The Lake of Fire and The Kingdom of Light...Of Hell and Heaven.

 Picture from tardis.wiki.com

Stop me when you've heard this before: "Hell is a place where God sends people, who did not accept Jesus as Lord, to be tortured for all of eternity by a creature called Satan" or "There is no hell, because there is no God or Satan." Unfortunately, no one truly knows if hell exists until we die, right? Now, if you dispute that, please offer me some proof, other than the words of the Bible, that shows that hell is real. OK, so you can't. I understand. It's much like believing in God in that it's mostly about feeling and faith. The major difference being, for me anyways, I see proof of God's existence everyday. The sun, the wind, the crisp autumn air on a football Saturday, the absolute perfection in design that is the Earth and all of it's inhabitants. So, where would be proof that a hell exists? Evil? Sins? The denial of God? I think these things may prove that the is a Satan, but not necessarily a hell. Stay with me here, this is going to get interesting!

When looking at duality and how everything has to have an opposite, it's easy to assume that there is a counter to God. I don't disagree on this point. God created a great and wonderful world for us. He gave us free will and, ultimately, the ability to make decisions based on what we want and feel. Think about this. What would be the challenge if God was the only thing for us to be influenced by? It's easy to make good decisions when no negative outcome is possible right? How could you come to know God on a personal level if you couldn't understand what The Light is all about? God is love. God is Light. God is everything wonderful and graceful. If those things were all that penetrated our minds, then how could we honestly come to know God fully? You have to have options in a free will world. I have to have the choice to be good in order for it to mean anything. See how that works? Let's look at a basic example: I have the choice when I get off work to do many things. I could come straight home and be with my family. I could go to the bar and drink myself into a stupor. I could find another woman to commit adultery with, etc... Obviously, I choose number one, because it's what I want and it's the right thing. Some people don't though. This is what makes us who we are. The decisions WE make on our own accord. I do think that God will intervene in some circumstances, when prayer and communication influences our decisions and actions.

Now, I admit that I believe in Satan. There is so much evil that I feel in my inner core that something is responsible for it, not just humans, but something more insidious and darker. I've seen and been exposed to some paranormal events in my life, with people there to back up my experiences. I believe in a hell, in the sense that there is a place where Satan dwells. I have a difference in opinion, however, in contrast to what most Christians believe about hell: It's not a place of eternal damnation. Look, I know this isn't going to be a popular idea, especially with my family, but it's my thoughts and feelings on the matter. Most Christians, and some other religions, believe that there is a place where people who deny their God are eternally punished. I feel that my God transcends this ideology. My God is the God of flowing grace and mercy, undying love and patience. With the limited resources we have here on Earth, and the abundance of outlets for sin and such, it seems very unlikely that God would have expected us to be able to easily follow him. This is what makes it special when we come to God and have that relationship with him. In contrast, I think the same points make it unlikely that God would punish people to everlasting torture for not putting two and two together. Where my grey area is, people who knowingly and purposely commit atrocities, with pure darkness in heart. Maybe there is a place for those types, but I don't think people who simply do not read or believe the Bible, or live in denial, burn for all of eternity. It just doesn't compute in my head. If you look at most religions, you see that there is always a control mechanism, and it is almost always fear. Fear of punishment. Fear of pain and torture. Why? They cannot keep people living and doing what they say without control, right? This is archaic. This is such a primitive way of thinking, but it's been the way since the dawn of religion.

I've been challenging myself to break the chains of conventional Christian thinking. I've tried to stop listening to what other PEOPLE tell me about God, the Bible, and how and what we are suppose to do in life. I've done my best to elevate my thought to just God alone, not religion and what people have done to the idea of God. Remove religion. Remove preconceived notions. Remove the hate and bitterness for our fellow man that religions creates: Other religions, homosexuals, atheists and etc... Just God. Only God. My relationship with my Maker is the most important thing to me. I know I argue with other Christians a lot, and it's not because I don't love them or respect their opinions. It's because I feel that so many people are apathetic about their relationship with God. Unchain God from the ideas that others have spoon fed us. The ultimate way to defeat Satan is to deny him the opportunity to deceive and confuse others, by showing people the Light our Creator has given us.

