You're A Good Man Charlie Brown

Ahh Yea

Ahhh yess...Another blog that most people won't read, some people will read, no one will comment, and the general public won't like.

So I'm sitting here on this Early Saturday morning feeling like Charlie Brown. Better yet I'm feeling like Linus having to tell a broken, confused world the real meaning of something. Not Christmas though, I want to tell and convey what it means to me, and what it should mean to you to be a Christian.

"Can somebody tell me what being a Christian is really all about?"

"Sure Charlie Brown, I'll tell you. Lights please!."

Christianity. What does this word mean when you read it? Think about that for a second.











Now that you've thought about it's time to discuss it. Christianity is becoming a crutch for the world. For those who claim it, many are disowning it. For reasons unbeknownst to me, many Christians are practically disowning the faith they claim on their myspaces. They are disowning the faith they presented at that Church retreat last winter. They are losing it because it's not cool. They are losing it because they don't have time for it, yet they have plenty of time for alcohol, premarital sex, and hanging out with the wrong crowd. They are losing it because Christians can't have fun. They are losing it because there are too many rules. Sounds to me like the world has lost it's value in responsibility.

So what IS Christianity really about? It's about doing the right thing, not because you're too scared to do the wrong thing, but because it's the right thing to do. It's about living a lifestyle different than others. A lifestyle that consists of not becoming desensitized to the wordly things. A lifestyle not involving drugs, booze, and all that "fun" stuff that happens at parties on Friday nights. Christianity is about walking the walk and talking the talk. Christianity is about setting a good example. Christianity is about listening to music that will edify you, and build you up.

Now lets nitpick. Many claimee's say that Christians have no fun. This statement is bogus. A true Christian's definition of fun is going to naturally be different than that of a non-Christian. A Christian may not go to parties and waste themselves before they even graduate from High School, but they still have fun. Are concerts not fun? Are fun outings such as movies, the beach, parks, ball games and many other things not fun? If you said no, think again. To you, a Christian concert may be no fun because you know not of Christian music. It's sad how many Christians don't listen to Christian music. How can you possibly be leading your life in the direction it should be going, if you're filling your brain and mind up with lyrics such as , " Why don't you show me the little bit of spine
You've been saving for his mattress (mattress, mattress)
I only want sympathy in the form of you crawling into bed with me" by famous secular punk band, Fall Out Boy. Or more recent, "All the time I turn around brotha's gather round always looking at me up and down looking at my (uuhh)
I just wanna say it now - I ain't trying to round up drama, little mama I don't wanna take your man.
And I know I'm coming off just a little bit conceited and I keep on repeating how the boys wanna ....." by Fegie. If you're a Christian and you listen to that and enjoy it, I encourage you to talk to me about some alternative choices. Fall Out Boy fans can easily be pleased by Christian bands such as : Eleventyseven, The Almost, Hawk Nelson, Anberlin or Emery. Fergie fans will have a harder time finding a Fergie alternative, but GRITS is a great Christian Rap duo.


I say all of this to pose this question... What does Christianity mean to you? Tell me.... Is it something you claim because you go to Church? Going to Church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to MacDonalds makes you a hamburger.
Is it something you claim because everyone else was doing it at that one trip you went on?
Is it something you claim because you are really sincere about it, and know that without Christ we'd all be living sinful wordly lives?


Christianity is about glorifying God, and enjoying Him forever. Man's chief end. If you're a Christian, I ask you to think about this. I know it is hard in public schools but just try, please, try and think about it this way. Would Jesus have cared if it wasn't the "popular" thing to do? Would Jesus cuss a friend out, abuse alcohol and drugs and lead a life that isn't right, and put on the Christian mask on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings?

I don't think so buckoh.....

Ranting Number 3. Take 1. ACTION!

I figured it was about time for a new ranting or to be modern, a "blog". So, I also figured I'd touch on a subject that not to many people stand with me on. Actually, I would venture to say that many people in my own faith and school disagree with me. Nonetheless, I'm going to write about it. Today's hot topic : Dating.

So I'm sure as a teen you just saw that word and you either grimaced at the thought, or you're curious where I could possibly be going with this. Let me begin by stating what I think about this topic. Dating is good. Dating is fine. Dating is something that should not be taken for granted. While not everyone has the long sought after " boy friend or girl friend" in high school, dating should still be a item for discussion. It is my viewpoint, however, that dating in high school is rarely useful and is only good for the few and far-between. How many people marry their high school sweethearts? Or better yet, how many guys or girls date any less than 3 people throughout high school? Again, the answer is not many at all.

It really is discouraging. Not because someone may have never had a girlfriend or boyfriend throughout their life. What's discouraging is looking around and seeing so many, SO MANY people in relationships that model the ones that aren't even successful in the adult world.

