If your life was a book and each day a page what would your life convey to the world? Sometimes I feel like this chapter in my life would be titled the monotonous mundanes (and no this is not a form of reacquiring diarrhea) Life just seems like a repeat of the day before and no big surprises. I feel like God has me in this place to remind me of what its all about. We can get stuck in these trends of rinse and repeat days or we can choose to seek God and make him apart of these days. I am learning that the longer I go with out God the less life there is in living. There always seems to be a deep seeded hunger that comes out in a person when they have put God on the back burner or have become so tired and weary that they lose sight of what they were working for.
For me the past 6 months have been a real rollercoaster as i have had to face many challenges and plans that i have made be forced to a different direction. Having to adjust to different situations and struggles. Often not ending up on top and living in the victory God has given but cowering in defeat. That is sometimes the place God wants us! WHAT GOD WANTS US TO COWER!?!?!? YES! Sometimes to reach a place of defeat and lowliness is the only way for us to truly lower our wall, pride, insecurities, our agendas and truly let God step in and work his truth and direction in.
I am still learning and having to be the one to beat my head against the rocks and try things my way i am learning that isnt always smart. But I feel that this chapter in my life where i had to battle through many things (still am) has come to an end and I feel like the beginning of a new chapter, is about to start in my life. One of seclusion and intimacy with my maker. My heart has been aching recently as the stress of doing it my way has been building up. And as I have been becoming aware of my state of thinking and how my way though it may be good isn't as good as the fathers way. i realize that God wants me. and I have to make room for him in my busy life.
So I choose to write a new chapter today page 1 is now and how I decide to live love and serve those around me.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Randomness and God's love.
I got off work at 5am and begun to think man i would love some Krispy Kreme donuts. I flashed back to the Time that Brady, Moody and I went to get some fresh Krispy Kreme donuts. I instantly thought geeze this is going to be awesome. Donuts hot and fresh and I get to explore Austin cause I have somewhat of an idea as to where the store is. I began to drive and filled with excitment listening to Black Mirror by Arcade Fire I went the wrong way and wound up in the domain when it hit me. This is where i would have been working if I got the job at apple.
I thought man God you are so Good. I have an awesome job that pays well and no worries in my life, I am completely content. I have the ability to chase a craving for Krispy Kreme in a car that God provided. His faithfulness and goodness is beyond my own. I look back and see that I have not been very faithful in my tithing or giving I have not been faithful in my relationships, or in ministry as I should have been. I thought about all these things that moment and knew that there is nothing I can do to ever earn or deserve God's goodness and blessings on my life to compare to God's goodness and faithfulness. Sure there are things that we do and are faithful in that reap benefits. But when you look at your goodness in comparison it is but filthy rags. To know that God is so in love with us that our failures and mistakes are always covered by how good he is put a smile on my face.
I know that it is all not about how good I am but how good he is. It is my responsibility to share Gods goodness and what he has done in my life with others. Driving to Krispy Kreme with a stupid smile on my face and an even bigger one when I discovered I was up before they were even open :). Finding joy in hardships and difficulties is all about perspective and God gives us a good perspective.
I thought man God you are so Good. I have an awesome job that pays well and no worries in my life, I am completely content. I have the ability to chase a craving for Krispy Kreme in a car that God provided. His faithfulness and goodness is beyond my own. I look back and see that I have not been very faithful in my tithing or giving I have not been faithful in my relationships, or in ministry as I should have been. I thought about all these things that moment and knew that there is nothing I can do to ever earn or deserve God's goodness and blessings on my life to compare to God's goodness and faithfulness. Sure there are things that we do and are faithful in that reap benefits. But when you look at your goodness in comparison it is but filthy rags. To know that God is so in love with us that our failures and mistakes are always covered by how good he is put a smile on my face.
I know that it is all not about how good I am but how good he is. It is my responsibility to share Gods goodness and what he has done in my life with others. Driving to Krispy Kreme with a stupid smile on my face and an even bigger one when I discovered I was up before they were even open :). Finding joy in hardships and difficulties is all about perspective and God gives us a good perspective.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Living it
I was just being challenge this week to be more like Christ in the way i think about situation and the way I focus my efforts toward others. I often ask myself is what I do going to draw people closer to God or is it going to draw them further from God. In 2 Corinthians 6:3-4 Paul says "We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault in our ministry. In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind."
