracked Santa on his journey around the world on Christmas Eve. It even had 3D computer videos of him flying through cities such as London, Paris, New York, etc. My dad called my brothers and I up to track Santa. I was amazed. Here before me was a radar map, showing where Santa was! It was incredible! I looked at my dad and blurted out, "Santa has to be real, because that's the government, and the government wouldn't lie to us!" Go ahead, laugh, but I was only nine.
I believed in Santa about four more years after that. Eventually I concluded that a man in a suit flying in a reindeer sleigh didn't quite fit into the possible. This conclusion was confirmed when it occurred to me my parents always had a "special night" around Christmas time. I finally asked my parents if he was real. They smiled a kind smile, and said that he wasn't. I wasn't sad, but I was a little disappointed. I knew that he didn't exist, but to have my suspicions confirmed proved it. I remember feeling disappointed because Santa was a sign of universal good. It seemed to me everyone got along because of him. That he brought the gifts so people would know about Jesus. My disappointed faded away Christmas of that year. Whether or not he was real, I still got my gifts!
I am much older now and the biggest lesson I learned from these experiences? The government is anything but honest!
My parents never told me about Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, or the Tooth Fairy. They figured, I'd find out eventually they didn't exist, and it would save heart break down the road if I didn't think they were real in the first place. Since I had no idea about Santa, I came to my own conclusions about the giver of gifts. My first guess happened when I was about three years old. My parents owned a picture Bible, and would read it to me every night. On this particular evening, the Bible story was about Moses leading the people out of Egypt. In the picture, Moses had a long, white beard that showed his wisdom and flowing silvery hair; a typical Moses picture. However, to a three year old, this was a quaint looking figure. The next day my parents took me Christmas shopping. While we were in the store, we passed an inflatable Santa. Dad, wondering if I knew about Santa, asked who I thought it was. I thought for a moment, but then it all made sense. This inflatable man had a long, white beard and flowing white hair, so it had to be..."Moses!" My dad started laughing and preceded to the checkout isle. My parents never told me my answer wasn't correct so for about three years I thought Moses brought us gifts on Christmas.
My next guess happened when I was about six years old. I finally figured out that Moses was dead, so he couldn't bring Christmas gifts. One day I was busy doing whatever it is a six year old does, when I had a thought. I know someone that brings packages. He comes everyday, and leaves envelopes in our mailboxes. The mailman had to bring our presents! He must have a key to every house on his route, and on Christmas Eve, he sneaks in and leaves gifts under the tree! I think I told my mom this time, and she gave the same response my dad had given three years ago. But again, they never told me I was wrong so the mailman had to bring us presents.
After about three more years I figured out it had to be Santa. However, I wasn't totally convinced. A man in a big red suit with a reindeer sleigh, travels around the whole world in one night and fits through a chimney? The mailman made more sense. But everyone else I knew believed this man existed, so I went with it. I was still skeptical until Christmas Eve of that year. That's when I knew Santa had to be real. My dad had logged on to NORADsanta.org (North American Aerospace Defensive Command for those who don't know) because he had heard they do a mock Santa tracker. This website tracked Santa on his journey around the world on Christmas Eve. It even had 3D computer videos of him flying through cities such as London, Paris, New York, etc. My dad called my brothers and I up to track Santa. I was amazed. Here before me was a radar map, showing where Santa was! It was incredible! I looked at my dad and blurted out, "Santa has to be real, because that's the government, and the government wouldn't lie to us!" Go ahead, laugh, but I was only nine.
I believed in Santa about four more years after that. Eventually I concluded that a man in a suit flying in a reindeer sleigh didn't quite fit into the possible. This conclusion was confirmed when it occurred to me my parents always had a "special night" around Christmas time. I finally asked my parents if he was real. They smiled a kind smile, and said that he wasn't. I wasn't sad, but I was a little disappointed. I knew that he didn't exist, but to have my suspicions confirmed proved it. I remember feeling disappointed because Santa was a sign of universal good. It seemed to me everyone got along because of him. That he brought the gifts so people would know about Jesus. My disappointed faded away Christmas of that year. Whether or not he was real, I still got my gifts!
I am much older now and the biggest lesson I learned from these experiences? The government is anything but honest!
Sunday, December 2, 2012
A First Time for Everything
Hey everyone! This is Zach's friend Abby here to post on a blog for the first time! I am so excited to have this opportunity to share my thoughts and feelings with you over a wide variety of topics with my friend Zach. These topics may range from serious spiritual discussions to questions like wether or not the human population as a whole should really be continuing to consume the translucent, jiggly, and vibrantly colored substance known as jello (bleh). However, for the rest of this month I will be helping Zach write some "Christmas themed blog posts" considering that it is December now (finally!)
So, Christmas. What do you normally think of when you read that 9 letter word? For me, I think of putting up a tree, hanging up stockings, giving and receiving gifts, etc. In short, I guess that traditions come to mind for me as I would say they do more most Americans. There is something special about a family tradition or maybe just traditional items in general that seems to appeal to us as humans. Maybe it's the warm felling of remembering your childhood or simply because its what your brain has grown accustom to, but I think that sometimes traditions can do as much harm as it can good. We loose sight of what were doing as we go through the general motions expected of us without even realizing it.
Even Jesus talked about the danger of tradition in the church and how we must be careful to not so wrapped up in the laws or tradition regarding Christianity that we forget what it is really all about: a relationship with our Heavenly Father.
So make sure to set aside some time to really explore what it is God has for you this holiday season. It may even be time to break an old tradition to make way for a new one that brings you back in focus with Christ.
- Abby
So, Christmas. What do you normally think of when you read that 9 letter word? For me, I think of putting up a tree, hanging up stockings, giving and receiving gifts, etc. In short, I guess that traditions come to mind for me as I would say they do more most Americans. There is something special about a family tradition or maybe just traditional items in general that seems to appeal to us as humans. Maybe it's the warm felling of remembering your childhood or simply because its what your brain has grown accustom to, but I think that sometimes traditions can do as much harm as it can good. We loose sight of what were doing as we go through the general motions expected of us without even realizing it.
Even Jesus talked about the danger of tradition in the church and how we must be careful to not so wrapped up in the laws or tradition regarding Christianity that we forget what it is really all about: a relationship with our Heavenly Father.
So make sure to set aside some time to really explore what it is God has for you this holiday season. It may even be time to break an old tradition to make way for a new one that brings you back in focus with Christ.
- Abby
It's Your Move
"A piano sits in a room, gathering dust. It is full of the music of the masters, but in order for such strains to flow from it, fingers must strike the keys. . .trained fingers, representing endless hours of disciplined dedication. You do not have to practice. The piano neither requires it nor demands it. If, however, you want to draw beautiful music from the piano, that discipline is required. . .
"You do not have to pay the price to grow and expand intellectually. The mind neither requires it nor demands it. If, however, you want to experience the joy of discovery and the pleasure of plowing new and fertile soil, effort is required.
"Light won't automatically shine upon you nor will truth silently seep into your head by means of rocking-chair osmosis. It's up to you. It's your move." -Charles Swindoll; The Finishing Touch
"You do not have to pay the price to grow and expand intellectually. The mind neither requires it nor demands it. If, however, you want to experience the joy of discovery and the pleasure of plowing new and fertile soil, effort is required.
"Light won't automatically shine upon you nor will truth silently seep into your head by means of rocking-chair osmosis. It's up to you. It's your move." -Charles Swindoll; The Finishing Touch
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