So, it's a little late at night right now, but I had a cup of coffee earlier at mcdonalds with the Seales, so I'm a little awake. It surprised me how much it actually affected me. It was way more coffe than I normally have at once, which is rare anyway. Maybe that's why. But anyway, I was falling asleep driving to the thing in La Grange where they sang, but I thought it was closer than it was, so I didn't call anyone to stay awake. But then on the way home, after the coffee, I had no trouble at all. See, I heard that what caffeine does to your brain is essentially not like pressing the gas pedal, but more like putting a block under the brake pedal. Which I guess that makes sense for me, because usually when I'm tired, I am tired, and caffeine doesn't help that much. I guess it's the equivalent of coasting to a stop. My brain probably does that pretty quickly, because I think it's kinda like our little ranger... pulling a trailer. Sometimes I wonder if I even have a gas pedal. It's definitely a standard, because it stalls a lot. Sometimes I have trouble switching gears, though. Maybe the clutch is getting sticky... Tires are a little worn, but at least the engine is in decent shape. Radio is out of tune, though...
You know what I want for Christmas? Me neither. I would love to get back into model rockets, but I don know how I would make the time for it. It's so nerdy, too, but I think I've accepted my nerdiness. I think I can run farther faster and do more push ups than a bunch of non nerdy people, so I guess it's ok. I also play bass, so... Ok, scratch that...
I'm getting the feeling things are about to change a lot. Maybe that's why I'm feeling like I do right now. I feel really weird. It's not a good feeling, either. It's almost a hurting feeling, but it almost feels like I'm losing things in my life, including people, things I do, stuff like that. Maybe it's cuz the new year is approaching, maybe it's because I'm noticing all these changes that really are happening. But it feels like it's bigger than what's happening right now, that I'm noticing. It's like a weird feeling that there's something way bigger coming. I don't know. I'm not sure it's good, though. Or at least, not easy. What's best is sometimes really hard to accept. It's hard to let some people go, even if you just won't see them as much, but especially when you don't even know if you'll see them again. It's hard to stop doing something that you've been doing for so long, it doesn't seem like it would ever end. It's hard to add something new when you aren't sure what exactly it means for you. It's hard to leave, when the first thing you think about is when you'll get to come back next. And it's hard to go back when the first thing you think about is when you'll get to leave again. They say (and by that I mean I heard someone say once) that nostalgia is related to heaven, because when we feel it, it's for something or someone that reminds our souls of heaven. I don't know if I worded that right, but basically, you have the same feelings for those things that make you nostalgic as you will for heaven. It sounds pretty right to me, because those things for me are the closest things to heaven that I have here on earth. I think some things are going to change this next year, and I'll be missing my little pieces of heaven a lot more.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Camp LIFE Support letter
This is the current draft for the support letter I will be sending out to lots of peoples very soonlike. Please let me know if you have any ideas for revisions. There isn't much room to add much more to it, though
Zambia is a landlocked country located in south central Africa . Zambia has a population of 12 million people, but a full 1 million of these people are, in fact, children who have been orphaned due to the ravages of AIDS and other extreme poverty-related diseases. The U.N. says that Zambia Zambia
To my Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I am so excited about the amazing ministry opportunity God has given me recently! I have felt led to go on a trip to Zambia, Africa to minister to orphan children next June! God has given me a love for children, and now He has provided this wonderful opportunity to reach out to children in need through this camp in Zambia.
I will be going to minister to the orphaned and vulnerable children of Zambia through an organization called Family Legacy Missions International based in Dallas, TX. Family Legacy Missions International (FLMI) is a federally qualified, tax-exempt public charity whose mission is to alleviate the suffering of children on the other side of the world in Africa, while bringing the Good News of the Kingdom of God to them. They do this through a program called Camp LIFE. We will be working directly with the orphans each day: playing games, teaching Bible lessons, singing songs, and just plain hugging and loving the kids. Every day, we will bus all of the orphan children into a giant recreation facility and give them an incredible day of discipleship, counseling, food, fun, and love – all in the name of Jesus! My prayer is that this time spent with the kids will result in changed lives for Jesus Christ. I am so excited to see what amazing things God has in store for this trip.
I am writing you today to ask you to partner with me on this incredible investment for eternity. God has called me to go and I have committed to trust Him and follow His lead. But going is only part of the investment required to serve these children. Those who can’t go, but can pray for and financially support those who do go are fully equal co-laborers in this ministry project.
First of all, I ask that you pray for me. Please pray that God will provide the financial means for me to go, and also that He would work through me on the trip to win some lives for His Kingdom! While I am on the trip, please pray for the safety of the kids, the other counselors and staff, and myself. Please also pray that God would make the trip a successful ministry and testimony to His love and mercy. Next, please pray about supporting me yourself. The trip is a total of 17 days long, from June 9th through the 26th, and the total cost for it is $5,390. I need to raise $1,000 by January 15th, and then the rest by April 1st. Because I know that God has called me to go to Zambia, I am confident that He will also provide a way for me to go, but I very much want you to be involved with me on this project so that you, too, will be blessed as a result. Proverbs 19:17 says, that “when you give to the poor, you are lending to God, and that God Himself will repay you”. Helping me to help these kids is an investment for which God will surely repay you – maybe in this life, but definitely in eternity. After praying about it, if you feel led, please consider making a financial donation towards this trip for me.
I know that you probably receive many letters similar to this one asking for support for one mission trip or another. I also understand that even if you can’t support me financially at this time, I will still have your prayers while I go. From the testimonies of those who have gone on this trip in previous years, I know that I truly will never be the same for having gone and I will be forever grateful for your willingness to invest in me and in the orphans of Zambia. So, if you feel led to give, please send your tax-deductible gift in the enclosed envelope, and be sure to write my name in the memo section. You can also donate electronically, if you prefer, by visiting www.camplifezambia.com/brandon.
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There's a picture of one of the kids from the camp here, but it won't show on the blog.Thank you so much for your prayers and support and may God deeply bless you!!
Serving HIS Kids,
William Brandon Bronaugh
“Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of God is this:
to visit the widows and the orphans in their distress.” -- James 1:27
Wow.
So, after a month of blog silence, I join the ranks of all you people who never update your blogs. My apologies for becoming like you. The only person this excludes is Brian. He updates his blog more than I do (or did), even though it is required for class.
So, anyway, to the blog postingness. I don't know what's happened in the past month. It's been a lot. I've also been asleep for a lot of it. I'd say roughly 10 whole days. Probably less, though. Let's see, Thanksgiving happened again this year. That was cool. Lots of food. On Thanksgiving day, the Aggie Band fed us four times!! We had a huge breakfast (buffet), then they gave us lunch before the parade, then we had a huge Thanksgiving dinner before the game (which we won, by the way!!), and then we had pizza after the game!! It was awesome. The game was really cool, too, even though it was super cold. My hands were numb by halfway through the halftime drill.
So then, dead week happened. That's awesome. If you don't know what dead week is, first go back and read all my old blog posts... There, now you know what dead week is! Isn't it awesome? I told the whole outfit about my Zambia trip at the Christmas dinner, and some people came up and gave me cash right then. It was really encouraging to see. I'll be sending out a support letter soon, hopefully early next week. It's similar to the one I put on here earlier, but I changed a lot, too. That was just the sample letter, without any changes. I'll post the new one once I finish this post. If you're interested in supporting me, and you feel led to, please contact me, or just go to www.camplifezambia.com/brandon but more important than all that, please just pray for me. I think I've been focusing too much on financial support for this when talking about it, instead of simply asking for prayer. So, please pray for me, whether you give or not, because that support is even more valuable. God can handle a little cash just fine.
Also, on a more recent note, I'm going to be working for a company called Vector over the Christmas break. Maybe you've heard of it. They sell Cutco knives. I won't be a door-to-door salesman or telemarketer, though. What I'll do is meet with people, show them the knives, and then ask them to recommend people for me to call. They tell the people to expect a call, I call them, set up a meeting, and do the whole thing with them, too. I should be able to make a pretty decent amount of money from it over the break, and I plan on using most or all of it (after tithes, of course, and gas money if I need it) for my Zambia trip. I really do not want to be a salesman, though, so I'm only doing this over the break. If it works out pretty well, though, the guy said I could keep working for them, which I hope means I can come back next Christmas break if I need to. But I'm definitely not doing it while in school, no matter how flexible it is. But, the Cutco knives are really good quality, so I don't mind selling them, because it's not a scam or anything. So if you want some high quality kitchen knives, just let me know.