The next part Paul talks about all the different hardships he had faced. I look at them in conparison and realize I think that maybe one or two of the things he had to endure daily I have had to endure once or twice in my whole life. Yet I think we today have a harder time especially in America living a life that would not cause anyone to stumble. I know that when ever i say something that could be offensive or I say something that might be out of character I always feel like dang that is ground loss. My ministry at work is completely relational I am just trying to represent Christ in me through my life. Sometimes I don't let him shine. I sometimes would rather put in my headphones and work. But Paul continues after the list of hardships and says 1 Cor 6:6 We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love." I think for me the patience is the hardest one for me. When you are working and just want to get through your shift it is easy to isolate yourself and not pay attention to the others around you. I have tried to make it a point to get to know everyone in my work place. I ask them questions and I try not to stay away from sensitive Christian topics like relationships and lifestyle.
So I know that we don't have to endure persecution in the U.S. anywhere close to what Christ and the apostles faced but we still have to stand and live a life that will help people walk with Christ in love. For me its laying down my comforts and my rights so that God can have his way. Easy is often not the best and is almost least rewarding. So try something hard.
The next part Paul talks about all the different hardships he had faced. I look at them in conparison and realize I think that maybe one or two of the things he had to endure daily I have had to endure once or twice in my whole life. Yet I think we today have a harder time especially in America living a life that would not cause anyone to stumble. I know that when ever i say something that could be offensive or I say something that might be out of character I always feel like dang that is ground loss. My ministry at work is completely relational I am just trying to represent Christ in me through my life. Sometimes I don't let him shine. I sometimes would rather put in my headphones and work. But Paul continues after the list of hardships and says 1 Cor 6:6 We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love." I think for me the patience is the hardest one for me. When you are working and just want to get through your shift it is easy to isolate yourself and not pay attention to the others around you. I have tried to make it a point to get to know everyone in my work place. I ask them questions and I try not to stay away from sensitive Christian topics like relationships and lifestyle.
So I know that we don't have to endure persecution in the U.S. anywhere close to what Christ and the apostles faced but we still have to stand and live a life that will help people walk with Christ in love. For me its laying down my comforts and my rights so that God can have his way. Easy is often not the best and is almost least rewarding. So try something hard.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
The Veil
Well I started this on Twitter with a really vague start. I started reading 2 Corinthians not knowing really much about it. I have found myself getting a greater understanding for it as I live my life in the world but set apart from it.
Recently I got an awesome job for an awesome company but soon felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. I am very open about my faith and what I believe. I dont try to hide it or pretend to be someone I am not. All of the people I work with know I am a christian and I went to some sort of bible school and I am a credentialed minister. What I found was if you say you are a christian people brush it off as just what ever like he goes to church and stuff, but when you tell them that you are real and it is not just something you say you are but it is who you are peoples attitudes change. At work I have experience different responses to this one guy a loving father remembers being a kid and growing up in the church and credits God for not having getting into alot of trouble as a kid. One guy is into existentialist thought and we have had some very interesting talks concerning morals, God, spirituality and the supernatural. None the less we have these talks and have agreed to disagree. The third co-worker is a different story I watched his attitude change when he found out I was a christian. We were pretty cool before and he joked with me because I dont cuss or drink. But when he found out I was a christian and went to school for it; it was as if he shifted. He would be like God isnt real Aaron wake up. He would yell things like the Christ is a story Jesus wasn't real...etc.
In my mind i was think dude just let me talk and there was another voice being Aaron dont say anything. Slightly irritated I kept my mouth shut. I thought to myself Aaron you know Christ died for him and what Christ suffered in ridicule and torture was far greater then anything you will ever have to face. This was probably a daily occurrence for the early followers of Christ and i am getting bent out of shape about it.
Well this brings me to 2 Corinthians 3:7-4:12 Paul is talking about the veil of the glory of God and when you are saved the veil is removed. (2 Cor 3:7-15)This veil that blocks people from fully understanding truth and the new covenant that Christ has made with us. But when we accept Christ the veil is removed and we have freedom and we can now reflect the glory of the Lord and we become more and more like Christ (2 Cor 3:16-18). It goes on to say because of this mercy we have been given we then now give up the shameful deeds we did in the past. This is the transformation and sanctification of followers of Christ. the veil still exists on those who are perishing. The truth is hidden behind it, so those who are still behind the veil can not see or understand the word and its truths if they have not excepted Christ and let his glory and light into their life. The rest talks about how we do not do not harbor this glory by our own strength beacuse we are like fragile clay pots but by the strength of God. We are pressed persecuted struck down but not destroyed.
