Bear With the Bear

G'Morning All.  My sincerest apologies for not getting much content up lately.  My father hurt himself again Saturday, Easter was Sunday, and now I'm very unsure where some parts of my life are going.  I'm praying and riding it all out.  Any prayers, good vibes and good stories sent my way are appreciated, thanks for bearing.

He is Risen! (Luke 24 And a Photo)

Why do you seek the living among the dead?  He is not here, He is Risen!

Good Morning all! It's Easter!

 ^1-3At the crack of dawn on Sunday, the women came to the tomb carrying the burial spices they had prepared. They found the entrance stone rolled back from the tomb, so they walked in. But once inside, they couldn't find the body of the Master Jesus.
 ^4-8They were puzzled, wondering what to make of this. Then, out of nowhere it seemed, two men, light cascading over them, stood there. The women were awestruck and bowed down in worship. The men said, "Why are you looking for the Living One in a cemetery? He is not here, but raised up. Remember how he told you when you were still back in Galilee that he had to be handed over to sinners, be killed on a cross, and in three days rise up?" Then they remembered Jesus' words.
 ^9-11They left the tomb and broke the news of all this to the Eleven and the rest. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them kept telling these things to the apostles, but the apostles didn't believe a word of it, thought they were making it all up.
 ¹²But Peter jumped to his feet and ran to the tomb. He stooped to look in and saw a few grave clothes, that's all. He walked away puzzled, shaking his head.  ^13-16That same day two of them were walking to the village Emmaus, about seven miles out of Jerusalem. They were deep in conversation, going over all these things that had happened. In the middle of their talk and questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them. But they were not able to recognize who he was.
 ^17-18He asked, "What's this you're discussing so intently as you walk along?"
   They just stood there, long-faced, like they had lost their best friend. Then one of them, his name was Cleopas, said, "Are you the only one in Jerusalem who hasn't heard what's happened during the last few days?"
 ^19-24He said, "What has happened?"
   They said, "The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene. He was a man of God, a prophet, dynamic in work and word, blessed by both God and all the people. Then our high priests and leaders betrayed him, got him sentenced to death, and crucified him. And we had our hopes up that he was the One, the One about to deliver Israel. And it is now the third day since it happened. But now some of our women have completely confused us. Early this morning they were at the tomb and couldn't find his body. They came back with the story that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Some of our friends went off to the tomb to check and found it empty just as the women said, but they didn't see Jesus."
 ^25-27Then he said to them, "So thick-headed! So slow-hearted! Why can't you simply believe all that the prophets said? Don't you see that these things had to happen, that the Messiah had to suffer and only then enter into his glory?" Then he started at the beginning, with the Books of Moses, and went on through all the Prophets, pointing out everything in the Scriptures that referred to him. (Luke 24, The Message)

That's what's up.

Back Again

Good morning, people!  I still exist, in case anyone missed me.  I've been in a funk the past week.  I slept in for the first time in a month Monday, Saturday and Sunday were straight up packed, and I honestly haven't had that much material thought up.  This blog is a Jesus Musings blog, so if I don't have something worthwhile to post, I'm not gonna post anything.  I may put up an image to break silence from time to time, but almost always, it's gonna be full content posts only.  Now that I've cleared that up....

Last Wednesday was epic.  Two weeks ago, our Pastor's Wife spoke about her life, mistakes she had made, and basically told us to wait and get married.  Her story had the entire room including myself in tears, and really showed God's grace at work.  And then last week, Sissy played Guitar and sang with Jules.  We did Lay 'Em Down, King Jesus, Our God (Is Greater), and Oh How He Loves.  Epic set.  For the first time in months, the entire group was just singing.  No talking, no giggling, just singing.  It's an unreal feeling when that happens, an we've got it turned up loud, and you can just feel God all around you.    Our God, amazing song.  I've heard it before, but only casually and didn't know it that well.  But we did it and it was awesome and powerful.  But then we did Oh How He Loves, and, wow.  If you know me, you know that song breaks me, but it was different that night.  With everyone singing, Sarah and Jules pouring out, I was trembling.  Taking pictures of the performance was a difficult task as I couldn't see the viewfinder through my tears, and shaking enough to get some blurry shots.  I'll post one in a bit.  So overall, it's been a decent few weeks and I apologize for not sharing more, I'll try to get more up soon.  In the mean time, I'm gonna go read and listen to the rain.  Have a good day everyone!

Have any encounters with God you'd like to share? Leave a comment!

Life Listenings (Galations 5 And a Photo)

 ¹ Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.

