What's the Cost of Sexual Healing These Days?!

 Well hey you guys!

I sit here with a million  things and ideas in my head to blog about yet at the same time I am at a loss.  So much to touch on: friendships, Love, Life, Faith, current events, work and the list goes on and on...

So I put this in draft let my thoughts continue to run a muck in my head for a couple days and now...i'm back :)

One thing that has stuck with me that a friend posted on Facebook was a poem entitled "Sexual Healing" by a college student named Jeffrey Bethke. It was really quite intense and deep.  (Watch below...)

Now, I enjoyed this thoroughly...maybe because I could relate to the words the poet/lyricist was saying.  Often time I think my views are old fashioned especially at my age but honestly I guess I'm OK with that. However, I know that  has ended some relationships for me in past, some before they even start (yeah #94 included from previous blog, still awesome friends though).



I just refuse to lower my standards or my self worth just to say "I'm with someone" especially  if I'm not in a committed relationship.








For example: its like allowing someone not just to window shop take the product home run it down then bring it back with no obligation...really?! Yeah no, I just can't...and in the same breath that same product will be put back on the shelf for someone else to come along and buy it thinking its new.

Used products

For some reason in this day and age we don't value our bodies very much this includes men and women....not all but a vast majority.  I mean look around at the sexual disease on the rise, unwanted pregnancies etc on the rise. We treat our bodies and emotional well being like trash. If we treated our bodies as the temples they are we wouldn't sell them out for a few minutes of meaningless sexual pleasure with someone who probably doesn't even care about us. Often times it's not even for sexual pleasure but for material things. Since we have become such a materialistic society we will sell our bodies for purses, shoes, shopping sprees, cars, video games etc  It's actually very disheartening. Are those things that will be outdated in less than a year worth more than your body? Just think about it?!

Maybe it's me but when I give my body to someone it's out of love and commitment and its means something dang it! Now I am not saying I am not without fault because I have made some mistakes, but I have done some things right too. Now,  I chose to let God keep me and I shall wait for the one he has for me. I can't let  any disturbances interfere with God's work! Even though honestly, I am a sinner and  if the Rock called ehhhhhh that's be hard one to fight (LOL).  I don't knock anyone but I'll just say aren't you worth more?! If you don't think so I'm here to tell you, you are!

Every day we are given an opportunity to make different decisions.  You don't think so? Well you woke up this morning didn't you?! Now I didn't say the choices would be easy,  the right ones often aren't.  Just think about it no not it think about you! What are you worth?

Well that's all for now folks...Blog ya later!!

*For the word document of the poem above you can click here: Sexual Healing Poem transcript

Coming soon...back to the humor with Gym Types and Mannerisms....

Don't Judge Me!!!

.I have been meaning to blog about this but just have been a bit busy lately...hey what do I keep telling you about that judging me thing! STOP IT!  HA HA...well miss me? Yeah I missed you too *hugs my readers*. Ok, now that I got that mushy stuff out of the way, I wanted to tell you about a lesson that I taught my 5 yr old daughter complete with a visual aid.

Here we go...this was the night of June 25, 2011.  We were with some friends and getting some frozen yogurt at a new establishment. Which by the way was so friggin good, oh but I digress. When we left from Peachwave (name of the awesome frozen yogurt place) we crossed the street to find a man chained to a light pole with a blind fold and his mouth taped. Somewhat like this picture (but he was not a business man at least not dressed like one that night) 

At any rate as we got closer he has a sign on his around his neck that read...

"This is a silent protest of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and transsexuals, to demonstrate how this group of people have be silenced and unable to be free." 

I thought to myself hmm that's an interesting protest.  Well as I let this all sync in three things happened. 1) My 5 yr old daughter was demanding to know what was going on  2) the homeless guys behind the man began taunting and cursing at the man 3) 3 KCPD cars showed up in full force.

Well my daughter asked me, "Mommy what is that man doing?"  I just said remember when I told you we have to stand up for we believe in like when you had your issues at school? She said yes mommy...I said well that is what that man is doing.  He believes in something and he is protesting for what he feels is right.  She said oooooooh ok, she said do you think its right. I said what he believes?  I said well sweetie,  I believe that we have a right to protest what we believe in.  I said and what he is doing is very brave so never be afraid to stand up! 

Well after I explained that to her then we have Tom, Dick and Harry the homeless guys heckling the silent protester.  Yelling at him, calling him names telling him how wrong he is for his beliefs/lifestyle... well people, I have to be honest...this frankly pissed me off!  This blog is not about gay rights etc...but I was pissed off because you know that whole judgement thing I joke about, where here it was live and in color.  

