Strategic Chaos

Musical.. uhm.... Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:54:00 +0000

I guess I've been letting myself slack on this again. I'm going to blame part of it on the fact that I rarely remember what day of the week it is. Last week, I completely forgot about it. Last night, I actually remembered as I was falling asleep. I even had a song in mind, but apparently that realization wasn't powerful enough to wake me back up.

This is a song I actually heard for the first time on Sunday. It's a song about how scary yet ultimately satisfying it can be to let yourself be surrendered to God's love.

Love and Radiation
By All Star United

You're electric
And I'm out in the rainstorm
You're the virus
That's running through my veins
You're a danger
Like love and radiation
Seeping into my brain

You're the one I've been waiting for
You're my rocket to the sky
You're the diving board
Standin' seven stories high
You're the thrill of love
Like a jet on fire
Push me out and see if I can fly

You're the ocean
About to pull me under
You're the surgeon
Who says it's got to bleed
You're the true love
I've always been afraid of
But you're the one that I need

You're the one I've been waiting for
You're my rocket to the sky
You're the diving board
Standin' seven stories high
You're the thrill of love
Like a jet on fire
Push me out and see if I can fly

You're the passion
Crashin' my defenses
And I'm defenceless to you

You're the one I've been waiting for
You're my rocket to the sky
You're the diving board
Standin' seven stories high
You're the thrill of love
Like a jet on fire
Push me out and see if I can fly

Musical... Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 16:11:00 +0000

I was really tired yesterday and it seems I completely forgot about this, so the update is a day late.

Casting Crowns has a new CD out. As always, all of the songs have great words and each one has it's own powerful message. I wanted to use one of the songs from that CD, but had a hard time choosing which one. The one I settled on is called "Somewhere in the Middle".

It talks about knowing where we should be and knowing where we've been, but still not having the courage to give it all up to God to reach the point where we need to be. Instead, we wind up stuck "somewhere in the middle."

CASTING CROWNS LYRICS

"Somewhere In The Middle"

Somewhere between the hot and the cold
Somewhere between the new and the old
Somewhere between who I am and who I used to be
Somewhere in the middle, You'll find me

Somewhere between the wrong and the right
Somewhere between the darkness and the light
Somewhere between who I was and who You're making me
Somewhere in the middle, You'll find me

Just how close can I get, Lord, to my surrender without losing all control

Fearless warriors in a picket fence, reckless abandon wrapped in common sense
Deep water faith in the shallow end and we are caught in the middle
With eyes wide open to the differences, the God we want and the God who is
But will we trade our dreams for His or are we caught in the middle
Are we caught in the middle

Somewhere between my heart and my hands
Somewhere between my faith and my plans
Somewhere between the safety of the boat and the crashing waves

Somewhere between a whisper and a roar
Somewhere between the altar and the door
Somewhere between contented peace and always wanting more
Somewhere in the middle You'll find me

Just how close can I get, Lord, to my surrender without losing all control

Lord, I feel You in this place and I know You're by my side
Loving me even on these nights when I'm caught in the middle

Musical Monday, September 10th

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 05:19:00 +0000

Alright, this is my first time being home today other than early this morning, so this update is coming pretty late, but at least it's here. I've always liked this song by Third Day. It's a good reminder that no matter what you're going through, there is a reason and God can bring you through it.

40 Days by Third Day

Here I am at what feels like the end
And so I come to You, my Lord, again
With this burden buried deep within
This heart that You have made
In this trial that I'm going through
I don't question 'cause I know it's true
That the sorrow brings me back to You
And You have made me stronger

It's been forty days and forty nights
Down the road of many trials
And I pray it's only for a season
'Cause in the wilderness and in the flood
You're the one I'm thinking of
And I know You've brought me for a reason

I have one more thing I've got to say
Before they try to take my life away
Let it be known that I am not afraid
Let Your will be done, Lord

Musical Monday and Fictional Apologies

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 02:49:00 +0000

Alright, first I guess I'll start by saying that it's been a really rough week, and I'm sad to say that I think I'm going to have to (at least temporarily) discontinue my Fictional Friday posts. I do still plan to do the Musical Monday posts though, which brings me to my next point.

