Thunderstorms

So, today my son and I are sitting in the dark, waiting for the power to come back on. This morning we've had a rash of thunderstorms rolling through dropping tons of rain. I didn't blog any about the horrible flooding in Iowa a couple weeks ago, just didn't feel like it, but this thunderstorm has me in a reflective mood.
The power of nature, which I would submit was put in motion by God, is amazing. Whether a flood that no man made barrier can contain or a strong wind or lightning strike that no tree could stand up to, it's just amazing the raw power of nature. It's also amazing just how arrogant we are in thinking we can protect ourselves from it. It's just absolutely amazing to me. I have no more thoughts, just that we really don't seem to know our limitations.
On the other hand, sometimes it's the best thing in the world when we are limited against our will. This morning, I would have done my normal routine and gone about the day without as much concern for my son or how he was feeling. Instead, we got out the flashlights, which he loves to play with all the time anyway, and played with those. Then, we played the board game Sorry! for a while. He came out of the gate strong and was whipping my butt, but I hung in there. In games of chance, it only takes a few good cards to be back in the race. He was literally getting close to winning and I still had 3 tokens in the "start" circle. Guess what. . .I won! I was exuberant, I laughed in his face, I mocked him till he cried. . .I really hope you don't believe that! What kind of father do you think I am? Well, yes, I beat him, but we had a great time. Just dad and son, hanging out. No tv or music going in the background, just us and the silence. It was great.
Maybe we all need a forced break from electricity, just sit and listen to the silence for a while. Then, after you've felt yourself calm down, maybe read a book. Better yet, just focus on your closest friends and family. You may just be amazed at what happens.

Living in the Now

Okay, so I know this will probably be a bit different than you would imagine from the title, but I wonder what Jesus would be doing if He were living right now. I ask this question because my sole purpose in life is to try and live the life He intended for me to live. I think when most people answer that question is comes back to having something to do with the organized church. Not so much for me.
I want to be more about living as I see Jesus lived, getting in the midst of the arguments of the day, helping those who need it, and certainly by living and loving those who are close to me. One of the main things that has been on my mind lately is about what Jesus taught and spoke about. It seems most of it wasn't about the "bible", or even the Torah that they had back then. It seems to me that He spent a lot of time tackling the big issues of the day like taxes, govornment oppression, how to treat others, and the religious system of the day.
I wonder what it would be like if we, as a Church (notice the capital C), decided to think about our govornment and our taxes and how our political system works in the context of what is best for the nation and even the world. I wonder if we quit paying people (lobbyists) to do our fighting for us, and instead cared enough to get involved oursleves, what would happen? I wonder what would change if we were as concerned about homelessness and hunger as we were with how to spend our stimulus checks on vacation?
I think it's great to spend time in the bible, reading and learning about what God intended for us. I think there are great minds that do this all the time, and I love to hear them speak and enlighten me as to the depth and richness of the bible. However, if that doesn't change me and my life, if it doesn't compel me to look deeper in the systems around me and question, then what good is it? If we decide to blindly support our govornment based on one scripture, but then don't question certain oppressive practices. . .are we really living like Jesus?
This is a lingering thought for me. . .so I'm sure I'll have more coming soon. . .

Phatkat ><>

New Beginnings

Okay, so I have officially begun a new chapter in my (our) life. I am now officially done as a youth pastor, and am putting all of my energy into trying to help people see and follow the true, untarnished, non-religious, and full of love Jesus. I have to admit that I'm a little in awe of the unknown, and ready to see what comes my way next. It's a strange feeling knowing that you really don't know what the future holds, but have a peace about it anyway. This change of life, as well as a blog I read lately (click here for Breona's cool blog) have led me down a road that is making me wonder about what makes us who we really are.

I've had enough dreadful things happen in life that I'm sure they all influenced me and left me a little scarred, but I've also had a tremendous amount of love, care, and concern in my life and I'm sure that has left its mark as well. I'm sure much of the love, care, and concern were probably there without me even knowing it. Either way, it's all effected me is some way or another.

I really hate it when people wish they could go back and change their lives. I mean, I wish I could change some things in high school (LOL!). . .just kidding. Anyway, what I meant was, I'm glad for the good and the bad, because it has led me to this place and time right here, right now. I also believe that all of these things have been allowed into my life to make me who I am, and it's all been done for a reason. I also believe that it's wonderful to look back at the major points of life and see why they effected you the way they did. It helps me see why I react the way I do sometimes, and in a moment of brilliance it even helps me to change for the better. . .I hope.

Anyway, I didn't want to take a long time, just wanted to get this thought out there and see where it takes you. I guess I hope it makes you think about life, your history, and how blessed you may be. I hope it makes you smile to know that there is something out there pushing you to this very moment in time. Also, if you feel that you are in the midst of one of the crappy times, I hope it gives you a measure of hope for what is coming next. In my worldview, everything can be used for good, crappy situation or not.

Grace and Peace. . .Phatkat ><>