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for those who are interrested,
I also write for A Blog Apart
and for my church youth blog, Souls of the Son
and I am very active on the discussion forum there also.
Acceptance without proof is the fundamental characteristic of Western religion, rejection without proof is the fundamental characteristic of Western science.
- Gary Zukav
Communication is the key element of relationships, without it, relationships don't exist.
I have often said this, but last night in a post by my mother she further clarified by saying, "Communication with respect is a key element in any relationship."
thanks for thinking about it
There is a song out there by Casting Crowns called "The Voice of Truth".
It's premise is this: that all throughout our lives we are played upon by a host of voices calling out to us. Most of which are feeding us lies, but one of them isn't -- it is the Voice of Truth, Jesus, and He is telling us how to be free from bondage.
This is such a powerful message, because in counselling someone, first you identify the true problem. Behind every (or nearly every) problem a person has is a lie. They have bought into a lie, and in the process of buying have sold their freedom and placed themselves in bondage. The only way to freedom is to identify the lie and then hold it up to the standard of Truth.
As a counsellor, you seek to find the appropriate truth and apply it to their situation and then reason forwards from that truth.
This can be frustrating, because it is easier said than done. The counsellor can present the truth but ultimately the counsellee must do what the song says, "CHOOSE to LISTEN and BELIEVE the Voice of Truth."
thanks for thinking about it
"...not for the sake of being different, but different with a purpose." Peter Hodges
That's what my kung fu student said about Christians being different, and it's quite true.
I look around me in the Church, and I see a host of people who really aren't that different nor do they have any desire to be different. Different from whom? you may ask, well -- the world of course.
That is one of our most powerful attractions to the world, strange as it may seem sometimes. The very thing that draws so much criticism and trials to the Christian is the very thing that makes them seek us out when they need answers.
The other day I made an observation to my mother, a guest had just left our house. Said person had come to us because of frustrations at home, and they came to our house for refuge from the storm, if not for but a moment. This person is one of many who have sought us out in times of trial, either for our counsel or our company and the peace that it brings (if not with a little conviction as well). The observation was simply that although many people criticise our family for the "strangeness" of our way of life and thinking (church people included) they know deep in their hearts that we are right as is evident by the fact that we are sought out so often. You see, our way works. It's wierd, but it works.
But aren't we as Christians called to be different from the world? To be in it, but not of it.
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: " (1pet2:9)
we are called out from among the nations to reflect to Glory of God to the world so that the world might be saved.
here is a thought: if this is true, and it is, then why do we as Christians model so much of our thinking and acting on what is "cool" or "acceptable" or "normal" in the world? Shouldn't we be willing to step out of normalcy and be different, not different for the sake of being different but different with a purpose.
thanks for thinking about it.
seriously, have you ever stopped to consider God?
did you know that God never realizes anything? He never decides. Has it ever occured to you that nothing ever occurs to God? God is outside of time, He is transcendant. As far as God is concerned it all happened at the same instant. That is the brilliance of His name, I AM. He doesn't change. For God, the thought, the knowledge and the decision have always been there, they never became, they are not waiting to happen they are just there.
God is incomprehensible!!!! Not only incomprehensible, incomparable!!! You can't even compare Him to something accurately. it just blows my mind, and that makes me excited. That is what worship is all about, you know. Getting excited about how truly awesome God is.
so, i wonder, how can we worship God if we never take the time to just think about the extent of His nature?
the other night I received a call from a friend who was pretty down in the dumps about how his life was so bad. Through much talk I eventually began to talk about God's Divine Brilliance and how it was so mind-blowingly awesome, together we began to praise God for being so Brilliant, and he (my friend) was able to rise out of his depression because he stopped focusing on his life and began focusing on God's awesomeness. Now that's awesome!!! Just thinking about how awesome He is can help make someone happy, how cool is that!!!!!???
just think about it, it may blow your mind, and make you glad you did.
Just in case you were wondering, I offer kung fu classes at two different locations in the central IL area.
On Wednesdays at 5:30 pm for all age groups I offer classes in Sullivan, IL.
On Fridays at 6-7 pm for children, and 7-9 pm for adults I offer classes in Findlay, IL.
Although there is no official age limits, I have found that 6-7 is the youngest children are best able to comprehend and perform in a class setting, there are exceptions however and each child is evaluated at their own level so feel free to bring them to a few free classes to see how they do.
Private lessons are available contingent upon times and locations.
my classes are affordable and fun, I think you will find them quite beneficial.
for more information about fees, style, or any other questions please email me
kingdomkf@gmail.com
as I was listening to the radio this evening, I heard the story of a man who was at a restaurant with his son. The young son was trying to talk to his father, but the father was busy eating. Instead of truly listening, the father basically said, "yeah yeah OK ".
Finally out of frustration, the son took his father's face in his hands and told him, "daddy, listen to me with your eyes. "
how profound is that?
It got me thinking about listening. I know a lot of people who do not listen very well. Listening done right, should include three types of listening:
1: Listening with your eyes
2: Listening with your ears
3: Listening with your mind.
When you listen to someone, you should look at them. Make a point to make eye contact.
When you listen to someone, you should make a point not just to hear what they say but actually listen. Make very sure you capture every word.
When you listen to someone, you should think about what they have to say. Don't just listen, understand what they're saying. What do they mean? Is what they said what they really mean?
can you hear me now?