Mold Me

Thankful for God’s words in Philippians 1:6 and a good reminder. Sometimes we can’t see what God is doing. Sometimes we might feel distant from His presence (Usually our own doing). However, we are right where we need to be when we know Christ as Lord and Savior. When we allow Christ to lead us, focus on what he has in store, and believe in His promises, he will mold us and guide us to continue His good work, even amid struggles, pain, and loss, or even when things are good. He doesn’t waver. He doesn’t move. We are not perfect by any means. We will stumble and fall, but Christ will be there, ready to pick you back up, mold you through that time, and use it to complete His work. Yes!!! He will use YOU!! He already is!! Let’s continue to strive toward Him. Let’s not dwell on our mistakes. Seek Christ for forgiveness, then walk in His never-ending Grace. Let His work continue until His work is complete. Don’t let failures or mistakes define you. Let Christ mold you and grow you in those moments. The victory has already been won!!

 The everyday battle is often not lived out loud. Walking by someone they might have the biggest smile you ever seen while underneath they are wondering how much more they can take. Things that pop up or not on a planned schedule. It comes swooping in with little warning. Sometimes it shows up and takes over and no matter what technique, trick, approach, or  action it does not slow it down. Sometimes it grows and grows till you just break. Yes, there are times it goes away quickly. The rollercoaster of emotions you feel throughout a given day can grow you, it can show you how strong you are and yet it can break down that confidence and those walls just as fast. So why do I post about these things? I for one struggle with my aspects of mental illnesses. Illnesses is not really a word I would even want to call it.. I’m not ashamed of this fact. I’ve tried so called quick tactics to help you in the moment, I’ve read books, I’ve tried medicine. Nothing fully calms my mind, my restless thoughts, the darkness that seeps in. There are things that help. Praying, meditating, journaling, etc.

A few weeks back I had thoughts I hadn’t had in a long time. What would it be like if I wasn’t here? I don’t want to die. I have made no actions to back these thoughts up. I know that this isn’t my home. Thoughts that I’m failing. Thoughts about am I making a difference. These thoughts were not manifested by me. In fact they came after a great week of journaling and prayer. So I strive to remain close to Jesus. Some days I do better than others.

You never know what someone is battling. How has someone's day gone? Maybe they were mean, maybe they were rude. I try to remain centered each and every day. I still hold the door for people, say hi, give a wave to the little kid staring at the Giant. Even I have my off days. I can’t define what it’s like, I can’t explain what it’s like, all I can tell you as I’m not alone and neither are you. Many others and maybe even you reading this struggle with their mental illness. First of all, don’t isolate…YES even I need to read that. Find community, find hobbies etc. Second, don’t wait till you're at the bottom to ask for help. Third, don’t be afraid to share with others how you struggle. Fourth, remind yourself that you are worthy, you are enough, and you matter!! Fifth, don’t listen to this tall guy who has yet to solve anything. 

I also have decided to cut off some social platforms. It’s only been a few days but I have realized just how much I don’t really need them. Maybe I’ll write more…….crickets….crickets…

Welp there is so much more I could share…maybe another time. Keep on keeping on!! YOU GOT THIS!!!

988 is the suicide and crisis hotline number. Write it down, memorize it, share it!!

Welcome to the new blog series called Tall Eye View. Come sit down and read tales of the encounters of a tall guy. Oh, and if you get bored you can always check out all my old blogs. I guess a 5-year hiatus is long enough. So here you go.

This first tale isn't necessarily about me being called tall or making kids laugh or cry. This might be one of my most embarrassing moments. I was at the store getting some shopping done. Sometimes, when I'm at the store, I help get the tall items off the shelf for other customers. So, I'm walking and coming to the end of the aisle. Here is a bit of advice: the end of the aisle is like a 4-way stop. You should always check and see if anyone is coming. Well, I hadn't quite made it to the end when a little kid came around the corner, and I accidentally plowed into him, knocking him down. Out of fear and concern, I quickly tried to help him up. He was face down. I apologized and said, "Little boy are you ok? I didn't see you coming!" I offered to help him up. The little boy got up and looked at me. At this point I then realized he wasn't a little boy. He was an adult little person, complete with facial hair. I apologized again and quickly got out of there. I felt horrible. Even though it wasn't my fault I knocked him down. I had the right-of-way. I truly didn't realize he was an adult. So, look where you are going, and I won't run you over and call you a little boy.