I am a Christian, and very out spoken in my faith. As a Christian, I find it hard to fathom how any Christian can go through high school playing the dating game. Are we not as Christians supposed to fully rely on God in all we do? Does God not promise us that he will provide our necessities for us? I know many of you have heard it, and me saying this is like the "rules assembly" every school has at the beginning of each year. Same ole, same ole. God tells us that we should not be unequally yoked with one another. What does this mean you might say? Simply put, a Christian guy should not date a non-Christian girl. Same applies for a girl dating a non-Christian guy. Along these lines, it is virtually impossible to go into a relationship with a non-Christian with the mindset of " I can change them!" No, you cannot. God can change them. You can do your best in witnessing to them and planting a seed in them, but God is the only one who change them. It is a matter on their heart between them and God.

So what about dating and "exploring your options?" What about waiting until you're mature enough to support and sustain life on your own. What about waiting until you know that God is leading you towards that certain relationship, rather than jump into some random relationship and get all excited when you break your all-time dating streak at 11-Months! Hooray! JUST KIDDING!

11 months is not how long a marriage lasts, and likewise should not be your goal and your center of happiness in your relationship. If America's adults went around saying " Hooray! I have been married for 11 months!" We'd be setting ourselves up for what happens all too often at Roane County High School, Tallwood High School, and any other center for teenagers --- heartbreak.

How can I avoid heartbreak? Well, the way I see it is like this. You can have plenty of fun with other people with out having that meaningless high school ( and practically true "love" lacking" ) relationship. Pray about it! God knows what is best for you! Trust Him!!!!!! He isn't going to leave you out to dry. While it may seem strange to think about and hard to understand at our age, we have much more life ahead of us. Marriage, college, and much more. You can avoid all that meaningless heartbreak in high school relatively easy.

One thing that happens all too often in these high school relationships is either the guy the girl or both, ultimately give their heart up emotionally to one another. While in the relationship this likely feels and sounds good, you're only setting yourself up for heartbreak. When you break up, what happens? The girl goes home and cries, and sometimes the guy does too. They both usually have a hard time coping with the separation that took place. This can all be remedied in one step. Don't give your heart away. Save it, pack it up, and leave it there emotionally until you have prayed about it and are absolutely sure that the person you are with is the one God has planned for you. Sure, at times it may feel like you're "unloved" or you're not getting the most out of high school. Again, this doesn't have to be. You can have a great time without the stress of the "Boyfriend and Girlfriend," or " Going Out!" label.

So am I totally against dating? No, of course not. In my humble opinion, when you are mature enough to make wise decisions with your heart and your mind, and not go through life flowing solely on living life to the fullest and mere emotion, sure going on dates is fine. If the dates go well, then see and pray about pursuing that relationship.

Lastly, I do not think that people who date in high school are dumb. I don't think you're any dumber than myself. I just urge you to make the right decision within that relationship. Is there any edification going on? Are you giving your heart up to someone based solely on emotion. Are you in that relationship just because it's the trend this week? You don't always have to go with the flow. Sometimes, it's best to sit back, ask God what he'd have you to do, pray for your future spouses, and then see what happens.

Peace guys...

my ranting is over =]

Pothetical Blog

Folks, this so called "propaganda" I have been hearing about would not be "propaganda" if you supported the war and realized facts. Fact is, America needs to be in this war. We cannot go around with a "Kick Me!" sign on our backs because we decided not to finish a war just because Iraq shipped their WMD's to syria ( see link below) before we invaded. Sorry that we haven't totally dominated, but it's kinda hard to combat guerilla warfare with tactical combat that is common in most militaries. To think that we could go throughout a war without losing a soul is stupid. I am not downplaying the deaths that have occurred , but make no mistake about it, these troops love what they are doing. You don't just join the military because you need something to occupy your time with. They love this country and every last thing and person ( in a sense). They may disagree with certain people, but when their country's life is on the line... they answer the call.

We're the idiots. We're back here complaining. We're back here whining about supposed ulterior motives for oil, when we don't get the facts and realize that a minimal amount of our oil comes from Iraq.

This war is a necessity. If we hunker down and hide in the corner, and bring back the troops that most of the uninformed are requesting, we'll be the laughing stock of the world . France will ultimately win. They stayed out of this. It's not like America to not finish a job. We NEED this. War and peace does not happen overnight. It does not happen immediately when a Democrat takes office, nor will it happen solely because a Republican is in office or will be. It takes time. We are dealing with an unruly set of people, that cannot be negotiated with. Turn our back on them , and we're prime targets once again.

The media wants you to believe that we're killing women and children left and right. They want to turn this against the Bush presidency. How can I say so? Because in the Fall and Spring of 2003, news headlines began to change, and Bush's approval ratings dropped. Headlines went from, " 20 al-Qaeda members taken in raid" to " 45 Iraqis killed by U.S. fire" .

Do you realize how much goes into a friendly fire death? Investigation upon investigation. The media reports on a whim, and are doing everything they can to tear this country down.