Well, I'm off for Christmas break, so let me know if you want to hang out or anything. I'm pretty free in general. I have to go right now, though. Thanks for reading! I hope to update more often, but if I don't before next Saturday, Merry Christmas!!
So, anyway, to the blog postingness. I don't know what's happened in the past month. It's been a lot. I've also been asleep for a lot of it. I'd say roughly 10 whole days. Probably less, though. Let's see, Thanksgiving happened again this year. That was cool. Lots of food. On Thanksgiving day, the Aggie Band fed us four times!! We had a huge breakfast (buffet), then they gave us lunch before the parade, then we had a huge Thanksgiving dinner before the game (which we won, by the way!!), and then we had pizza after the game!! It was awesome. The game was really cool, too, even though it was super cold. My hands were numb by halfway through the halftime drill.
So then, dead week happened. That's awesome. If you don't know what dead week is, first go back and read all my old blog posts... There, now you know what dead week is! Isn't it awesome? I told the whole outfit about my Zambia trip at the Christmas dinner, and some people came up and gave me cash right then. It was really encouraging to see. I'll be sending out a support letter soon, hopefully early next week. It's similar to the one I put on here earlier, but I changed a lot, too. That was just the sample letter, without any changes. I'll post the new one once I finish this post. If you're interested in supporting me, and you feel led to, please contact me, or just go to www.camplifezambia.com/brandon but more important than all that, please just pray for me. I think I've been focusing too much on financial support for this when talking about it, instead of simply asking for prayer. So, please pray for me, whether you give or not, because that support is even more valuable. God can handle a little cash just fine.
Also, on a more recent note, I'm going to be working for a company called Vector over the Christmas break. Maybe you've heard of it. They sell Cutco knives. I won't be a door-to-door salesman or telemarketer, though. What I'll do is meet with people, show them the knives, and then ask them to recommend people for me to call. They tell the people to expect a call, I call them, set up a meeting, and do the whole thing with them, too. I should be able to make a pretty decent amount of money from it over the break, and I plan on using most or all of it (after tithes, of course, and gas money if I need it) for my Zambia trip. I really do not want to be a salesman, though, so I'm only doing this over the break. If it works out pretty well, though, the guy said I could keep working for them, which I hope means I can come back next Christmas break if I need to. But I'm definitely not doing it while in school, no matter how flexible it is. But, the Cutco knives are really good quality, so I don't mind selling them, because it's not a scam or anything. So if you want some high quality kitchen knives, just let me know.
Well, I'm off for Christmas break, so let me know if you want to hang out or anything. I'm pretty free in general. I have to go right now, though. Thanks for reading! I hope to update more often, but if I don't before next Saturday, Merry Christmas!!
Monday, November 15, 2010
"So what's up with Zambia?" you might ask...
I am so excited to share some amazing news with you!! Over the last few months and through a series of providential occurrences, God has deeply laid it on my heart that I am to go and minister to the orphan children of Zambia, Africa this summer!
I will be going to minister to the orphaned and vulnerable children of Zambia through an organization called Family Legacy Missions International based in Dallas, TX. Family Legacy Missions International (FLMI) is a federally qualified, tax-exempt public charity whose mission is to alleviate the suffering of children on the other side of the world in Africa, while bringing the Good News of the Kingdom of God
Yes, I am writing you today to ask you to partner with me on this incredible investment for eternity. God has called me to go and I have committed to trust Him and follow His lead. But going is only part of the investment required to serve these children. Those who can’t go, but can pray for and financially support those who do go are fully equal co-laborers in this ministry project.
The total cost for this trip is $ 5,150 and I really need to raise this money by April 1st. Because I know that God has called me to go to Zambia 19:17 says, that “when you give to the poor, you are lending to God, and that God Himself will repay you”. Helping me to help these kids is an investment for which God will surely repay you – maybe in this life, but definitely in eternity.
I know that you probably receive many letters similar to this one asking for support for one mission trip or another. I also understand that even if you can’t support me financially at this time, I will still have your prayers while I go. But please, consider the plight of these countless orphans, and give me and them the joy of seeing God’s hand at work to change their lives. From the testimonies of those who have gone on this trip in previous years, I know that I truly will never be the same for having gone and I will be forever grateful for your willingness to invest in me and in the orphans of Zambia
Thank you so much for your prayers and support and may God deeply bless you!!
Serving HIS Kids,
Brandon Bronaugh
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Compassion and
So, I've been reading the book Crazy Love, by Francis Chan. It's a life changer. Literally. Well, hopefully. I stopped reading it, though. But it was for a good reason. I finished it today. I'll be rereading it for sure, probably more than once, but not right now. Right now, it's on to C.S. Lewis. But that's for another time.
It's funny, though, how it's called "Crazy," yet Chan even says that it's really not. And he's right, it's not, or shouldn't be. Why is that we consider Christians who actually sell all they have to follow Jesus, or who really, really, love their neighbors as themselves, radical or crazy? Why are we amazed at the people who literally could not make it through a month of bills if it weren't for a miracle from God? If we trust God with our lives like we say we do, why are we so scared to put ourselves in situations where we have to rely on Him? I mean, really, it's nice to put an extra dollar in the plate, but if you don't get a candy bar because of it, so what? Now say you only have so much to live off of for the next week, but then you drop all but a few dollars in the plate, or you go spend it all on food, then give away all you can and only keep what's left for yourself. Do you really think God would watch you do that, and then let you go hungry? Would He let you make a sacrifice, trust in Him to pull you through, and then not provide for you? Then why not go do it! Go give away your last dollar, your only meal, your only free evening. See if He doesn't give you ten dollars, a banquet, or a free vacation! God even challenges you to see what He'll do! In Malachi 3:10, God says "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need." Yeah. God will literally pour down a blessing for you if you give back to Him what's His in the first place. Besides, you only get to keep it for so long anyway.
You know, I've always noticed how other people will say that they need to work on something, or they need to fix something, or do something. Whether it's pray more, give more, love more, read more, whatever, I hear a lot of I-need-to's and not so many I've-been-improving-on's. In seeing this, I've also tried to make sure I don't fall into the same trap of thinking that admitting your problem solves it. In all honesty, admitting you have a problem in and of itself doesn't do anything for you. Realizing you have one, yeah, but just saying that you need work in an area of your life is, well, just saying something. So, especially lately, I've been thinking really hard about whether I've really been working on things that need working on, or if I've just been talking about it. In some areas, I really haven't been doing much improvement, but honestly, I think I've been making some really good changes. And I want to keep it that way. I want to always be improving, moving forward, running to Christ. The things that are most important always get the priority for changes, and I want Christ to be my number one priority.
Love. It's such a bad word. Love isn't bad at all, but the word love is. It's just so inadequate. There were like four different Greek words that translate to our word love (I don't know exactly how many, but there are several). So in the Bible, whenever it says "love," you have to look at the original language to see whether it's talking about brotherly love, romantic love, God's love, etc. I think we should have different words for love, too. It would make things less confusing. People couldn't just get by with saying "I love you" and meaning something else anymore. And songs might be harder to write...
On a tangent (I started the last paragraph last week, and I just got back to it, so I don't remember exactly what I was thinking at the time), but still related to love, I think it's funny how almost every single (secular) song is about love, and then the few that aren't are about things like running from cops, balloons starting a world war, or Amer'ca. The funny thing is, there are soo many songs, and people are constantly writing new ones! I'm not saying that people are unoriginal; in fact, I'm saying the opposite. Musicians are really creative to be able to write so much about one subject, yet have so many original songs. Yeah, maybe there are lots of songs that sound the same, but you have to admit that there are tons of original songs. And catchy songs.
