So I have read a few posts lately and want to copy their particular style of writing just once....here we go.
-I hate Canadian Geese. I mean really, they are the most arrogant animals in all the animal kingdom. Infact, if a flock of them were to cross infont of my vehicle, I wouldn't hit them obviously, but I would not feel bad about honking my horn and maybe throwing some sort of non-harmful substance at them.
-I like to wake board. alot. I have an amazing family and an amazing brother who taught me how.
-I am VERY curious about the afterlife. I think/hope one of the first things I do is thank God face-to-face for everything he has given me that I don't deserve.
-One of my best friends works in the discovery building in silver spring MD that had a hostage standoff today. God was amazing and gracious enough to allow the police to end it without any hostages being hurt....to quote my mom on the end result-"God is good!"
-Jen is moving down in the end of the month. It was a semi-stressful situation that thankfully has worked out.
-I miss NoVa....less since getting more plugged in down south, but it will always be my second home.
-I have been blessed with an awesome CG (community group) and they have since reaffirmed my suspicion that whatever church I go, to God leads me to the best people in it :)
-I am joining a gym with the overall goal to bike 100 miles in a weekend.
-I feel i know some people who are epic enough to be on tv. I really think that one day, as I am flipping through the channels, I will see these people and be totally siked.
-We are under hurricane Earl watch (or maybe warning now...) and I couldn't be more excited...I LOVE storms!!! I want to (but have been heavily advised not to) go stand on the beach for such an experience.
That is all....until next time!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Investing
I went to what our church calls a "house party" recently. Basically it's what you go to to get involved in a small group.
One of the things that was mentioned/stressed was the importance of A.commitment to your group and B. Investing your time into their lives.
It made me think alot about investing my time. How important it is for me to invest wisely, and what it actually means to do so. I kind of have been all over the place recently in alot of different areas of my life and I feel I need to hone in on the importance of what it is I'm actually doing down here.
When I think about investing, I guess if I were to answer honestly the idea itself turns me off and I immediately think of a faster, more efficient way to accomplish the same goal. But when it comes down to it, I need to realize there just is no other way sometimes then slowly going through the necessary motions, and investing your time for a greater goal then what would otherwise be accomplished by going the quicker route.
I feel this is especially true for God's plans in your life. He loves to teach me patience, especially the consequences of not having any. Not waiting on him, and investing my trust and time on what He has planned rather then what I do....
I think the idea of investing is pretty unpopular for most. Why wait when you can get what you want NOW? But if you look around, generally in life not waiting is what gets you in the most trouble and is usually the worst product compared to the same thing that takes time to make (Food, relationships, any sort of creation)
I have realized lately that investing my time and trust into what God has planned for me was definitely the wise thing to do. He required some action on my part of course, but also alot of trust in the sense that if I keep looking for the right church He will provide it for me....I dunno, pretty exciting to see that happen TWICE in life now :)
A note to new Christians about investing: I think that, as with any other relationship, it takes investment of time to get to know this awesome savior. I remember how hard it was for me to understand who Christ actually was and not what I heard/assumed about Him. As you draw closer to god, God draws Closer to you. (James 4:8) and in time I got a little clearer picture what Christ-like love looked like in day to day life.
One of the things that was mentioned/stressed was the importance of A.commitment to your group and B. Investing your time into their lives.
It made me think alot about investing my time. How important it is for me to invest wisely, and what it actually means to do so. I kind of have been all over the place recently in alot of different areas of my life and I feel I need to hone in on the importance of what it is I'm actually doing down here.
When I think about investing, I guess if I were to answer honestly the idea itself turns me off and I immediately think of a faster, more efficient way to accomplish the same goal. But when it comes down to it, I need to realize there just is no other way sometimes then slowly going through the necessary motions, and investing your time for a greater goal then what would otherwise be accomplished by going the quicker route.
I feel this is especially true for God's plans in your life. He loves to teach me patience, especially the consequences of not having any. Not waiting on him, and investing my trust and time on what He has planned rather then what I do....
