We're all someone. We all have likes and dislikes and types of clothing we like to wear and music we like to listen to. We each have a unique personality that allows our friends to go, "I saw these shoes at the mall that looked so totally you."
We all enjoy being 'ourselves."
Last Sunday the pastor of my church preached a sermon that I liked a lot. In it, he compared our personalities, our likes and dislikes, who we are as people inside and out to being our "houses." As humans, we like to think we own our houses. We like to think we sit on a big fat piece of land in a nice house and say, "I own this, this is me." But, as my pastor said, we don't actually own any of it.
God has the keys to your heart if you've accept Him as your Lord and Savior, but God also wants the keys to your house. He wants every bit of furniture in every room. And, myself included, when you hear this you don't like it. I like being myself, I'm me, this is my house, I built it.
But none of us built our own houses. God did, from the foundation to the chimney. We don't have a right to throw Him out the front door and say, "I built this, get out." He wants His keys back, and things get so much easier when you hand them over, because He'll help you with the upkeep. When your house starts falling apart, when a storm comes, God'll be there to help you with repairs. But first, you have to surrender your housekeys and let God into every room. Every closet. Every cupboard. Don't close any doors, don't go, "Oh, not that closet, that's my stuff." Or, "Please don't go in there, I'm ashamed of what's inside." Those latter doors are the one that you should leave wide open for God, for He's the only one who can clean out and remodel it. It may be embarrassing and shameful, but don't worry, God understands. It may hurt to show Him these private rooms, but it will hurt only as thorn hurts as it being pulled out.
It's hard to give up control of things, we as humans like to be in charge of ourselves. But, if you think about it, this isn't even our permanent house. Soon it would will crumble and rust away and we'll move into a perfect mansion in Heaven, and since that's eternal, how much do our earthly dwellings really matter?
God wants every part of us. All of it. He wants every door wide open. He gave you a wonderful house to live in it, so live in it, don't try to own it. Really, so much stress goes away when you give Him everything. He wants to fill your house with peace and joy, so why not let him?
Giving up control is hard, but things get easier after that. So try it. I have faith that you'll see the blessings immediately.
^(OvO)^
“Never regret thy fall, O Icarus of the fearless flight, For the greatest tragedy of them all, Is never to feel the burning light”
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Reflections for the End of the World
Everyone knows about the Mayan prediction of end of world, etc, etc, but of course no one really believes it. There is, however, that little voice that whispers, "What if?"
I've noticed lately, in a lot of radio-pop songs, they feature lines such as, "Live like you're dying," and, "Party like we've got one night left." It seems like our culture is bombarding us with these messages to party now and forget the consequences. And with this prediction, and that little voice, I find myself examining my life like, "Is this the note I want everything to end on?"
Thinking that is useless, because the answer will always be a big fat resounding, "NO!" We will never be happy with our lives, up 'til the very end, and when we realize that things get easier. Humans have always reached for the unattainable goal of being "happy" in life, and you can never be happy when you're searching to be happy, because being happy is almost an illusion. There is just to much sadness in this fallen world.
To slip in a Doctor Who quote, "The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things, the good things don't always soften the bad things, but vice versa the bad things don't necessarily spoil the good things or make them unimportant." You will have good days, but you'll have just as many bad days, and it's separating them that's the key.
To "live like you're dying" is wrong, it just leads to dissatisfaction and unfulfillment, and in truth we can't live like we're dying because we aren't dying.
We have to live like we're living.
The surest way to be unhappy is to go looking for happiness. Accept the bad days, enjoy the good days, live for God, serve others, and happiness should follow.
Another thing I find myself is thinking, "Did I make a big enough difference? Did I matter?"
The answer, really, depends on your definition of "mattering." Because, in the scope of all things human, we don't really matter at all. Even someone like Socrates, someone who's been remembered for generations and shaped human history (if that can be considered "mattering") will one day be entirely forgotten.
On our own, we don't matter, we're just small and helpless and clinging onto the skin of this tiny little world.
The way I see it, there are two levels of mattering: the earthly level and the heavenly level. Earthly levels is your day to day life "matterings" - you matter to your parents, to your friends, to the people you help and guide through life. Then there is the heavenly level of mattering - everyone you've directly or indirectly brought to knowledge and Saving Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Of course, this is the only way you'll truly mattering, and it's the most wonderful way to matter.
So don't worry about mattering on an earthly level, worry about mattering on that heavenly level, and that's the only way you'll ever feel fulfilled.
The world could end on December 21st, the world could end any day really, but most likely it won't end for a long while yet. But still, don't beat around the bush, stop looking for happiness, stop trying to matter materialistically, and start telling people a very good piece of news.