Busy

Oct. 4th

Hello everyone. Man I have fallen off on these blogs. I haven't forgotten about them. I have just been really busy. Working over 50 hours a week, busy at church and other activities. I have recently been reading a book recently and it has really spoken to me. Life is good. About to celebrate one year of marriage. It has gone fast. We continue to serve and grow in our relationship with Christ and each other. I'm not sure anyone else could put up with all my antics. Had a really good day today getting some relaxation. Sometimes you just got to take time for yourself. Also, got to catch up with a good friend and we are excited to see him step out in faith and follow his passion and the will God has laid out for his life. It is funny cause the book I'm reading talks about really following and not just following when we want.

Life is good. We really can't complain about anything. We are surrounded by great friends and family. At times we wish we were in other occupations, but God is taking care of us. We currently or working on our debt, and I'm still trying to drop some weight. Both are good things not just for ourselves but hopefully we can honor God with our finances and health.

Hopefully I can get back on track with these blogs. I will try and share more about what God is doing in our lives. God Bless!!

Wait

Sept.
Psalm 27:14

Waiting....we all have had times in our life where we might get angry or upset with waiting.  Waiting in rush hour traffic can be one of the most frustrating things we face.  Waiting in the doctors hospital.  Maybe even waiting in the grocery line.

Another aspect in our lives might be waiting on our Lord.  We live in a gotta have it now generation.  People line up for hours for the next iphone.  When we were younger we would wait hours to ride a roller coaster or other thrill ride.  Some people even wait for food.

It can be difficult at times to wait on the Lord.  Often times we grow impatient or weary at waiting.  Sometimes we give up even though we see He answers our prayers or reveals His power, mercy, grace, and love another way.  We often overlook the prayers He has answered or the blessings we have already received.

I encourage you to wait for His will.  Continue to pray.  Continue to preserve.  Continue to praise.  Continue to do Hus work and be light to those around you.  Don't lose focus and give up.  Fix your eyes upon His glory and live today and let Him control all aspects of your life.  He is sovereign and unchanging.  He is constant in our every changing lives.  Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord.

Near

Sept. 22nd
Phil. 4:4

Yesterday we discussed how sometimes are actions are different when we are around other people.  I asked the question do you act differently when God is around?  After a little discussion they said that God is always around,  but our focus isn't always on Him.

We also discussed finding joy even in the difficult times.  It was a encouraging discussion with many different youth being open and honest. 

Paul here encourages us first to live in harmony.  He challenges us to live a spiritual disciplined life.  One where we recognize God is near.  God is near and can guide us through the trials of life.  Gid is also near when we are not living out the light inside us.  God sees all things.

This is a close relationship.   Not only are we to live in harmony with others,  but we must live in harmony with Christ as well.  Our character should be the same as if He is near at all times.

Lord,  I need your strength to live out and walk in this kind of harmony.  Help me feel and recognize you are near.  Help me hold you close to my heart even in those difficult times.  Help me overcome distraction and burden my heart not just for you, but for others as well.

Greater

Sept. 19th

We can look throughout the Bible and even in our own lives and see how He was greater then our storm, our struggle, our pain, and even our sin.

Whatever you are facing today I encourage you to give it to Him who is Greater. Give a listen to the Mercy Me song.  Sing it out and with confidence that our afflictions are small and monetary compared to the glory of Christ.

Trustworthy

Sept. 15th
Philippians 2:19-30

Looking at this passage really made me think about the relationships in my life and how blessed I 'am to have each one of them.  We can look at this passage and the relationship between Paul and Timothy.  On Sunday we discussed this relationship and I asked who could we trust in our life, and who would trust us?

Being trustworthy plays a vital role in relationships.  It would seem being a Christian that we automatically would be trustworthy.  However, how many times do we find something later, or too late.  Not only is it important for us to have people we can depend on, but we must strive to earn trust from others.  Early in life we give people the benefit of the doubt and trust them right away.  However, our trust for these people gets broken and blurry.  People let us down, hurt us, or maybe even fail us.

We can look in the Bible at many different relationships that were dependent on trust.  We see where Jesus trusted 12 disciples to follow him.  How can we be more trustworthy?  We must try and model the examples scripture gives us.  What better example do we have?  We can see how trust and love were in the forefront.  In this life we all need someone to walk with us.  A spouse, family member, friend, mentor, etc.  We also must seek that relationship with Christ first.  He is always trustworthy, and if we follow God's will and let that will guide us we will be lead to relationships that will grow us, guide us, mold us, and transform us.  Maybe you know someone that needs someone trustworthy in their life right now.  We need people who don't always seek their own interests, but look out for others intentions and well being.

Self-denial

Sept. 12th
Romans 15:1

The world tries to tell us to only worry about yourself.  Sometimes it tells us we have to hurt others to gain higher positions or power.  It tells us only the strongest survive. 