 ^2-3I am emphatic about this. The moment any one of you submits to circumcision or any other rule-keeping system, at that same moment Christ's hard-won gift of freedom is squandered. I repeat my warning: The person who accepts the ways of circumcision trades all the advantages of the free life in Christ for the obligations of the slave life of the law. ^4-6I suspect you would never intend this, but this is what happens. When you attempt to live by your own religious plans and projects, you are cut off from Christ, you fall out of grace. Meanwhile we expectantly wait for a satisfying relationship with the Spirit. For in Christ, neither our most conscientious religion nor disregard of religion amounts to anything. What matters is something far more interior: faith expressed in love.

 ^7-10You were running superbly! Who cut in on you, deflecting you from the true course of obedience? This detour doesn't come from the One who called you into the race in the first place. And please don't toss this off as insignificant. It only takes a minute amount of yeast, you know, to permeate an entire loaf of bread. Deep down, the Master has given me confidence that you will not defect. But the one who is upsetting you, whoever he is, will bear the divine judgment.

 ^11-12As for the rumor that I continue to preach the ways of circumcision (as I did in those pre-Damascus Road days), that is absurd. Why would I still be persecuted, then? If I were preaching that old message, no one would be offended if I mentioned the Cross now and then—it would be so watered-down it wouldn't matter one way or the other. Why don't these agitators, obsessive as they are about circumcision, go all the way and castrate themselves!

 ^13-15It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that's how freedom grows. For everything we know about God's Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That's an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?

 ^16-18My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God's Spirit. Then you won't feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are antithetical, so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how you feel on any given day. Why don't you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence?

 ^19-21It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on.

   This isn't the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God's kingdom.

 ^22-23But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

 ^23-24Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.

 ^25-26Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original. (Galatians 5, The Message)

Go to church today, you deserve it.

Last Week.

Good Morning Everyone!  Today is Birthday :D

Last Week I...

Laughed out loud.

Danced in public.

Spent hours digging through Scripture.

Was amazed by how God answers prayers.

Found myself singing Praise in everyday life.

Joined a group of strangers in a study of the Bible.

Found self-confidence.

Sang in church like I've never sang in church before.

That was my week.  Elaborating on the Spending hours with Scripture, you should really try just digging through some Bible sometime.  You'll find that you run across a verse that's perfect for how you're feeling, even if you weren't looking for it.  If you are listening, you will hear.

That's all for now folks!  I'm off to drink Birthday Coffee.

Life Listenings (1 Peter 5 And a Photo)

 ^1-3 I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it's like to be a leader, in on Christ's sufferings as well as the coming glory. Here's my concern: that you care for God's flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously. Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.

 ^4-5When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he'll see that you've done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for—

   God has had it with the proud,

   But takes delight in just plain people.

 ^6-7So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.  ^8-11Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.

 ¹²I'm sending this brief letter to you by Silas, a most dependable brother. I have the highest regard for him.

   I've written as urgently and accurately as I know how. This is God's generous truth; embrace it with both arms!

 ^13-14The church in exile here with me—but not for a moment forgotten by God—wants to be remembered to you. Mark, who is like a son to me, says hello. Give holy embraces all around! Peace to you—to all who walk in Christ's ways. (1 Peter 5, The Message)

Good words.  Today, I want you to go to church.  Go to church and really listen.  Have a want to get something out of it.  Open your ears and find what you're listening to.  Don't just hear it, listen to it.  Listen and take notes.

This is from last month, need to get out for some shooting.

Unplanned & Perfect

Good Morning!  I have to share my Yesterday with you.  Thursday evening, I went to Vienna (coffeehouse) for a few hours to read while dad was at meetings.  Now lets jump around a little bit.  A while back, on the other, not as cool blog, I posted about Strangers with Fire.  I'll repost here later.  But in that post I included something I'd overheard at Vienna.

"7 Layer Burritos, Xbox, Sex with my wife, all these things are great, but Jesus is a thousand times better than all these combined"

I love that.  But anywho. I had heard that from what seemed to be a bible study.  That's about it, I didn't have the courage to investigate.

Now we jump back to Last Night.

Last night I was just about to start reading, when I heard some dude talking about a Bible.  It being Thursday night, the same night of the week as that other bible study, my ears perked.  After that, I hear some college kids talking about Ichthus.  Ears=Perked.  I was texting Sissy, and told her about it and reminded her of that quote and she pretty much made me go talk to someone.  So I did.  Kinda nervously shaking cause that's just how I roll.  I talked to a guy named Adam.  I told him I overheard talk of Ichthus, and I asked if he was a Christian blah blah, then if he had a Bible Study going on.  He said yes and introduced me to the leader, Ash.  Great dude.  They welcomed me in and the next thing I knew I was part of a Bible Study.  How Cool Is That?!