I had some cake earlier. It was good, but it had nuts on/in it. That annoys me, but I still ate it, cuz it was chocolate cake. I'm gonna get fat.
Ok, I'm gonna write a little motivational list of stuff and events for myself, but you can read it, too.
Upcoming cool stuff:
Yeah, so that's some cool stuff happening soon. We get mini fridges at the outfit Christmas party, too. I mean, we don't actually get fridges, we get the privilege of having a mini fridge in our rooms next semester. I'm excited, cuz it's annoying not having one.
Ok, third time's the charm, right? I'm gonna try to finish this tonight. So, we had Breakaway tonight, and they had a GO! Missions conference, which is where a ton of mission organizations came and set up booths like a career fair, and you went to them and found out about what they do and stuff. They also had people speak about different regions of the world, and what was going on in them. I went to the Africa one, and that was really cool. But before that, I was going to the different booths, and I came to this one about a program called Camp LIFE. It's a camp for orphans in Zambia!! I don't know, I just got really excited when I was talking to the girl about there about it. She told me a little about what you do and stuff, and said that they really need more guys. It's expensive, though, so I don't know. I really want to go for two weeks, though. So, please pray that God would tell me by Nov 15th, the day that the price goes up even more, whether this is what He wants me to do or not, and that, if it is, He would provide the means for me to go. That's all I have for now. It's late and I need me some mee mees! Goodnight!
It's funny, though, how it's called "Crazy," yet Chan even says that it's really not. And he's right, it's not, or shouldn't be. Why is that we consider Christians who actually sell all they have to follow Jesus, or who really, really, love their neighbors as themselves, radical or crazy? Why are we amazed at the people who literally could not make it through a month of bills if it weren't for a miracle from God? If we trust God with our lives like we say we do, why are we so scared to put ourselves in situations where we have to rely on Him? I mean, really, it's nice to put an extra dollar in the plate, but if you don't get a candy bar because of it, so what? Now say you only have so much to live off of for the next week, but then you drop all but a few dollars in the plate, or you go spend it all on food, then give away all you can and only keep what's left for yourself. Do you really think God would watch you do that, and then let you go hungry? Would He let you make a sacrifice, trust in Him to pull you through, and then not provide for you? Then why not go do it! Go give away your last dollar, your only meal, your only free evening. See if He doesn't give you ten dollars, a banquet, or a free vacation! God even challenges you to see what He'll do! In Malachi 3:10, God says "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need." Yeah. God will literally pour down a blessing for you if you give back to Him what's His in the first place. Besides, you only get to keep it for so long anyway.
You know, I've always noticed how other people will say that they need to work on something, or they need to fix something, or do something. Whether it's pray more, give more, love more, read more, whatever, I hear a lot of I-need-to's and not so many I've-been-improving-on's. In seeing this, I've also tried to make sure I don't fall into the same trap of thinking that admitting your problem solves it. In all honesty, admitting you have a problem in and of itself doesn't do anything for you. Realizing you have one, yeah, but just saying that you need work in an area of your life is, well, just saying something. So, especially lately, I've been thinking really hard about whether I've really been working on things that need working on, or if I've just been talking about it. In some areas, I really haven't been doing much improvement, but honestly, I think I've been making some really good changes. And I want to keep it that way. I want to always be improving, moving forward, running to Christ. The things that are most important always get the priority for changes, and I want Christ to be my number one priority.
Love. It's such a bad word. Love isn't bad at all, but the word love is. It's just so inadequate. There were like four different Greek words that translate to our word love (I don't know exactly how many, but there are several). So in the Bible, whenever it says "love," you have to look at the original language to see whether it's talking about brotherly love, romantic love, God's love, etc. I think we should have different words for love, too. It would make things less confusing. People couldn't just get by with saying "I love you" and meaning something else anymore. And songs might be harder to write...
On a tangent (I started the last paragraph last week, and I just got back to it, so I don't remember exactly what I was thinking at the time), but still related to love, I think it's funny how almost every single (secular) song is about love, and then the few that aren't are about things like running from cops, balloons starting a world war, or Amer'ca. The funny thing is, there are soo many songs, and people are constantly writing new ones! I'm not saying that people are unoriginal; in fact, I'm saying the opposite. Musicians are really creative to be able to write so much about one subject, yet have so many original songs. Yeah, maybe there are lots of songs that sound the same, but you have to admit that there are tons of original songs. And catchy songs.
I had some cake earlier. It was good, but it had nuts on/in it. That annoys me, but I still ate it, cuz it was chocolate cake. I'm gonna get fat.
Ok, I'm gonna write a little motivational list of stuff and events for myself, but you can read it, too.
Upcoming cool stuff:
- Tomorrow is November.
- Tuesday is the special Go! Missions thing for Breakaway at Central Baptist.
- After next week, we're basically done training the fish for the semester.
- There are only 4 more drills, and then we're done marching.
- I'm running in the Warrior Dash in 3 weeks.
- The t.u. game is the 4th drill.
- Junior rights in the bass section at or around the t.u. game.
- Thanksgiving.
- Dead week.
- Christmas break.
- Christmas Gospel Sings.
- Christmas.
- Possible bowl game in New York.
- I know what I want to be for Halloween next year.
Yeah, so that's some cool stuff happening soon. We get mini fridges at the outfit Christmas party, too. I mean, we don't actually get fridges, we get the privilege of having a mini fridge in our rooms next semester. I'm excited, cuz it's annoying not having one.
Ok, third time's the charm, right? I'm gonna try to finish this tonight. So, we had Breakaway tonight, and they had a GO! Missions conference, which is where a ton of mission organizations came and set up booths like a career fair, and you went to them and found out about what they do and stuff. They also had people speak about different regions of the world, and what was going on in them. I went to the Africa one, and that was really cool. But before that, I was going to the different booths, and I came to this one about a program called Camp LIFE. It's a camp for orphans in Zambia!! I don't know, I just got really excited when I was talking to the girl about there about it. She told me a little about what you do and stuff, and said that they really need more guys. It's expensive, though, so I don't know. I really want to go for two weeks, though. So, please pray that God would tell me by Nov 15th, the day that the price goes up even more, whether this is what He wants me to do or not, and that, if it is, He would provide the means for me to go. That's all I have for now. It's late and I need me some mee mees! Goodnight!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Ok, this is gonna be a short one, because I want to get some sleep tonight.
As usual, I went to Breakaway tonight. I was a little bit late, but I didn't miss any of the talk. Tonight, Ben went over 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13. In it, Paul basically says "Hey, I really didn't want to leave yall, but I had to, and then I really wanted to come back and see you, but I couldn't. I sent Timothy; he said you're good. Now I'm happy." But Ben dove a lot deeper into it than just that, because Paul could've said that in three sentences like I just did, but instead takes 17 verses. This is where it really hit me.
First, Ben talked about how influential Paul was. He said that Paul was one of the most influential people in history, and he's right. His writings have affected people from the first century up to today. Then Ben asks how you can become like that. How does someone go about changing the world? First, it starts with a group. Read that scripture, and focus on how Paul talks about the Thessalonians in that last part of chapter 2. Then, look at what he says about himself in relation to them. Paul said he was torn from them, ripped away from them. He didn't want to leave at all. And he had been trying his hardest to come back to them since then. When he couldn't do that, he sent Timothy, staying alone in Athens, which is actually a pretty big deal if you consider that people tried to kill him just about everywhere he went. He feels this connection with them. He was so worried about them and wanted to know how they were doing and have them established and encouraged. In verse 8 of chapter 3 he says "For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord." I've heard that quoted a lot, but I never fully understood it in context until now. He's basically saying "I can live now that I know you're doing ok and you're staying faithful to the Lord." When they're doing good, he is, when they're happy, he's happy, when they're sad, he's sad. And he longs to see them so much, because he is so in love with them, and not afraid to tell them. And that's what brings us back to our original subject of changing the world. You don't do it alone; it happens with groups. Paul always traveled in a group. He taught communities, and the communities, like the one in ThessalonÃki, influenced those around them in their city, and region, etc. So what Ben was getting at was that, to change the world, to "turn the world upside down," you need a group like that. Some group that you've invested your emotions and your energy into, and you're not afraid to point out the weaknesses of (3:10), and not afraid to tell how much you miss them and love them. Then when you see Jesus, you'll stand before Him, and you'll have those people around you, and you can say that you didn't come there alone, and they will be your joy.
