God's Hidden Message In Disney: The Little Mermaid

        In the Little Mermaid, Ariel longs to be human so bad she ends up risking her life and freedom to become one.  When Ariel gets fed up with her father she is convinced by Ursella's, the sea witch's, minions that Ursella can grant her wish.  So Ariel goes to Ursella's lair and for the price of her voice Ariel becomes human.  Ursella gives Ariel three days to fall in love or Ariel is Ursella's prisoner forever.  What Ariel doesn't know is that Ursella does everything to prevent her from falling in love.  At the very end, after the battle with Ursella, Ariel's dad, King Tritan, transforms Ariel to human form with no strings attached. 

        Most of the time in life we are Ariel.  We long for something so we pray and pray and pray, when God does not answer the prayer in our favor we try to fulfill our desires on our own. Satan and his evil minions (demons) then comes in and acts like he's our ally and works with us. All we have to do is pay a small price, he tells us it's not a big deal.  Then Satan shows his true colors, he attacks us to make us fail.   Like Ariel, it can almost cost us our lives.   Just like in the movie, it is always better to wait till we have the peace of our father, to do anything.  Even when we screw up in life God, our Heavenly Father, is still willing to come to our rescue because he loves us. 

God's Hidden Message In Disney: Beauty and The Beast

God speaks to everyone in unique ways, today he spoke to me through Disney. 

    I'm pretty sure we have all seen the Disney classic Beauty and The Beast.  In the beginning of this movie we see Maurice, Belle's dad, on the way to the fair and he gets stuck at a fork in the road.  There is a road that is clear and less threatening, then there is a road that is dark and foggy. Maurice wants to go down the dark and foggy road while his horse wants to go down the clear and lit road.  Maurice ends up going down the dark and foggy road; he runs into wolves that attack him and then he reaches the Beast's castle, there the Beast holds Maurice  captive for what Maurice thinks to be for life. 
    Now Belle goes searching for her father and when she finds him The Beast exchanges Maurice's life for Belle's.  Now if we look at this movie from Maurice's point of view we see that at the beginning he has an instinct to go down the dark and foggy road that leads to attacks by viscous wolves and eventual imprisonment of his daughter and through out the movie Maurice is trying to find a way to rescue Belle.  At the End we see a turn around,  the Beast is transformed back to human and the whole castle goes under an extreme transformation leading to a joyous ending for belle and all who live in the castle.  When you think about it, this all happened because Maurice went down that dark and foggy road. 

      I believe we can all learn something from Beauty and The Beast.  Take Maurice at the fork in the road, when we come to forks in our lives we need to be willing to go down that dark and foggy road when God tells us even though opposing forces in life are telling us to take the easy, clear, well lit road.  Even if there is tremendous amounts of suffering,  when we listen to God and go down that dark and foggy road we experience and unimaginable amount of riches and rewards that cannot compare.  There is no telling what God has waiting for us at the end of that dark and foggy road. 

What lies on the other side of Fear...

 Many times we let our fear get in the way of living out what God created us to do.  I feel like most people get really intimidated when they reach a challenge God has put in front of them and pull back without thinking about what could lie on the other side.  We let our fear and uncertainty get in the way of God's plan for our lives.  So many times we miss out on the beauty that's reached at the finish line because we are to afraid to begin the race. 

This reminds me  a lot of someone who is afraid of heights that is standing at the bottom of the Empire state building looking up in fear.  Going up to the top to see what is up there is not even an option.  What that person doesn't realize is that if they were to get over their fear and embark on the journey to the top of the Empire state building they would see an awesome view of the New York City scape.  An experience that's absolute beauty is only truly experienced in person. 

Much of the time we are the same way.  We run into an obstacle in life and because of fear we stop and turn away without knowing the beauty that lies on the other side.  Without God, Yes getting over our fears is NOT an option, but with God we can achieve anything.
Some times, most of the time, we have to take that leap of faith and embark on that fearful journey,  because with faith we can be sure God WILL show up and help us along. 

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 

Hebrews 11:1

So what's it going to be... THIS 

 

or THAT

 

 

Death: We don't accept it as a gift

Death is often looked at as a dreaded thing of life.  People don't want to die.  But what if there was something more than this world, some place you could live in eternal paradise after death?  If that is the case wouldn't people be lining up to die? As children of God we can look forward to an eternal paradise.  Heaven is that eternal paradise, but only believers "get in."   So if there is an eternal paradise waiting for Christ followers, wouldn't people be trying their best to follow God?... No the don't, WHY?... It doesn't make sense...

