Have you ever done something really stupid?
Got a speeding ticket, left your glasses on the ground for your dog to chew on, broke something that cost a lot of money (wait those are all things I've done in the last month).
And you know that feeling when you do it...that sickening feeling? Yeah I just need to know someone else knows what it feels like.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Accepting Help
So today we helped with freshman move-in on campus (UNCC). This is my 4th year helping with freshman move-in. Well here's what I've observed...
Sometimes you'll walk up to a car and ask if you can help and people will respond with a "No thanks...we'll get it."
Why do people refuse help?
Why do people find it so hard to accept things for free?
Do you find it difficult accepting someone's help when they offer?
Do you find it difficult to accept things for free?
Sometimes you'll walk up to a car and ask if you can help and people will respond with a "No thanks...we'll get it."
Why do people refuse help?
Why do people find it so hard to accept things for free?
Do you find it difficult accepting someone's help when they offer?
Do you find it difficult to accept things for free?
Friday, August 10, 2007
Question for churches
I think the number one complaint I hear about churches is the amount of money they spend.
High salaries, $40million dollar buildings, top of the line light shows, and $20,000 sound boards.
So, I have two questions for the church and then a question for your average reader...
Dear church,
Do you really need to spend that much on a building?
Is this really what Jesus told you to do?
Dear average reader (maybe a person who is skeptical of the church),
How much is too much in your opinion?
High salaries, $40million dollar buildings, top of the line light shows, and $20,000 sound boards.
So, I have two questions for the church and then a question for your average reader...
Dear church,
Do you really need to spend that much on a building?
Is this really what Jesus told you to do?
Dear average reader (maybe a person who is skeptical of the church),
How much is too much in your opinion?
Monday, July 16, 2007
Baseball in Charlotte
Should Charlotte go forward with the plan to build a AAA Baseball Stadium in uptown or hold out and hope for a MLB Team in the future?
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Monday, July 9, 2007
A New Dog
We just got a new dog today. I'm pretty stoked! I have three questions...
1. If you go a dog what would you name it?
2. The name we are currently leaning toward is "Nala" (from Lion King). Oh yeah it's a girl.
What is your vote on the name? Yes or No?
3. And what advice would you offer a new dog owner? (training, putting them to bed, discipline, etc.)
Note: I'll post a picture later.
1. If you go a dog what would you name it?
2. The name we are currently leaning toward is "Nala" (from Lion King). Oh yeah it's a girl.
What is your vote on the name? Yes or No?
3. And what advice would you offer a new dog owner? (training, putting them to bed, discipline, etc.)
Note: I'll post a picture later.
Monday, July 2, 2007
The Pursuit of Happiness
There's a new toilet in town. And I guess if you use it you'll find happiness. Check out the two links below for more info.
www.cleanishappy.com
http://adage.com/outofsite/post?article_id=118755
Would you buy one?
Would you give it a shot just to find happiness?
What will you do for happiness?
It's being marketed in New York City...what do you think about that? Should it be? Is this marketing tactic in the picture over the top?
www.cleanishappy.com
http://adage.com/outofsite/post?article_id=118755
Would you buy one?
Would you give it a shot just to find happiness?
What will you do for happiness?
It's being marketed in New York City...what do you think about that? Should it be? Is this marketing tactic in the picture over the top?
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Revealed in Nature
I just got back from a 10 mile bike ride! My legs feel like jello...but...since my post about not being able to fit into my pants...I've lost about 10 pounds...Don't act like you're not impressed!
Well on my way home tonight I had the opportunity to watch a lightning show in the sky. Lightning fascinates me. It's awesome! This wasn't heat lightning...this was hit-the-ground lightning.
A couple years ago Allen (my brother) and I drove across the country and on our way back we were driving through New Mexico and for about 100 miles we watched one of the most amazing lightning shows I've ever seen. In New Mexico it's so dark that it looks like the lightning is laid out on a perfect black canvas...painted just for Allen and I to enjoy.
There's so much power in lightning. It fascinates me, makes me a little nervous, and demands my respect.
Honestly, the reason I am so amazed by lightning is because I see God's glory throughout it. I see His power. His might. His fame. His very being.