Congrats ye supports of a pullout. The demise of America is in your hands.


http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/syria/al-safir.htm

Set The World Ablaze

TThe year is 64 AD, and Nero is Rome's emperor. The first major account of Christian persecution has just begun, and little did the Romans know, that it would carry over until present times.

Not many people realize it, but Christians today are few and far between. The world has fed us this world-view, that tells us that if we are a Christian we are not cool, nice, pretty,etc. The Bible Belt is slowly being worn down, and what used to be known as a predominately Christian country, has become a country full of non-Christians and skeptics. Quite honestly, I don't know why either.

As a Christian today, you may not realize it, but because of the newly acquired world-view in America, we are being persecuted.

Recently, I had a first hand experience with this. Likewise, this wasn't the first time it has happened to me. I was speaking with a C1 (classmate 1), and he asked me if I was the person who had told C2 (classmate 2) that C1 had stolen his phone. Naturally, I said "Yes." I wasn't going to lie about it, and I saw it happen. When asked why I told C2 that C1 had stolen his phone, I replied, " Because I am a Christian, and I have a good enough conscience to tell the truth. It's what I am supposed to do." C1, got mad, told me that I had lied to C2. Basically, I told him that I had seen it with my own eyes, and I wouldn't have told C2 if I didn't know beyond a shadow of a doubt. He replied (excuse the bleeped vulgarities) , " Man, f--- your baby Jesus. F--- him b----. I don't give a d--- who you pray to. You ain't going to heaven b----. F--- Jesus. Don't lie on me again b----. " Harsh treatment to a guy who was just doing the right thing. Still, it brought a slight tear into my eye.

In Philip Gourevitch's article, "What We Saw At The Holocaust Museum" he questions why God would allow such a thing as the holocaust to happen. A woman he asked inside the museum's cafe had this to say.

I put away my magazine and go to the museum cafe for coffee. There, I meet Virginia Slemker of Dayton, Ohio, and her sister, Sue Thornbro of Sterling, Va. The women, both in their 50's, tell me they share a longstanding interest in the Holocaust, a chapter of history, they explain, that is full of associations in the contemporary world.

"Abortion comes into mind for me," Slemker says, "because there are so many that are being killed and, I think, because of the innocence of the victims."

Thornbro agrees. Like the Germans who allowed the Holocaust to happen, She says, today's Americans "don't want to go and see and know what's happening in the clinics."

The sisters describe themselves as Protestants who believe that the Bible is the literal truth, so I raise the question that has provoked intense theological debate in the past half century: Where was God during the Holocaust?

I've thought about that," Slemker says. "You can't have a Santa Claus attitude toward God. He allows everything. He allows the tragedy and He allows the mountaintops. He was there. And some did come through, and that was him too. I don't know why. Ask God. Interview God."

"Sin brought it into the world," Thornbro says. "It was Adam who made the choice, and history will repeat itself. In America, we've been having religious freedom since we started, and now if you're a Christian, you're persecuted."

"You have a picture of Christ on your desk in the workplace," Slemker says, "you can get a lawsuit."

Even today,we are persecuted because of our faith. It makes me angry, but yet, I realize that I serve an Amazing God. Too often, there are people who doubt their faith, merely because the world practically commands them to do this. It creates a lot of havoc and mayhem in your heart and mind. However, God is absolute. He is there in times of doubt and need, and for me, that has been a mainstay in my mind.

In order to be strong in your faith, I believe you have to be tried. Rich Mullins' song said it best, "In the world you will have trouble, but I leave you my peace, that where I am, there you may also be" We need to have a strong foundation. Christianity is no longer the "cool" thing. In school and life, people won't do anything without proof. Even the forums I speak on about Alabama Football, you cannot convince anyone of anything without a "link" to proof or a story. Likewise, people to want to be absolutely convinced, that Christianity is what is right. They want to know that it's true.

What these people don't realize is that Christianity is the most tried religion on the Earth. The Bible has been around since BEFORE Nero began killing Christians. It was burned back then. Hitler confiscated Bibles and burnt them, as did other societies. Still, the Bible is the best-selling book in the world. There's gotta be some validity to it, right? Right.

The proof is there in bold print, yet the world will not, absoLUTELY will not accept it.

The truth of the matter is, that we cannot change it. We can use ourselves as vessels in faith, for Christ. However, HE is the one who changes their hearts.

This world is lost, and the rate of survival is slowly decreasing. I urge you to pray. Stay strong in your faith. A lot of people will question it. If you don't know of this faith, feel free to ask me about it. I'd be glad to discuss it with you.

Christians: Be in prayer for the people of your school, your peers, and your family even. We need to set the world ablaze for Christ.

In an ideal world, America would be gathering to hear sermons in HUGE crowds, just like was done from the 1600s to the 1800s. Jonathan Edwards' sermon " Sinners at the Hands of an Angry God" drew an entire community in to listen. Imagine what the world would be like if it were like that again today.

That is my passion, my desire; to see the world revived in Christ. What an awesome thing it WILL be.