As followers of Christ we can't just look at our selfish desires.  While it is important to take care of ourselves, and our families we must do so without hurting others.

We have been called out by Christ to help those who are weak.  Jesus ministry was about helping those who were weak.  This weakness doesn't necessarily have to be a physical ailment.  We are to step up and help those who suffer, struggle, sin or many other things that make us weak.  Those who are strong in Christ are to deny themselves and help those who are weak become strong in Christ.

There will be times when we become weak.  Wouldn't we want someone strong in Christ to help us back up.  Someone to encourage us, pray for us, and love us.

We tend to turn our backs sometimes when someone is going through a time of weakness.  We hold certain types of sins higher than others.  We are all sinners.  We can still help those who have made bad decisions.  We all go through a time of weakness.  We must keep our eyes on Christ our only source of strength and direct those are weak toward His light and loving grace.

Devoted

Devotion
Col. 4:2

We just started a series at church on prayer.  As you have seen many of these blogs have mentioned prayer.  Prayer takes devotion. A basic description of devotion is to love someone. One quote I read said prayer is the Christian's breath. We can't live without air and we can't walk with Christ without prayer.

Prayer has been labeled as a negative action in the last few decades. Prayer in school is banned.  Prayer at sporting events or other functions have been banned.  It seems others get offended at prayer or argue that prayer to God is against their religion. 

We must stay devoted.  No matter the obstacles or trials that may come our way.  Prayer doesn't have to be out loud or outside.  Prayer can take place anywhere and anytime.

I really enjoy Max Lucado books and I can't wait to read his newest one titled Before Amen.

I encourage you to be devoted to prayer.  If we love our father above then we should devote our time in prayer.

Money

Sept. 8th

Sorry for not posting the past few days.

So our church started financial peace last night.  I have been through the class already.  However,  we felt we needed a refresher.

I know that not everyone agrees with Dave Ramsey.  He seems a little crazy with some of this stuff.  I can only tell you that if you put forth an effort you will see results.  We payed for a wedding and have payed off at least $2,000 in debt using some of the tools we gained from this class.

Debt can be crippling to not only you and your spouse.  It can hurt your children or parents.  I encourage you to try out the class or really think about your finances.  Start with a budget.  I'm not promising you will make millions or get out of debt. But you will be better prepared going forward.  It feels great when you hit milestones like cutting up a credit card.  Check around for classes.  It is one of the best investments you will ever make.

Continously

Sept. 4th
Psalm 34:1

How often do we praise our Lord?
Daily? Weekly? Good times or bad?

We need to be continually praising.  Declare I will bless the Lord - I will praise him; I will be thankful for his mercies, and will always express my sense of his goodness.

At all times - In every situation of life; in every event that occurs. The idea is, that we would do it publicly and privately; in prosperity and in adversity; in safety and in danger; in joy and in sorrow. It would be a great principle of our life, expressive of the deep feeling of the soul, that God was always to be regarded as an object of adoration and praise.

His praise shall continually be in my mouth - I will be constantly uttering his praises.

Sent via the Samsung GALAXY S®4, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone

Humble

Sept. 3rd
James 4:10

Attempting the 21 day challenge of writing everyday wasn't something I did for attention.  I started the challenge because I felt God telling me to do it.  At first I only shared it with about 6-7 others.  After writing a while I was encouraged to update my blog and add all my devotionals to it.  Coming across today's verse I mostly consider myself a humble person.  I don't seek attention or accolades.   I don't boast about anything past or present.  In fact at times I'm my own worst critic.  I will get back to that in a second.

Being humble is more then not bragging.  Some say it is lowering yourself to someone or something.  When breaking down what is humble and what is not I found I'm not as humble as I think I am.  Do I consider myself equal with God? Not for a second.  However,  when I try to make something my will, when I don't give him full control, when I  don't seek Him first...I'm not being humble.  I then am relying on my own strength and desires.  I may not realize it but then I'm lowering God below me.  We must be careful of this kind of thinking.  I must always look above not below.  We also must be careful with being humble and degrading ourselves.  Yes we are lower then Christ.  However, we cannot put ourselves down or boast.  C.S. Lewis says "Humility is not thinking less of yourself,  it's thinking of yourself less".

Lord help us to be humble before you.  Let us seek you in ALL things and not rely on our own abilities.   After all you gave us these abilities to honor, praise, and glorify you.