This has been a really rough week for me, but here I've got a song reminding us not to forget to turn our eyes toward God even when things are going great. There's the silly church sign saying, "Is God your steering wheel or your spare tire?" It is funny, but at the same time, there's some truth to it. Is He something you use to guide you at every turn in your life, or is he just something you pull out when something else you depend on stops working?

Seven Places - Even When Lyrics

This week, I prayed, one time
My phone, it rang, I put You on the other line
And now my thoughts they drift around
My knees remain unacquainted with the ground
Unless my faith is put to the test and I am forced to bow
Although I'm in this flesh it doesn't mean You shouldn't have the best
from me, from me

[Chorus:]
Even when my eyes are dry
even when my soul is tired
even when my hands are heavy, I will lift them up to Yu
It's not about how I feel, oh Lord I am here for Yu
I exist for you

I close my eyes but all I see
Is a background of black, bouncy squiggly lines
And this week's mistakes coming back to mind but
I will lift my voice and make a joyful sound
Forget about me, I only get me down
Although I cannot see it doesn't mean I shouldn't sing to You, to You

[Chorus]

You've given me Your life and have held mine together yet I find
Excuses to slouch in my pew
But when glory divine
Is sitting in my very presence, the least that I can do
Is give my all to You, give my all to You

[Chorus]

Musical Monday

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 04:02:00 +0000

I've really been slacking on these updates :( I'll try to do better. Anyway, I've got a song for today. It's a little different from the kind of song I normally post. My parents always talk about learning this song around the time when my sister was born and the significance it held to them(especially the second verse). So I guess that's why I felt it relevant today just after receiving a call saying that one of my sisters is going into labor. It's a great song any day, but it just seems even more special in a time like this. Anyway, here it is, Because He Lives:

BECAUSE HE LIVES
Writer Bill Gaither

God Sent His Son, They Called Him Jesus;
He Came To Love, Heal And Forgive.
He Lived And Died To Buy My Pardon;
An Empty Grave Is There To Prove My Savior Lives.

Chorus:
Because He Lives
I Can Face Tomorrow
Because He Lives
All Fear Is Gone
Because I Know He Holds The Future
And Life Is Worth The Living
Just Because He Lives

How Sweet To Hold A Newborn Baby,
And Feel The Pride And Joy He Gives;
But Greater Still The Calm Assurance:
This Child Can Face Uncertain Day Because He Lives.

Chorus

And Then One Day I'll Cross The River;
I'll Fight Life's Final War With Pain.
And Then, As Death Gives Way To Vict'ry,
I'll See The Lights Of Glory And I'll Know He Reigns.

Chorus

Musical Monday

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 03:50:00 +0000

Musical Monday

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 21:32:00 +0000

Well, it's Monday and that means it's time for a new song. I've been listening to a lot of music trying to find the right song to post today(hard work). I came across a song I hadn't really listened to in quite a while. I like the words though. I'm not really sure what else to say that the lyrics don't already say.

BURN FOR YOU
By Tobymac

I'm a brand new man, I'm a conscious man
I'm a man who's burnin' for you
The mistakes I've made have been chased away to the bottom of the ocean blue
I'm a brand new man in a foreign land, I'm a man who's feelin' that fire
And it's all so clear when I'm standing here at the peak of my desire

So won't you move me like you used to
I want the world to know I burn for you

I feel revived again, I am alive again
(Burnin' for you) You got me lifted and lifted you lift me up
I feel revived again, I'm energized again
(Burnin' for you) You got me lifted and lifted you lift me up

Woke up in a sweat, those ghosts in my head
Had a grip, but I slipped on by
It's a whole new day as the darkness fades
And the sun's climbing in the sky
I concede, my love, that I need your love
I'm before you, a broken man
And it's only you, no substitutes who can renew this soul again

You got me higher than Kilimanjaro
Got me believin' I can "save the day"
I'm up and running like their ain't no tomorrow
I'd rather burn for you than fade away
I'd rather burn for you than go my way

I'm a whole new guy with a whole new vibe
Changed inside - more flame in the fire
Can't stop, won't stop praying for desire
Like the bunny on the screen feel so energized
Old shell gone without a trace, new face
No more shortness of breath, new pace
Live life now without the taste of fear
TOBYMAC, Double Dutch now let the smoke clear

Fictional Friday Returns!