Every morning when I wake up I try to catch myself just before I roll out of bed...The first thing I try to do is see God in the sun rise...I see His faithfulness...the fact that He created another day...I try to come to grips with the reality that His faithfulness is the reason I have another day to live and breath. He is the one that fills my lungs with air. He woke me up.
So, here's my question tonight...
Do you believe God reveals Himself and His glory through nature?
and if you do...
In what ways do you try to remain aware of that fact?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Something to meditate on:
The other day I heard a Pastor say that in the crucifixion of Christ God revealed His goodness (His mercy and grace) and it was in the resurrection of Christ that God revealed His power (conquering death). I encourage you to meditate on that truth.
Well on my way home tonight I had the opportunity to watch a lightning show in the sky. Lightning fascinates me. It's awesome! This wasn't heat lightning...this was hit-the-ground lightning.
A couple years ago Allen (my brother) and I drove across the country and on our way back we were driving through New Mexico and for about 100 miles we watched one of the most amazing lightning shows I've ever seen. In New Mexico it's so dark that it looks like the lightning is laid out on a perfect black canvas...painted just for Allen and I to enjoy.
There's so much power in lightning. It fascinates me, makes me a little nervous, and demands my respect.
Honestly, the reason I am so amazed by lightning is because I see God's glory throughout it. I see His power. His might. His fame. His very being.
Every morning when I wake up I try to catch myself just before I roll out of bed...The first thing I try to do is see God in the sun rise...I see His faithfulness...the fact that He created another day...I try to come to grips with the reality that His faithfulness is the reason I have another day to live and breath. He is the one that fills my lungs with air. He woke me up.
So, here's my question tonight...
Do you believe God reveals Himself and His glory through nature?
and if you do...
In what ways do you try to remain aware of that fact?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Something to meditate on:
The other day I heard a Pastor say that in the crucifixion of Christ God revealed His goodness (His mercy and grace) and it was in the resurrection of Christ that God revealed His power (conquering death). I encourage you to meditate on that truth.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
A Catalyst for Good
I believe Jesus came as a catalyst for good...bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to earth. Feeding the hungry, touching the untouchables, holding the broken, eating with the prostitutes and tax collectors, reconciling the outcasts back to community, and so on. And I believe He is calling us to be a catalyst for good in the here and now. So...
What are you doing to make the world around you a better place?
(Please share stories and examples)
What are you doing to make the world around you a better place?
(Please share stories and examples)
Friday, June 15, 2007
Twinkies, Donuts and Soda Pop
So, I'm in a wedding on Saturday. I'm supposed to wear black pants. On Wednesday night I get into my closet to find my black pants (that I haven't worn in at least a year) to make sure they still fit. Well they still fit, kinda of...They were a little tight. So, instead of going out and buying a new pair of pants I decided I would conquor this ordeal. My plan on Wednesday was to lose 5-10 pounds in 3 days. Well I'm in day two and I'm doing pretty good...not sure if the pants fit yet...I'm getting ready to go try them on right after I'm done here...but it did bring up a question for me...
Is God concerned about our eating habits?
And What does He have to say about it?
*If you didn't get the chance to comment on the last entry...go do it...the Love Thy Neighbor conversation has been a good one. Peace!
Is God concerned about our eating habits?
And What does He have to say about it?
*If you didn't get the chance to comment on the last entry...go do it...the Love Thy Neighbor conversation has been a good one. Peace!
Monday, June 11, 2007
Love Thy Neighbors?
Note: I'm going to start posting twice a week. I'll post on Monday and Thursday. There's a lot to discuss I guess.
Now on to the new post.
We have an interesting neighbor. He's an Independent Baptist...using the King James Version only! He's legalistic. He's moody. But sometimes he's a very nice guy and very helpful.
Well the other day (a Sunday) we were in the drive way working on the car and he struck up yet another conversation about how it's sinful to work on Sunday and how the King James Version is the only TRUE Word of God. He pointed out to one of our students that he didn't know if I was actually a minister and if Impact was actually a church. He then asked our student if he was 100% sure he was saved and then handed him a track.
He's called the police on us for parking in front of his mailbox. He's threatened to call the police on us for parking on the curb. Needless to say our relationship is a rollar coaster.
