The first encounter. Butterflies. The cute and quirky little intrigues about another person that we find so enthralling and interesting as we meet them. The romantic beginnings always seem to hold us rapt—but then something happens. It gets old. So how long until we get annoyed with the unique traits of a person? Unfortunately, most romantic relationships usually drive down that road. At some point quirks become pet peeves and freshness grows to stale boredom. It's where the "butterflies" fly away. Or die. There's undeniable truth to it, but just the same, there's an equal amount of misunderstanding.
In Matthew 16 Jesus tells his disciples that he's going to die. So Peter "took him aside" and basically said, "Hey look, Jesus, you aren't going to do that. Let's be serious, there's no need to be rash here. In fact, we don't want you to, so keep it quiet with all this dying business, you're scaring everyone." This is obviously where in verse 23 Jesus turned to Peter saying "Get behind me Satan. You do not have in mind the things of God but the things of man." (paraphrasing). Sometimes through people who seem to have good intentions, but other times its our own mind and past experiences talking that say: "This is the good stuff. I want these feelings to last and please, please don't go away." In other words, the butterflies and uniqueness of a new relationship. The disciples and Peter in particular, didn't want Jesus to die - but what they forgot is that he had to. If Jesus was only die without the promise of rising from the dead, then the disciples had every reason to hold on to him for as long as they could, but that's not how it happened, and that isn't how it has to go down in our relationships either. Sad to say, the butterflies will die. It's inevitable. Because if they didn't, had Christ not, then where would we be? Because if the butterflies don't die, then the relationship never progresses.
I'm sure you can say when you were first Baptized, everything felt so new and fresh, but eventually that wore off and you had to work at it. So here's the simple question: at the incredible magnitude at which God has transformed your life from new believer to a courageous follower of God, would you every trade that? Or rather, swap it back to right after you accepted Christ?
With that, I'll posit to you that the butterflies must die, in order for a relationship to ever go anywhere. I'm privileged to speak in part from being on the married side of things, albeit newlywed, but still realizing that perpetual "newness" only becomes stagnation. It never goes anywhere. It Jesus hadn't allowed the butterflies to die, we would be royally screwed, without any hope of redemption and salvation - but he did, and now together we and him, must forge and work on, and work out our relationship every day.
The world doesn't 'have in mind the things of God,' and that's why relationships fail, because they want to keep the butterflies. But when those pessimistic thoughts come up, be it from others, yourself or Satan himself, say "get behind me, because I do have in mind the things of God." Enjoy the butterflies while they last, absolutely, but don't expect them to. Relationships aren't about first impressions. So when the Lord does brings you a spouse, you will love them and know that it's not the butterflies that make the relationship, it's the work you put into it carried by the strength and grace of God that enables you. Discovering a deeper understanding every single day and loving the not so lovable aspects of a person until you re-love those annoyances, loving even the not-so-great stuff is a far greater treasure. Jesus could have listened to Peter and stayed with us, could have walked the earth for another hundred-thousand years, we could have hung out with him, heard him teach, hugged him, shook his hand, and watched as he healed every disease in existence. But these sensations, excitements, and being free of all disease would not have made salvation available. I'm forever thankful he let the butterflies die.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Christ is Our Example
We have a tendency of looking at our lives and comparing them to Jesus in the wrong way. We say, “he was God and because of that we can never actually expect to be just like him.” But if we give him his divinity without his humanity, we have taken away very purpose in his coming. If we only aspire to be like a Godly man or woman, we, in our imperfection are still pursuing imperfection and that will never achieve absolute oneness in the perfection to which we have been called—he must be our ultimate aspiration! No, none of us can remain sinless, but what still remains is the example of what sinlessness looks like and it should be our every striving to obtain it. Were it not, there was no reason for God to manifest himself as a man “we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin”(Hebrews 4:15). His humanity said 'I am like you,' and his divinity said ‘all things are possible.’ This does not negate the necessity of Godly examples and leaders in our lives, they are also vital, but we cannot stop there. If we settle on a man, we have instantaneously fallen short and found severely lacking. By man we go from imperfection to imperfection, but by Christ we go from glory to glory. We must be Christ’s protégé foremost, because his example will never be wrong.
