thoughts on life and faith
I was listening to comedian Aziz Ansari speak on success in his profession and something he said struck me. Aziz actually feels better about his art when his comedy is bombing than when the entire audience is laughing. He explained that when he fails, he knows it is because he didn't play it safe and … Continue reading What Aziz Ansari Taught Me About Risk
Lord, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. 2 You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin. (Selah) 3 You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your hot anger. (Psalm 85:1-3) I woke up frustrated today. Well actually the frustration came when I did something out of character … Continue reading Facebook, Anger, and Why I Need Coffee
And if you don't believe the sun will rise, stand alone and greet the coming night in the last remaining light - Chris Cornell "The Last Remaining Light" I was in eighth grade when I heard "Black Hole Sun" for the first time. It was a surefire hit. Being a newly minted teen perhaps helped gain … Continue reading Suicide and the Burden of Living
Blessed is the one who trusts in you! (Psalm 84:12) As I sunk into the all too comfortable couch in my newly found counselor's office, I felt my walls begin to lower. As I worked quickly to catch her up on the last eight months of life, she listened with a trained but awkward silence. … Continue reading Lessons From My Shrink
"God will make us broken bread and poured-out wine with which to feed and nourish others" - Oswald Chambers Your pain has purpose. The struggle you face in each 24 hour span of time can be redeemed. More than this, it is observed by the many who surround you. In the nothing is wasted economy of … Continue reading God, What Are You Doing?
Mothers day at Western Reserve are always great. There is no population of human beings more overlooked than moms and it is refreshing when the Church, in however small a way, can recognize this. Of course a free ice cream sundae, tuned down mimosa, and a devotional can never repay or even represent our appreciation … Continue reading Moms Are Kind of a Big Deal
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12-13) Your faith is … Continue reading Discipline and Devotion Day 5
And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:3-5) A lot … Continue reading Discipline Day 4
22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24) What is your "old self"? We simply cannot encounter the risen Jesus and stay … Continue reading Discipline Devotional Day 3
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body … Continue reading Discipline Devotional Day 2
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