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 04:39:00 +0000

I'm sorry it's been so long since we got to see what's been happening to Jerry. Let's see how he's doing:

Jerry woke in a cold sweat, surprised at first by his surroundings. As he regained consciousness, his mind shifted forward in time to his current location. Over the past months, the memory of that night had haunted his dreams. Each time he woke wondering if there had been something else he could have done to save her. Each time, he wound up frustrated by the knowledge that it didn’t matter anymore. She wasn’t coming back; she was dead now and he couldn’t do anything about it.

Opening his eyes, he found some strange comfort in the fact that his fire had gone out in the night. Having something to do always seemed to help, even if it was a simple task like starting a fire. A little food in his stomach couldn’t hurt either.

As he struck his flint on the dull edge of his knife trying to light the small pile of tinder, his mind began to wander again. He couldn’t stop thinking about her. He kept seeing her face, her beautiful eyes making contact with his before closing forever.

Shaking his head, he fought off the memories and struggled with shaking hands to get the tiny sparks to turn into a small flame. After working for several minutes and gradually adding more kindling, he had a large enough fire.

He set up a spit to roast the rest of the small deer he had killed a week ago. As he waited for the meat to cook, he chewed thoughtfully on the last of the dry bread he had picked up at the last town he passed.

This time however, his thoughts didn’t linger on the recent past. No. They now sought the future. He had been camping here for almost two weeks now. He no longer felt like he could just stay here mourning. He needed to do something. He wasn’t sure exactly how he would go about it, but he needed to avenge her death. It was time. As soon as he’d finished his breakfast, he would set out after the man who’d killed his Samantha.

Alright, before you start complaining about the death, let me remind you that you guys chose that the main driving force in this story should be revenge. I had to give him something to be vengeful about didn't I?

Now for the next choice. What should Jerry do after breakfast?

A.) Get food, he's out!
B.) Head in the direction he thinks this mysterious murdered went.
C.) Head to the nearest town, he can get food and try to dig up some leads on this guy.
D.) Other(Tell me what you think he should do).

The Return of Musical Monday

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 16:07:00 +0000

Alright, it's been a while since I've been able to make a Musical Monday post, but I'm glad to be able to start it back again.

The song I chose this week, I hadn't heard before until recently. It's been on the radio a lot and it's from a band I really like, so I guess it's no surprise I liked this song the first time I heard it. It's called Comatose, and talks about how God is the only thing that can "wake us up" and comfort us. Anyway, here it is:

Comatose
by Skillet

I hate feeling like this
I'm so tired of trying to fight this
I'm asleep and all I dream of
Is waking to You
Tell me that You will listen
You're touch is what i'm missing
And the more I hide I realize I'm slowly losing You
Comatose
I'll never wake up without and overdose of You
I don't wanna live, I dont wanna breathe
'Les I feel you next to me
You take the pain I feel
Waking up to You never felt so real
I don't wanna sleep, I don't wanna dream
'Cause my dreams don't comfort me
The way You make me feel
Waking up to You never felt so real
I hate living without You
Dead wrong to ever doubt You
But my demons lay in waiting
Tempting me away
Oh how I adore You
Oh how I thirst for You
Oh how I need You
Comatose
I'll never wake up without and overdose of You
I don't wanna live, I dont wanna breathe
'Les I feel You next to me
You take the pain I feel
Waking up to You never felt so real
I don't wanna sleep, I don't wanna dream
'Cause my dreams don't comfort me
The way you make me feel
Waking up to You never felt so real
Breathing life
Waking up
My eyes open up
Comatose
I'll never wake up without and overdose of You
I don't wanna live, I dont wanna breathe
'Les I feel You next to me
You take the pain I feel
Waking up to You never felt so real
I don't wanna sleep, I don't wanna dream
'Cause my dreams don't comfort me
The way You make me feel
Waking up to You never felt so real
Oh how I adore You
Waking up to You never felt so real
Oh how I thirst for You
Waking up to You never felt so real
Oh how I adore You
The way You make me feel
Waking up to You never felt so real

I'm back!

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 03:50:00 +0000

It's been over 1 1/2 months since I moved... Which means that it's been over 1 1/2 months since my last post on here. I was unable to get online with my desktop computer, but as of today, I have a laptop that I can get online with.