Rest

Sept. 2nd

Sometimes you just need rest.  What a great Labor Day!!  We started our morning with a 2 mile walk.  We also pretty much did nothing most of the day and it was great.  We ended up going over to some friends and cooked out and went swimming.  It was nice to just sit back and relax with some great people.  It is important to remember that we need rest sometimes.  Sometimes we just need a break from it all.  Not just our bodies.  Our minds need a break as well.  Sometimes we just to reenergize or refuel.  Running yourself into the ground provides no benefit. Sometimes that means saying NO.  I find that is one of the hardest things for me to do at times.  I always want to be able to help or go to every event/fellowship outing.  However, sometimes we just got to take some time for ourselves.  It can seem selfish.  However, we can see where even Jesus took time away.  We must make sure we are getting what we need and taking care of our families first.  I hope you all where able to get some time to yourself or some time to relax.  If not try to schedule some time away from everything.  Be sure to spend time with God and let Him refresh your mind, body, and soul.

Labor

Aug. 31st
Colossians 3:23

It can be difficult can't it? Work is not always fun and enjoyable.  We sometimes hate it even.  We look for better opportunities or just try to make it to the weekend.  We are all thankful when the weekend comes.  It's been a long week. Thank God for Friday.  Often times in our jobs, life, churches, etc. we work and labor to please others.  However, our first duty should be working for our Lord.  How can I work for the Lord in my job?  I'm not a pastor, or minister.  In all things we do we can be working for the Lord.  In whatever we do we must give it all we got.  We can't please everyone.  However, if we are working for our Lord, if we are working with full hearts, and giving it our all for our Lord, then He will be pleased.  Our work must start with Him first.  Our attitudes, actions, thoughts, our minds, and what is in our heart.  How can we be His hands and feet if we are not working for Him.  We all have worked, are working, or will work a job that has it's challenges.  There are times you just want to quit because it seems you can't do anything to please your boss.  Work for God first in ALL things.  Not just your job.  Working for God can happen anywhere and anybody.  It can be with your spouse, your children, your family, your friends, your co-workers, your church family, etc.  In all things we do we should do it for God's glory and honor and let it be for Him.  How can we minister to others if we are not first working for our Lord?  He chose and loved us first.  Shouldn't we do the same for Him?  I'm thankful that I get Monday off don't doubt that for a minute.  However, I know I need to work more diligently for Him in all things of my life.  I encourage you to evaluate your hearts, and minds this week and let our Lord work through you and give it all to Him.

Silence

Aug. 30th
Psalm 32:3

I will confess...I have remained silent.  There have been times when I did not confess my sins as I needed.  I have also have asked forgiveness at times but with a heart not seeking or fully asking forgiveness.  Then there have been times when I have bowed my head and prayed asking and seeking forgiveness and felt relieved afterwards.  We may not always realize it, but sometimes are sins weigh on our hearts and minds and it affects our vision and separates us from God.  How is that possible?  If we are carrying sin in us it can affect us in many ways.  It may even affect others around us.  If we continue to read this Psalm we see that David does confess his sins.  It seems confessing our sins is difficult for us at times.  I think we all believe we are good and decent people.  However, we have to eliminate pride.  We can't just keep silent when it comes to confessing sins.  I try to at least once everyday ask forgiveness for my sins.  I know I could be more intentional at times.  I know we all sin.  I know I sin.  I know I need forgiveness.  Let us continue to confess.  I also believe in accountability not just to God, but to our spouse, family, friends, or someone else we can go and confess our sins.  Not so they will judge us, but that they can join us in prayer.  They can encourage you and check in on you.  What is in your heart that needs confessing?  Don't let it consume you and affect your vision of Christ.

Complacency

Aug . 29th
Amos 6:1 and other verses

A.W. Tower says "Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth. "

How often do we fall into complacency?
We often settle for the norm.
Complacency can be defined as "a feeling of quiet pleasure of security, often unaware of potential danger. Self satisfaction or smug satisfaction with an existing situation."

Complacency can ruin our passion for God. We go from God satisfied life to a self sufficient one.  Sometimes we believe we are spiritual enough.  It leads us to think all is well with our heart.  Sometimes we let things like praying, reading the bible, and attending church become rituals or habits.  We don't do it out of passion for God and His kingdom.

Other times we fall into temptation that may not be considered bad.  We let good things take precedence over our passion for God.  When good earthly pleasures become our priority and pursuit our mind and heart is filled for material things.

Sometimes being complacent blinds us from seeing other peoples pain. Our heart becomes complacent and is not moved for others.

If we honestly examine our hearts, don't you think we fall into complacency?
Don't you think we are self-sufficient in our life?  Lack compassion?
Don't you think we need revival?

