The Reason for the Season

Well folks it is that time of year again when we Christian's have to make a decision. The decision is one that is a tough one. To celebrate christmas as a secular holiday or as a religious holiday. To many people, Christians included, tend to lose their focus around the holiday with all the food and presents. Even if you are secular a reason to celebrate is the opportunity to gather with our loved ones. As a Christian I believe the reason we celebrate Christmas is to celebrate the birth of our Lord Christ Jesus. That is my purpose for this season. Now there have been times in my life that I lost focus of the reason but this year it has been weighing heavy on my heart. I love my family and I love presents but this year I am going to remember that the reason that I can celebrate is because Christ was born, died, and resurected for you, me and everyone in the world. To everyone reading this column have a blessed Christmas and remember to say a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the mercy he showed us on the cross and the opportunity to celebrate this holiday that we have.

Carry My Cross

Yet again my favorite band has blown me away with the lyrics of another song. Third day is probably one of the best lyrical Christian rock bands of this time. The song "Carry My Cross" off of their new album is amazing. So many of us have seen "The Passion of the Christ" and realize the great amount of pain that Christ went thru on that day but in all that pain we sometimes forget another important aspect of the Cross, The Shame.

This song is along the lines of "Thief" in that it is an image of the our Savior from the cross. Lyrics below

"So I'll carry my cross
and I'll carry the shame
To the end of the road
Through the stuggle and pain
And I'll do it for love
No, it won't be in vain
Yes, I'll carry my cross
And I'll carry the shame"

This is Christ message to each of us. I pray that you will remember not only the pain and struggle but the shame of dieing on a cross with a crown of thorns on his head and hanging between two theives was and why he did it.....for love.

No Respect I tell ya

Tennessee gets the shaft

What is this!!! Tenessee beats the number 6 team in the land and still gets no respect in Basketball. Little play on words below

Seven and O start Cost New Coach
Waxing the #6 team in the land Cost Bus Fair and Injuries
Still getting no respect Cost Priceless

There are some things money can buy and then for everything else there is NCAA

Big Blue Sings Tubby Praises

Well this weekend it is a different post for the U of K fans. This week was huge for the the big blue. Now I am no UK fan but what they did to Louisville was pretty much make them look second class. But just one week ago Kentucky got their rear end handed to them by IU so who really knows what that Cats team is able to do. Also this week the NCAA gave in to big money pressure again and allowed Randolf Morris back on the team. Now I am not going to explain myself or justify my statement other than by saying this. Any other sport that does not make money would not have even gotten the re-hearing much less a reduced suspension. Yet again it shows the corrupt nature of the NCAA.

On another NCAA note, how about them Teneessee Vols. They showed up the number 6 team in the nation. Texas granted is in a mess with injuries but it just goes to show that when you don't have bench then you are in trouble in the NCAA basketball world. I can't wait till my Vols meet this inconsistent Cats team in SEC play. The Cols thus far have shown that they are a good team and can compete for a SEC title.

UT lays tha Smack down

BIG BLUE NATION PANICS

I am no UK Fan but I know there are some who are panicing after this weekend.
OUCH FOR UK

Pictures

The House

Some people have asked to see pictures of our house. I will put a few on here and let you all go from there.

The Front of the House


The Master Bedroom


The Kitchen


The Kitchen Again


Our Christmas Tree

The most amazing Christmas Lights

The Most Amazing Christmas Lights

Importance of Discipeship

Importance of Discipleship

As I have studied in to wisdom and knowledge I have learned a lot about myself and the path that the Lord has put me on. I have also learned a lot about the things I have learned (knowledge) and how those things have changed as I have gained some wisdom. I am in no way wise but with every passing day I gain more wisdom.

Discipleship is one such example of where I thought I had it all figured out and I was wrong. When I became a Christian I had a man by the name of Daniel disciple me. The day I was baptized he handed me a notebook piece of paper full of scripture references for me to read and learn.  He sent me down of path of gaining knowledge knowing that I would later learn how to apply this knowledge for the good of the King the Lord has made.  But as all things change so did my view of “..study to show thy self approved.”

When I went to college I did not get involved in bible study or discipleship and my view changed. I believed that discipleship was a formality in our walk and that was it. I believed it played no major role in our daily activities such as witnessing and evangelizing.  By the end of my junior year all I cared about was winning people to Christ and what needed to happen to see that this happened. I never took this evangelism out of the realm that it was God saving these people not I so it was not about selfish desires.

Why do I talk about all this, because as I have grown up and gained wisdom I have learned the importance of discipleship and its role in the Christian walk. Discipleship is what got me in the church, it is what kept me in the church, and those things I was taught when I first came of Christ is what has pulled me through those tough times.  Those things I was taught are what I used when witnessing.  Discipleship is key to the Christian walk and anyone who trys to say otherwise is incorrect.

If you are reading this I am asking that you post your own stories of discipleship and what it has meant to you. Also post your views of discipleship and its importance to the church.