This will mean more Musical Mondays and Fictional Fridays, along with my usual non-themed posts. I don't know about you, but I'm ready to find out what happens to Jerry next.

Also, I now have a guitar. I don't know how to play it yet, but I am practicing(my dad only brought it last night, so I haven't had it long). So future posts may contain progress updates on learning to play the guitar.

Anyway, I've got to get up pretty early tomorrow, so I should go to sleep. G'nite everyone!

Moving Day

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 06:37:00 +0000

Well, I got an apartment. I'm going to be moving all my stuff tomorrow. I've also got an interview, so it'll probably be a pretty long day. Especially since it came up so fast. I just found out I got the apartment today, so I've been trying to get things packed up. In fact, I'm going to start packing up parts of my computer as soon as I get done with this entry.

Also, I'm not sure whether or not I'll have internet right away, so I can't guarantee I'll be able to make the next "Fictional Friday" and "Musical Monday" posts.

Anyway, I'm tired, so I'm gonna wrap this up so I can hit the sack soon.

Musical Monday

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 15:11:00 +0000

Well, yesterday was Father's day. I thought this song was appropriate for this week's selection. I've always liked this song. I was lucky to have a father with the attitude in this song. I know his earthly father wasn't around most of the years while he was growing up, but he didn't let that stop him from being there for me. In fact, I think it made him more determined to be there for my sisters and me. Not only was her there though(which is more than a lot of people can say about their fathers sadly), but he always tried to let us see Jesus through him just like this song says.

Thanks Dad :)

Artist: Phillips Craig And Dean
Song: I Want To Be Just Like You

He climbs in my lap for a goodnight hug
He calls me Dad and I call him Bub
With his faded old pillow and a bear named Pooh
He snuggles up close and says, "I want to be like you"
I tuck him in bed and I kiss him goodnight
Trippin' over the toys as I turn out the light
And I whisper a prayer that someday he'll see
He's got a father in God 'cause he's seen Jesus in me

Lord, I want to be just like You
'Cause he wants to be just like me
I want to be a holy example
For his innocent eyes to see
Help me be a living Bible, Lord
That my little boy can read
I want to be just like You
'Cause he wants to be like me

Got to admit I've got so far to go
Make so many mistakes and I'm sure that You know
Sometimes it seems no matter how hard I try
With all the pressures in life I just can't get it all right
But I'm trying so hard to learn from the best
Being patient and kind, filled with Your tenderness
'Cause I know that he'll learn from the things that he sees
And the Jesus he finds will be the Jesus in me
Right now from where he stands I may seem mighty tall
But it's only 'cause I'm learning from the best Father of them all

Fictional Friday - It All Starts Here

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 06:04:00 +0000

Alright, it's been a long day, so this is coming kind of late. It was pretty fun though. I don't normally begin writing something without planning out out first(I can't plan too much since you guys are choosing where this goes). That should make this interesting. I think it worked for the first entry, hopefully it will continue to work through the rest of the story. I wasn't really sure how long to make it. I'm sure I'll get more a feel for that, as this goes. Any comments on the length(or the writing in general) are welcome. I'm open to criticism as long as it's constructive. Make sure you remember to vote too! Anyway, here is the first entry in this, so far, nameless story.

Jerry sat in shock as he watched the men disappear into the dense forest dragging Samantha with them. He tried to cry out, but no words came. All that came out were some vague guttural noises.

Looking around at the small glade, a flood of emotions and memories overwhelmed him. Memories of the night they discovered the glade. They had snuck away from their childhood responsibilities to be together. Over the years, they had frequently come back to this place when they wanted to be alone.

This time, they had come to hide. A messenger had come to warn them that the men were coming for Sam, but it was too late. They must have seen the two of them running off into the woods. They knew it wasn’t a very good hiding spot, but they couldn’t think of anywhere else to go.

A sudden clap of thunder and flash of lightning brought Jerry back to the present. Already the footsteps were fading. Before long, he would not be able to hear them. He had to find some way to get loose. The men had forced him to the ground before wrapping his arms behind his back and around a tree. He had not seen what they used to tie his wrists together, but it felt like a rough cloth of some kind.