As usual, I went to Breakaway tonight. I was a little bit late, but I didn't miss any of the talk. Tonight, Ben went over 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13. In it, Paul basically says "Hey, I really didn't want to leave yall, but I had to, and then I really wanted to come back and see you, but I couldn't. I sent Timothy; he said you're good. Now I'm happy." But Ben dove a lot deeper into it than just that, because Paul could've said that in three sentences like I just did, but instead takes 17 verses. This is where it really hit me.
First, Ben talked about how influential Paul was. He said that Paul was one of the most influential people in history, and he's right. His writings have affected people from the first century up to today. Then Ben asks how you can become like that. How does someone go about changing the world? First, it starts with a group. Read that scripture, and focus on how Paul talks about the Thessalonians in that last part of chapter 2. Then, look at what he says about himself in relation to them. Paul said he was torn from them, ripped away from them. He didn't want to leave at all. And he had been trying his hardest to come back to them since then. When he couldn't do that, he sent Timothy, staying alone in Athens, which is actually a pretty big deal if you consider that people tried to kill him just about everywhere he went. He feels this connection with them. He was so worried about them and wanted to know how they were doing and have them established and encouraged. In verse 8 of chapter 3 he says "For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord." I've heard that quoted a lot, but I never fully understood it in context until now. He's basically saying "I can live now that I know you're doing ok and you're staying faithful to the Lord." When they're doing good, he is, when they're happy, he's happy, when they're sad, he's sad. And he longs to see them so much, because he is so in love with them, and not afraid to tell them. And that's what brings us back to our original subject of changing the world. You don't do it alone; it happens with groups. Paul always traveled in a group. He taught communities, and the communities, like the one in ThessalonÃki, influenced those around them in their city, and region, etc. So what Ben was getting at was that, to change the world, to "turn the world upside down," you need a group like that. Some group that you've invested your emotions and your energy into, and you're not afraid to point out the weaknesses of (3:10), and not afraid to tell how much you miss them and love them. Then when you see Jesus, you'll stand before Him, and you'll have those people around you, and you can say that you didn't come there alone, and they will be your joy.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Wake the neighbors, get the word out!
I feel like I've been challenged lately to be more bold about the Gospel. I'm bold about my faith, there's no doubt about that. Everyone knows that there are lots of things that I won't do, and there's no question about it. But when it comes to sharing my faith... That's a little different. I used to be fond of the quote that went something like "Go out and spread the Gospel... if you have to, use words." until someone pointed out how off that really is. Think about it. Say you lived a perfect Christian life, but never talked to anyone about it. Then what? Nothing! No one knows why you act like you do! No one knows why you did what you did! But if you live like you're supposed, and you speak to people about Jesus, it's powerful. I really think God has been trying to tell me this, because I've heard it at least twice in the past week. At Breakaway last Tuesday, a huge portion of what Ben said was about being bold and sincere with the Gospel. If you aren't sincere about the gospel, it's pretty obvious what kind of problems that can lead to. But you can be totally sincere about it, and if you aren't bold, nothing will happen! It won't go anywhere, because you aren't taking it there! If the Word of God is going to reach the people on the streets, someone needs to take it there! In addition to Breakaway, I was able to go to camp this Saturday (awesomeness), and we had a Bible study, which was about...yep, being bold with sharing your faith. Coincidence? I don't believe in coincidences. So, now I know what I need to do. It's hard, yes, but it can't possibly be harder than what I've gone through already. But I don't know what to do. I mean, how do I be bold? My buddies all know that I'm a Christian. I actually talked to the first sergeant today about this, among other things. He encouraged me to join a small group - something I'm definitely going to do - and talked to me a little about being bold. The only thing is, I still don't know what to do! How do I get the word out? Just go up to my buddies and say "Hey, let me tell you about Jesus"? Do I invite them to a Bible study or to church or something? Just pray for a conversation to head that direction? Take a conversation that direction? I don't really know. I feel like I do know, though. This is confusing...
Check out the Breakaway video of last week. Sorry, I don't have a video of the Bible study at camp. That would be cool...
http://breakawayministries.org/resources
-Profile of a Gospel Minister
Check out the Breakaway video of last week. Sorry, I don't have a video of the Bible study at camp. That would be cool...
http://breakawayministries.org/resources
-Profile of a Gospel Minister
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Driving Force
There's a big thing we have here in the Corps. Not everyone who joins has it, but everyone who makes it through does. Some people pick it up along the way. Some people have had it since high school. Some people were born with it. It can change. It can be pure or impure. There are different sources of it, and any person can have any number of sources. You can give it to others, but without losing any yourself. In fact, giving it is how some people get it. But the bottom line is, you can't make it through 4 years of Corps life without it. You just can't. I can't think of anyone who ever has. Someone would have to force you to go through with it. It won't run out if you have a good source, but once it's all gone, you better get some more fast, or else you're gone. Out. Punched.
At this moment, there are 20 sophomores in A-Battery. By Wednesday, there will be 19. Another buddy gone. One more down. We've had 32 fish come through A-Batt, calling themselves the class of '13. Almost half are gone. At times we feel like a small group of weary soldiers in a long war, our numbers dwindling as time wears on. Some of were forced out, but not very many. Yet even then, I don't think the Corps is too hard for anyone with enough of what I talked about to get through. That thing I was describing, you may have figured it out, or at least have an idea, is motivation. It's what drives you. In the corps, it's usually something like wanting to become a better person, or wearing the big senior boots, or having buddies, or marching on Kyle Field if you're in band. But it can be anything. One guy I know joined because he got in trouble, and it was either join the Corps or go to jail. Some people just want to get girls. Lots of cadets are contracted, promising to join the military after graduation. Some want the cheaper education, the leadership and discipline, or just the experience. Still others just join because of tradition, because of a parent, or a sibling. There are so many reasons to join, and reasons to stick with it. This obviously leads me to one question, which was asked of me recently: what's my motivation?
Well, you probably know that it started with my parents. I was an Aggie almost from birth, simply because my parents are Aggies. But as I grew up, I started liking the school based on my own opinions. I started wanting to be an engineer, and A&M's engineering school looked good to me. My brother went from being a longhorn fan to going to A&M, and joining the same Corps outfit as my dad. More reason to go, and now to join the Corps. The bass section is featured in the Aggie Band, so when I started playing tuba, guess what? Even more reason. By my junior year of high school, everything was pointing towards me going to A&M, and joining A-Battery. So, that's exactly what I did. I knew it would be hard, but I wanted the challenge.
But now? Now, everything's changed. Engineering? A&M, yes, but Corps? No way! Most engineers in the Corps change majors within their first year, and most of the rest change soon after that. My grades are pretty good, but they would probably be better outside of the Corps, and I'm behind on my degree plan because I can't fit enough classes into my schedule. My brother has "died," or basically graduated from the corps, so he's not here anymore. I'm just living in his memory. My dad actually punched before he even marched in a football game. Playing bass? The bass section is stupid now. I have to do all this extra stuff for stuff I don't even want, but I don't have a choice. Who cares if we're the hardest section in the band; it's pointless. So basically nothing that I joined for is any reason for me to stay in. So why am I still here?
It's for my buddies. Not like some people want buddies to hang out with for four years, or even a lifetime. I'm here for them, not because of them. I don't know how many of my buddies know Christ, or even know very much about Him, but I don't think it's very many. I may be the only example of a Christian they ever see. I may be the only one to tell them about Him, to show them His love, to try to live a life like He did. If their image of a Christian is someone who goes to church on Sunday, after drinking and cussing with his buddies the night before, I may be the only one to shatter that image. If they think Jesus was just some guy who was born on Christmas and got presents for it, I may be the only one to tell them who He really is. Maybe they'll meet other Christians. Hopefully they will. But they say your fish buddies will "marry you and bury you." For most who join the Corps, you don't ever find a friend closer than a buddy. But if going through four years of this can give even one person a Friend who is, then that's more than enough motivation for me.