That's the beginning of a journal entry I wrote last April right after my mom stopped treatment.  When I wrote it I didn't realize how hard it would be with out her here, but I realized one thing at her funeral.  Mom did her "job" as a Christian.  It was so encouraging to see the number of people that showed up at her visitation and funeral service.  Mom's walk with God really did reach out to people, she had a relationship with God that's admired by many.  Mom knew where she was going and where she would be today, but that wasn't enough.  Mom wasn't going to let it be here fault that people didn't know about Christ.
It's not an easy or fun thing to get home and come to the realization that I won't see mom for a while, but I know she is up there with God and has received her rewards.  Now when I think of God I not only picture him in heaven but I picture my mom sitting right there in his lap. 

See you Later mom. 

Finding God in a Hostpital Bed.

The past few days have been strange, they've been surreal.  There is always room for miracles, but my mom seems to be very close to starting eternity with God.  When you grow up thinking about the future, you never anticipate loosing a parent early in life.  My mom's cancer has taken over her body.  This past Monday Hospice brought in a hospital bed for my mom and she's become almost unresponsive.  It's probably been the hardest thing to see the one lady, that I've looked up to the most, dying in front of my eyes.  To tell you the truth it kinda sucks. 
Dealing with all this this week God has made his presence known in my life so much.  I look at my mom and know that one day I will see my mom again.  It is unreal the amount of support my family has had through all this, the amount of food we have for dinner, the love we've experienced is unreal.  God has not left me in this time of trouble, if anything, he has wrapped his arms around me even more.  God has given me a peace about my families situation, soon my mom is going to be sitting at the feet of our Savior.  What greater gift is there?  I'm not taking this peace and using it to replace grief, but it gives me hope.  These next few months to a year are probably going to be some of the hardest for my family, but I am thankful and sooo grateful to say that I will see my mom again one day.  Don't get me wrong it is an EXTREMELY hard and saddening time but it's a I'll see you later sad not a goodbye forever sad.  God has made himself known through my mom lying in her hospital bed.

Store bought or Homemade... What's it gonna be?

The answer would be obvious if some one asked you, "What cookies would you rather have?  Store bough cookies or my Grandma's homemade cookies?"  Any body in their right mind would say "Grandma's cookies."  That's because Grandma's cookie are the real deal, along with tasting great it just feels better eating your Grandma's cookies because you know and love the baker.  Grandma's cookies  c are more than just a good cookie oppose to store boughtcookies that are processed, they might taste good but they are fake.  They have no value. 
Take that idea of the cookies and relate it to the way people live out their "Christian" faith, and what they choose to love.  It is obvious if some one were to ask you "Would believe a lie that brings death or would you believe the truth that brings life?" or "Would you rather love someone who is gonna love you back or some one who will leave you out to dry?"  If it is so obvious and easy to see the answer how come people still go towards the lies and fake happiness of this world instead of searching and finding true joy in God our creator?  God offers a life of true joy, true Love, and purpose, a life of fulfillment but people (including myself) get caught up in the things of this world, the lies of this world, this fake love. The lie that something or someone will bring us happiness when the truth is only one being can bring us happiness.  Satan likes to tell us that if we live of this world the world will love us back but what he doesn't tell us is that the love he offers is an artificial love a love that leaves us empty, it's fake it's not real.  On the other hand the love of God will NEVER leave us hungry, it will never leave us feeling empty, the TRUE love of God is the real deal, the real stuff. 
The Love and Truth of the Lord is Grandma's HOMEMADE, MADE WITH LOVE cookies. 


Shouldn't it be a no brainer on whose cookies we choose?

There's no support like my father's support

I love this video. This shows the love of God in a more understandable way for our tiny human minds to comprehend. This video was shown to me this past summer at the camp I worked at. It was so touching. God won't leave us hanging in the dark in life's struggles with out help. When our dreams around us are shattered and we don't think we will be able to finish the race, God is right there to pick us up and help us to the finish line. He will carry us.

The More The Merrier

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.