If you believe the Bible is correct, in that we are damned if we deny Jesus as the savior, and will be banished to eternal torture, that's fine. Everybody has their own beliefs, these are just mine. Maybe those who deny, do end up in that situation. Maybe they end up nowhere, in a state of permanent darkness. Maybe everyone sees the gates of Heaven and the mighty mercy of God. We truly don't know until we die.

Until then, I hope to see you all in the everlasting light that is God's presence.

Keeping In Touch.

 Honestly, sometimes I'm guilty of thinking that no one really cares about anyone outside of their immediate family. The cruelness of the world in general, paired with apathy and self destructive tendencies, lead me to feel that I'm in this alone most of the time. While most people didn't comment on the blog, or the Facebook post, the viewership of the post was one of the highest I've had on TFTF. I think this shows that there are people that do care about each others well being. I just wanted to let you guys know that I appreciate it, and while nothing as changed so far, I feel God moving in our situations. I'm not sure where it will lead us, but I feel the trust between me and my maker growing deeper and deeper, by the day. I ask you guys to continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Anyways, here are some updates since I've been either working on the Top 25 Countdown, or absent.

*My son has went a week without wearing diapers. This is pretty cool, as he picked up potty training rather quickly. He never ceases to amaze me with his smarts and determination. Proud of you buddy!
*This is old news now, but I thought I would say that I think the Justice system worked in the Trayvon Martin case. There wasn't enough evidence and the jurors knew it. It's tiring the way that people like Al Sharpton and the like continue to use black people as a way to make money and garner attention. Making cases about unfortunate situations into race conflicts benefit no one and set the entire country back in terms of growth. There are plenty of cases of black on white, black on black crimes in America that no one talks about. Why? Because the media cannot capitalize on it like they can on a minority. Wake up people.
* I downloaded 3 new Albums that are pretty good. My Heart To Fear- "Algorithm" , We Came as Romans-  "Tracing Back Roots", and my favorite Phinehas- "The Last Words Are Yours To Speak." Phinehas is an amazing band with an extreme heart and understanding of God. Reminds me a lot of Haste The Day.

Also, I would like to mention a couple of situations I would like for you guys to pray for:

 *My sister-in-law and her family are dealing with a health situation that involves her aunt in Michigan. Please keep them in mind and pray for strength and faith during this hard time.
*A good friend of mine is also working on a blog. He has always seemed to have a desire to get close to God, but recently I've seen great things being accomplished in his life. Just keep him in mind and pray that God continues to dig deeper into his heart.
*A friend of mine is struggling with hearing God's voice in an important decision that his family is going to be making soon. Pray that he finds clarity and understanding of God's will.

I know this is a departure from my normal blogging structure, but I just wanted to touch base as I'm having a hard time concentrating due to all the stuff going on in my life at the moment. Hopefully I'll get back to writing weekly as things settle down.

Josh

Prayers

Hey guys,
       I don't have too much to say today, but I wanted to ask you guys if you could do something for my family. We are in need of prayer over a couple of situations currently (everyone is OK, it's nothing like that). While I am not currently courageous enough to explain further, it's important and can be a game changer in our lives. I've been battling the mentality that God is in control and to have faith in Him, but it's difficult to feel like I'm not driving my own car, so to speak. I feel that God does answer prayers, I'm just uncertain that I truly have enough faith to let Him handle it. I hope to be able to elaborate on this more when I can give a "praise report" about it in the future, I just need to come to terms that it may not work out the way we want it to. Pray for clarity and understanding of whatever is God's will in our circumstances. Thank you!

God Bless,

Josh

My Top 25 Music Countdown- 5-1

And the final five are......