As he struggled to free himself, a heavy rain began to fall. After several minutes of pulling, twisting, tugging, writhing, and any combination of other movements he thought might loosen his bonds, his wrists began to bleed. He didn’t notice the pain though. All he noticed was that the rain had began to soak into the cloth that bound his hands. Gradually, his efforts were loosening his restraints.

By the time he was free, nearly an hour had passed since Samantha had been dragged away. As soon as the wet bloody rag fell from his wrists, he stood up to begin the chase. He made it three steps before collapsing. He wouldn’t have made it that far if not for the momentum from his right leg. His left leg had apparently been dislocated at the hip during the fight. The sudden jolt of pain made his stomach churn. Moments later, he lay unconscious on the ground.

What should Jerry do when he regains consciousness?
A)Begin chasing after Samantha and her captors immediately! He's got to make up for lost time.
B)Go back to the village, see if anyone else was injured/taken, and hopefully find some more people to help.
C)Heal up and then begin intense physical training so he will have the strength to fend of the dangers of his coming adventure.

Oh and by the way, the last vote decided that the main character's primary driving force in this tale will be his lust for revenge.

Musical Mondays

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 18:19:00 +0000

Alright, it's time for me to post another song that I like. I'm not really sure what I can say about this one other than what the lyrics themselves already say. So without further adieu... Sonicflood - All I've Failed To Be
God above, I'm in awe
Of Your perfect love
Humbly I come to Your throne
of grace
For a taste of You

Jesus Christ, I'm in awe
Of Your sacrifice
Holy I stand in Your presence here
I am near to You

I'm praying Lord break me
I'm praying Lord take me
I'm praying Lord make me
All I've failed to be

God above, I'm in awe
Of Your perfect love
Humbly I come to Your throne
of grace
For a taste of You

Jesus Christ, I'm in awe
Of Your sacrifice
Holy I stand in Your presence here
I am near to You

When all around is falling out
When I forget what I'm about
Sometimes the best that I can do
Is to desire to desire You

Break my heart, take me Lord
Make me whole
I need You
God above

Fictional Fridays?

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 03:57:00 +0000

Hmm... So I've got "Musical Mondays," right? Well, why not "Fictional Fridays"?

It's time to vote on some more details of the "Choose Your Own Adventure" posts I'm going to be doing. The first vote decided that the main character is going to be an animal. With that out of the way, there's one more thing to decide on before the real fun begins.

What will the main character's primary goal be?

A)Rescue a "damsel in distress"
B)Rid the world of some great evil force(this one may be a part of it if any of the others are chosen, but not necessarily his main focus)
C)Revenge for something from his past(perhaps a murdered friend or family member)
D)To become more powerful

Choose Your Own Adventure!

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 21:14:00 +0000

With all the wandering my mind does, I'm bound to come across a good idea now and then. I think I've done just that today. Hopefully some of you will agree, because this idea won't really work if I'm the only one that likes it.

Do you remember those "choose your own adventure" books? You know the ones where it gives you the option to choose what the main character does in each potentially hazardous situation? For example:

"The goblins are quickly closing in, but you've run into the edge of a vast canyon. You nearly fall as you look over the edge noticing that the great river below looks like a small trickling stream. Turning around to look for some other means of escape, you see that you've been surrounded by a small army of disfigured green creatures."

"If you'd like to stand and fight the goblins, turn to page 94.
If you'd like to surrender to the goblins, turn to page 121.
If you'd like to jump into the canyon below, turn to page 62."

Well, my idea was that I could do something like that with my blog. I can write a story, and allow you, the reader, to control what happens between each section. Taking it a step farther, I'm going to even let you choose who the main character is before I start writing. So, here is the first choice:

Should the main character be:
A) A boy/man?
B) A girl/woman?
C) An animal?
D) An inanimate object that has somehow been given the ability to move around and interact with it's environment, possibly even the ability to speak?

Now just post a comment with your choice. This one probably isn't too bad, but for future reference, choose carefully. I'm giving you the power to control the story, but that power may be somewhat of a monkey's paw. You may not always get what you're expecting.

Musical Monday

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 19:31:00 +0000

I thought this song fit well with my post last week about tolerance. As a nation, we're falling asleep. Or as this song puts it "we’re sung to sleep by philosophies
that save the trees and kill the children." Anyway, I don't really know what else to add, so I'll just move on to the song.