We need a spiritual awakening.
Let us keep seeking.  Let us keep growing.  Lord help us to move toward you everyday.  Lord help us to not be satisfied in our selfish needs.  Let us not be satisfied in staying still.  Lord help us to seek you.  To grow in you.  To be completely satisfied in you.  To depend on you.  To honor and glorify you, Lord. 
You are our security.  Our salvation. 

Prayer

Aug. 28th

No blog today. Just needed prayers.  If you read this could you please lift up Theresa and Aaron Kenagy.  Thanks!!

Self-Control

Aug. 27th
Again many verses

I have tried to write on this topic a few different times without much luck.  Maybe because I know at times I still struggle with self-control.  I looked up definitions and I read many verses.  I read some commentaries over those verses.  I could not really find what I was looking for or how I wanted to word it.  Then after much reading and searching I came across this from John Piper. 
"The very concept of "self-control" implies a battle between a divided self. It implies that our "self" produces desires we should not satisfy but instead "control." We should "deny ourselves" and "take up our cross daily," Jesus says, and follow him (Luke 9:23). Daily our "self" produces desires that should be "denied" or "controlled."
That path that leads to heaven is narrow and strewn with suicidal temptations to abandon the way. Therefore Jesus says, "Strive to enter through the narrow door" (Luke 13:24). The Greek word for "strive" is agonizesthe, in which you correctly hear the English word "agonize."
We get a taste of what is involved from Matthew 5:29, "If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you." This is the fierceness of self-control. This is what is behind the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:12, "The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force." Are you laying hold on the kingdom fiercely?
Paul says that Christians exercise self-control like the Greek athletes, only our goal is eternal, not temporal. "Everyone who competes in the games (agonizomenos) exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable" (1 Corinthians 9:25). So he says, "I pommel my body and subdue it" (1 Corinthians 9:27). Self-control is saying no to sinful desires, even when it hurts.
But the Christian way of self-control is NOT "Just say no!" The problem is with the word "just." You don't just say no. You say no in a certain way: You say no by faith in the superior power and pleasure of Christ. It is just as ruthless. And may be just as painful. But the difference between worldly self-control and godly self-control is crucial. Who will get the glory for victory? That's the issue. Will we get the glory? Or will Christ get the glory? If we exercise self-control by faith in Christ's superior power and pleasure, Christ will get the glory.
Fundamental to the Christian view of self-control is that it is a gift. It is the fruit of the Holy Spirit: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace . . . self-control" (Galatians 5:22). How do we "strive" against the our fatal desires? Paul answers: "I labor, striving (agonizomenos) according to His power, which mightily works within me" (Colossians 1:29). He "agonizes" by the power of Christ not his own. Similarly he tells us, "If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live" (Romans 8:13). "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6). We must be fierce! Yes. But not by our might. "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD" (Proverbs 21:31).
And how does the Spirit produce this fruit of self-control in us? By instructing us in the superior preciousness of grace, and enabling us to see and savor (that is, "trust") all that God is for us in Jesus. "The grace of God has appeared . . . instructing us to deny . . . worldly desires . . . in the present age" (Titus 2:11). When we really see and believe what God is for us by grace through Jesus Christ, the power of wrong desires is broken. Therefore the fight for self-control is a fight of faith. "Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called" (1 Timothy 6:12).

I don't agree with everything with what John Piper says, but I think he explains self-control through Christ better then I can.  Maybe I struggle with the word self-control because the word self is in it.  When we can eliminate our self from the equation and let the power of Christ take over we can control our self.

Walk

Aug. 26th
Just do a basic search of walk or walking and you will find many verses.

If you have read all my blogs up to this point then you know I have been on a journey to lose some weight.  I have been eating a little better and trying to mix in some walks.  August in Texas is a very hard month to get out and go walk.  Even after 9 it is still hot.  Yesterday morning it was already in the 80's.  However, I know if I really want to improve my health and weight, I have to get out there and exercise.  The same can be said about our spiritual walk as well.  In order for us to grow and to continue to grow in Christ we must get up and go walk with him. I don't mean that in a literal way, but I guess you can actually go physically walk and have a spiritual walk at the same time.  Most of us have an ipod or phone that can play music.  You can even put sermons or bible reading on your devices.  I have a list of some of my favorite Christian songs. Some are upbeat, and some are encouraging, and some just help me realize how awesome our God is.  When we accept Christ are journey doesn't just stop.  We must continue seeking, studying, reading, listening, worshiping, serving, loving, and growing.  Just as we want to improve our physical bodies.  We must improve our spiritual mind and heart.  So I encourage you to walk with Christ today, and everyday.  I can tell you the growth and knowledge you gain is far more important then the physical gains.