5.  The Seeking- Yours Forever (Alternative/Hardcore)

    I found out about this band because they were touring with a few of my favorites. I wanted to see what they were about and was pleasantly surprised. While most hardcore type bands sound like a screaming band with some melodic vocals from time to time, The Seeking sounds more like an alternative/rock band that screams every once in a while. What this does is put an emphasis on great vocals, the like of which I haven't heard from a band in this genre. On top of all of this, the lyrics are great and deep, and these guys are stand up Christians and awesome live.

Favorite songs- "Take It From Me", "So Cold", "Narrow Lines", "You Won't Bring Me Down", "Restless", "Change My Ways."

 

4. Thousand Foot Krutch- Set It Off (Rap rock/Alternative)

 

     I don't know how else to say it. I love this CD. It takes me back to when music was fun and I was still a kid. TFK has been in the Christian music scene for like a decade now, and while I like most of their stuff, this CD has always been my favorite. Good, fun, clean lyrics, with a clear and evident focus on God. It may seem a little cheesy now for those of you that haven't ever listened to these guys,  but this album jams from front to back.



Favorite songs: "When In Doubt", "Rhime Animal", "Supafly", "Alternative Song", "Lift It", "All The Way Live."

 

 

3.  Emery- The Question (Rock/Hardcore)

 

    This is probably the album that most Emery fans love the most, I would say.  Some of the best songs of Emery's long career in the scene are found on this CD. I find the sing to scream ratio to be just about perfect on The Question, with some of the best lyrics Emery has to offer. I can still remember me and the guys rocking out this this CD in the car, and while those days have passed, I still listen to most of these songs on my IPod.

 

Favorite songs- "So Cold I Could See My Breath", "Studying Politics", "Left With Alibis and Lying Eyes", "Playing With Fire."

 

 

 

2. Everyday Sunday- Wake Up! Wake Up! (Punk/Pop Rock)

 

  It's rare that a album come around and I can listen to every track on it, over and over again. This is one of them. With catchy music and heartfelt lyrics, this CD has been stuck in my playlist since it came out. These guys are a lot like Relient K, in that, they express their faith openly and without shame. While Everyday Sunday has put out at least three CDs that I would consider to be great, this one stands out as one of my all time favorites. Most of the songs are fun and easy to sing a long with, while others can make you cry in reflection.

 

Favorite songs: "Wake Up! Wake Up", "Find Me Tonight", "Tell Me You'll Be There", "Apathy For Apologies", "Let's Go Back."

 

 

And now to my number one album. I know that absolutely no one will agree with this, and that's fine, because this is my countdown. I hope you guys have enjoyed this as much as I have enjoyed doing it for you!

 

1. Haste The Day- Attack Of The Wolf King  (Post-Hardcore/Metal)

 

    Where to start. Well, HTD has been around for a long, long time. As I am typing this, they are currently no longer a band, with "Attack Of The Wolf King" being their last album. Throughout years and quite a few albums, HTD have always been true to their faith. It's hard to find bands that care as much about God as they do about making money. This CD is hard. It's 2/3 screaming, but the clean vocals are awesome as well. The screaming is actually what makes this CD so good for me. Amazing passion and feeling, with no compromise in lyrical integrity. This album really explores what it's like to be consumed by darkness and sin, and how to come back to God's open arms. There is such a feeling of despair, but always with hope prevailing. I love the lyrics to "Travesty" that state:

 

"You cover me!

I am spent
and with death you paid my ransom
for the witness of your word.
To bring them in,
the jackal's sin.

Oh, the eyes death are upon me
and the watchman takes his toll.
If the river runs dry it will never take us home.
With idle minds we prove unconscious.
As the hunter stalks his prey.
His eyes, his eyes are locked on me

You cover the darkest part of me
with a look that's sure to set the captives free.

Oh, make way
for I am not the redeemer
Nor do the mountains fall in my name
But with slightest cry, my hunter,
you will fail to reach your prey.

Still with idle minds unconscious,
as the hunter stalks his prey.
His eyes, his eyes are locked on me.

You cover the darkest part of me
with a look that's sure to set the captives free.
With love that the blindest eyes will see,
You cover the darkest part of me.