Monday, January 9, 2012
4 Real
So I'm posting, can you believe it? Not that I have anything necessarily, but I still felt the urge. This could be promising. More so, and more likely so, this post is stemming from my desire, albeit unfruitful desire, to keep a more person journal - diary if you will - which chronicles a variety of my midday meanderings as well as my time with God, what he's speaking, what he's leading me in. In other words, it wouldn't be a public journal and certainly not one online, but this is what I have to work with currently.
That said, I also would really like to start writing more consistently again solely for writing's sake. I'm in the process of putting together edition #2 of my second poetry collection, entitled "Things Considered" which I'm hoping will provide a much needed spark. I could post some of my thoughts concerning poetry, little pithy witticisms like, "Poetry is a communal activity, because meaning is found in discussing it" but I won't. Other than that one.
There's really a lot going on in life, much of which I'm thoroughly thrilled about, or at the very least is worthy of some degree of note, but I don't feel as compelled to pull it apart by writing about it. This I suppose, has to change if I ever plan to succeed in maintain an effective daily journal.
I think I'm finished now.
Yep.
Okay then.
Be back in like 7 months.
That said, I also would really like to start writing more consistently again solely for writing's sake. I'm in the process of putting together edition #2 of my second poetry collection, entitled "Things Considered" which I'm hoping will provide a much needed spark. I could post some of my thoughts concerning poetry, little pithy witticisms like, "Poetry is a communal activity, because meaning is found in discussing it" but I won't. Other than that one.
There's really a lot going on in life, much of which I'm thoroughly thrilled about, or at the very least is worthy of some degree of note, but I don't feel as compelled to pull it apart by writing about it. This I suppose, has to change if I ever plan to succeed in maintain an effective daily journal.
I think I'm finished now.
Yep.
Okay then.
Be back in like 7 months.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
This Won't Last
Well, I'm inspired for about...right now at least. Maybe not inspired even, but the opportunity is sitting in my lap. Literally. The laptop, with the blog already up, so why not. And also, it's been almost two years since my last post on this site, which is equally tantamount to the goose egg since last December on Xanga.
Other than that, I'm not sure what else to say. Maybe your future posts will triangulate around something I can also discuss.
Time to go highlight dreadfully boring critical analysis periodicals to use for research in my term paper. (btw, it's the long overdue final paper ((and final assignment)) of my undergraduate career.)
Other than that, I'm not sure what else to say. Maybe your future posts will triangulate around something I can also discuss.
Time to go highlight dreadfully boring critical analysis periodicals to use for research in my term paper. (btw, it's the long overdue final paper ((and final assignment)) of my undergraduate career.)
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
apply to write with us
we at the sieve are always looking for new talent.
we love the little community we’ve made amongst ourselves keeping us accountable to write and write and write until our fingers ache (or more likely in this digital age, crapal tunnel) but we want more.
more importantly we think we could use a female or two to help break up what is nearly a sausage fest here at the sieve. so.
if you are a woman. if you love poetry and things that look like poetry.
if you’d like a place to write with an already established audience (albiet not huge, but nonetheless).
if you’re willing to attempt 1 post per day (we don’t always succeed but that’s the goal) no matter how little you’re inspired on some days.
then join us.
send 5 sample poems to apply@sieveandsand.com
we’ll be accepting the two best poets who apply. applications will be accepted through march 10 at which time we will deliberate and let you know.
on behalf of all of us here at the sieve,
-roger mugs.
we love the little community we’ve made amongst ourselves keeping us accountable to write and write and write until our fingers ache (or more likely in this digital age, crapal tunnel) but we want more.
more importantly we think we could use a female or two to help break up what is nearly a sausage fest here at the sieve. so.
if you are a woman. if you love poetry and things that look like poetry.
if you’d like a place to write with an already established audience (albiet not huge, but nonetheless).
if you’re willing to attempt 1 post per day (we don’t always succeed but that’s the goal) no matter how little you’re inspired on some days.
then join us.
send 5 sample poems to apply@sieveandsand.com
we’ll be accepting the two best poets who apply. applications will be accepted through march 10 at which time we will deliberate and let you know.
on behalf of all of us here at the sieve,
-roger mugs.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Mark 3:31-35
Mark 3:31-35 –
‘Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.”