They kept going and my reaction was an instant ... followed by me yelling..

"Really, really you going to yell and tell this man how wrong he is, like your lives have turned our right (I know I was wrong for that but geez).  Ain't that a bout a b&^$!, as soon as he uncuffs himself you'll ask him for a dollar.  So don't judge anyone! You hate when folks look down on you for being homeless." 
 Oh the nerve of some people... Next up we have 3 cops cars...my thought here again was is this really necessary...6 cops for one guy who has been apparently chained to this pole for hours.  They were ready to taze and take him in. I really felt it to be unnecessary what happened to the right of assembly and protest.  The man was clearly not bothering anyone.

One thing that this incident made me reflect on is something that my daughter said.  She said "ok mom, so he is different?"  I said "yes sweetie he is different...", before I could say anything else she said" but thats ok because God made and loves us all."

All I could do was smile...because as the bible says the truth comes out of the mouths of babes. God's Love, Grace and Mercy knows no boundaries.   I am not saying I am in support or against any thing.What I am saying is that we are all unique we are all God's children and one sin is no greater than another.  It is easy to judge someone or show prejudice and not even realize it, why because we are all sinners and we all do it...ALL OF US.  However, let's try to remember to love one another as God loves us in all our wretchedness.  We do alot of things displeasing to God but guess what he loves us anyway undeserving and all.Why? because he is awesome.

So blog ya later but one image I want to leave you with is this..  

Christ didn't just die for one group of people He died for us all, we are all God's children.  He paid the price for our sins with his blood.  Jesus paid it all and all to him we owe! So he is the only one worthy of judging us.  Remember when you point a finger at someone you have three more point back at you.  Also, the methods in which you judge someone, so will you be judged.  So just remember to Love one another accept differences. They are that persons cross to bare not yours so why are you so bothered by it (and this is not just on sexual orientation, its on everything)?  I''m just saying....and if there are things not right in your eyes of what you see it in the bible then you know what  rest assured that God doesn't need your help in his judgments.  He will be the judge of us all, so let him do his job and you do you.  Sound fair...thought so...K? Well blog ya later homies :)

Desserts spelled backwards is...

Well hello!! Long time no see huh? Yeah well I've had a lot to say yet nothing at all so there, take that!! Speaking of which tonight I said hey I really feel like blogging...so I get home, get comfy, grab my snacks, then my A.D.D kicks in.  I started tweeting, sending texts, checking Facebook, play a little Wii and the list goes on everything but blog.  Finally, I sit down crack the ol knuckles and what happens...*blank stare* yup completely blank.

 I spend my days non stop thinking and when its time to regurgitate my thoughts on this screen, I can't.  Hmm that's rich!  So here I am...blank staring the screen while you read me rambling...ha ha time wasted out of your life.  JUST KIDDING!! Well not about the drawing a blank but about you wasting your time, calm down! At any rate, guess I'll enlighten you to what's been going on with me.

Well my mood lately has been a bit how shall we say scatter brained.  You ever have those feelings of having so much going on that you truly have no idea of if you are coming or going?! Yeah well you know what I feel about that feeling...it sucks

What do you do when you stress level is at death-con 5...

What do you do? Grab a glass o wine or just become a professional booze hound?

Well I guess is that works for ya, I won't judge you. Yeah not the route for me...

Hmm well is that not you either? Then who are you the chain smoker?

Again not me...

Are you the person who then just turns into more of a work a holic?

Yeah that one I think used to be me....but I've evolved...I'm going to be totally honest and say with all the stress I do two things turn into...

and

Is this the first time I've been pulled in several directions?

Well.no, of course not but for some reason I can be honest enough to say sometimes we have so much on us that we have a hard time handling it when someone else adds that nice little cherry on top.

Well I know what your thinking ok yeah well...well the point is...

  the stress isn't going away.

BUT we can evaluate and decide what things we can get rid of or change to de-stress some.  I know that sounds corny but hey whatever, it works.  I did just what I said and sat down and thought what is really getting to me...some things I cannot control so, I said OK those things are what they are.  However, within those situations there were things I could just accept and move on, because guess what.  They aren't going to change and we can only control ourselves and our actions.  Then I thought about any extra unnecessary stress and there was some of that as well.  So what did I do...let go or at least made a conscious effort to let it go .  No sense in hanging on, right?! Right!

Life is soooo short and we cannot spend our time just stressed out.  We can be here today and gone tomorrow.  God gave us today as a present thus why we live in the present.  Let's step back put it in perspective and think about who we can be a blessing too. Because think about it...no matter how bad our situation TRUST me there is someone else's situation that is 10x worse!