The news that one man died for the sins of all mankind.
^(OvO)^
I've noticed lately, in a lot of radio-pop songs, they feature lines such as, "Live like you're dying," and, "Party like we've got one night left." It seems like our culture is bombarding us with these messages to party now and forget the consequences. And with this prediction, and that little voice, I find myself examining my life like, "Is this the note I want everything to end on?"
Thinking that is useless, because the answer will always be a big fat resounding, "NO!" We will never be happy with our lives, up 'til the very end, and when we realize that things get easier. Humans have always reached for the unattainable goal of being "happy" in life, and you can never be happy when you're searching to be happy, because being happy is almost an illusion. There is just to much sadness in this fallen world.
To slip in a Doctor Who quote, "The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things, the good things don't always soften the bad things, but vice versa the bad things don't necessarily spoil the good things or make them unimportant." You will have good days, but you'll have just as many bad days, and it's separating them that's the key.
To "live like you're dying" is wrong, it just leads to dissatisfaction and unfulfillment, and in truth we can't live like we're dying because we aren't dying.
We have to live like we're living.
The surest way to be unhappy is to go looking for happiness. Accept the bad days, enjoy the good days, live for God, serve others, and happiness should follow.
Another thing I find myself is thinking, "Did I make a big enough difference? Did I matter?"
The answer, really, depends on your definition of "mattering." Because, in the scope of all things human, we don't really matter at all. Even someone like Socrates, someone who's been remembered for generations and shaped human history (if that can be considered "mattering") will one day be entirely forgotten.
On our own, we don't matter, we're just small and helpless and clinging onto the skin of this tiny little world.
The way I see it, there are two levels of mattering: the earthly level and the heavenly level. Earthly levels is your day to day life "matterings" - you matter to your parents, to your friends, to the people you help and guide through life. Then there is the heavenly level of mattering - everyone you've directly or indirectly brought to knowledge and Saving Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Of course, this is the only way you'll truly mattering, and it's the most wonderful way to matter.
So don't worry about mattering on an earthly level, worry about mattering on that heavenly level, and that's the only way you'll ever feel fulfilled.
The world could end on December 21st, the world could end any day really, but most likely it won't end for a long while yet. But still, don't beat around the bush, stop looking for happiness, stop trying to matter materialistically, and start telling people a very good piece of news.
The news that one man died for the sins of all mankind.
^(OvO)^
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Discouragement and Creativity
Lately I've been doubting my writing ability. I've been sitting at my keyboard, trying to coax some brilliant words to miraculously form themselves into magnificent prose, something that will make people go, "Wow, you're really talented." I'm one of those people who is always reaching for that unattainable goal of perfection - and worse, I try to achieve it on my first or second try. More then once I've found myself looking at the first draft of something I've written and wondering why it's so pathetic compared to the works of my famous authors.
Combined with the fact that there are 7 billion people in the world, probably about a billion of them writing similar things I am, and only about 100 of them are actually successful authors, impacting the world and people's lives with their near-perfect words, I've been pretty discouraged.
I've also been pretty ridiculous.
First, you should never compare your writing (or other creative outlet) to someone else's, and especially not a professional's. Creativity is not a competition; there are no winners, there are no losers. Everyone is traveling down this infinite line of good ideas and bad ideas, finished ideas and unfinished ideas. Some people are farther down this line, some people are more successful on this line, but because this line is infinite it doesn't really matter.
As a writer, I create because I enjoy it, it helps me understand and recreate myself, and I have things I want to say. I want more than anything to have my words impact someone profoundly, but maybe that should be viewed more as a wonderful side effect than the main point. As long as my writing impacts me profoundly, its mission is accomplished.
So, for all you writers out there, for all you artists of all forms, every single person on this earth, take pride in what you create. The world may never see it, but as long as the act of creating helped you, impacted you, then it's worth just as much as a truly great work of art.
God has given us the ability and desire to create, and that is a truly marvelous gift.
Stuff like fame is merely the side effect.
And remember, God has a plan for your creativity. Don't be discouraged, don't shove your thoughts into the dusty attic of your mind because you think they're not good enough. Pour them out, to help yourself, and who knows what side effects might follow.
^(OvO)^
Combined with the fact that there are 7 billion people in the world, probably about a billion of them writing similar things I am, and only about 100 of them are actually successful authors, impacting the world and people's lives with their near-perfect words, I've been pretty discouraged.
I've also been pretty ridiculous.
First, you should never compare your writing (or other creative outlet) to someone else's, and especially not a professional's. Creativity is not a competition; there are no winners, there are no losers. Everyone is traveling down this infinite line of good ideas and bad ideas, finished ideas and unfinished ideas. Some people are farther down this line, some people are more successful on this line, but because this line is infinite it doesn't really matter.