So, here's the question...
How do you love a person like this?
How do you love a neighbor that drives you nuts and sometimes makes your life miserable?
What would you do if you were in my shoes?
Now on to the new post.
We have an interesting neighbor. He's an Independent Baptist...using the King James Version only! He's legalistic. He's moody. But sometimes he's a very nice guy and very helpful.
Well the other day (a Sunday) we were in the drive way working on the car and he struck up yet another conversation about how it's sinful to work on Sunday and how the King James Version is the only TRUE Word of God. He pointed out to one of our students that he didn't know if I was actually a minister and if Impact was actually a church. He then asked our student if he was 100% sure he was saved and then handed him a track.
He's called the police on us for parking in front of his mailbox. He's threatened to call the police on us for parking on the curb. Needless to say our relationship is a rollar coaster.
So, here's the question...
How do you love a person like this?
How do you love a neighbor that drives you nuts and sometimes makes your life miserable?
What would you do if you were in my shoes?
Monday, June 4, 2007
The consequences of moral failure
Bear with me...I want to make some comparisons and then ask a question at the end. Take it all in and be ready to share your opinion.
Consequence-Something that logically or naturally follows from an action or condition.
There's a consequence to everything we do. Whether that consequence is positive or negative depends on our action and context in which that action takes place.
I want to look at two areas of entertainment in our world and how people within those contexts' are awarded or punished for moral failure.
Example #1
Hollywood and it's "employees"
Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay has a long history of drug and alcohol abuse. She has been in and out of rehab. What was the consequence she faced? Yeah sure she spent some time in rehab...didn't help much but she did her time. The consequence of her actions was more fame. Her bad girl reputation landed her the #1 spot on Maxim's top 100 hottest women in 2007. As far as face time...we saw more of her. You could say that Lohan became more famous and more glamorized because of her actions.
Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton entered the scene with a reputation. A spoiled reputation. A girl that had been given everything and paid for nothing. She also has had some recent trouble with alcohol and has tried to wiggle her way out of jail time (in a way she's been successful...good behavior...what does that even mean?) But the action that put her on the map was the ever famous "sex video". It was everywhere. And what was the consequence of her actions? More fame! More glamour! More money! Her sex appeal was used in commercials, magazines and all over the Internet. How did the entertainment industry deal with Hilton's actions...that gave her more face time.
Here's another interesting thing about Lohan and Hilton and how the entertainment world dealt with them...or you could say used them: They became role models for teenage girls. Teenage girls look up to them, read about them, dress like them and what to be them. Interesting consequence for an action.
Example #2
The NFL and it's employees
Ricky Williams
Ricky Williams had a fairly clean record until a couple years ago. Sure, he dressed like a woman in public, but nothing too earth shattering. And then came the drug test. Williams tested positive for Marijuana. What was the consequence for his actions? His career was all but over. The NFL suspended from playing for a whole year. Now here's the thing...the mistake that Ricky Williams made had nothing to do with his job. It was off the field. But the NFL felt they needed to respond aggressively and harshly.
Michael Vick
Vick has been an interesting character since entering the NFL. He has a good reputation some Sunday's and a rough around edges reputation on others. But now his name is all over the news. He's been accused of being involved with dog fighting which is very illegal, violent and sick. But I must note that Vick's involvement with this activity is outside of his job. What could be the consequence for his actions? Well judging from how the NFL commissioner has taken care of other off the field issues up to this point Vick doesn't stand much of a chance of getting off easy. Most likely his name will be dragged through the mud, he'll be fined, and will face a long suspension.
The Question
Based on the information above, involving two types of entertainment in our world and the consequences the members of those entertainment businesses face...
Should there be a punishment for moral failure within the entertainment world?
Do you agree with how the NFL deals with players and their off the field actions?
Or do you agree with Hollywood and how they deal with the actions of actors?
And just for good measure let me throw this out there...when a pastor fails morally while pastoring a church...he or she faces very harsh consequence's. Most likely the pastors career will be over and their name and reputation forever ruined. Is this the right way to deal with moral failure? Or should second and third chances be extended?
Consequence-Something that logically or naturally follows from an action or condition.