“‘Who are my mother and my bothers?” he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.’”
These couple verses resonated with me for a few reasons. The first of which, is that since I’ve been studying the concept of working together as the body of Christ (and all its implications), this certainly aligns with that. The rest sort of disseminates from there.
I came across this while reading through Mark because I love the simplicity and candor in God’s call to his disciples. ‘As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Aphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.’ –Mark 2:14.
While just as much of our life involves us personally picking up our cross to follow Jesus, I think that the same directness applies when we consider that that particular call does not mean we seclude ourselves from everyone else. Too often I fall into the convention of believing that other Christians don’t exist in the world outside my house or church. The key is becoming cognizant, that beyond those walls (be it metaphorical or physical), we need extend our limits and be willing to fellowship with everyone who makes up the body. This principle is so lucidly displayed as Jesus refutes his disciple’s statements, claiming that as followers of Christ we are all brothers and sisters.
God has designed our journey with him to be both personal and corporate. His Word encourages us to regularly be engaging and strengthening each other through our company and as followers of God’s will.
‘Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.”
“‘Who are my mother and my bothers?” he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.’”
These couple verses resonated with me for a few reasons. The first of which, is that since I’ve been studying the concept of working together as the body of Christ (and all its implications), this certainly aligns with that. The rest sort of disseminates from there.
I came across this while reading through Mark because I love the simplicity and candor in God’s call to his disciples. ‘As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Aphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.’ –Mark 2:14.
While just as much of our life involves us personally picking up our cross to follow Jesus, I think that the same directness applies when we consider that that particular call does not mean we seclude ourselves from everyone else. Too often I fall into the convention of believing that other Christians don’t exist in the world outside my house or church. The key is becoming cognizant, that beyond those walls (be it metaphorical or physical), we need extend our limits and be willing to fellowship with everyone who makes up the body. This principle is so lucidly displayed as Jesus refutes his disciple’s statements, claiming that as followers of Christ we are all brothers and sisters.
God has designed our journey with him to be both personal and corporate. His Word encourages us to regularly be engaging and strengthening each other through our company and as followers of God’s will.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Twenty Fifth!
Woop! It's Christmas!
"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulder. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." -Isaiah 9:6
Enjoy, and praise how great God is.
"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulder. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." -Isaiah 9:6
Enjoy, and praise how great God is.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Christmas, Prayer, and the like
Andy Rooney and Prayer:
I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his Theory of Evolution.
Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game. So what's the big deal? It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire Book of Acts. They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game.
But it's a Christian prayer, some will argue. Yes, and this is the United States of America, a country founded on Christian principles. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect – somebody chanting Hare Krishna?
If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer. If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer. If I went to a ping pong match in China, I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha. And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit. When in Rome...
But what about the atheists? Is another argument. What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds. If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer!
Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations.
Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying. God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you, well, just sue me.
The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we tell that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard that the vast majority doesn't care what they want. It is time that the majority Rules! It's time we tell them, you don't have to pray; you don't have to say the Pledge of Allegiance; you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your right; but by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away.
God bless us one and all, especially those who denounce Him.
I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his Theory of Evolution.
Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game. So what's the big deal? It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire Book of Acts. They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game.
But it's a Christian prayer, some will argue. Yes, and this is the United States of America, a country founded on Christian principles. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect – somebody chanting Hare Krishna?
If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer. If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer. If I went to a ping pong match in China, I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha. And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit. When in Rome...
But what about the atheists? Is another argument. What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds. If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer!
Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations.
Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying. God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you, well, just sue me.
The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we tell that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard that the vast majority doesn't care what they want. It is time that the majority Rules! It's time we tell them, you don't have to pray; you don't have to say the Pledge of Allegiance; you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your right; but by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away.