At this moment, there are 20 sophomores in A-Battery. By Wednesday, there will be 19. Another buddy gone. One more down. We've had 32 fish come through A-Batt, calling themselves the class of '13. Almost half are gone. At times we feel like a small group of weary soldiers in a long war, our numbers dwindling as time wears on. Some of were forced out, but not very many. Yet even then, I don't think the Corps is too hard for anyone with enough of what I talked about to get through. That thing I was describing, you may have figured it out, or at least have an idea, is motivation. It's what drives you. In the corps, it's usually something like wanting to become a better person, or wearing the big senior boots, or having buddies, or marching on Kyle Field if you're in band. But it can be anything. One guy I know joined because he got in trouble, and it was either join the Corps or go to jail. Some people just want to get girls. Lots of cadets are contracted, promising to join the military after graduation. Some want the cheaper education, the leadership and discipline, or just the experience. Still others just join because of tradition, because of a parent, or a sibling. There are so many reasons to join, and reasons to stick with it. This obviously leads me to one question, which was asked of me recently: what's my motivation?
Well, you probably know that it started with my parents. I was an Aggie almost from birth, simply because my parents are Aggies. But as I grew up, I started liking the school based on my own opinions. I started wanting to be an engineer, and A&M's engineering school looked good to me. My brother went from being a longhorn fan to going to A&M, and joining the same Corps outfit as my dad. More reason to go, and now to join the Corps. The bass section is featured in the Aggie Band, so when I started playing tuba, guess what? Even more reason. By my junior year of high school, everything was pointing towards me going to A&M, and joining A-Battery. So, that's exactly what I did. I knew it would be hard, but I wanted the challenge.
But now? Now, everything's changed. Engineering? A&M, yes, but Corps? No way! Most engineers in the Corps change majors within their first year, and most of the rest change soon after that. My grades are pretty good, but they would probably be better outside of the Corps, and I'm behind on my degree plan because I can't fit enough classes into my schedule. My brother has "died," or basically graduated from the corps, so he's not here anymore. I'm just living in his memory. My dad actually punched before he even marched in a football game. Playing bass? The bass section is stupid now. I have to do all this extra stuff for stuff I don't even want, but I don't have a choice. Who cares if we're the hardest section in the band; it's pointless. So basically nothing that I joined for is any reason for me to stay in. So why am I still here?
It's for my buddies. Not like some people want buddies to hang out with for four years, or even a lifetime. I'm here for them, not because of them. I don't know how many of my buddies know Christ, or even know very much about Him, but I don't think it's very many. I may be the only example of a Christian they ever see. I may be the only one to tell them about Him, to show them His love, to try to live a life like He did. If their image of a Christian is someone who goes to church on Sunday, after drinking and cussing with his buddies the night before, I may be the only one to shatter that image. If they think Jesus was just some guy who was born on Christmas and got presents for it, I may be the only one to tell them who He really is. Maybe they'll meet other Christians. Hopefully they will. But they say your fish buddies will "marry you and bury you." For most who join the Corps, you don't ever find a friend closer than a buddy. But if going through four years of this can give even one person a Friend who is, then that's more than enough motivation for me.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Time
Reminisce... Why does time pass by? Why do things have to end? Have you ever wondered that? It doesn't make sense. I can't get how you're doing something one moment, but then the next, it's over. Things only last for a while. This is really nice while you're doing something you don't enjoy, but during good times, doing things you love, things that are good, noble, pure, honorable, worthy of praise... it shouldn't end. But it has to. We're immortal spiritual beings. Our spirits will live on after our bodies die and decay. We'll forever be with Christ, and time will have no meaning. Essentially, it won't exist. But at the same time that we can't understand being bound by time, because our spirits aren't, but our bodies are, we can't comprehend not being bound by it, because our bodies are, though our spirits aren't. Isn't life annoying sometimes?
So today was my first day of classes as a sophomore (I wrote that first part a long time ago, by the way. Probably at least two weeks ago). I guess I did pretty good overall. I wasn't mean to any fish, but I was really stern with the band fish that I met. I whipped out to all the whitebelts I could, and I dropped with all the fish I could. I ran into a couple people I know, including my older brother. I was late to two classes, but one was because the class before let out late. I'll probably be consistently late to that class, concert band, but the director said it's fine if we let him know of conflicts like that. My physics lab and recitation were cancelled or something, because the TA never showed up to either. It meant that I had to go to training time and evening chow, but also that I got to go to financial aid to take care of some papers. Also, on the way back to the dorms from my lab that didn't happen, I saw this strangely familiar-looking fish frantically walking down the quad, looking at a campus map, and looking like she was about to cry.
"Hey fish, are you looking for your class?"
"Sir, yes, sir."
"Where is it?"
"Sir, the Physics building, sir. M-P-H-Y, sir."
"Oh, that's the Mitchell Physics Building. That's really far..." She started to pull out her schedule, but her name was on the page in front. I stopped her from turning the page. Yep. No wonder she looked familiar...
"Did you go to Hays?" A look of amazement crossed her face.
"Sir, yes, sir!"
I didn't really know what to do next, cuz I didn't really need to drop with her if I already knew her. "It's Brandon. Do you remember me?"
Her jaw dropped and she nodded. She looked like she was about to cry before, but now she looked like she really was on the verge of tears, but this time of a different kind. I told her which dorm I lived, and that she could come by and talk to me whenever she wanted, or facebook me, or whatever. She was running late to class, though. Another fish had shown up while we were talking, so I dropped with him as well, and hurried them both off when he said he was going the same way, and knew where she needed to go. As they left, I walked off amazed. I didn't even know that she was going to A&M, and I never would have thought she might even consider joining the Corps. I'm glad that I can help her along, though. She definitely looked like she needed someone right then. I'm pretty convinced that God had me go to Physics lab, even though it was apparently canceled, and wait for the TA, even though only one other person from the class showed up, just so I would be walking along the quad at that time. Just a couple minutes later, and either another upperclassmen or that fish that walked up probably would have helped her, and if we just passed each other, I'm not sure I would have recognized her. Pretty cool, huh? Hopefully I can provide some support for her this year, or at least this week or something. Anyways, pretty cool story. Hopefully I'll be posting on this more, now that school is starting up again. Until next time...I guess you just have to wait or something...
So today was my first day of classes as a sophomore (I wrote that first part a long time ago, by the way. Probably at least two weeks ago). I guess I did pretty good overall. I wasn't mean to any fish, but I was really stern with the band fish that I met. I whipped out to all the whitebelts I could, and I dropped with all the fish I could. I ran into a couple people I know, including my older brother. I was late to two classes, but one was because the class before let out late. I'll probably be consistently late to that class, concert band, but the director said it's fine if we let him know of conflicts like that. My physics lab and recitation were cancelled or something, because the TA never showed up to either. It meant that I had to go to training time and evening chow, but also that I got to go to financial aid to take care of some papers. Also, on the way back to the dorms from my lab that didn't happen, I saw this strangely familiar-looking fish frantically walking down the quad, looking at a campus map, and looking like she was about to cry.
"Hey fish, are you looking for your class?"
"Sir, yes, sir."
"Where is it?"
"Sir, the Physics building, sir. M-P-H-Y, sir."
"Oh, that's the Mitchell Physics Building. That's really far..." She started to pull out her schedule, but her name was on the page in front. I stopped her from turning the page. Yep. No wonder she looked familiar...
"Did you go to Hays?" A look of amazement crossed her face.
"Sir, yes, sir!"
I didn't really know what to do next, cuz I didn't really need to drop with her if I already knew her. "It's Brandon. Do you remember me?"