There's a consequence to everything we do. Whether that consequence is positive or negative depends on our action and context in which that action takes place.
I want to look at two areas of entertainment in our world and how people within those contexts' are awarded or punished for moral failure.
Example #1
Hollywood and it's "employees"
Lindsay LohanLindsay has a long history of drug and alcohol abuse. She has been in and out of rehab. What was the consequence she faced? Yeah sure she spent some time in rehab...didn't help much but she did her time. The consequence of her actions was more fame. Her bad girl reputation landed her the #1 spot on Maxim's top 100 hottest women in 2007. As far as face time...we saw more of her. You could say that Lohan became more famous and more glamorized because of her actions.
Paris HiltonParis Hilton entered the scene with a reputation. A spoiled reputation. A girl that had been given everything and paid for nothing. She also has had some recent trouble with alcohol and has tried to wiggle her way out of jail time (in a way she's been successful...good behavior...what does that even mean?) But the action that put her on the map was the ever famous "sex video". It was everywhere. And what was the consequence of her actions? More fame! More glamour! More money! Her sex appeal was used in commercials, magazines and all over the Internet. How did the entertainment industry deal with Hilton's actions...that gave her more face time.
Here's another interesting thing about Lohan and Hilton and how the entertainment world dealt with them...or you could say used them: They became role models for teenage girls. Teenage girls look up to them, read about them, dress like them and what to be them. Interesting consequence for an action.
Example #2
The NFL and it's employees
Ricky WilliamsRicky Williams had a fairly clean record until a couple years ago. Sure, he dressed like a woman in public, but nothing too earth shattering. And then came the drug test. Williams tested positive for Marijuana. What was the consequence for his actions? His career was all but over. The NFL suspended from playing for a whole year. Now here's the thing...the mistake that Ricky Williams made had nothing to do with his job. It was off the field. But the NFL felt they needed to respond aggressively and harshly.
Michael VickVick has been an interesting character since entering the NFL. He has a good reputation some Sunday's and a rough around edges reputation on others. But now his name is all over the news. He's been accused of being involved with dog fighting which is very illegal, violent and sick. But I must note that Vick's involvement with this activity is outside of his job. What could be the consequence for his actions? Well judging from how the NFL commissioner has taken care of other off the field issues up to this point Vick doesn't stand much of a chance of getting off easy. Most likely his name will be dragged through the mud, he'll be fined, and will face a long suspension.
The Question
Based on the information above, involving two types of entertainment in our world and the consequences the members of those entertainment businesses face...
Should there be a punishment for moral failure within the entertainment world?
Do you agree with how the NFL deals with players and their off the field actions?
Or do you agree with Hollywood and how they deal with the actions of actors?
And just for good measure let me throw this out there...when a pastor fails morally while pastoring a church...he or she faces very harsh consequence's. Most likely the pastors career will be over and their name and reputation forever ruined. Is this the right way to deal with moral failure? Or should second and third chances be extended?
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Is it possible?
Hey everyone! Welcome to this new blog. I love the phrase struggling into the future because it describes my spiritual journey on a day to day basis. For me, to struggle is a positive thing. If I am struggling then I am moving, moving forward...the day I stop struggling is the day I stop growing and moving. This blog is real simple...every week I will ask a new question. Please respond...however you feel. Ask more questions...share your opinion...and know that the questions are not being asked from a judgemental point of view...but they are just questions that we all ask...they are us struggling forward. You can leave your name or you can comment Anonymously. Please share this blog with whoever you want...
If you have a question that you think would strike up a good conversation please feel free to email me at justin@impactuncc.com.
Here's the first question...this is something I have wrestled with for a long time...I guess you could say I have been struggling!
Is it possible for church leaders and pastors to both passionately pursue intimacy with God and desire to see the church grow numerically and do the things that will cause this to happen?
What examples have you seen of men and women who have done both?
If you have a question that you think would strike up a good conversation please feel free to email me at justin@impactuncc.com.
Here's the first question...this is something I have wrestled with for a long time...I guess you could say I have been struggling!
Is it possible for church leaders and pastors to both passionately pursue intimacy with God and desire to see the church grow numerically and do the things that will cause this to happen?
What examples have you seen of men and women who have done both?
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