I think the idea of investing is pretty unpopular for most. Why wait when you can get what you want NOW? But if you look around, generally in life not waiting is what gets you in the most trouble and is usually the worst product compared to the same thing that takes time to make (Food, relationships, any sort of creation)
I have realized lately that investing my time and trust into what God has planned for me was definitely the wise thing to do. He required some action on my part of course, but also alot of trust in the sense that if I keep looking for the right church He will provide it for me....I dunno, pretty exciting to see that happen TWICE in life now :)
A note to new Christians about investing: I think that, as with any other relationship, it takes investment of time to get to know this awesome savior. I remember how hard it was for me to understand who Christ actually was and not what I heard/assumed about Him. As you draw closer to god, God draws Closer to you. (James 4:8) and in time I got a little clearer picture what Christ-like love looked like in day to day life.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Settling
Been awhile! Life has been rather crazy these past 7 months (I can't believe we're over half way through the year already.) and I finally feel God is settling things in my life....ish.
For starters I am working a new position in my job. Very excited about it! I think that might be a first as far as job things go....I feel much more motivated to have a firm grasp at what I am actually doing. I guess I never realized this until I started the new position.
Me and Jen have found a church we're both pretty excited about as well...Also something I wasn't really expecting. (Which I should know better you would think)
All in all I feel things are coming together quite nicely!
For starters I am working a new position in my job. Very excited about it! I think that might be a first as far as job things go....I feel much more motivated to have a firm grasp at what I am actually doing. I guess I never realized this until I started the new position.
Me and Jen have found a church we're both pretty excited about as well...Also something I wasn't really expecting. (Which I should know better you would think)
All in all I feel things are coming together quite nicely!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Influences-Music
Part two of my series of influential things. This time around its music.
The question for me on this topic is what do I think about when listening to a song? Unfortunately I can never just listen to music per say, but a song will almost always spur on a thought branch where I end up more thinking to a song that will towards the end become background music.
Depending on the type of music I listen to will influence what I think about, and thought life is essential
Like some sort of weird filing system, I associate events, people, times, places, and seasons of life to music. Heh. A few select people in the world knew me at a time where my music choices were....less then substantiate. I remember in those times how not ok my thought life was.
I think music is one of those things that work both as an influencer and a reflector of what has influenced you in life. As life changes, its interesting to see how my tastes change. Infact, I keep alot of old music around that I never listen to anymore to remind me where I came from, and to laugh at myself....:)
I guess as your goals change as a person, you listen to music that support your thought life and lifestyle....
I love to know what kind of music friends listen to! It's a great indicator of what kind of person they are.
One of the main ways I worship is with music. I believe this is what music was created for, to give praise to God. When church hunting (I am currently in the process of replacing the word "shop" with the word "hunt" to imply manliness) one of the main things I just couldn't overlook was how the worship was. Every church worships God differently, but I'm glad He lead me to one that I really enjoy. Even this blog is named after a song.... permeates everything about me, and influences my thought life, mood, and day.
Thats it I suppose...Till next time!
P.S. Read this its pretty awesome, and written by a key influencer in my life :)
The question for me on this topic is what do I think about when listening to a song? Unfortunately I can never just listen to music per say, but a song will almost always spur on a thought branch where I end up more thinking to a song that will towards the end become background music.
Depending on the type of music I listen to will influence what I think about, and thought life is essential
Like some sort of weird filing system, I associate events, people, times, places, and seasons of life to music. Heh. A few select people in the world knew me at a time where my music choices were....less then substantiate. I remember in those times how not ok my thought life was.
I think music is one of those things that work both as an influencer and a reflector of what has influenced you in life. As life changes, its interesting to see how my tastes change. Infact, I keep alot of old music around that I never listen to anymore to remind me where I came from, and to laugh at myself....:)
I guess as your goals change as a person, you listen to music that support your thought life and lifestyle....
I love to know what kind of music friends listen to! It's a great indicator of what kind of person they are.
One of the main ways I worship is with music. I believe this is what music was created for, to give praise to God. When church hunting (I am currently in the process of replacing the word "shop" with the word "hunt" to imply manliness) one of the main things I just couldn't overlook was how the worship was. Every church worships God differently, but I'm glad He lead me to one that I really enjoy. Even this blog is named after a song.... permeates everything about me, and influences my thought life, mood, and day.
