Quote from "The Imitation of Christ", Thomas A. Kempis

IT IS good for us to have trials and troubles at times, for they often remind us that we are on probation and ought not to hope in any worldly thing. It is good for us sometimes to suffer contradiction, to be misjudged by men even though we do well and mean well. These things help us to be humble and shield us from vainglory. When to all outward appearances men give us no credit, when they do not think well of us, then we are more inclined to seek God Who sees our hearts. Therefore, a man ought to root himself so firmly in God that he will not need the consolations of men.

When a man of good will is afflicted, tempted, and tormented by evil thoughts, he realizes clearly that his greatest need is God, without Whom he can do no good. Saddened by his miseries and sufferings, he laments and prays. He wearies of living longer and wishes for death that he might be dissolved and be with Christ. Then he understands fully that perfect security and complete peace cannot be found on earth.

Climb On!

Yeah, so it's my job to "save" kids.
Of course that's ridiculous, and nothing will ever happen if I believe that. I have to trust God everyday to simply function at my job. I'm a youth pastor, and the goals that I have in my job have absolutely nothing to do with an outward appearance of "success". I don't care "how many kids are in my youth group", which is odd because that's really the only question that anyone can ever think to ask. No one has ever asked if I have seen a significant amount of spiritual growth in any kids. The only question that's ever came close was recently: "Do you still find it rewarding?" Which was a tough question, because if that's the reason I do my job, I'd quit immediately and go build stuff, which is an easier place to see "progress". I understand the question and am certainly not offended by any means, but I truly believe the call that God puts in a life doesn't necessarily result in that good, "end of the day" contentment on a regular enough basis to sustain you.
What God wants us to look for, for our sustanance would be a faith and relationship with Him. God seems to simply call us for a task that's too great for us, then says He'll be with us every step of the way. "Equipping the called, as opposed to calling the equipped." as goes the cliche. What that results in is a life that is constantly being stretched, and pulled towards growth and always trust. It never seems to be easy. I'm still looking for the passage in the Bible that promises a life of ease. Seems to be elusive. If you know where it is, please let me in on it???
Anyway, that's all I have to say about that.

Not so far so good.

Well, I just remembered about this blog.
It's been darn near 2 years since I posted here.
Goes to show you that my 'experiment' is certainly a learning
experience. I've learned that in the last 2 years, I haven't been living
the life that I wanted to. You see, I want to push myself and explore some
writing that I (for some reason or another) feel like I should work on and hopefully
someday be good at. So, I haven't achieved anything in this regard, yet the thoughts
haven't disappeared over the last 2 years that this is something I should do.
So, maybe I'll try try again.