A "Scary Mary" Kinda Religion

I'm in visual mode.

Have you ever had those moments with God that just need a visual, or perhaps something tangible? That is where I am. So here is a video lesson:

What is Christianity?

As a slave of Christ Jesus, I know that it is merely a title given to those who have accepted Him as such, and a way to identify to others the relationship I have with Him. To the majority of the world, however, Christianity is what they have been told. Some are told that it is a cult. Others believe it's a crutch for fools who know no better. Still others see it as the mask untold horrors have been "justified" through in the name of.

This trailer is a great example of how most the world see the Christian faith. For the very few of you who have never seen the Disney movie, Mary Poppins, it's a sweet, funny musical with lessons about family values, love, discipline, and viewpoints. But, change the music and lace together specific cuts of footage and you have what seems to be a horror film. This, my brothers and sisters, is the image of Christianity being shown most the world by other religions, media, and - unfortunately - those who call themselves Christians but have seemingly never actually read the Bible or who think they can pick and choose the Scripture they want to follow.

I say all this to remind you that we need to have some compassion on those who view us in this light. They have never seen the real thing. Just a doctored trailer...

Tim on Hand Sanitizer

Been a little heavy lately, so thought this might be a little fun.

This is too funny!

Work Out

I was blessed to be able to go to a workout Boot Camp this morning in the gym of my church. It was excellent! Not only was I challenged to push through, but found my limits and accepted them: Well, after just another 30 seconds...

As my legs wobbled down the stairs to my van, do you know what I was grateful for? Weakness. I'll be honest- at first it really bothered me. I use to be able to do a lot of exercise and was in excellent shape. I remember when I lived in Alaska and taught myself to ski. I would go and go until my legs literally gave out and I had to slide down the mountain. But I did it! From bunny slope to double black diamond in three months. Back then I felt there wasn't anything I couldn't do! Do you know what the one thing I wasn't doing though? Leaning on God for my strength.

That's what I was pleased to be reminded by God about this morning. I am weak. Those little twinges and wobbles let me know that God is there to keep me standing strong- not me. The achiness let me know very well that my body is certainly not perfected yet and I am on a journey.

He also let me know how very worth it the pain is. Not only does it remind me to lean on Him for my strength, but that the pain is proof there is a refining process going on in me. I'm growing muscles/ strength (Romans 4:20), balance/steadiness (James 1:6), and endurance (Romans 5:3-4). He reminded me that when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10).

What an opportunity!!

Questions For Confirmation

Have you ever had God confirm something to you over and over? The point then becomes: Now what? What do you, or I, do about it?

The easy "Christian-church-goer" answer is: Well, you just do it.
Really? Even if it made you look crazy? Even if you feel others would never understand? Even if it meant you were all alone in it?

Seriously: What if God laid it on your heart to stop all the extra curricular activities you have for your kids such as, sports, dance, scouts, and anything of the like, and wanted you to focus on teaching your children the Bible and taking them to help with local mission projects? Would you do it?

What if He wanted you to give away things you needed, buy things you didn't have the resources for to give to others, or give money to a group or organization even though it meant having to do without more than just your latte for the week?

Here is the main question which must be answered: Are you really willing to give everything up for Jesus Christ? Not, just what you feel like He's "called" you to give up... Everything.

Until you are truly willing, can you honestly say you are living for Christ as His slave?

Worst Burglar Ever

Every time I watch this I laugh at how much this is like sin.

We get the hints that it's wrong, yet we trip over ourselves insisting we continue to follow those fleshly desires. Once we've fall into the full pattern- we're stuck. Good thing Jesus Christ came to set the captives free!

Enjoy :)