Thats it I suppose...Till next time!
P.S. Read this its pretty awesome, and written by a key influencer in my life :)
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Influences-People
Have you ever stopped to evaluate who/what influences you? People can and do go entire lifetimes without ever noticing one of the biggest influences of all, people.
As with almost everything in life, I feel I have a choice, and one of the most important decisions I will ever make is who I let influence me. I love observing what/how people make decisions. What factors go into their decisions. I think that's how I pick who influences me, how they live their life and what kind of decisions they make.
Another route I took in my younger years is the mistake of not consciously picking my close friends, and letting them pick me. It's very important whos opinion you value, because that person or persons are likely to be your close friends.
I feel it's SOO important to choose because of the tree of events that sprout from those who influence you. Chances are you will have similar thought patterns and decision making habits (atleast I tend to anyway) and that will pretty much decide how you live your life! Crazy when I think of the implications....
There are those in my life who are my friends for sure, but sadly, I cannot allow them to influence me in anyway. (And its funny how THAT leads to a path of mistrust and uncertainty with those people)
Not just anybody should be my close circle of friends, because whether I realize it or not, they will have an impact...for bad or good. (I think this is true for others as well.)
I am very thankful God has put many an amazing people in my life who have influenced me to be a much better person then before I met them....and Know He will do the same in my new home. I just have to make the right choice....that's what it all can be traced back to, a choice.
-Sean
As with almost everything in life, I feel I have a choice, and one of the most important decisions I will ever make is who I let influence me. I love observing what/how people make decisions. What factors go into their decisions. I think that's how I pick who influences me, how they live their life and what kind of decisions they make.
Another route I took in my younger years is the mistake of not consciously picking my close friends, and letting them pick me. It's very important whos opinion you value, because that person or persons are likely to be your close friends.
I feel it's SOO important to choose because of the tree of events that sprout from those who influence you. Chances are you will have similar thought patterns and decision making habits (atleast I tend to anyway) and that will pretty much decide how you live your life! Crazy when I think of the implications....
There are those in my life who are my friends for sure, but sadly, I cannot allow them to influence me in anyway. (And its funny how THAT leads to a path of mistrust and uncertainty with those people)
Not just anybody should be my close circle of friends, because whether I realize it or not, they will have an impact...for bad or good. (I think this is true for others as well.)
I am very thankful God has put many an amazing people in my life who have influenced me to be a much better person then before I met them....and Know He will do the same in my new home. I just have to make the right choice....that's what it all can be traced back to, a choice.
-Sean
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Relationships
I love summer! I'm fairly certain my brain operates slightly faster in the warmer weather. But it is 100+ degrees outside at the moment....good time to write I think.
Life has been very busy lately. Plugging back in to the hampton roads area is an ongoing process....but it is progressing.
Onto a somewhat random topic that has been on my mind lately-relationships. From what I have experienced...not an easy venture in a man (or woman's really) life. Taking time, devotion, sacrifice, and patience (to name a few) to become successful.
Another thing I have noticed is how good relationships are always SO awkward in the beginning! It takes time and effort to become the kind of couple you probably had in mind when first starting.
FYI-Starting a relationship with Christ is very similar. Slow change from the inside out. I think alot of people feel with both relationships and Christianity that when you first start such things there's this instantaneous life changing moment where nothing is the same and everything is amazing from that moment on....Nope. I mean, some people start a relationship with God with the life changing moment, but I think for the most part it's a constant, slow, process that requires you to keep coming to Him.
Now that I think about it, pretty awesome to see how similar the two are. How awesome it is to see that when you allow God to steer you on His path, everything else falls into place. (not to say you get whatever you want yada yada)
A pretty good example of this is two friends of mine who recently got married. It's very clear to see how Christ-centered their relationship is, and it encourages me to have Christ in the center of mine. Congrats Brittany and Joel!