Once we get out of our own way and let God lead doors will open up that we never knew were even there in all aspects of our lives. Chose to de-stress. choose happiness although Lord knows that isn't always easy! You can do it I know you can! Ok blog ya later! :)

Sometimes Ish Just Ain't Funny!

I'm up late and been doing a lot of thinking...scary huh? Yeah I know, who are you telling! Well ya know my theme is I laugh to keep from crying.  We all have those days if you haven't then either your dead or in extreme denial or you friggin live in Care-Alot with the Care Bears, either way seek counseling but sometimes Ish just ain't funny!.

At any rate... you have those days when you wake up on the right side of the bed with a positive attitude and you seemed to get slapped in the face?  You turn the other cheek and  then you get slapped on that cheek too.  Well friends it happens to us all.  Sucks too, doesn't it! Well i'm here to tell you to be encouraged.  When things or people get you down rather it be personal life, family, friends whatever just hang in there! You are loved!! When you feel down do something nice for someone it will always cheer you up.  Rather its saying a kind word, sending an encouraging text (not a chain letter either grrrrrr) lol or helping out a friend or better yet a stranger, you will see yourself get your mojo back and hopefully begin to smile.  It's hard sometimes to say shake it off, but we have to try.  Otherwise we stay with that little black cloud over us in the rain and negativity is contagios.
We all go through trials and tribulations BUT after every storm the sun comes out and it seems to shine brighter than ever!  
We go through tests so we can have a testimony of where we have been what we have gone through but how we overcame it.  I am here to tell you , it wasn't you, SORRY.  It was only by God's mercy and grace! Rather you are a believer or not it is true and God loves you anyway.  The enemy is strong and will try to bring you down but God is stronger!
Keep striving to be the best YOU that you can be! Sometimes its not easy trust me I know but lets shoot for a positive spirit.  It will show in your life and to others who need to be uplifted! As the song says...my sunshine has come and there's no more rain in this cloud! Just be encouraged whatever you are going through big or small...you can and will get through it! I promise! Remember you can't have a positive life with a negative mind!
That was just in in my heart to blog...this is a journey I am on along with you friends!
...now my eyes are burning and I am going to sleep.  Aaaaand I'm probably going to be be dragging at work tomorrow . Blog ya later Amigos!

Felt Compelled to Share

Hello All,

I know you are all used to my slapstick humor regarding everyday happenings, but I felt compelled to take a break from that and share a teaching/sermon on something that affects us all...fear. The sermon text has enough length to it. Soooooo I won't ramble on even more. Just know I was blessed by it and I hope you are too.

7 Truths About Fear

by Mark Driscoll “Jesus and Anxiety,” preached out of Luke 12:22-34:

Who are you afraid of? What are you afraid of? Let me unpack fear for you. And fear begins in the mind. Fear begins in the mind. I’ll give you some insights on fear and on facing fear.

1. Fear is vision without optimism.

Some of you are visionaries. You can see the future. Not perfectly, but you know where the economy’s going. You know where your life is going. You know where your health is going. You know where your relationships are going. You know where your vocation is going. You have an idea of what’s next. You can see down the road. But you don’t have any optimism and so you’re fearful. “Oh my gosh, that’s going to go bad. That could go bad. That could go sideways. That could hurt. That could be costly. That could fail.”

Fear seems reasonable to us even when it’s irrational. How many of you have irrational fears? And people will try and reason with you. It doesn’t make any difference. You’re like, “You’re being crazy.” Okay, just so you know, if they are, reasoning probably isn’t going to fix it, because by definition they’re being unreasonable. So what we have is this entire list of things that people are afraid of. Some of them are irrational, but they’re rational to the people. They’re irrational to us, but they’re rational to them. I’ll give you some examples. This is going to be an intense sermon, we need little emotional break. You’re welcome. All right.

• Are you afraid of that? Okay. If so, here’s what you have, coulrophobia, a fear of clowns. It’s actually a diagnosis. And I’ll tell you what, I don’t care even if you don’t have this, if you see a clown after midnight, they’re scary. That’s a clown up to no good.
• How about this one? Does this scare you? Peanut butter. If so, you may have—and I went to public school so I don’t know how this is going to go, but—arachibutyrophobia, which means—it’s the clinical definition of fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth. You say, “I didn’t even know I had that. Now I—”
• How about this one? Okay. Are you scared of that? If so, here’s what you have. Germanophobia. It is the fear of German people, which is a real bummer if you have that and are German. You’re very fearful.
• How about this one? All right, my good friend, Dr. John Piper. If this frightens you, this man frightens you, here is what you may have. Homilophobia, which is a fear of sermons. Some of you say, “That’s it. That’s why I’m never coming back. I have a fear of sermons.” It’s actually a diagnosis.