To sum this up. I didn't stop being a light or a witness because I was quiet or people dont understand why I am a Christian so I fight to make them understand. No I live my life as an example of Christ. I later found out a couple days later that the guy that had been rude and mean to me was raised in the Baptist Church. I am still in the process of finding out more about him as I continue to develope a friendship. But I know that I have to live what I say I have set myself up to be a light in a dark place and my hope is that my life will shine a light and help those remove their veil and step into freedom. Sorry if this is confusing or really vague. But I am learning still and Gods word has great advice to strengthen you when you are stuck in a hard place. I guess my challenge and what I hope any Christ followers get out of this is dont hide. Let people know who you are. You dont have to have all the answers or all the right words. Just live your life and think that if you never tell someone about Jesus with words you are telling them with your life.
Thank you for taking the time to read that AMO haha
Recently I got an awesome job for an awesome company but soon felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. I am very open about my faith and what I believe. I dont try to hide it or pretend to be someone I am not. All of the people I work with know I am a christian and I went to some sort of bible school and I am a credentialed minister. What I found was if you say you are a christian people brush it off as just what ever like he goes to church and stuff, but when you tell them that you are real and it is not just something you say you are but it is who you are peoples attitudes change. At work I have experience different responses to this one guy a loving father remembers being a kid and growing up in the church and credits God for not having getting into alot of trouble as a kid. One guy is into existentialist thought and we have had some very interesting talks concerning morals, God, spirituality and the supernatural. None the less we have these talks and have agreed to disagree. The third co-worker is a different story I watched his attitude change when he found out I was a christian. We were pretty cool before and he joked with me because I dont cuss or drink. But when he found out I was a christian and went to school for it; it was as if he shifted. He would be like God isnt real Aaron wake up. He would yell things like the Christ is a story Jesus wasn't real...etc.
In my mind i was think dude just let me talk and there was another voice being Aaron dont say anything. Slightly irritated I kept my mouth shut. I thought to myself Aaron you know Christ died for him and what Christ suffered in ridicule and torture was far greater then anything you will ever have to face. This was probably a daily occurrence for the early followers of Christ and i am getting bent out of shape about it.
Well this brings me to 2 Corinthians 3:7-4:12 Paul is talking about the veil of the glory of God and when you are saved the veil is removed. (2 Cor 3:7-15)This veil that blocks people from fully understanding truth and the new covenant that Christ has made with us. But when we accept Christ the veil is removed and we have freedom and we can now reflect the glory of the Lord and we become more and more like Christ (2 Cor 3:16-18). It goes on to say because of this mercy we have been given we then now give up the shameful deeds we did in the past. This is the transformation and sanctification of followers of Christ. the veil still exists on those who are perishing. The truth is hidden behind it, so those who are still behind the veil can not see or understand the word and its truths if they have not excepted Christ and let his glory and light into their life. The rest talks about how we do not do not harbor this glory by our own strength beacuse we are like fragile clay pots but by the strength of God. We are pressed persecuted struck down but not destroyed.
To sum this up. I didn't stop being a light or a witness because I was quiet or people dont understand why I am a Christian so I fight to make them understand. No I live my life as an example of Christ. I later found out a couple days later that the guy that had been rude and mean to me was raised in the Baptist Church. I am still in the process of finding out more about him as I continue to develope a friendship. But I know that I have to live what I say I have set myself up to be a light in a dark place and my hope is that my life will shine a light and help those remove their veil and step into freedom. Sorry if this is confusing or really vague. But I am learning still and Gods word has great advice to strengthen you when you are stuck in a hard place. I guess my challenge and what I hope any Christ followers get out of this is dont hide. Let people know who you are. You dont have to have all the answers or all the right words. Just live your life and think that if you never tell someone about Jesus with words you are telling them with your life.