Casting Crowns - While You Were Sleeping

Oh little town of Bethlehem
Looks like another silent night
Above your deep and dreamless sleep
A giant star lights up the sky
And while you’re lying in the dark
There shines an everlasting light
For the King has left His throne
And is sleeping in a manger tonight, tonight

Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
For God became a man
And stepped into your world today
Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping

Oh little town of Jerusalem
Looks like another silent night
The Father gave His only Son
The Way, the Truth, the Life had come
But there was no room for Him in the world He came to save

Jerusalem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
The Savior of the world is dying on your cross today
Jerusalem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping

United States of America
Looks like another silent night
As we’re sung to sleep by philosophies
That save the trees and kill the children
And while we’re lying in the dark
There’s a shout heard ‘cross the eastern sky
For the Bridegroom has returned
And has carried His bride away in the night, in the night

America, what will we miss while we are sleeping
Will Jesus come again
And leave us slumbering where we lay
America, will we go down in history
As a nation with no room for its King
Will we be sleeping?
Will we be sleeping?

United States of America
Looks like another silent night

Anticipation Cancellation

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 19:33:00 +0000

Well, the Collide Festival that I was looking forward to so much has been canceled(until next year) due to all the rain we've been getting in the area over the past weeks. The grounds were soaked, and they didn't think it would be possible to get anything set up. Plus, they were concerned about the safety of the crowd.

So now, I have an empty week. I think I'm going to go get an apartment application on Tuesday. I also plan to figure out how to make a resume(and then actually make it).

Anticipation

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Wed, 30 May 2007 20:43:00 +0000

Next week, heaven and earth collide in Bells, Texas, and I plan to be there. Next Tuesday through Sunday, I will be volunteering to work at Collide Festival. It is a three day long Christian music festival that runs June 7th through the 9th. There will be around 35 Christian bands/artists there. They've got a really good line-up. There are several bands that I really like, and some that I've never heard of before. Maybe I'll discover some new bands that I'll end up liking. Of course, I'm going to be there to work, but I also plan to enjoy myself while doing it. It should be a good time.

I've been kind of gathering up the things I'll need to bring, and the more I get things together, the more excited I get. There will be thousands of other people there over the weekend coming together to praise God. Hopefully I'll make some good friends. Plus, because they've got me down for stage security, I may have a chance to meet some of the music groups. That'd be pretty cool. It's been raining a lot lately, so I'm praying that the weather will be nice next week.

My dad said I can bring his new camera, so hopefully I'll come back with lots of pictures.

The Call for Intolerance

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Wed, 30 May 2007 06:12:00 +0000

I think I may have another book to add to the list of books I would eventually like to write. For now, I'll call it "The Call for Intolerance." In fact, I just added it to my list.

I keep hearing about how Christians should be more tolerant of the lives, actions, and choices of other people. I keep seeing churches that say you can have Jesus and continue living in your sins. Do what feels good, and He will forgive you on Sunday. It makes me sick to see preachers essentially sending people to Hell by telling them they can get to Heaven by going through the "ritual" of walking down the aisle and then going back to the lives they had already been living in.

Our God is NOT a tolerant God, He is a jealous God. People need to know that. There will be consequences(good or bad) for your actions. There will come a time when all will stand before the throne of judgment. The people preaching these lies are selling tickets to heaven for sure... sadly that's not the final destination for the people they've fooled, it's just a stop along the way. We need to show these people that it takes an inward change to make heaven the last stop on your journey.

Musical Monday

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Mon, 28 May 2007 18:44:00 +0000

I've got a lot of things I want to post, but I've been really busy lately. So I figured I'd do something simple and post the words to a song that I like. Hopefully this will be something I'll start doing relatively regularly.

The song this time is called "I'm Guilty" by KJ-52. This song is a little different. It's half rap, half mock trial. I like it though, especially the last lines.

I'm Guilty

INTRO:
All rise. Case number seven-seven-seven-five-two.
Defendant KJ-52 verses the Son of God in murder one.
How do you plead?
Guilty as charged.
Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
I do.
Then go ahead.