Her jaw dropped and she nodded. She looked like she was about to cry before, but now she looked like she really was on the verge of tears, but this time of a different kind. I told her which dorm I lived, and that she could come by and talk to me whenever she wanted, or facebook me, or whatever. She was running late to class, though. Another fish had shown up while we were talking, so I dropped with him as well, and hurried them both off when he said he was going the same way, and knew where she needed to go. As they left, I walked off amazed. I didn't even know that she was going to A&M, and I never would have thought she might even consider joining the Corps. I'm glad that I can help her along, though. She definitely looked like she needed someone right then. I'm pretty convinced that God had me go to Physics lab, even though it was apparently canceled, and wait for the TA, even though only one other person from the class showed up, just so I would be walking along the quad at that time. Just a couple minutes later, and either another upperclassmen or that fish that walked up probably would have helped her, and if we just passed each other, I'm not sure I would have recognized her. Pretty cool, huh? Hopefully I can provide some support for her this year, or at least this week or something. Anyways, pretty cool story. Hopefully I'll be posting on this more, now that school is starting up again. Until next time...I guess you just have to wait or something...
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Consider the following... (try reading it with a British accent...and please realize that it's almost 2 in the morning...)
What if all scientists were Christians?
A few things change then. The biggest change, you probably think, would be that everyone would stop bickering about people coming from monkeys or fish or bubbles or spaghetti. In reality, I think there would be a much greater change. I think science itself would be drastically altered, and, consequently, the views, beliefs, policies, and attitudes of all of mankind. Think about it. After all, where do people come up with alternatives for Christianity? From science! That's what they all are, you know. The only reason evolution is taught in schools is because it's something besides creation. They even have a new belief, or maybe they even call it a religion, called Scientology. I'm not sure what they believe, but all it is is another alternative to Christianity and creation.
And not just creation by a higher being (God), but creation and guidance. God obviously didn't just create the world so He could microwave some popcorn, sit back, and watch what kind of chaos we make out of it (the world, not the popcorn, though we do have some weird kinds of popcorn these days...). But people are now believing, because the scientific evidence so strongly and unarguably points to creation, that whoever or whatever created the earth and the entire universe that it resides in, simply left us to our own after that point. To me, that's basically saying to Christians "Yeah, you were right all along, but we still don't believe you." If a group of people equivalent to the number of Christians in the world claimed to see a UFO, the world would believe in aliens, wouldn't they? If all of the descriptions matched, more or less, and it was seen all over the world, then you would be crazy not to believe! But that's exactly what people do with Christianity, isn't it?
But anyway, back to science, and my original question, what if all scientists were Christians? What would scientists study now? Well, what do Christian scientists study? The only thing I've heard of any outspoken Christian scientist studying is how the world was created, trying to find scientific proof that everything was created by God. Well, I don't think they would need to prove it anymore, but I'm sure at least some would still study the subject, because it is interesting. In fact, I bet most scientists would simply stick to what they were studying, but they would do it with a whole new outlook. No one would research for the same reasons anymore. We wouldn't be trying to find out about the earth, or space, or other planets or stars, or animals; we would be digging deeper into God's creation. Scientists would be captivated by God's handiwork, displayed for the entire universe to enjoy. It's an art gallery, open for public viewing.
Atheists wouldn't have a leg to stand on without scientists trying to explain away God. Scientology would cease to exist. I'd say that evolution would be thrown out the window with a laugh, but that would involve the government and public schools, so I don't know about that. If all the politicians got saved, we'd really have a different country then...
Science is generally accepted as being true, and science generally discounts the supernatural as nonexistent. This would change as well. Scientists might even study miracles, and try to see exactly how God works them (or worked them, if you have a history minor or something). I mentioned a Christian scientist in one of my other posts who said "I believe in the 'Big Bang'... I just know Who banged it!" Maybe some scientific theories wouldn't change, but the credit for them definitely would.
Here's the Merriam-Webster definition for science:
A few things change then. The biggest change, you probably think, would be that everyone would stop bickering about people coming from monkeys or fish or bubbles or spaghetti. In reality, I think there would be a much greater change. I think science itself would be drastically altered, and, consequently, the views, beliefs, policies, and attitudes of all of mankind. Think about it. After all, where do people come up with alternatives for Christianity? From science! That's what they all are, you know. The only reason evolution is taught in schools is because it's something besides creation. They even have a new belief, or maybe they even call it a religion, called Scientology. I'm not sure what they believe, but all it is is another alternative to Christianity and creation.
And not just creation by a higher being (God), but creation and guidance. God obviously didn't just create the world so He could microwave some popcorn, sit back, and watch what kind of chaos we make out of it (the world, not the popcorn, though we do have some weird kinds of popcorn these days...). But people are now believing, because the scientific evidence so strongly and unarguably points to creation, that whoever or whatever created the earth and the entire universe that it resides in, simply left us to our own after that point. To me, that's basically saying to Christians "Yeah, you were right all along, but we still don't believe you." If a group of people equivalent to the number of Christians in the world claimed to see a UFO, the world would believe in aliens, wouldn't they? If all of the descriptions matched, more or less, and it was seen all over the world, then you would be crazy not to believe! But that's exactly what people do with Christianity, isn't it?
But anyway, back to science, and my original question, what if all scientists were Christians? What would scientists study now? Well, what do Christian scientists study? The only thing I've heard of any outspoken Christian scientist studying is how the world was created, trying to find scientific proof that everything was created by God. Well, I don't think they would need to prove it anymore, but I'm sure at least some would still study the subject, because it is interesting. In fact, I bet most scientists would simply stick to what they were studying, but they would do it with a whole new outlook. No one would research for the same reasons anymore. We wouldn't be trying to find out about the earth, or space, or other planets or stars, or animals; we would be digging deeper into God's creation. Scientists would be captivated by God's handiwork, displayed for the entire universe to enjoy. It's an art gallery, open for public viewing.
Atheists wouldn't have a leg to stand on without scientists trying to explain away God. Scientology would cease to exist. I'd say that evolution would be thrown out the window with a laugh, but that would involve the government and public schools, so I don't know about that. If all the politicians got saved, we'd really have a different country then...
Science is generally accepted as being true, and science generally discounts the supernatural as nonexistent. This would change as well. Scientists might even study miracles, and try to see exactly how God works them (or worked them, if you have a history minor or something). I mentioned a Christian scientist in one of my other posts who said "I believe in the 'Big Bang'... I just know Who banged it!" Maybe some scientific theories wouldn't change, but the credit for them definitely would.
Here's the Merriam-Webster definition for science:
Main Entry: sci·ence
Pronunciation: \ˈsī-ən(t)s\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin scientia, from scient-, sciens having knowledge, from present participle of scire to know; perhaps akin to Sanskrit chyati he cuts off, Latin scindere to split — more at shed
Date: 14th century
1 : the state of knowing : knowledge as distinguished from ignorance or misunderstanding
2 a : a department of systematized knowledge as an object of study
3 a : knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truths or the operation of general laws especially as obtained and tested through scientific methodb : such knowledge or such a system of knowledge concerned with the physical world and its phenomena : natural science
4 : a system or method reconciling practical ends with scientific laws
5 capitalized : christian science
2 a : a department of systematized knowledge as an object of study
3 a : knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truths or the operation of general laws especially as obtained and tested through scientific methodb : such knowledge or such a system of knowledge concerned with the physical world and its phenomena : natural science
4 : a system or method reconciling practical ends with scientific laws
5 capitalized : christian science
Now look at definition 3. That seems to be the closest to what we've been talking about. "General truths or the operation of general laws..." What do you think that means? Now, trying not to stretch the definition, it seems to me like it's basically saying that it's knowledge you obtain by observing and testing something. As Christians, don't we observe a lot that others don't? We observe God, for one. Other people don't. We test things out, too. We go through a trial, and we trust in God, and see what that does? Or see what happens when you pray? When you give? Love? "Concerned with the physical world and its phenomena." Now that's where it's a little different. See, we're living right now in the physical world, but we know there's a whole other world, with a huge battle going on. However, everything we physically do, we do here in this world. Our interaction with God is spiritual, but our interaction with our friends, family, and all the people we meet or just pass by or hand money to in a drive-thru, that all takes place here in this world. And we're observing that, learning from it, and trying to find the best way to glorify God while we're here. So, flip around my first question...
What if all Christians were scientists?
In a sense, aren't we already?