Thank you for taking the time to read that AMO haha
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Choices
For now in my life God is shaping the world around me and the call and destiny for my life. The direction and the plan and purpose for that seems to be forever like water continually changing. There are basic elements in water such as H hydrogen and O Oxygen. My passions remain the same but it seems the the direction and shape of them seem to change even more. All though I am water right now the environment I am entering into I feel like I am going to be more like Ice. The circumstances and things that I once knew were certain are very different now. My call is solid but it takes time to learn how to walk on Ice and move on it. This might all seem very vague and for good reason. I need to vent so I turned to something that is a little more private and more imediate. I know that God has a plan and a purpose but when change comes you grab on to what ever hope you can. Sometimes it is nothing like you expected and sometimes it is but all I know is I am waiting for the date that I will fully under stand my call and what I am in right now. I know that my goal is completely different then what I am doing and about to do in the near future. I just pray that God remains my focus and soul desire and everything is going to be ok. don't worry I am not quitting just at a crossroad and the decision are tough and I am not sure what the will of God is cause everything looks so different.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
How Twitter Took Over My Life
So about 4 days ago Pastor Dan the director of Master's Commission Austin introduced me to this little bird named Twitter. If you don't know about Twitter you should ask someone. Twitter allows you to blog about your day as it is happening. It is like updating your facebook status but more frequently. I now only being 4 days into my twitter experience stopping through out the day to plug into my phone my latest emotions or events or thoughts of the that moment in time. I also find myself checking my texts to see if some one has anything awesome going on. Well you all should check out my twitter it is www.twitter.com/agreear check it out get one and follow me online as I live my life.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
How Swine Flu Changed My Life
Well It all started with a text message that read "It was once said that a black man would be President when pigs fly...well 100 days into his presidency swine flu!!!" well I looked at this text and thought is this suppose to be funny? So I read the text message to Michael to see if it made any sense to him. He just gave it a quiet chuckle and I asked what was so funny I don't get it. Well Michael looked at me as if I had been locked in a box for the past 50 years and have no idea what is happening in the world. Rightly so I had no idea what was happening cause the last time I watched the news had to be over 2 months ago. So he filled me in and told me that I need to watch the news more. This text I got on April 30th so I am still not sure what the fuss is all about but I know it is contagious and I do not want it.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Lost in Master :)
Well this is the first post in a long time and there is a lot that has happened I have been to Seattle, Africa, Dallas for NYLC, had my brother come to Uncut, and Now am in LA for Event Force.
There has been a lot God has been doing in my life the past 3 months. I have been challenged in so many areas of my life that have gone under the radar, mainly in the way I talk and handle my relationships. I haven't got it all figured out but you learn that when you decide to head on a change it is hard but when you see progress others watch it happen and stand in awe of God.
I have learned the importance and rewards of diligently seeking God even when you don't have to God has blessed me so much. I have gone to Africa and I have seen my brother whom I have prayed for over the past 3 years to get a hold of God make a decision to come to Master's next year. I stand knowing and leaving this program that you continue to change if you desire to change and desire to see God's will in your life. It has been an awesome journey in Master's commission and I can't wait to see the next step God has for Me. I also passed my credentialing test to become a pastor which I didn't think that I would finish it or even pass the final in this Master's year.
I Got to attend an August Burns Red Concert which fueled my passion for scene kids. I really got to see how lost and the darkness over that group of people and that part of the City I want to see it changed and lives changed.
So life is cool ready for summer and the next step.
There has been a lot God has been doing in my life the past 3 months. I have been challenged in so many areas of my life that have gone under the radar, mainly in the way I talk and handle my relationships. I haven't got it all figured out but you learn that when you decide to head on a change it is hard but when you see progress others watch it happen and stand in awe of God.
I have learned the importance and rewards of diligently seeking God even when you don't have to God has blessed me so much. I have gone to Africa and I have seen my brother whom I have prayed for over the past 3 years to get a hold of God make a decision to come to Master's next year. I stand knowing and leaving this program that you continue to change if you desire to change and desire to see God's will in your life. It has been an awesome journey in Master's commission and I can't wait to see the next step God has for Me. I also passed my credentialing test to become a pastor which I didn't think that I would finish it or even pass the final in this Master's year.
I Got to attend an August Burns Red Concert which fueled my passion for scene kids. I really got to see how lost and the darkness over that group of people and that part of the City I want to see it changed and lives changed.
So life is cool ready for summer and the next step.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Anger
Well I haven't posted in a while cause I just didn't think I had anything worth really talking about, but I think I have something. Well God has blessed me to be in media and He has also given me the chance to work with some cool equipment that is top of the line and he has also challenged me to work with somethings that don't quite measure up. Well this past week I had to film with a camera that is brand new and it even films with a brand new form of HD that is really cool and fast apparently. Well I shot about 1 hour of footage and went to up load it on the worlds greatest computer ever "Chelsea" and it wouldn't do it. So I spent like 3 hours trying to get information as to why it wouldn't read this format or anything. So I went and tried the G5 and it was having the same problem. Well I had read something that said I needed to have FCP 6.2 in order to run this new amazing HD camera. Well we have 4.0.5 so there is no hope for uploading. So before that I threw a fit and wanted to cuss a whole lot and was throwing paper. I was acting like stewart off Mad TV it must of been pretty bad because people didn't want me arond :(. so I stayed in the batcave until I figured it out. it sucked.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Man Trip 09
This trip was to the same place the past 3 years so I knew sort of what to expect except for there are always new people in Masters every year so there is always a surprise. Now it had rained the first night and when I say it rain it poured. A lot of peoples stuff got soaked and they were whimps and slept in the van. But the next day was nice and clear and me and some dudes decided there was no better time to go hiking then now. So we went.