Relationships are clearly what a good amount of my friends desire. It's sad to see desperation take its toll though....desperation causes settling for anyone willing to be in a relationship with you.....not good stuff. Not to imply to wait for the PERFECT person....but that at the very least a set of standards is crucial.
On a happier note though alot of my friends are single and just fine with it (or are looking with a set of godly standards for their mate) and yes, it definitely takes longer, but once you find that woman God has in mind, its worth every second of the wait...trust me I know :) Hope this makes sense in some way or another....
-Sean
Life has been very busy lately. Plugging back in to the hampton roads area is an ongoing process....but it is progressing.
Onto a somewhat random topic that has been on my mind lately-relationships. From what I have experienced...not an easy venture in a man (or woman's really) life. Taking time, devotion, sacrifice, and patience (to name a few) to become successful.
Another thing I have noticed is how good relationships are always SO awkward in the beginning! It takes time and effort to become the kind of couple you probably had in mind when first starting.
FYI-Starting a relationship with Christ is very similar. Slow change from the inside out. I think alot of people feel with both relationships and Christianity that when you first start such things there's this instantaneous life changing moment where nothing is the same and everything is amazing from that moment on....Nope. I mean, some people start a relationship with God with the life changing moment, but I think for the most part it's a constant, slow, process that requires you to keep coming to Him.
Now that I think about it, pretty awesome to see how similar the two are. How awesome it is to see that when you allow God to steer you on His path, everything else falls into place. (not to say you get whatever you want yada yada)
A pretty good example of this is two friends of mine who recently got married. It's very clear to see how Christ-centered their relationship is, and it encourages me to have Christ in the center of mine. Congrats Brittany and Joel!
Relationships are clearly what a good amount of my friends desire. It's sad to see desperation take its toll though....desperation causes settling for anyone willing to be in a relationship with you.....not good stuff. Not to imply to wait for the PERFECT person....but that at the very least a set of standards is crucial.
On a happier note though alot of my friends are single and just fine with it (or are looking with a set of godly standards for their mate) and yes, it definitely takes longer, but once you find that woman God has in mind, its worth every second of the wait...trust me I know :) Hope this makes sense in some way or another....
-Sean
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Treasure
As the name implies, what do you value in your life? Whats a treasure....something you sought for a long time and would be crushed to lose? Something you value but not just for a short time. The word treasure I feel implies long lasting value.
I realize there are many treasures in my life, and I bet there are a lot in yours if you look for them...as simple as being thankful for something.
One of my treasures I got to experience this past weekend was an adventure with some amazing friends from Nova. Catching up, boating, wakeboarding, and having conversations that make you think about very important things.
I cannot urge you enough to be thankful and consider the treasures YOU (not you compared to someone else) have. Some time and consideration will reveal what gifts God has blessed you with in this life.
On another completely random note; have you ever stopped to consider how active God really is in this world? How easy it is to miss it? I was talking to an old friend who recently got back from a mission trip to a third world middle east country and was simply astounished at how much God has used him over there. Subtle ways in individual lives. Nothing that would ever make the news or seem to have much of an impact at all but in truth...has a monumentous impack in the eternal kingdom. One treasure to consider is how God has not forgotten us. He is slow to anger and quick to guide us in His plan!
-Sean
I realize there are many treasures in my life, and I bet there are a lot in yours if you look for them...as simple as being thankful for something.
One of my treasures I got to experience this past weekend was an adventure with some amazing friends from Nova. Catching up, boating, wakeboarding, and having conversations that make you think about very important things.
I cannot urge you enough to be thankful and consider the treasures YOU (not you compared to someone else) have. Some time and consideration will reveal what gifts God has blessed you with in this life.
On another completely random note; have you ever stopped to consider how active God really is in this world? How easy it is to miss it? I was talking to an old friend who recently got back from a mission trip to a third world middle east country and was simply astounished at how much God has used him over there. Subtle ways in individual lives. Nothing that would ever make the news or seem to have much of an impact at all but in truth...has a monumentous impack in the eternal kingdom. One treasure to consider is how God has not forgotten us. He is slow to anger and quick to guide us in His plan!
-Sean
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