God bless us one and all, especially those who denounce Him.
So Get This..
I've actually collected, or have, or have thought 'hey that would make a good post here on my blog' with a few things the last couple days. But at present, I'm freaking bushed and need to take a nap. So maybe later today and/or tomorrow (granted, if I remember and remember them) I'll post fo' real. Wouldn't that be grand?
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Darnit
Darnit. I was getting better at updating at least once a week for a while there. Alas...
Well, I'm just going to blame my computer virus of last week on my forgetfulness to update in the last past couple [weeks]. It's like when you were a kid: We'll play pretend.
Well, I'm just going to blame my computer virus of last week on my forgetfulness to update in the last past couple [weeks]. It's like when you were a kid: We'll play pretend.
Monday, November 30, 2009
88.5
I’ve been listening to 88.5 for the last four or so months now. For various reasons, when normally I was always adamantly against much radio listening and preferred my iPod to the monotony of public radio, I've figured something out. Driving home from school today, listening to it, I discovered philosophically why I like it: They play one in ten songs I know. Normally this is terrible because I hate change, but it allows me to leave the shores of my comfort, without actually changing anything. Then the one in ten songs that I do know, allows me to, if I become scared of losing sight of the shore, to have an anchor or line to pull myself back from. Yes, or I could totally just change the radio station to something else, but that would take away from the ridiculousness of the philosophizing I just did. Let me be weird, will you?
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Logical Disproof
If you had an alligator that’s hungry and want to eat something – and you had an elephant that can typically tromp at some rate of speed and could crush the gators skull or a fat, slow pig, in the opposite direction but equal length away from the alligator and said alligator is going to chase after either the elephant or pig for it’s lunch – as a gator, which one would you go for?
“Well the pig, obviously,” the audience choruses. Right?
So then why does the “greater than” symbol always eat the “bigger one”!? The bigger one would beat its brains out and eat it for lunch. So to conclude, math, as usual, and despite claims of its ‘objective’ nature, makes no sense! Case closed.
“Well the pig, obviously,” the audience choruses. Right?
So then why does the “greater than” symbol always eat the “bigger one”!? The bigger one would beat its brains out and eat it for lunch. So to conclude, math, as usual, and despite claims of its ‘objective’ nature, makes no sense! Case closed.
Monday, November 9, 2009
One Hundredth!
This is my one hundredth post on here! Woo!
Actually, when you think about it, that's kind of a pathetic number over the course of the last fifteen months or so. And to think, when I originated created this blog, I thought for sure it was only a matter of time until I terminated Xanga and switched over here. So much for that idea.
Actually, when you think about it, that's kind of a pathetic number over the course of the last fifteen months or so. And to think, when I originated created this blog, I thought for sure it was only a matter of time until I terminated Xanga and switched over here. So much for that idea.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Sent By Ravens, "Best in Me"
This is a song I've heard in the last week, and for some reason it's really struck a chord in both my life and those I've been around. I wanted to share the lyrics.
-----
This room is thick with words
a mess a mess
of secrets and thieves
but can't you see that we're all the same
just vessels and we're all afraid
forgive me I don't mean to intrude
you see my hands are shaking too
just settle down, this storm won't last forever
we're built for more than this world
I'm not that strong, honestly I'm not
but you always see the best in me
now I'm naked
at least you see me for who I am
so fragile
I wait with hope that the coming change won't blow us away
forgive me I don't mean to intrude
you see my hands are shaking too
just settle down, this storm won't last forever
we're built for more than this world
I'm not that strong, honestly I'm not
but you always see the best in me
am I something you can be proud of now
just settle down, this storm won't last forever
we're built for more than this world
I'm not that strong
honestly I'm not
but you always see the best in me
am I something you can be proud of now
-----
This room is thick with words
a mess a mess
of secrets and thieves
but can't you see that we're all the same
just vessels and we're all afraid
forgive me I don't mean to intrude
you see my hands are shaking too
just settle down, this storm won't last forever
we're built for more than this world
I'm not that strong, honestly I'm not
but you always see the best in me
now I'm naked
at least you see me for who I am
so fragile
I wait with hope that the coming change won't blow us away
forgive me I don't mean to intrude
you see my hands are shaking too
just settle down, this storm won't last forever
we're built for more than this world
I'm not that strong, honestly I'm not
but you always see the best in me
am I something you can be proud of now
just settle down, this storm won't last forever
we're built for more than this world
I'm not that strong
honestly I'm not
but you always see the best in me
am I something you can be proud of now
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Two Words
I guess because I'm an English major I tend to notice certain oddities dealing with language. (Although, I must admit, I detest saying that because then everyone assumes I'm perfectly competent in every aspect of the language, and as a result should never err in any form of writing or speech. But, in fact, I'm far from such a status, and perhaps the reason I'm pursing English is to amend those inconsistencies. I think this tangent stopped making sense, and it's very possible I'm imagining this to be true, when, in reality, no one has even noticed.)