As we made our way through the forest we exploring we found a cool little spring we decided to relax at before ascending to the top of a cliff that had significant memories from my first year. I was also hiking with only 2 other guys who happened to be first year students. And what is so awesome about the cliff it has no trees on it to block your view of the valley and the surrounding mountains. Up their you realize how small you are and how big God is. It was just as powerful as my first year.
As we made our way through the forest we exploring we found a cool little spring we decided to relax at before ascending to the top of a cliff that had significant memories from my first year. I was also hiking with only 2 other guys who happened to be first year students. And what is so awesome about the cliff it has no trees on it to block your view of the valley and the surrounding mountains. Up their you realize how small you are and how big God is. It was just as powerful as my first year.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Okay so something that I think is really really awesome is the feeling you get when you see some you haven't seen in a long time and you both are really really excited to see each other. And all you can do is laugh cause you are so happy. That is the feeling that I get every time I get back from a break during Masters. It is so Great to be back. Going Camping and Amo since you are the only one that reads this you are awesome. lol :}
Friday, January 2, 2009
Airplanes are Fun when you are 5'5"
Flying is one of the best ways to travel as far as time goes you get their pretty quick and you don't have to find a less uncomfortable place to sit or sleep like you do in a van. Nope they just stick everyone is the most uncomfortable seat that could have ever possibly been made. And when you are 6'4" and 60% of that is legs that doesn't just make it uncomfortable for me but for everyone else in the row. because I cant just sit in my own painful seat bubble I need room other wise I don't fit so I have to spread out a little bit. this is usually fine if you are sitting next to a short woman or children cause they don't need all of their aloted space. Well on the fight home the last leg of my trip I was boarding my flight in Phoenix and went to sit down in the window seat waiting and praying that children or someone short would sit next to me. Well that wasn't the case because on this flight they put you in by highth. The guy next could have been my twin if i had shaved my head randomly grew a ton of body hair and was about 8 years older. so this is a big guy I didn't know that country people wore tighter jeans then I did either. So I got to talking to the county guy turns out he was planning on reading a book about a video game so I was like this guy is pretty cool so far and this filght shouldn't be to bad. Well we took off the cabin lights are dim I finished my book and I thought geez it would be nice to lay back listen to music and sleep for a bit. But apparently in the rows behind the row with the tall guys was the row of newborn babies and they all decided to cry and I am thinking no problem I will just turn up my music and lay back. I reach for the button to lay my seat back and if you don't know this it is a very valuable piece of info. The seat in front of the emergency exits don't recline so I was stuck up right, attempting to drown out the noise of screeming babies, fighting for leg room with a giant hairy man that decided he need to take the edge off and started dipping into a clear water bottle. So then I watched screencasts for the remainder of the flight. Sorry if you were expecting so epic ending where the flight attendent spills water on the dude or something funny but that doesn't happen in real life you just suffer. LOL I love flying
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
My First Blog
So on Facebook I made a post about how I thought I should start blogging just cause it would be something interesting to do...so I took the advice of 2 awesome ladies Amanda and Kellie and made a blogg. SSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOO what do you do on a blog just write a bunch of random stuff or tell stories.
Once apon a time during christmas break of 08, I went shooting Guns with my friend Mondo. One thing you need to know about Mondo is that he is pretty gangster when it comes to guns and when it comes to himself he is a straight rocker. Like guaged ears and long hair and tattoos. But there is just something that comes out in him when he is shooting a 9mm. Its like a rabbidus pitbull came out of him and he began to turn the gun sideways and fire off the whole clip. So I said to myself geeze that looks fun loaded the gun and tried it and it was intense. Probably the most fun I have had shooting ever. Thanks Mondo you crazy Mexican.
Once apon a time during christmas break of 08, I went shooting Guns with my friend Mondo. One thing you need to know about Mondo is that he is pretty gangster when it comes to guns and when it comes to himself he is a straight rocker. Like guaged ears and long hair and tattoos. But there is just something that comes out in him when he is shooting a 9mm. Its like a rabbidus pitbull came out of him and he began to turn the gun sideways and fire off the whole clip. So I said to myself geeze that looks fun loaded the gun and tried it and it was intense. Probably the most fun I have had shooting ever. Thanks Mondo you crazy Mexican.
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