As I am met with travesty,
and I am broken and I am empty.
And through it all I can see your face.
With words unspoken
I hear your voice and
I see the hand, The hand that writes it all.
You've called the wind to show its worth.
You've called the sun to brag about its warmth.
Because you are the writer!
Because you are the soul of the world.

You cover the darkest part of me
with a look that's sure to set the captives free.
With love that the blindest eyes will see
You cover the darkest part of me.

Because you are the writer!"

 

These are unbelievable lyrics. I get emotional every time I hear this song, and most of them are like this throughout the entire CD. If I could sum up this album with one word it would be passion. Passion for fellow man, passion for a closeness to God, and it shows clearly in all of their music. The lone slow song with no screaming is "White as snow" and it shows these guys are very talented musicians.

 

Favorite songs- "Travesty", "Dog Like Vultures", "White As Snow", "Crush Resistance", Wake Up The Sun", "Walk With A Crooked Spine", "The Un-Manifest"

 

 

 

 

 

 



My Top 25 Music Countdown:10-6

Change in format for the top ten...Enjoy.

10. PAX 217- Twoseventeen (rap rock/rock)

     This is one of the most played albums I have ever owned. It was one of the first Christian albums I found that was outside of the normal "contemporary" category, and it's replay value was huge. Every song brings back a memory for me. From front to back, I can sing along with all of the tracks and I still don't get tired of them. It's a fun mix of rap and rock, with simple and memorable lyrics. There really isn't anything complicated or fancy here, just good music that never gets old.

Favorite songs- "Sandbox Praise", "Prism", "Gratitude", "No Place Like Home."

9. Showbread- Age Of Reptiles (Rock/Hardcore)

     This particular CD has always been interesting to me. Showbread's style changes from CD to CD, but this was by far my favorite. It is really aggressive and in your face, and the underlying message in  the lyrics is undeniable. This is sort of a concept type album that uses metaphors and can be hard to decipher if you didn't already know these guys are hardcore Christians. One of a kind music and heart in this CD.

Favorite songs- "Centipede Sisters", "Jesus Lizard", "Oh, Emetophobia" ,"Your Owls Are Hooting."



8. Emery- We Do What We Want (Hardcore/Metal)

      This album jams. Emery has went through some stylistic changes over the years, but this last CD is "rock your socks off" good. The music and opening screams go straight for the throat, while Emery shows they still have a ton of lyrical creativity. I personally love the way Emery screams your face off, then comes right back around with great vocals and a slower pace.

Favorite songs- "Anchors", "I'm Not Here For The Rage..", "Scissors", "The Cheval Glass."

7. Underoath- They're Only Chasing Safety (Hardcore/Metal)

      This was one of the first Christian hardcore albums I ever owned. The screaming does a great job of conveying emotion, but it's Gillespie's voice that I really love after the chaos settles down. These guys opened a lot of doors for "alternative Christian" music to become more popular. There is a ton of great music on this CD, if you're brave enough to give it a try.

Favorite songs- "It's Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door", "Reinventing Your Exit", "I Don't Feel Very Receptive Today", "Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape."

6. Relient K- MmhmM  (Punk/rock)

  This CD is the epitome of what Relient K is about: Fun songs that are great to listen to, with great lyrics about their relationship with God. RK is outspoken on the Christian front, and have been pioneers for this genre of music for a VERY long time. This is way above any music you will hear on the radio. It has heart and soul, but most importantly, it's amazing music.

Favorite songs- "Who I am Hates Who I've Been", "I So Hate Consequences", "Life After Death and Taxes", "This Week The Trend."

More honorable mentions:

Memphis May Fire- "Challenger"

Everyone Dies In Utah- "Seeing Clearly" and "Polarities"

Ivoryline- "There Came A Lion"

     

My Top 25 Music Countdown: 15-11

Here we go again...


15. Sent By Ravens- Mean What You Say (Rock)
     

 

        *Radio friendly rock, without compromising lyrical or musical integrity.

