‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’-Matthew 25:40
My heart softens all the time when I hear words relating to “physical challenged”-developmentally disabled, handicapped, mentally ill, etc.. I’ve grown with many people with differenet types of “challenges”. After college-UMM, I never expected to be working (resume) at a group home for “physically challenged” adults in the same town-Morris, where I went to college for 4 years.
When I began my personal relationship with Jesus, I’ve grown in heart to “reach-out” more to people that society ignorantly looks down upon or “the least”.
“35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37″Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’40″The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’-Matthew 25
As I’ve grown in this personal relationship with Him, I’ve grown to know and see what His heart aches for-our souls to go to Heaven through salvation. Especially the “least” that our world looks down upon….
GoodnewsEverybody.com Movie: Passion for Christ-Music, Reflection, Scenes, Stories, Testimonies, etc…
The Passion of the Christ Full Movie I (Sal) just saw the movie “Passion for Christ” last night (March of 2004) with my local church’s homegroup Bible Study. There is so much to reflect on that I decided to make another page on this. Yes, I humbly admit that I got tearied…ok..a little more than just tearied, which I can’t remember I’ve done this last in a movie theatre since “Titanic” (see love story). My eyes were less teary in Titanic not just because of the sad story, but my compassion was for more of the dead that didn’t know Jesus before they died
Below are some topics that stood out for me personally, which I would like to share with you chronological order as much as possible from scene to scene as you might have similar thoughts on these too…
Question: What are your reflections from the “Passion of Christ”?
Still in High School? How is it for you? For me (Sal), it was a once of a life-time unforgettable experience (91?-95?-see school shootings) that I can?t go back and relive again. What I’m trying to say to the youth is live it to the fullest and use each experience-good or bad-as a preparation season/time for something better?. I was picked on in junior high for my homework and it didn’t exist in high school. I thought it was going to be a rougher time in high school, like those movies I saw on t.v. It eventually became a better time (compared to Junior High: racial fights, got suspended, got spat on, etc?) than I expected. I highly encouraged to seek some mentoring opportunities out there. We all need that “positive” adult role model (parent or no parent)-particularly in the field of interest you would like to pursue in!
“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 34Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God I say this to your shame…”–1 Corinthians 15:33-34
Have you ever been pressured to do something that you know it wasn’t right? Did you do it? Well, I honestly have to say I have been “con” in doing things that I knew it wasn’t right. Many of it happened growing-up young during my “teenage” years because I just wanted to “fit-in”. I feel many youth want to “fit-in”, but they don’t know that fitting-in isn’t the “best” thing to do. They have to learn that they might be alone at times and that doing this is a way to “stand-up” for your beliefs! We can’t please
“2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is his good, pleasing and perfect will.”–Romans 12
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”–Psalm 20:7
I (Sal) took an Economics (see BUSINESS) class during my junior year at UMM, which I’ll be using a lot what I learn in an up-coming community leadership retreat (September 13th-17th of 2004).
Community Leadership Opportunities
Blandin Foundation: Community Leadership Retreat: September 13th-17th of 2004, contact Phil D. on this application form
After attending the retreat, I was reminded of this business economic life-skills learning program called Junior Achivement, which would be a good life lesson for our area youth to get involved.
What comes up must come down?
Today (Tuesday, October 10th of 2005) I heard economists predict the the economy of the U.S. will go down by February of 2006. This was predicted today after a series of natural disaster in our nation (Hurricaine Katrina & Rita) and world (Asian Tsunami, South Asian Earthquake, and Hurricaine Stan), which has been costing many U.S. dollars. It’s been awesome to see the U.S. government “giving to others”/”blessing others” despite our own economic/national problems; however, economists feel we will see the financial consequences in the future. As I write this, I feel God will return our giving 7 fold as long we are giving with the right heart and using discernment. There are others in our country who probably have been stingy and greedy, which they (e.g. Enron) might cause our nation’s downfall.
Well, what should you do? Ask God yourself on what you can do? I did this last week after a message from my local pastor, which I came up with this site…
All of last week (October 6th-10th), it was in the news 24/7 about our “shrinking downfalling economy”. Weeks ago there was a natural disaster in Texas-Hurricane Ike, which “America” (media) has seem to have forgotten our fellow friends down there. It kind of shows where our priorities we put in our life-money! Anyways, I fell I’ll be adding more to this site for awhile during this so called “heading towards a depression”.
I want to encourage you all that God has a purpose for each individuals through this “difficult season”. I learned this towards the end of last year when I was first layed-off from my job (for a week only as I was called back-in to fill-in a staff leaving for “maternity leave”, which my “full-time”: benefits too was taken away) right before Thanksgiving of 2007. I was then off from work for 3-4 weeks in May, which during this whole time since November-I was seeking God on “what’s next” => pursue a “teaching licensure” in ESL (see GoodnewsEverybody: Liberal Arts-English).
I would love to hear your personal stories, experiences, thoughts, etc… on this!
Question: Can good come out of these economic times?
We sometimes forget and admire God’s creation around us when we get a “tunnel vision” in our daily busy lives-especially the BIG cities! I (Sal) challenge you all to at times go out to enjoy nature’s beauty and explore God’s beautiful creation (e.g. plants, animals, sky, etc..). I picked-up snowboarding this past winter to just get outside from being inside all the time. I would stand on top of the hill and just have a conversation with my Heavenly Father. I looked around the top of the hill where I started and marveled the view Well, “Happy Earth Day”…
As I wrote the above reflection on my facebook wall, I remembered my time when I visited the Philippines back in 2001. I didn’t realize how clean we got it back in the U.S. (well, maybe just Minnesota-Morris especially)! My nose was itchy and I blew my nose to get the dirt and never saw much dirt from my nose in one blow! It was from just going through the heavily densed polluted metro city of Manila (captial of the Philippines). It’s so bad there that 3M’s face masks would be sold out there!
