rants, raves, and random

christianity

Flexibility

For the past few years I have dedicated a good part of my life to web development. For a while I struggled with why God had given me such a passion for this, and how I would ever use it to follow God where he wants me to go. Every “traditional Christian” piece of me wants to think that God is the opposite of business, because business is money driven. Thank God I have realized that money can be used as a tool to reach a different goal, and not view money as the goal itself.

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Regifting my Birthday

My family asked me what I wanted for my birthday. Most people would enjoy hearing that question, but for some reason I did not. A stress came over me around the need to think of things I would want for my birthday.
Why would I not enjoy hearing this question?
How could there not be things I want?
As I tried to come up with things I might want for my birthday, I realized how silly I was being. I have everything I need, and apparently I have everything I want. Why should I be asking for things I might want, when there are many people in our area who NEED things.
What is a birthday present intended to do?
I believe it is to bring joy to someone. It is an opportunity to show someone you care about them.
If I were to receive some gifts I might want, it might bring me joy. If I were to receive gifts for others who need them; I know that will give me joy.

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Encouragement

Encouragement. It is something that I do not give enough of, but when I do receive it, I realize how good it feels, and how gravely important it is for society. I think the only reason I am writing this (and have plans to write more in the future) is because someone encouraged me to. A few days ago my brother-in-law Kevin stumbled upon my site looking for some pictures I took of him. When I spoke to him on the phone, he told me that I had a unique, almost dry sense of wit or humor in my writing which seemed to entice him. I have never really thought of myself as a very witty guy, but I can be when I don’t even realize it myself. Regardless, I took his comment with high regard and it simply made me feel good. It was nothing big, but thats the point. Encouragement does not have to be big, it just has to be meaningful and true. The effects of a simple act can generate a large response sometimes.

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