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Ok, I'm caving. I'll write a new post. I really should go to sleep soon, though. I guess I just get bored and want to post on here. Facebook is so boring sometimes. Farmville people make me laugh. I saw this shirt that had the cow on the front with crossed pitchforks below it, and it said "No one cares about your cow!" It was funny...
So, you know how God knows you better than you know yourself? Well, He does. And you know how it says in Matthew 10 that He notices when even a sparrow falls to the ground, and He cares so much more about you? How many sparrows do you think there are in the world? How many dogs? Cows? Turtles? Geese? Meese... Mooses... uh... fish? What about trees, or blades of grass? He counts those, too. How about the number of waves in the ocean? He knows how many there have been since the ocean started waving. Sand on the seashore? Numbered! But only by God. How about this: He even knows where every photon of light from the lighthouse He watched being built goes. When it bounces off of a metal radar dish, into the air, past the clouds, out of the atmosphere. Past the stars, planets, asteroids, comets, moons, gases, He watches it. At the same time, He's watching those stars and planets, from supernovas to black holes, from gas giants to chunks of ice that aren't planets anymore. And yet, at the same time, He's watching you, from your big moment on stage, to your funny faces in the bathroom mirror. The turn you took too fast, the race you ran too slow; nothing gets past Him. He's the one who sees you when you're sleeping, and knows when you're up late posting a blog. And guess which one of all these things He cares about the most? Surely it's the giant stars, so grand and powerful! Or is it the complex system of hundreds of muscles, which all fit into the head of a caterpillar? No. It's you. Yes, you. Little ol' you. Small? Eh, compared to the universe, yeah. Weak? Well yes, if you consider the ocean. Imperfect? Sure. But special? Definitely. And loved? Without a doubt. And not just loved by a person, who will only be around a few decades, or by a few generations, or even the whole human race, but by someone who has one eye on a sparrow... and all His focus on you.
So, you know how God knows you better than you know yourself? Well, He does. And you know how it says in Matthew 10 that He notices when even a sparrow falls to the ground, and He cares so much more about you? How many sparrows do you think there are in the world? How many dogs? Cows? Turtles? Geese? Meese... Mooses... uh... fish? What about trees, or blades of grass? He counts those, too. How about the number of waves in the ocean? He knows how many there have been since the ocean started waving. Sand on the seashore? Numbered! But only by God. How about this: He even knows where every photon of light from the lighthouse He watched being built goes. When it bounces off of a metal radar dish, into the air, past the clouds, out of the atmosphere. Past the stars, planets, asteroids, comets, moons, gases, He watches it. At the same time, He's watching those stars and planets, from supernovas to black holes, from gas giants to chunks of ice that aren't planets anymore. And yet, at the same time, He's watching you, from your big moment on stage, to your funny faces in the bathroom mirror. The turn you took too fast, the race you ran too slow; nothing gets past Him. He's the one who sees you when you're sleeping, and knows when you're up late posting a blog. And guess which one of all these things He cares about the most? Surely it's the giant stars, so grand and powerful! Or is it the complex system of hundreds of muscles, which all fit into the head of a caterpillar? No. It's you. Yes, you. Little ol' you. Small? Eh, compared to the universe, yeah. Weak? Well yes, if you consider the ocean. Imperfect? Sure. But special? Definitely. And loved? Without a doubt. And not just loved by a person, who will only be around a few decades, or by a few generations, or even the whole human race, but by someone who has one eye on a sparrow... and all His focus on you.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Claim to fame
If you don't think you know anyone famous, well, now you do. If you google Bronaugh, probably the first thing you'll get is Bronaugh, Missouri... or schools, but then the town. Anyways, I had heard of that town, but I found out today that it actually is connected with my family. My great-great-great-great-grandfather (my grandfather's grandfather's grandfather, or grandfather's great-great-grandfather) was a really good friend of Jesse James, the bank robber, or something like that. Supposedly, everyone in that town liked James and his gang, so they would hang out there all the time. It was named after "Wal" Bronaugh. Here
http://www.lyndonirwin.com/wcbronau.htm
I didn't read the whole thing, I just skimmed it. It's probably more right than I am, but I seriously think I'm related to this guy. Plus, his grandfather was named William Bronaugh, and he was a Revolutionary War Patriot. That would've been so cool if he had gotten into history books, even if it was just a sentence or so. Oh well.
http://www.lyndonirwin.com/wcbronau.htm
I didn't read the whole thing, I just skimmed it. It's probably more right than I am, but I seriously think I'm related to this guy. Plus, his grandfather was named William Bronaugh, and he was a Revolutionary War Patriot. That would've been so cool if he had gotten into history books, even if it was just a sentence or so. Oh well.
Friday, June 25, 2010
tired... have to go to the bathroom... sleep... or potty.... eh, the sheets are already dirty anyway...
Hey, so I guess I was right with what I said before, about how I probably won't publish too much this summer. You know, sometimes I get worried that I'm addicted to Facebook or something (I know, right? Me? No way!), but then I go like a week or two without even thinking about it, get home, and have other stuff to do, so I don't get on, and it doesn't bother me. Then I feel better about it, because, I mean, I just went how long without even being bothered by not logging on? But then I finally do get on, just to check my requests and notifications... and other people's posts... and new pictures.... and to change my picture.... and follow a few links... maybe write a note.... or two... not to mention email.... and this.... so yeah, then I'm not so sure...
Ok, so today, was cool, and I should tell you why. I'm going to tell you why. Right now. I went to help at this VBS thing (Vacation Bible School, for those of you not in the know) that Lois has been helping in this week. They put me with the 5th and 6th grade class, because they needed an adult. I was ok with that, even though it didn't really feel like I was helping, because it was only for a couple of hours anyway. I've had much worse, and hey, I was helping. But anyways, I was helping prepare for the kids to show up at first. We were all writing verses on these cards and stuff, and one of the guys said "So this is God's word?" Not like he didn't believe it, or know, but like he didn't understand. The other helpers and I explained it to him, and he seemed to understand. Then, when the kids were all there, and we were doing the lesson, everyone had lots of questions. They were all pretty basic questions, about the Bible, and Jesus dying for our sins, why God had to send Jesus, the disciples, etc. I answered most of them, because I didn't know how the lesson was supposed to go, so the other guys were doing that. Right before the kids were about to leave, because of all the questions they had asked, I stopped everyone, and asked "Does everyone understand how Jesus died for us, and how to be saved?" Everyone said they did, so then I asked "Has everyone here done that?" I got nods from some of the kids, and some didn't answer, but their looks suggested yes. Everyone, except for that one guy (I can't remember his name) who had asked about the Bible being God's word. He was sitting next to where I was standing, so I asked him why he hadn't, where the kids couldn't hear. He told me that he probably would eventually, but he hadn't yet, because of stuff in his past. He said that it seemed like God wasn't there for him. I asked him a few more questions, but didn't push anything, and I backed off when another kid who had been watching caught my eye and told me to drop. The last thing I said was that he could come to me with any questions he had. Later, after all the kids (including the one who had told me to drop it) had left, he asked me a question about his friend. It seemed like a genuine question, but it also kinda felt like, after I invited him to ask me anything, he had searched for something to ask. I think that's good, because it means that he's interested, and that he trusts me to answer him well. I've been praying about him since he said that he isn't saved, and I'd appreciate your prayers as well. Hopefully, I'll see him again tomorrow. If so, I'll try to give him my phone number or something, especially if he doesn't make the decision to accept Christ then. But hopefully, he will. Let's stay hopeful!
Alright, now it's late, and I kinda want to get up early in the morning to get some exercise in. I told myself I would exercise every day this week, but I haven't done any yet. That's not good. I really don't want to get out of shape this summer. Oh! So apparently we're getting a refund check from A&M, because we payed more than we needed to this past year. It's a pretty good amount of money. I think I might grab like $40 or so of it to add to what I have set aside already for running shoes, and get myself a really nice pair. I've wanted some for a while now, and I definitely need some new shoes before this fall. The ones I have now won't last another year of what I put them through last year, and my feet won't last too much longer, either, if I keep wearing those shoes. But I went to Finish Line in the mall on Monday, and the guy showed me these really nice shoes... ohh man..... I've never felt more comfortable shoes than those. And they fit so well! They just felt so much better than any other shoes I've ever worn... which is good, because they cost about 5 times as much as any shoes I've ever owned as well... Oh well. I'm about to look online to see if I can find them anywhere for less than what the mall had them at. Which, by the way, was $130.... Yeah.... But I might find some that are better suited for me that are cheaper. I don't know. We'll see.