        *Inspiring and truthful lyrics.

        * Best songs- "Learn From The Night", "We're All Liars", "However Long It Takes."

                             

 

14. O.C. Supertones- Loud and Clear (Ska/Punk)

 

      *One of my all time favorites. Makes me think of my early high school days.
      * Ska Music....Fun, right?
      * Mostly God centered lyrics
      * Best songs-  "What It Comes To", "Lift Me Up", "Return Of The Revolution."

             
13. Ivoryline- Vessels (Rock/indie)
        

              *Lyrics....Great stuff here. Meaningful, almost worship like.
              *Good mix of music.
              * Unashamed in what they believe in.
              * Best songs- "Made From Dust", "The Healing", "Instincts."

 

 

12.  Emery- The Weak's End (Hardcore/Rock)

      

 

         *Emery's first CD, still one of my favorites to this day.

         * Hard, edgy, in your face emotion.

         * Realistic Christian views.

         * Best songs- "Walls", "Ponytail Parades", "Fractions."

               

 

11.  Wolves At The Gate- Captors (Hardcore/Rock)

    

 

                * Lyrics that are clearly and blatantly about God.

                * Lead singer can sing well, which mixes great with the screaming.

                * Songs will bring you to a state of reflection.

                *Best songs- "Dead Man", "Step Out To The Water", "The Harvest."

                     

 

"Dead Man" by Wolves At The Gate is one of the best videos I've ever had the pleasure of viewing, just as a side note.

 

More honorable mentions:

Matt and Toby- Self titled (Best songs- "Take Me Oh Lord", "Life Of The Party")

We Came As Romans- Understanding What We've Grown To Be (Best songs- "A War Inside", "Understanding What We've Grown To Be")

Thousand Foot Krutch- Phenomenon (Best songs- "Phenomenon", "Rawkfist")

 



 

                             

My Top 25 Music Countdown: 20-16.

Continuing the series:

 

20. LA Symphony- The End Is Now (Rap)

    *All these guys are great lyricists and refrain from the repetitiveness that makes rap boring.

    * Style that is original and refreshing.

    * Best songs- "Charlie Brown", " The End Is Now."

         

 

 

19. Search The City- A Fire So Big The Heavens Can See It. (Alternative/rock/punk)

      * Interesting vocals and memorable lyrics.

      * Catchy, can be listened to all the way through multiple times.

      * Best songs- "Son Of A Gun", "The Rescue."

        

 

 

 

18. Flyleaf- Memento Mori (Rock/metal)

      *Genuine lyrics, outspoken beliefs.

      *Beautiful voice

      * Best songs- "Arise", "Beautiful Bride."

       

 

 

17. Relient K- Five Score and Seven Years Ago. (Punk/alternative/pop rock)

     * Song writing and lyrics are top notch.

     * Same catchy, sing a long songs that RK is known for.

     * Spiritual lyrics and a feeling of closeness to God.

          

 

 

 

16. The Classic Crime- The Silver Cord (Post-grunge/rock)

    *The album title alone lets you know how deep this CD is.

    *Aggressive tone, great vocals

    * Meaningful lyrics.

      

 

 

More honorable mentions:

Oh Sleeper- Children of Fire (Best songs- "Children of Fire", "Family Ruin")

P.O.D- Satellite (Best songs- "Boom", "Youth of the Nation")

Run Kid Run- This is Who We Are (Best songs- "The Modern March", "I'll Forever Sing")

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Top 25 Music Countdown: 25-21

I'm going to do a series of posts, mixed in with my regular blogging, on my top twenty-five Christian/Positive albums I've listened to. Ever. I'll post five at a time, tell why I like it, list favorite songs, and maybe even link a video. Nothing serious here, and I'm not a music critic, so enjoy!


25. Nine Lashes-World We View (Rock)
    *Jammed with radio friendly tunes, all of which can be listened to over and over again.
    *Positive and uplifting messages throughout.
    *Best Songs: "Believe Your Eyes," "Afterglow,"  "Adrenaline."