They didn't ask me who I was or why I was there, they asked my first name and said pull up a chair.  I did.

We discussed the Second half of Romans 15.  Turns out they're a few weeks away from finishing a Two Year Study on Romans. Wow.  They were all amazing, Committed, 1st Chair for Life Jesus Freaks.

We spent a hard 90 Minutes discussing that Passage and Church Planting.  COOL.

So afterwords, I talked to Ash and he gave me a way to contact him and said feel free to come back next week.  Guess what I'm doing Next Week.

So there's my story.  This is what I'm talking about!  Don't stay in your shell.  Step outside the comfort zone and see what happens.  Hear someone talking about the Bible? Tell them you overheard and are interested.  Go outside your Clique of friends and talk to some strangers.  If all goes well that's what I'm doing tonight.  In a Bible Study? Invite a stranger in.  Make a family of Believers.

That's what's up.  I'd love your thoughts, questions or stories of your own.

Need Prayer? Let me know.

Last Week.

Good Morning!  It's that time of week again.

Last week I....

Did coffee with my Sissy. We talked about a lot of stuff.

Correctly predicted a flat tire.

Felt guilty for not being there to change, said tire.

Was tested.

Had some God moments.

Ran ProPresenter, and got really into Worship.

Watched my father hurting.

Went to The Rock <3

Read some awesome Bible.

Had a legitimate Small Groups.

Baked.

People Watched.

That was my week.  Not too eventful, but busy nonetheless.  As mentioned, Tuesday it sounded like we had a leaking tire, but Dad didn't notice so he wasn't concerned.  Before he came back to get me from Vienna, he had to change a flat.  Which someone of his health shouldn't really do. Ever.  So he's in a lot more pain, on top of everything else.  Prayers would be appreciated, he's had a bad week.

Have a good Monday everyone!

Life Listenings (Psalm 145 And a Photo)

 ¹ I lift you high in praise, my God, O my King! and I'll bless your name into eternity.

 ² I'll bless you every day,

      and keep it up from now to eternity.

 ³ God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough.

      There are no boundaries to his greatness.

 ⁴ Generation after generation stands in awe of your work;

      each one tells stories of your mighty acts.

 ⁵ Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking;

      I compose songs on your wonders.

 ⁶ Your marvelous doings are headline news;

      I could write a book full of the details of your greatness.

 ⁷ The fame of your goodness spreads across the country;

      your righteousness is on everyone's lips.

 ⁸ God is all mercy and grace—

      not quick to anger, is rich in love.

 ⁹ God is good to one and all;

      everything he does is suffused with grace.

 ^10-11 Creation and creatures applaud you, God;

      your holy people bless you.

   They talk about the glories of your rule,

      they exclaim over your splendor,

 ¹² Letting the world know of your power for good,

      the lavish splendor of your kingdom.

 ¹³ Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal;

      you never get voted out of office.

   God always does what he says,

      and is gracious in everything he does.

 ¹⁴ God gives a hand to those down on their luck,

      gives a fresh start to those ready to quit.

 ¹⁵ All eyes are on you, expectant;

      you give them their meals on time.

 ¹⁶ Generous to a fault,

      you lavish your favor on all creatures.

 ¹⁷ Everything God does is right—

      the trademark on all his works is love.

 ¹⁸ God's there, listening for all who pray,

      for all who pray and mean it.

 ¹⁹ He does what's best for those who fear him—

      hears them call out, and saves them.

 ²⁰ God sticks by all who love him,

      but it's all over for those who don't.

 ²¹ My mouth is filled with God's praise.

      Let everything living bless him,

      bless his holy name from now to eternity! (Psalm 145, The Message)

Go to Church, praise God and be thankful for what He's done for us!

Yesterday was beautiful :)

April. What?!

G'morning!  Can you believe it's April already?  Already 4 months into this year!

Not much this morning, though any prayers and good vibes sent towards sissy would be appreciated, she's getting tested for Strep today.  If she gets a negative on her Rapid, she can work, and we can have the Rock tonight.  Fingers crossed for a Negative!

Found a lovely verse earlier, too.

 ^9-12"If you get rid of unfair practices,

   quit blaming victims,

   quit gossiping about other people's sins,

If you are generous with the hungry

   and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out,

Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness,

   your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight.

I will always show you where to go.

   I'll give you a full life in the emptiest of places—

   firm muscles, strong bones.

You'll be like a well-watered garden,

   a gurgling spring that never runs dry.

You'll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew,

   rebuild the foundations from out of your past.

You'll be known as those who can fix anything,

   restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate,

   make the community livable again. (Isaiah 58:11, The Message)

Everyone have a good day, don't get fooled!