As a writer, I create because I enjoy it, it helps me understand and recreate myself, and I have things I want to say. I want more than anything to have my words impact someone profoundly, but maybe that should be viewed more as a wonderful side effect than the main point. As long as my writing impacts me profoundly, its mission is accomplished.
So, for all you writers out there, for all you artists of all forms, every single person on this earth, take pride in what you create. The world may never see it, but as long as the act of creating helped you, impacted you, then it's worth just as much as a truly great work of art.
God has given us the ability and desire to create, and that is a truly marvelous gift.
Stuff like fame is merely the side effect.
And remember, God has a plan for your creativity. Don't be discouraged, don't shove your thoughts into the dusty attic of your mind because you think they're not good enough. Pour them out, to help yourself, and who knows what side effects might follow.
^(OvO)^
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Extroverts, Introverts
Sometimes I feel like I'm split. I'm neither an introvert or extrovert, but somewhere in between. When I'm with people I'm comfortable with and know, I'm a complete extrovert and am completely comfortable with myself and other people (friends and strangers). However, when I'm on my own in some new social situation, I'm totally shy, and I just want to curl up in the corner with a sign that says, "I DON'T EXIST."
It's because of this I feel like I have a general idea of what both an introvert and an extrovert feel.
I have absolutely no qualification to say what I'm about to say, this is pure observation/personal experience. Feel free to chuck anything that isn't applicable to you out the window, because after all, this is me, and you are you. But, for what it's worth...
Extroverts,
when you're in the that "zone," where you're in a social situation and utterly owning it, sometimes it's hard to remember or admit to that kid in the corner who's clearly uncomfortable and probably not having a very good time. And even if you go over and talk to them, it's usually a one-sided conversation.
You have to remember introverts despise small talk. I'm sure you're telling a very interesting story about when you fell off your skateboard but they're probably sitting there going, "Oh gosh now I have to make a witty comment back what should I say what can I say someone help me please." (at least, that goes for me). They'll probably just laugh awkwardly, force a smile, and say, "Cool."
So, instead of forcing you're (most likely wonderful, but slightly intimidating) self onto an introvert, try taking it slow. If you're with friends that all know each other, and someone's an outsider, try to make space in the social "circle," and keep the conversation away from talking about past memories or laughing over inside jokes. If you're talking about a certain subject, try asking the introvert, "So, what do you think?" and make sure you respond to their response. Let them know you want to get to know them better, and aren't just being polite (something I find as an introvert is when people are just being polite, I feel there is no need to "get close" with them so I just give up and speak as little as possible).
And remember, introverts like little tastes of society and then alone time. If they want to leave, don't stop them. And above all else, just take it slow. Introverts hate to be overwhelmed.
Introverts,
how easy it is to hide yourself from the world. But, please, don't do that. Don't hide behind your shyness. It's very hard for an extrovert to include you in a conversation when you don't at least try to participate. Give them something to work with. I know it's hard, but try actively taking a small social risk. Jump into a conversation. The worst that will happen is an embarrassing moment, and in the long run saying something stupid never killed anyone. Everyone, deep down, is just as uncomfortable as you, some people just ignore that feeling better then others. There's nothing wrong with being shy, just don't let that shyness rule you. Open your mouth and give your opinion, introduce yourself to a random stranger once and awhile. Really, there isn't any damage you can do that is long lasting or irrevocable.
Also, whenever I see that one popular kid who just looks so happy with all his tight circle of friends I feel so hopeless. How can I ever say hello to a group of people so tightly knit? They clearly don't want another friend, much less me.
Just know, that is not true.
Just because someone who goes around with a close-knit group of friends, they're always on the lookout for a new one. Just because they know some people really well, it doesn't mean I don't want to know you really well. Everyone enjoys meeting someone new.
Don't hide, try, just once, letting your hair down. Sure, you might embarrass yourself, but you might get a reward much greater then you could've imagined.
^(OvO)^
It's because of this I feel like I have a general idea of what both an introvert and an extrovert feel.
I have absolutely no qualification to say what I'm about to say, this is pure observation/personal experience. Feel free to chuck anything that isn't applicable to you out the window, because after all, this is me, and you are you. But, for what it's worth...
Extroverts,
when you're in the that "zone," where you're in a social situation and utterly owning it, sometimes it's hard to remember or admit to that kid in the corner who's clearly uncomfortable and probably not having a very good time. And even if you go over and talk to them, it's usually a one-sided conversation.
