New Year/New Push

This morning we had a really thought-provoking sermon in church from preacher Bill White. Of the many issues he discussed the one that really generated the most thought for me was the concept of self-accountability. Many Christian men and women are phenomenal "encouragers". In the New Testament one of Paul's close companions was a man known as Barnabas, which roughly translates as The Encourager. I am very grateful for those God has put in my life to give the extra push that keeps me going in the right direction. I hope that I never take for granted the Barnabas-type people in my life. Many of these are the ones who also are willing to ask me the uncomfortable or tough questions that help me stay grounded and humble in my walk. I need those questions and that brutal accountability. But what if these people, and their accountability, disappear? What happens to me and my spiritual health then? I have never really thought about this (and hope that it never actually happens). Realistically, though, it is possible to live without partner accountability. As Christians we are never without accountability. We must discipline ourselves to be accountable to ourselves and to God. A lack of partner accountability provides no excuse for lackadaisical living. God demands and deserves a devoted life. There has to be a point when a man determines in his heart to be accountable to himself and to his King. Ultimately we will all be required to answer for our own actions, and no excuse will be acceptable. We need to have a "holiness or bust" attitude that pushes us to chase after God's heart in spite of difficult, "accountable-less" circumstances. I am praying that with the onset of the New Year I would be driven to leave excuses in the garbage where they belong and pursue righteous living for myself and my King. Will it be great to have partner accountability? Absolutely. And I'll take every ounce of it I can get. But the bottom line is my new push will be to make myself accountable to myself.

1 Gift - 2 People

This is awesome. I love when people put their creative thinking to work and use it to solve dilemmas in our world. There are so many ways we can make positive impacts in our cultures, societies, and around the planet that it really is a shame we don't do it more often. Well, here is a solid way to make an impact while turning on the light in another person's brain. Check out the website http://majiwater.com/ and do some reading. Read what the organization's purpose is and ask yourself, "How much would I really appreciate a clean, fresh gallon of water? Especially if there was no clean water available?" Now, get busy helping other people and provide for a major need in their life. Water. It's just water. But for millions of folks water is not just water. It's precious. Do yourself a favor this month: Buy some water from the Maji Water website and pour into another person's life. Give some bottles of Maji Water to friends and family for Christmas and get them on board, too. Heck, make it your Christmas tradition. While you're out making a difference buying water for others remember what Christ has done for you, "Whoever drinks the of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." Buy water from Maji Water.

Dude! It's a Double-Rainbooooowwwww! What does it mean?

This video had me cracking up! I couldn't stop laughing and the guys that watched with me were seriously crying because it is so funny! The guy who video's this is something different to say the least, but in a way I can't blame him for his reaction to what he sees. Think about this: Romans 1:20 explains that we will be able to experience a little bit of the goodness of God through His creation. While this guy certainly seems to be enthralled by the beauty of the rainbow I don't think it is out of the question for humans to sometimes become overwhelmed with the beauty of God's creation. Plus this is just a hilarious video. Have fun.

Encouragement

Today calls for a little encouragement. This silly, uplifting video should do the trick. The little girl in the video is a good reminder of the attitude we all need to have. Even when times are tough, like not being able to look in the mirror unless your stand on the counter, you can rest assured that are some really good things going on in life. I hope that I can rid myself of negativity on a regular basis and count my many, many blessings. God is a wonderful Father and every good and perfect gift comes from Him. Are there things that you are thankful for? Are there areas in life you've felt defeated lately? Well kick that defeated attitude to the curb and begin this self-affirmation activity ASAP! We all need do this!

Incredible Video: McDonald's/Coca Cola Classic

Here's an incredible video. The video is found on Lanny Donoho's website: (http://www.lannydonoho.com/). I can't imagine how much time and energy went into making this thing! I wish I had the equipment and know-how to pull off something like this! Watch it and be amazed. It will make you appreciate cool videos all the more.

By the way, for all of you nay-sayers who think this type of stuff is for the birds, you should be aware of the fact that McDonald's and Coca Cola Classic just hired this team. The fast food/soda company duo asked the team to produce a commercial featuring their stellar use of T-Shirts and same actors. I'd say that's quite the pay day. See Video Here:

Lanny Donoho and www.thinkbigstuf.com

Now that my summer is free from the stresses of seminary classes I am attempting to be more diligent in the area of blogging. I had planned to make a witty blog based on the World Cup, particularly the now famed use of the "vuvuzela". However, that post is being postponed due to some much richer information being provided by my good friend, Adam. He introduced me to a website: www.thinkbigstuf.com. This website is sweet. The brains behind the movement is Lanny Donoho (pictured above). I think that the light bulb located between his first and last name is more than appropriate. He has such an innovative mind for practical, impactful ministry. Take the following video for example:



It's clear to see his heart for those less fortunate. But what's more is that he doesn't stop with just a strong sense of compassion, he follows up with a strong sense of activism. Let's face it, people's lives will not be changed if we only feel compassion towards. We must put those feelings into movement and be intentional about seeking the proper measures to engage their problems head on. Thanks Lanny for constantly pushing the limits and providing a worthwhile example.

Great Information from Fellow Pastor

http://jedipastorken.blogspot.com/2010/05/when-days-end-in-why-meeting-man-named.html