VERSE 1:
I solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth now, so help me God.
What I testify and what I'm speaking of is an eye witness account of an experience of a kindof love,
I confess now to what it was.
I was guilty of making the very Son of God now shed His blood, and
I was guilty of the reason now why He was hung, and
I'm filthy with what caused the death of the Son.
It kills me to think I was the one who shed His blood.
I still think of the way He died now and how it was.
It feels me with pain inside, I feel like throwing up.
I can't escape, I can't lie, I didn't make it up.
I was the one who took the life of the Holy One.
This is the first time I've confessed now to what I've done.

CHORUS 1:
I'm guilty, guilty.
That's right, I'm guilty.
God forgive me, I'm guilty.
You know what? I'm guilty!

VERSE 2:
Yeah that's right, I did it.
Right out in the open for all to see it, and
I never hid it, I got to admit it.
They took the whip, ripped His back wide open and split it.
I heard Him cry every time they pulled it back and hit it.
I wondered why was He silent now, I didn't get it.
I watched Him die while He cried out "It is finished".
Thought nobody would find out about the the crime I've committed.
I tried to hide out, it's too late, that's right I did this.
It's my time now, my own eyes have been a witness to my crime.
Now I'm speechless and I'm defenseless.
Can anybody find out it's obvious that this is my final time.
Now I've finally come to my senses.
I'm a climb down and take whatever I'm sentenced.
I know why there's no way now that I could miss this.
I opened my eyes, now I see Him just for who He is.
My guilt is mine now, it's so obvious that...

CHORUS 2:
I'm guilty.
God forgive me, I'm guilty!
I'm guilty.
That's right, I'm guilty.
So guilty.

VERSE 3:
I'm just another person, I'm just another man.
I was the one that hurt Him, I finally understand.
Now I know for certain I caused the nails to land,
That left Him dead and murdered, pierced in feet and hands.
So now you've heard it, I testified and took the stand.
No other way I could word it, this is my confession and,
I never lied or purgured, I told just the best I can but,
I was the one that cursed Him, I was the trigger man.
The page is turning and I've now just confessed to this.
I didn't kill Christ, but it was just my sin that did.
Now I've confessed to the crime, I don't deserve to live,
I'm ready to do my time. All that I can say is...

CHORUS 3:
I'm guilty.
God forgive me, I'm guilty!
I don't deserve to live, I'm guilty!
Take me away, I'm guilty.
I'm guilty!

OUTRO:
Case number seven-seven-seven-five-two,
KJ-52 verses the Son of God in murder one.
The court has found you guilty as charged.
However, after further review of the case,
The prosecution has dropped the charges.
You're free to go.

Relativity

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Sat, 26 May 2007 06:55:00 +0000

At least three times in the past two days, I've had conversations(with different people) about my relatives.

First it was about the fact that my family is very scattered. At least partly because of that, when someone tells me about a place, I can normally say that I know someone from that area. In many cases, I can say I've been there, near there, and if not, I probably know someone who has.

That got me thinking. I don't actually feel like I know most of those people. I lost a lot of my memory about 4 1/2 years ago, and with the exception of one or two of them, haven't seen any of my relatives(beyond sisters, bro in-law, and parents) since about that time. I have vague memories about some of them. Others, I wouldn't be surprised if I bumped into them on the street and didn't know who they were. Well... I would be surprised if I just randomly bumped into them on the street, but that's not the point.

Trying to equate that to something more understandable, I guess it's like the stories your parents would tell you about relatives that aren't around anymore. With the exception that these relatives are still around... and I guess the exception that I'm in some of the stories they tell about them(which only makes it weirder).

I'm not sure why this topic keeps coming up in conversation. I would say that it's just because I've been thinking about it, but in most cases, I didn't initiate it. Maybe there's some big realization I'm supposed to be coming to from this. If so, I haven't found it yet.

First of Many

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Tue, 22 May 2007 03:08:00 +0000

I've been thinking about starting up a blog for a while now, and I'm happy to finally be making the first post. It's weird though, this being the first post, I'm not really sure what to say. Nothing seems to fit... but putting nothing is even less fitting. So, I think I'm just going to make a brief post that makes little sense(less is more, right?) and then just start things in motion like everything is normal.

However, I will give you this. I guarantee this will be the best blog you've ever read, or I'll let you read it for FREE! Yes, that's right. If you aren't 100% satisfied, you don't pay a dime.