I love summer! But it seems like this summer is passing by even faster than last year!! Does anyone know how to either slow time down or add more time to summer? I don't want it to end!! *sigh* but all things that begin, end. That's what got me through fish year, and it's what's dragging me through summer as well. I guess I just need to make the best memories possible, because those are what last... And videos, too...
Ok, so today, was cool, and I should tell you why. I'm going to tell you why. Right now. I went to help at this VBS thing (Vacation Bible School, for those of you not in the know) that Lois has been helping in this week. They put me with the 5th and 6th grade class, because they needed an adult. I was ok with that, even though it didn't really feel like I was helping, because it was only for a couple of hours anyway. I've had much worse, and hey, I was helping. But anyways, I was helping prepare for the kids to show up at first. We were all writing verses on these cards and stuff, and one of the guys said "So this is God's word?" Not like he didn't believe it, or know, but like he didn't understand. The other helpers and I explained it to him, and he seemed to understand. Then, when the kids were all there, and we were doing the lesson, everyone had lots of questions. They were all pretty basic questions, about the Bible, and Jesus dying for our sins, why God had to send Jesus, the disciples, etc. I answered most of them, because I didn't know how the lesson was supposed to go, so the other guys were doing that. Right before the kids were about to leave, because of all the questions they had asked, I stopped everyone, and asked "Does everyone understand how Jesus died for us, and how to be saved?" Everyone said they did, so then I asked "Has everyone here done that?" I got nods from some of the kids, and some didn't answer, but their looks suggested yes. Everyone, except for that one guy (I can't remember his name) who had asked about the Bible being God's word. He was sitting next to where I was standing, so I asked him why he hadn't, where the kids couldn't hear. He told me that he probably would eventually, but he hadn't yet, because of stuff in his past. He said that it seemed like God wasn't there for him. I asked him a few more questions, but didn't push anything, and I backed off when another kid who had been watching caught my eye and told me to drop. The last thing I said was that he could come to me with any questions he had. Later, after all the kids (including the one who had told me to drop it) had left, he asked me a question about his friend. It seemed like a genuine question, but it also kinda felt like, after I invited him to ask me anything, he had searched for something to ask. I think that's good, because it means that he's interested, and that he trusts me to answer him well. I've been praying about him since he said that he isn't saved, and I'd appreciate your prayers as well. Hopefully, I'll see him again tomorrow. If so, I'll try to give him my phone number or something, especially if he doesn't make the decision to accept Christ then. But hopefully, he will. Let's stay hopeful!
Alright, now it's late, and I kinda want to get up early in the morning to get some exercise in. I told myself I would exercise every day this week, but I haven't done any yet. That's not good. I really don't want to get out of shape this summer. Oh! So apparently we're getting a refund check from A&M, because we payed more than we needed to this past year. It's a pretty good amount of money. I think I might grab like $40 or so of it to add to what I have set aside already for running shoes, and get myself a really nice pair. I've wanted some for a while now, and I definitely need some new shoes before this fall. The ones I have now won't last another year of what I put them through last year, and my feet won't last too much longer, either, if I keep wearing those shoes. But I went to Finish Line in the mall on Monday, and the guy showed me these really nice shoes... ohh man..... I've never felt more comfortable shoes than those. And they fit so well! They just felt so much better than any other shoes I've ever worn... which is good, because they cost about 5 times as much as any shoes I've ever owned as well... Oh well. I'm about to look online to see if I can find them anywhere for less than what the mall had them at. Which, by the way, was $130.... Yeah.... But I might find some that are better suited for me that are cheaper. I don't know. We'll see.
I love summer! But it seems like this summer is passing by even faster than last year!! Does anyone know how to either slow time down or add more time to summer? I don't want it to end!! *sigh* but all things that begin, end. That's what got me through fish year, and it's what's dragging me through summer as well. I guess I just need to make the best memories possible, because those are what last... And videos, too...
Monday, June 14, 2010
nose tapping
Wow, it's been a while, hasn't it? Well, never mind, because I post way more often than any of you, so it probably seems to you like I'm always getting on here, doesn't it? Well, whether it's been a long time or not, a lot has happened since my last post, which was random and retarded. Let me tell you.
Camp is in session! Not at the moment, actually. We just finished our second camp (the 3 day boy's camp got canceled) yesterday. I wore a really cool belt buckle that my dad gave me to the rodeo, and also to the gospel sing today. This past week was a really weird camp. It rained a lot the first couple of days, so we had no work for a while. Most of the camp went according to plan, though. I've actually been sticking to a workout plan. In fact, I talked to Rachel Seale last night (she and Nathan stayed at camp so he could preach in Bastrop today), and found out that she runs marathons, and she encouraged me to train for one. I had changed my mind on running one, but I think she's changed it back. She said she would email me a workout plan. I have to facebook her my email address first... Ah, technology, where would we be without you?
I made so many new friends this week at camp! It was really cool. Aside from the Seales, there weren't very many staffers that I knew. It's so cool meeting new people and making new friends. I saw a turtle on the road on my way to church from the camp this morning. I almost stopped and picked him up, but I was in a hurry, and he didn't really need my help to get across, because he was almost to the shoulder when I saw him anyway. I really want another turtle to keep Bob company, though. I like dressing up all western-like, like for rodeos and gospel sings. I've gotten completely decked out in western gear yesterday and today. It's fun. I just wish I had cowboy boots that fit me better. Mine were free, though, so I won't complain... except that I just did...
One of my hobbies is thinking. That probably sounds weird. Yes, I always think. What I mean is that I like to sit down sometimes and just turn things over in my head. Usually it's something complex that I'm trying to understand, or just something I'm explaining to myself, even though I understand it, or else I wouldn't be able to explain it. Anyways, sometimes I like to think about God in this way. This is fun because it's impossible. God is infinite, and our brains are finite, therefore, we cannot even fully comprehend God's existence, let alone His size and power. He's soooo big. Imagine yourself, from above. Now zoom out, so that the earth is so small you can't see it anymore. Well, now you can't even see about a bajillion things because they're so small, such as the earth, yet you still can't see everything all at once, because there's too much. Well, God is still bigger than all of that, because He's infinite. Someone, a Christian scientist who goes around showing evidence for creation and cool stuff like that, said that the universe is expanding, which means that it had a beginning at a certain point. This also means it's not infinite, right? Well, God is infinite. Imagine a line. Lines, in geometry, are infinite. When you visualize one, it has to stretch off into the distance and eventually disappear, because you can't imagine something infinite. Remember your zoomed out view of yourself? Well, God can see everything, because He's infinite, yet He chooses not to zoom out, but to zoom in on you. You. He lives in you. Lives. He doesn't show up when you need Him, or when He wants to, or when you ask Him. He lives there, so He never leaves. And He cares sooo much about you. He's always thinking about you. Not you in general, but you specifically, the person reading this right now. This sort of brings us back around to where we started. I said I like to think. Well, God is always thinking of you. He loves to think about you. Imagine that. God, who you can't imagine cuz He's infinite, loves to sit down and think about you. He loves you so much that you are on His mind right now (that's a pretty big mind). You have His attention. Some people don't think they're very important, or well-known. I don't see why it's a big deal that someone who made something big here on earth knows you, but it doesn't really matter that God, who made the earth to begin with, not only knows you, but thinks that you are worth paying lots of attention to. I mean, He thinks about you more than anyone else does, or could. And if He's always thinking about you, what makes you think He would slip up and let something happen to you that He didn't intend? God knows His plans for you, and they're great plans, better than any you or I or anyone else could come up with. You just have to listen to Him. Don't worry, you'll hear if you listen. He'll know, because He's watching.
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