Ephesians 1:3

Last night was one of the most amazing night I've experienced in my Christian walk.  Evidence of God's work was every where I turned.  If you have read my blog before you know my mom and family's testimony. Last night my guys accountability/bible study group came by house along with my parent's Sunday school class to pray for my mom and my family.  There were approximately 30-40 people circling the inside of my house, some prayed for my mom's healing, some prayed that mom's pain would be more tolerable, some thanked God for my dad being there for my  mom, and other related things.  It was one of the coolest experiences.  At the end my brother Mitchell felt a call from God to anoint my mom with oil it was one of the many cherries on top of an awesome evening. 

It was so cool to see my friends from my church come together with my parents friends from there church and become one body under Christ. 

The other night God gave an analogy and it really got me to thinking about how special and important Christian brothers and sisters really are.  I got and image some one running a race and when they are doing good Satan throws in a surprise attack, he puts a ball and chain on the runners ankle making it harder to get through the race.  As though a ball and chain isn't enough to deal with Satan throws a back pack filled with bricks on the runner's back and keeps putting bricks in.  Then he might throw some heavy rocks in your hands to carry all while the runner is trying to finish the race.  Just when things are getting excruciatingly exhausting God throws in another runner beside the man to carry his ball and chain, a couple more guys come along to carry the bricks and backpack, and a few more come together to carry the rocks.  Now the pressure is lifted off of just one person and they can cross the finish line together, while all along each one of them is becoming a stronger and building up endurance.  God will put people in our lives to help us along and He will build up both people's endurance.  He doesn't leave you hanging.  One thing that I realized recently is I don't have to carry the weight of my mom's cancer on my own, my brothers and sisters in Christ are right there running with me to carry the burden a little at a time.  

I loved seeing the unity I saw last night and God does not ignore that.  God is doing AMAZING THINGS in my life.  Just as the scripture says above we are blessed with blessings of God because we are united in Him. It is so cool to know that in life you don't have to carry the world's weight on your shoulders, God will provide the runners to come beside you and pick up your baggage and continue to run with him.  Don't give up because about that time you want to is when God is working the most, continue in Him and He will take care of you.   

God Given Confidence

The Lord is my light and my salvation-

so why should I be afraid?

 The Lord is my fortress protecting me from danger, 

so why should I tremble?

When evil people come to devour me, 

when my enemies and foes attack me, 

they will stumble and fall.

Though a mighty army surrounds me,

my heart will not me afraid.

Even if I am attacked,

I will remain confident. 

Psalms 27: 1-3

All I can say when I read this is "PRAISE GOD AND THANK YOU FATHER!!!"  Earlier tonight I was being attacked, and I began to feel down.  Today was the first day of the school year.  After coming home I felt discouraged, I was alone I didn't know anyone on campus and I felt like I was the only light for God in darkness, and then I began to get discouraged about my mom's health situation.  So through all that, I knew what the best solution would be... to seek encouragement from the Lord and those were the verses He gave me.  I began to look back on my life and I realized how much God had and has actually provided for and blessed me.  If he has taken care of me for 19 years of life in bigger storms He will take care of me in this one! God new exactly when I would need it and what kind of encouragement I would need and He gave it to me... I am sooo glad I have the privilege and honor of having a personal relationship with the Lord. 

Why doesn't God always come when invited?

Why is it that Christians will pray, sing, read their Bible, etc.? What is the point of worshiping?   Do people worship for themselves or for God?  Personally I can tell you, up until very recently, I misunderstood worship.  I would go to church, I'd listen to worship music in the car, pray, read my bible and when times seemed to get harder I would up the level on my worship meter.  I worshiped, and still sometimes catch myself in the mind set of "What do I get out of worshiping." When it really isn't about me at all.  I worshiped so that I can feel better, so that I can have that emotional high.  What happens when you do all the right things, the things a good christian does to worship, and you don't feel that high, you don't feel God's presence?
What I recently came across while reading the book Shattered Dreams, is that worship is not for us it never was made for us,  worship is an invitation, an invitation for God to come an move.  God doesn't owe anything to us, he doesn't have to make himself present in our life, to make us feel good in the hard times in life.  It is our privilege that we can even send God an invitation.  Most Christians, including myself, are guilty of expecting God to show up and make us feel better and when He doesn't we get upset with him.   The question is,  How can God come work in our life if there is not room for him in our life? 
I see now that worship is not about making me feel good at all.  What I've realized is that in order for God to come work in my life I have to push aside the things of this world that are constantly trying to fill my God size hole.  Once I have made the space for God and send the invite God has the choice come and show up and if He does, as a result, sometimes I do feel happier and sometimes I do feel an emotional high, but an emotional High is not the reasoning for worship it is just one of the many results of Worshiping God and having him in your life. 