    

24. Family Force 5- Dance or Die ( Dance/Crunk rock)
     *Full of extremely lighthearted, catchy, and fun songs.
     *Underlying Christian ideals, veiled in awesomeness that is hard to get out of your head.
     *Best Songs: "D-I-E-4-Y-O-U," "Dance or Die," "Radiator."

        




23. Flatfoot 56- Black Thorn (Punk Rock/ Celtic Rock)
     * Good guys, making really good punk rock with a Celtic twist.
     * Wide variety of sounds, including pipes.
     * Gritty and real.
     * Best songs: "Smoke Blower,"  "Stampede."

        

22. Anberlin- Blueprints For The Black Market (rock/alternative)

    *The first CD from a band that has been around for what seems like forever.

    * Solid rock songs that I still sing a long with.

    * Lyrics that are emotional and raw.

    *Best songs- "Ready Fuels," "Glass to Arson."

     

 

 

21. The Overseer- We Search, We Dig. (Heavy rock/ Metal)

    *Realistic Christian lyrics

    * Heavy, emotion filled music with a ton of originality in a bland genre.

    *Screaming is timed perfectly and drives home whatever feeling they are trying to convey.

    *Best songs- "Estrange," "Dredge," "Amend," "Absolve."

       

 

 

That's it for today. I would also like to mention a couple of albums that just missed the cut:

For Today- Immortal ( best songs-"Fearless," "The Only Name")

PAX 217- Engage (best songs- "Tonight," "Melody," Dream Away")

Capital Lights- Outrage (best songs- "Outrage," "Miracle Men," "Mile Away")

Thrice- Artist In The Ambulance ( best songs- "Paper Tigers," "Abolition of Man")

Anberlin- Never Take Friendship Personal (best songs- "The Symphony of Blasé," "Paper Thin Hymn")

 

 



The (Not-So) Wonder Years

I've hinted at the lifestyle I was leading up until my marriage quite a few times in past posts, but I just realized I haven't really elaborated on it fully. I'm going to go back to when the problems started forming, which was when I was around 19 years old. Some of you guys have heard most of this stuff before, but I feel it is necessary to help show the progress that I've made in the last few years.

When I was in high school, I was a pretty good guy. I didn't drink, smoke, or have sex. I was active in my church and rarely hung out with people who weren't also good Christians. I stayed out of bad situations and was mostly positive and optimistic about my future. It wasn't until I graduated when I really started getting into different things and being more careless with my time and money. When I was 19, I started working at -redacted- out at the mall. I became extremely vain with my appearance and my friends. I saw drugs being done in the bathroom during work, by managers nonetheless. Everyone would go out downtown, or go to house parties and other clubs/pool halls. The first beer that I ever had out in public was at a pool hall, after one of my managers bought it for me after representing me as one of his college friends. They didn't card me, and I was drinking and hanging out with all these attractive women two years before my 21st birthday. This started a really bad trend for me. I could go out, drink a lot, hang out with "hot" girls, and that's all I really cared about. On my 20th birthday, I went to -redacted-, a local beer and wings place with "pretty" waitresses. I flirted with our server to the point were she knew I wasn't 21, but she didn't care because I was showing her interest. I learned at that moment that I could use my "swagger" and looks to manipulate people. Now, keep in mind, I'm not saying that I'm a model or anything, alcohol just brings out a confidence that women seem to like at bars and such. I drove home that night and my mom was furious that they served me drinks without carding me. I didn't think it was a big deal, of course, because I felt invincible.
This all lead to a critical mistake the summer before my 21st birthday. With my obsession with vanity, I only saw things on a superficial level. Likewise, while my heart was aching for a meaningful relationship, all I kept going for were girls just like me. I met a girl at a club in Myrtle Beach on a family vacation. She was attractive and very confident in herself, causing me to get wrapped up in her and losing focus on everything else. She lived in a different state, so this posed a problem for the future of our relationship after vacation. However, we decided to continue to try to keep it going after she went back up, which lead to her cheating on me in the first month of our "relationship." After being mad about it for a little while, I forgave her, and we continued to see each other. I would go up there for a week at a time, she would come down here as well. We finally ended up getting engaged. She was from a well to do family and I, well, didn't really have much money. I changed the way I did things, from hanging out with friends (she was jealous, even when she was four states away) to even changing the way I was with my family. My family and friends hated her. They tried to be supportive, but I ignored all the warnings and advice because I knew it all and didn't need their two cents. After a few months of going back and forth with a very insecure relationship, things started spiraling out of control. I thought we were suppose to be settling down, but she kept going out to  the bars and clubs, hanging out with people she had slept with before and expecting me to just get over it. We finally gave up on the relationship after multiple other "cheating" incidents and a difference in opinion as to what grown ups should be like. She was the first person I had sex with frequently, out of marriage, and only the second person I had ever had sex with period. You can see how this  lead to a break down in my life.