But back to what I originally meant to say: I've noticed something. Two particular words, that is. These two happen to be: "Whet" and "Pique." The reason I bring these to your attention is because they're almost always associated with the phrases "Whet my appetite" and "My interest is piqued" or any variant thereof. However, what I don't understand is why these words have unique spellings as opposed to "wet" and "peak"? You see, when I ruminate the notion of becoming hungry and smelling some delicious morsel I'm about to ravish, what happens? I salivate! AKA, my saliva glands start.. getting wet! Not "whet," but wet. Follow? So let's apply the same logical approach to my interest and/or curiosity. If my interest in a subject matter is "low" that indicates boredom. If my interest in a subject matter is "high" that indicates.. interest. Therefore, if my interest has climbed to a high reaching level--it's highest, in fact--why then, can't my interest be "peaked"? So my conclusion resides in this inquiry: Why!?
I hopelessly demand answers!
But back to what I originally meant to say: I've noticed something. Two particular words, that is. These two happen to be: "Whet" and "Pique." The reason I bring these to your attention is because they're almost always associated with the phrases "Whet my appetite" and "My interest is piqued" or any variant thereof. However, what I don't understand is why these words have unique spellings as opposed to "wet" and "peak"? You see, when I ruminate the notion of becoming hungry and smelling some delicious morsel I'm about to ravish, what happens? I salivate! AKA, my saliva glands start.. getting wet! Not "whet," but wet. Follow? So let's apply the same logical approach to my interest and/or curiosity. If my interest in a subject matter is "low" that indicates boredom. If my interest in a subject matter is "high" that indicates.. interest. Therefore, if my interest has climbed to a high reaching level--it's highest, in fact--why then, can't my interest be "peaked"? So my conclusion resides in this inquiry: Why!?
I hopelessly demand answers!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Henry David
"The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation."
Why is it that among all our peers who are supposed to, and intended to be there for us--we're still decaying internally? Where is the upfront, honesty and accountability that's supposed to exist in community, and more importantly in our fellowship with other Christians? Where did it go, and what have we become as a result?
Why is it that among all our peers who are supposed to, and intended to be there for us--we're still decaying internally? Where is the upfront, honesty and accountability that's supposed to exist in community, and more importantly in our fellowship with other Christians? Where did it go, and what have we become as a result?
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Same Old Politics.. or is it?
Okay, so right now on the news, they're watching/debating the new senate bill that's being voted on today. The most prevalent aspect they're covering is the choice of Sen. Olympia Snowe. She's a republican from Maine and according to the pundits, 'her vote is going to make or break this bill.' She's under scrutiny because she is still undecided. Hold Up. She?? She's still undecided? How is that possible. She is a representative of the state of Maine, representing the will of the people she represents. Have I made my point clear? It's not up to her! It's up to the people and she should be voting to whatever the majority of the state desires! The state and people that she serves. Someone explain to me how we got this way? Has it always been like this??
When a government is no longer about the people, it's no wonder why our country is spiraling down the drain.
When a government is no longer about the people, it's no wonder why our country is spiraling down the drain.
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