Got To Love Those Darn Holy Rollers

I sometimes receive arguments like this one: 

"There are so many rules in the Bible: from how to dress to how to behave, to how to react and what to do with your life. Who in the world would want to live by a book of restrictions and regulations!? Why do you subject yourself to that? It's stressful and disconnects you from what's happening around you. It keeps you from experiencing life." 

There are times when people won't understand. From their point of view you're a naive individual with legalistic ideas. They don't comprehend that it's not the rules and guidelines your following. It's God.

"Just make an exception."

My faith is such a huge part of ME, it's virtually impossible for me to ignore it's impact on my way of life. Decisions are make by it and Life is defined by it. I look to the Bible to help me distinguish the best wait to be myself.

"You're missing out on experiencing life."

That Bible, is Life. To reject it would be to reject Life.
I can't let that book go. I can't. I won't. I'm a bible banger.

My argument:

Is it possible to live complete without knowing that there's a greater purpose for their existence? When you're not sure what to do, what thing to go for or what to let alone, where do you look for answers?! Is it you that determines what's right and wrong?! That mass murder-er thought he was doing something right... A life that's rule-less and reckless, doesn't sound appealing. Sorry.

The day, when life without the Bible turns into something better than what it's like WITH it I'll considering letting it collect dust.

Here's everything and nothing about the Bible in a minute! Enjoy.

Dying People Pink and Green

I finally have an answer to my question; "So what do we do?" that I had posed in my entry Outfits, Eggs, and Expectations. Well, I know the answer to the one sub-question regarding changing the egg (my extended metaphor for - taking someone and trying to change them)....

When you dye an egg pink for example can you then dye it green? Ok, yes, you can definitely dunk the same egg in a bowl of green dye, but the egg won't be JUST green. There will still be hints of pink and the green shade on the egg won't be the same as the pretty green that it was supposed to be.

If you find someone who is one way do you really think you can change them?
They most likely WILL change, but their motive for changing will not be to self improve. You will become their motive; their reason to change, not God, not "to become a better person". Why is that so bad? Well, the result would be an individual fashioned to your liking; someone who can only identify themselves with you (a multicolored egg, a mesh of you and them). God is the one they should be identifying with! He's the maker, transformer, creator. It's His job. We aren't supposed to change people. We are supposed to point to the one who can. Only He can take that egg, make it white and recolor it.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:7

Trying to change the egg isn't an option.

Double Lives Means Double Meals

As teens we want to be able to make our own decisions (no matter how destructive), live our own lives (without limits), to choose words (no matter how profane). If we feel restricted or stifled by someone, we defy. Some of us rebel in a way that can be seen. We’re told to do one thing and we intentionally do it the opposite way. Others, are more subtle in their defiance. We form another life. Secret and unseen. Within it we are who we want to be, without another’s influence on us.

As I think about my past I ponder:

There’s a problem, though, with this second life. It has no rules, limits or boundaries. When living a life without the protection of wisdom and reason self destruction is inevitable. Yep, it may seem like freedom now, but in the long run the things I did: broke the trust, rose the guilt and took me far from God.

Before I knew it, I didn’t know who “Cecilia” was. Was she the “good girl” who listened to the latest Christian music releases? Or was she that girl who secretly did things that would keep her from sleeping at night? Nope. She was both. I was burdened with living two lives. Two very real lives but two very real lies.

Long story short, this is what I did:

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 2 Corinthians 4:2

I renounced it and thanked God for his redeeming power along with super supportive parents. My life isn’t perfect nowadays. I have my mistakes, my bad decisions, but I live one life now.  And if I pursue something that might introduce “another” life, I get back in check.  Because really, who wants to eat 6 meals a day...double meals?

Pizza With a Side of Faithful

I just started training at a local pizzeria. (Yes, can anyone say free pizza! I'm all smiles.) One of the things stressed while in training is faithfulness; coming in on time and making sure you do things the same and consistently. Faithfulness at a pizza place job?! Indeed, it's  very important. Who would have known! It's not just slapping dough and memorizing pizza toppings. If faithfulness is vital in making a 14" pizza pie then how much more important is it when it comes to the most precious relationship we have?!

Moreover, it is [essentially] required of stewards that a man should be found faithful [proving himself worthy of trust].

1 Corinthians 4: 2

Here's to applying pizzeria training to my relationship! 

Responding To Rhetorical Questions

You know when the preacher is speaking and he asks a question, within his message, that's intended to remain unanswered by the crowd? 


Well, today I sat in service with Gladimy (5) sitting at my left and Leonard (4) on my lap. The sanctuary was packed with quake survivors all fanning themselves with their eyes fixed on the pastor. We listened as the pastor talked about the earthquake two years ago. He shared the stories of those who lost their lives and those who were spared with injuries. He went on to preach about the favor and grace that God had on those in the room, having protected them. The message continued and he started to talk about eternity: 

Le nou mouri kote nou prale? (When you die where are you going?) 

Within the same moment Gladimy peeps up and says, 

"Nan syel la!" (To heaven!)

"Um oops!",I thought, as heads turned to look at the little boy in the back who actually answered the question that was clearly rhetorical! 


It was both humorous and nifty at the same time. I hugged Gladimy - who didn't realize, until after he blurted out, that he wasn't supposed to answer the question. Gladimy knows where he's going when he dies. Do you?

The Fear of God