My Father always takes care of me.

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed.  We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.  We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God.  We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.  Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.  
2 Corinthians 4: 8-10

 In August 2004 my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, in January of 2005 the cancer went into remission.  Spring of 2009 the cancer returned in her bones, making my mom's cancer terminal. It would be nice to say that today my mom is cancer free by some awesome miracle, but I can't. My mom's cancer has slowly progressed the past two years and now seems to be taking a turn for the worse.  She is still fighting, but the cancer has caused her excruciating pain.  In the past six months she has been put on hospice and is now using oxygen. 
The other morning when I read 2 Corinthians chapter 4 in my quiet time, I began to think of my family's journey these past seven years.  Spring of my Junior year of high school when my mom's cancer returned I went through a phase where I blamed God, I asked "why, why me, why my family?"  I slowly left that phase as I gained some understanding of God's word.  My senior year of high school I fully gave my life to Christ and decided to really live for him. I am now going to be a sophomore in College and it's taken me this long to understand why God would allow for my mom to have a disease that is killing her.
Last summer I began to read the book Shattered Dreams by Larry Crab.  I stopped reading it half way through and picked it back up this summer.  The words on the cover read "God's unexpected pathway to Joy."  The book talks about how God will allow our dreams to shatter, to crumble, to be demolished right in front of our eyes so that we will then discover a deeper dream we possess, a desire to know Him more.  Through reading this book and digging deeper into God's word then ever before, I have began to understand the reasoning behind my mom's cancer, God is using her cancer to glorify him.  
Through this journey I have grown closer to God, I have fully trusted him with my life and everything in it.  Yes there "dreams" I had in my life that probably won't happen now such as:  sending my kids to Mimi's house so she can spoil them (like all grandma's do) or introducing my future wife to my mom for the very first time, or it can simply be that when I look at my youngest brother who is thirteen I realize that our mom won't get to see him graduate high school. These are things I think about daily, but I don't want you guys to read this and feel sorry for my family, I want you guys to know that God has never left me through this, He has been by my side the whole time, there are times he has even carried me and will carry me in the future.  Although He may take my mom home soon, my Lord NEVER leaves me behind, with Him I can stand strong and fight off Satan's attacks.
My Father always takes care of me, no matter what. 

Art is one of my passions, I love to draw and paint. Through this whole experience came the inspiration for this piece.  When everything around you falls and is destroyed our job is to look beneath the rubble and discover our deepest desire that's breaking through, which is to strive to know God more. 

The Hiker

One day a man decides to go on a hike.  As the man is on his hike he falls into a hole, after he gets up he realizes that the whole he fell into is a cave.  After getting up the hiker dusts himself off and begins to try to find his way in this pitch black cave.  This guy has a flashlight in his hand but he refuses to use it, he wants to make it out on his own.  After tripping and falling over rocks the hiker finally makes his way out through a small hole injured and in pain.  What the hiker did not know is that if he would have used his flashlight; first of all he would have seen the easiest and safest way out second of all he would have realized that the cave he had fallen into was in fact a diamond mine. If he would have used his flashlight he would have seen the diamonds lining his path, but instead he barely made it out and he was injured.
So much of the time we are the hiker and the Lord is the flashlight.  We fall into darkness but refuse to use our flashlight (God).  We walk through dark times and struggles with God at our finger tips but refuse to use his light.  We can, sometimes, make it out of our dark times on our own, but we squeeze our way out injured and in pain.  When we turn to the Lord during hard times His light will show us the safest and most rewarding way out.  With his light we see the value of our journey, we realize that our dark and scary cave is really a diamond mine, and we God will show us were the diamonds are.  When we let the Lord guide us instead of relying on our own senses, we make it out of our dark and hard times healthy and better off then before.  When we turn to God for our comfort we see things in a different perspective, our dark and dangerous cave can in fact be a very valuable diamond mine.  When we follow God's plan we don't end up hurting and aching but stronger and richer than ever. 

In fact, we expected to die.  But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.  And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again.  We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. 
2 Corinthians 1:9-10 (NLT)