And some of you don’t find this funny at all. You’re not laughing. It may be because you have geliophobia, which is a fear of laughter. So I apologize for making fun of you. All right, some fears are rational, some are irrational, but they’re always rational to the person who has them.

Back to the list. Here’s what fear’s about and I’ve observed this through counseling and being a pastor and dealing with people’s lives, including my own. Fear is about … not getting what we want. So your hope is hung on something. “I want to get married. I don’t think I’m going to get married. I’m fearful.” “We want to have kids. I don’t think we’re going to have kids. We’re fearful.” “I want to graduate. I don’t think I’m going to graduate.” “I want a job.” “I want to serve God.” “I want to go into ministry.” “I want to own a house.” I—whatever. “I want a promotion. I don’t think it’s going to happen.” And the fear comes in. “I’m not going to get it. It’s not going to happen. The answer’s no.” And the fear comes in. “What will happen? What else will happen? How will I exist?”

2. Fear is that we’ll get what we want and lose it.

There’s a fear. That’s why sometimes success is more fearful than failure. “We’re married! What if we get divorced?” “We’re pregnant! What if we miscarry?” “The child was born! What if they die? Or what if they don’t love God?” “I got the job! The economy’s rough. What if I get fired?” “We got the house! What if we can’t make the mortgage? What then?” It’s the fear of getting something your heart longs for and then losing it. That can cause fear.

3. Fear is that we’ll get what we don’t want.

“I got cancer. I don’t want it.” “I got fired. That’s not what I wanted.” “My spouse left. Nobody wants to marry me.” “This isn’t want I wanted.” And fear comes. You feel that? You feel it in the room, can’t you? It’s real.

4. Fear reveals our values.

Fear reveals our loves, our priorities, our longings. You only fear losing what you love. You only fear getting what you hate. It reveals a lot about what is essential to us, what is primary for us.

5. Fear increases with more freedom.

The more choices, the more potential scenarios for not getting what you want, getting what you want and losing it, or getting something you don’t want, getting it wrong. How many of you find as you get older and you have more choices and more freedoms, there’s more fear? It’s more stressful? This dawned on me not long ago at the grocery store. Walked down the cereal aisle, “Oh! I have to pick one. “And this will affect breakfast indefinitely, “which is the most important meal of the day some would say. “This could set in motion a whole month of my life “in a positive or negative direction. “Do I go for the bran? Do I go for the sugar? “I have gluten allergies, but all of those seem to be the tasty ones. Will I deny myself? Argh!” It’s amazing. How many of you just—the number of choices? “Where are we going to live? What are we going to do? What is my degree going to be? Who am I going to marry? There are a lot of people on the earth, I need to pick one. Argh!” You know, all these choices, they lead to fears out of our freedoms.

6. Fear turns us into false prophets.

Ed Welch makes this point in his book. I think it’s very insightful. False prophets are those who predict the future wrongly. And in our own lives we can be false prophets. “It’s going to go bad! It’s going to go horrible! This could be worst case scenario! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!” And then when we get there, we’re like, “Nope. Sorry, I was wrong.” How many of you, that’s your life? You freak out about things that don’t happen?

Just so you know, this is your pastor. I’ll just come clean and tell you, that’s me. I tend to be a visionary. I see the future, I know what’s coming. I freak out about it and then it never happens. How do I know that? Because I was up at 4:30 in the morning many times this last week just thinking about things that probably will never happen. Meanwhile my wife is sleeping. [Congregation laughing] I said, “Well I’m studying, ‘Fear not.’” She’s like, “Hmm. I was sleeping.” “Ah, you probably know more about it than me, because I was up stressing out.” How many of you are false prophets? All right, yeah. Your future is bleak and you will freak out until it doesn’t happen. You’ll get that on the way home. I just pulled the pin on the grenade and I’ll leave it there. It’ll go off later.

7. Fear is not always sinful.

Right? Not always sinful. Right? You send your son off to battle as a soldier. There’s real fear there. Your kid gets their driver’s license. Your daughter goes on her first date, right? You’re pregnant and you’ve had a bunch of miscarriages and you’re hoping to carry to term. Some fears are real. Not all fears are sinful. You’re kind of silly if you don’t have any fears. You’re probably not paying attention. But every fear is an opportunity to either run to or from God as the source of our comfort, hope,

and help.

If you want to watch Pastor Mark preach this sermon its awesome do so at the link below:

http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/luke/jesus-and-anxiety

Please post your comments let me know what you think...