Now emotionally scarred, with a gaping hole in my heart and self confidence, I searched for filler. I got a good job, and was still living at home so I had a ton of disposable money. I started going to bars and clubs 3-4 times a week. It was nothing for me to spend 200$ a night on alcohol alone. It was all about drinking and being seen. I was obsessed with going out and looking for girls to hook up with. This lead to multiple bad decisions, which I'm sure I don't need to elaborate on further. The worst of it was that I drove home every single time. I put my life and the life of others in danger every single time I took to the wheel of my car. I didn't care about anything. I was so selfish and I desperately wanted to be drinking and partying every moment of free time I had. I have so many disturbing stories of nights out that I could fill a hundred page book easy.
Here's where the story of redemption begins. After realizing I wasn't going to find what I needed in a bar or club, I decided to take another route. I met my wife through online dating. She was a lot different from what I was used to, but in a good way. I stopped going out all the time just to drink and meet people. We still went out, and I would drink, but it was more about conversation and relaxation, not about needing to fill a hole. I had went through a few years of a spiritual void, to the point were I actually didn't believe in it at all. After I got married and had our first baby, things completely changed for me (See other blog posts for specifics).
I don't want to use this post as a forum to lecture about any certain topic. I want you guys to just see where I am coming from and some of the stuff I have went through. I don't believe drinking is wrong, although I do believe it is reckless and inconsiderate to drink to a certain degree now. I don't drink that often now, but when I do I typically don't get drunk any more. I know some of you reading this think that is wrong. That's Okay, you are entitled to feel that way. Drinking wasn't my issue, it was having a void in my heart that I was filling with the wrong stuff, such as drinking and women. I was seeking for an answer using the wrong questions. I now know that what I was missing was a steady foundation in my faith in the Lord. My life is a lot better now, not perfect, that I've got my heart in a better place. My job, my wife, my kids are all products of this.
The road may be bumpy, but the signs are there if you are going in the right direction.

                                      The Greater Heights -"Kings of the Summer"

Watch Your Mouth Boy!

"You better watch what you say." This is a common phrase that, I think, everyone has heard a few times in their life. Most people don't think about the consequences of what comes out of their mouths, it's just words after all right? I feel that what we say, reflects a great deal of who we are. We choose to say what we say, so it must be important. We either want to sway some one's opinion, one way or another, boast or puff ourselves up, harm or show someone how much we love them, and so on. The words we say can affect any given situation with any given circumstance. What's odd is, I didn't think that it mattered either. If you got offended by my words, it was your own issue, not mine. I'm going to attempt to show you how I was wrong about that, and why it does matter.