You have to remember introverts despise small talk. I'm sure you're telling a very interesting story about when you fell off your skateboard but they're probably sitting there going, "Oh gosh now I have to make a witty comment back what should I say what can I say someone help me please." (at least, that goes for me). They'll probably just laugh awkwardly, force a smile, and say, "Cool."
So, instead of forcing you're (most likely wonderful, but slightly intimidating) self onto an introvert, try taking it slow. If you're with friends that all know each other, and someone's an outsider, try to make space in the social "circle," and keep the conversation away from talking about past memories or laughing over inside jokes. If you're talking about a certain subject, try asking the introvert, "So, what do you think?" and make sure you respond to their response. Let them know you want to get to know them better, and aren't just being polite (something I find as an introvert is when people are just being polite, I feel there is no need to "get close" with them so I just give up and speak as little as possible).
And remember, introverts like little tastes of society and then alone time. If they want to leave, don't stop them. And above all else, just take it slow. Introverts hate to be overwhelmed.
Introverts,
how easy it is to hide yourself from the world. But, please, don't do that. Don't hide behind your shyness. It's very hard for an extrovert to include you in a conversation when you don't at least try to participate. Give them something to work with. I know it's hard, but try actively taking a small social risk. Jump into a conversation. The worst that will happen is an embarrassing moment, and in the long run saying something stupid never killed anyone. Everyone, deep down, is just as uncomfortable as you, some people just ignore that feeling better then others. There's nothing wrong with being shy, just don't let that shyness rule you. Open your mouth and give your opinion, introduce yourself to a random stranger once and awhile. Really, there isn't any damage you can do that is long lasting or irrevocable.
Also, whenever I see that one popular kid who just looks so happy with all his tight circle of friends I feel so hopeless. How can I ever say hello to a group of people so tightly knit? They clearly don't want another friend, much less me.
Just know, that is not true.
Just because someone who goes around with a close-knit group of friends, they're always on the lookout for a new one. Just because they know some people really well, it doesn't mean I don't want to know you really well. Everyone enjoys meeting someone new.
Don't hide, try, just once, letting your hair down. Sure, you might embarrass yourself, but you might get a reward much greater then you could've imagined.
^(OvO)^
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Greetings and Whatnot
A Very Brief Introduction To My Very Muddled Brain
So. Hi. I've decided to start a blog so I can release to the world all the various observations, thoughts, quips, sputterings, mutterings, etc inside my muddled little head. This is either a very brilliant idea or a very dangerous one, and only time will tell. So, if you are reading this, and continue reading this, I can only thank you from the bottom of my heart, and my heart is very deep.
Behind the Name
You came to take us
All things go, all things go
To recreate us
All things grow, all things grow
We had our mindset
All things known, all things known
You had to find it
All things go, all things go
These lines come from the song Chicago by Sufjan Stevens. This is obviously what inspire the title to this little blog of mine. Though Sufjan's songs are always interpreted differently from individual to individual, for me these lyrics reflect ultimately what I beleive about life. Everything we're doing, everything we come into contact with, all things we touch, taste, smell, feel, and hear all collide inside of us, filtered by our mindset, our beliefs, to help us recreate and reinvent who we are. All our mistakes, all our hopes and dreams, all our ideas, all that the Lord has put in our path, help us find who we are and help us through our lives.
So, I guess that's kind of what I want to accomplish with this blog. I want it to help me recreate myself, so that in turn, hopefully, will help you recreate yourself.
So, for better or for worse, here's a blog, here's my thoughts, I hope you enjoy them.
^(OvO)^
So. Hi. I've decided to start a blog so I can release to the world all the various observations, thoughts, quips, sputterings, mutterings, etc inside my muddled little head. This is either a very brilliant idea or a very dangerous one, and only time will tell. So, if you are reading this, and continue reading this, I can only thank you from the bottom of my heart, and my heart is very deep.
Behind the Name
You came to take us
All things go, all things go
To recreate us
All things grow, all things grow
We had our mindset
All things known, all things known
You had to find it
All things go, all things go
These lines come from the song Chicago by Sufjan Stevens. This is obviously what inspire the title to this little blog of mine. Though Sufjan's songs are always interpreted differently from individual to individual, for me these lyrics reflect ultimately what I beleive about life. Everything we're doing, everything we come into contact with, all things we touch, taste, smell, feel, and hear all collide inside of us, filtered by our mindset, our beliefs, to help us recreate and reinvent who we are. All our mistakes, all our hopes and dreams, all our ideas, all that the Lord has put in our path, help us find who we are and help us through our lives.
So, I guess that's kind of what I want to accomplish with this blog. I want it to help me recreate myself, so that in turn, hopefully, will help you recreate yourself.
So, for better or for worse, here's a blog, here's my thoughts, I hope you enjoy them.
^(OvO)^
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