Lying. There are obvious and more insidious reasons for lying. For one reason or another, we all lie. Why? I think about the type of this behavior I engage in on a daily basis. It usually is some type of exaggeration that didn't need to occur, but for some reason I felt the need to embellish a story. In example,  I may have saw two cows in the road on the way home from work, but I instead tell my wife that there was "like fifteen cows in the road, babe." I believe that, in this case, we use lying as a tool to make ourselves look better. Just because I tell a seemingly more interesting story, I am somehow made to look more awesome to other people. This applies to gossiping as well. If I'm the one to tell the story about someone else, I somehow gain cool points with everyone involved. This is a pride issue, and even though it seems harmless, it's dishonesty at the cost of your own integrity. Little lies lead to big lies and people remember that. You may be deemed a gossiper or someone who cannot be trusted, which will hurt you in multiple ways. You can lose friends, and from a Christian stand point, you can hurt your witness. In most other cases, people lie because they want to deceive someone or cover up a previous transgression. This is obviously wrong, and I won't elaborate too much further. If you are purposely leading people in the wrong direction, there is a greater issue in your heart that needs sorting out.
Swearing. This is kind of a tough one for me. I do it, and I'm a hypocrite. I honestly don't feel that swearing at it's core is wrong. Words do not have any true power, but the intent behind them is what the issue is. What people seem to fail to understand is that their substitute words they use to replace swear words, don't make any difference if there is still an intent to harm or hurt someone. Think of it this way: "No one gives a shit about what you think" / "No one gives a crap about what you think." Both of these are wrong, regardless of what your idea of a swear word is. The intent is to hurt some one's feelings, which is why it's wrong. I could substitute the swear word with "white fluffy kitten" and it's still not a good thing to say to someone. This all comes back to loving everyone...See previous posts on that subject. If I were to say: "This piece of furniture is hard as hell to put together," that is not wrong. There is no intent to hurt or harm, therefore, the word holds no negative connotation. This is all about what people have made out of words. I've done some research, and contrary to what most Christians think, the Bible is not clear on this. It's all about the way someone has interpreted a certain verse, and without fail, every denomination and Christian thinks they are right. In fact, most of the common verses used to condemn swear words, can be used to show that intent is the main cause for concern, not the word itself. Most Christians, as sad as it is, do as they are told and spit out the same stuff that someone tells them on Sunday mornings. I'm just as qualified to interpret the Bible as anybody else is, that is what makes these things complicated. Here is where I make a strong dividing line, and where I have found it difficult to be consistent.  Swearing, even if I don't think it's wrong, is seen as incorrect by the public. I don't like it when I have my children out somewhere and someone is swearing constantly. I try my best not to swear in front of my children as well. Why? Like it or not,  the stigma that swearing is wrong and an uneducated way of speaking is prominent in today's society. I have tried my best to not swear because of the aforementioned reasons, but it does continue to be a struggle for me. The finale issue can be seen as becoming a stumbling block for others. Whether I feel that it is wrong or right, others may see it as wrong, which means that I have to consider the consequences of my actions. If someone is looking at me as a great Christian influence, then hears me swear, it may send up red flags to them and hurt my testimony in the process. Others that are not Christian may see me as a fake, therefore associating my belief in God as nothing but a show. This isn't good, and another reason why I have to evaluate what I say and to whom I am saying it to.  To summarize a rather lengthy point, I do not think swearing is inherently wrong, but because of the common stigma associated with it, the potential stumbling blocks it creates, and the damage to my witness, I have attempted to stop doing it and hope to cease doing it at all.
We can use our words to accomplish so much in this world. I recently just wrote a post trying to explain how much I love my wife. My entire intent was just to make her happy, and to show her how much she means to me. I'm not sure what the fascination with speaking with hate is, or why people want to constantly bring each other down with their mouth, but it seems to point to the same root cause: people are filled with anger, impatience, and hate, and vocalizing it is the easiest and most efficient way to vent it out. This leads to people committing suicide due to bullying, people losing faith in their Christian brothers and sisters, divorce and etc.
When we get our heart right with the Lord, the hate and the anger should decrease. As He increases in our life, we must decrease. This speaks to our worldly flesh, things like hate and the like which are venom to our relationship with God. The closer we are to God, the more love and kindness can be seen through our words and actions.

Sent By Ravens- "We're All Liars", off the album "Mean What You say"