We need to keep our environment clean-not just for us, but the future generations that will be coming behind us!
Past Earth Day Activities
I remember growing-up in east St. Paul and our school had all the students plant trees at a nearby park (Battle Creek). It was always a memorable experience because we had the chance to just get out of the classroom and enjoy the weather outside. I then came home all muddy and dirty, but it was all worth it.
Just several years later, I went to Middle School or Junior High-we did an all day activity by cleaning up the neighborhood around the school. The group I was part of went across the street to this wooded creek area to pick-up trash. Since then, I’ve grown-up naturally to just pick-up trash around me-well, I try most of the time! What can we learn from this? We need to teach the young generation “good habits” of keeping God’ creation clean while they are young. Thus, they’ll do unto the next generation!
I’m not married yet (Nov 06′); however, I would like to share some wisdom from God’s word after many recent incidents (e.g. friend’s boyfriend “pushed her around”, so she went to a guy’s friend’s house overnight this past week; parents’ going through a season of challenges again; friends just broke-up; co-worker asked me to work for her as she is going through a “mental breakdown”; financial challenges; etc.. & also from my own personal family.) lately. My personal input is the need of God to be the center of your marriage relationship-this means have Jesus the Lord of your finances, house, jobs, totally everything…(learn more!). I believe there is some “spiritual attacks”, which the “man of the house” needs to be equipped to combat the enemy-Satan-“he” wants to divide whatever God brings together! When I was at my parents’ house one weekend, I notice the “tension”. I decided to do what I do at my house, which is playing “Christian music” 24/7 in various volumes (low at night and loud during the day). Somehow this brings a “positive”, “peaceful”, “God present”-environment; try it! I could say most or all of the recent incidents is caused by the “lack of fellowship/socializing” with others (better with believers/Christians because of the encouragement to build one another up in a “Godly” way!). We need to be part of a “community” that helps support one another, which is one of the reasons why I love it at Morris. -Finances Still not married (July 7th of 2007) as I write more on this topic. This has been a growing and on-going issue in my intermediate family, so I decided to “google” on this. I found some interesting advice…
When I was growing up in St. Paul, my parents fought all the time. They told me it was natural as parents as they try to convey their issues and work it out together. There were times where I got really bothered hearing them fight. In fact, it affected my social life going to school. I was very quite, shy, and passive somehow when I was with my friends or classmates. It seem like I was holding-up this anger inside and I didn’t know where to release it-really didn’t have anyone to confide or talk to about how I felt.
I remember several times my mom would say “I want a divorce” or “I don’t know why I married your dad”. This really hurted me because I didn’t want to see my dad or mom to separate. I remember saying this a couple of times as I matured, “You two brought us (my siblings and I) to this world together, so you need to stay together to bring us into the world! Then you can get divorce, but till then you need to finish the job you started”. Looking back at this, I personally feel parents have to be careful what they say in front of their kids. I wished my mom had another adult she could express our feelings to. I feel parents need that extra support or sometype of fellowship of other adults that are close to share; instead of their kids. Parents need to model for their children. Children are the real victims of their parents actions: adulther, divorce, abuse, etc…It’s sad that they can’t just speak up on how they feel!
Watch the intimate scene that is moving the hearts of Father’s all over the world, including Soldiers like myself, fighting in Afghanistan. It’s a call to action, to recommit and resolve to their roles as a Godly Father, Husband, and Men of God.
If you’ve seen WAR ROOM and heard Miss Clara’s prayer at the end, you know there’s power when we pray to God—the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives and in our world. Need a reminder?
Lyrics: (Psalm 139, Philippians 4:6-7, Habakkuk 3:17-19, James 1:5-8)
What do you think about when you look at me
I know we’re not the fairytale you dreamed we’d be
You wore the veil, you walked the aisle, you took my hand
And we dove into a mystery
How I wish we could go back to simpler times
Before all our scars and all our secrets were in the light
Now on this hallowed ground, we’ve drawn the battle lines
Will we make it through the night
It’s going to take much more than promises this time
Only God can change our minds
Maybe you and I were never meant to be complete
Could we just be broken together
If you can bring your shattered dreams and I’ll bring mine
Could healing still be spoken and save us
The only way we’ll last forever is broken together
How it must have been so lonely by my side
We were building kingdoms and chasing dreams and left love behind
I’m praying God will help our broken hearts align
And we won’t give up the fight
Music video by Casting Crowns performing Broken Together (Official Music Video). (C) 2014 Provident Label Group LLC, a unit of Sony Music Entertainment..”
To the Sons and Daughters of Divorce Article by Paul Maxwell Regular Contributor desiringgod.org “…Children with divorced parents have experienced a different kind of violent, traumatic collision. And every child of divorce must likewise walk a path of healing. It will, of course look different for different sons and daughters, but no one can deny that the emotional and relational bleeding needs attention, likely long after the papers are filed.
A chorus of adults with long-divorced parents will dismiss in unison: “I’m not broken, thanks very much. I’m not a project. I’m fine. It’s not even a big deal. I’m not a victim, and it certainly doesn’t deserve this much attention.” I totally get that. Depending on the day, I might say the same thing if I read my first two paragraphs.
My parents divorced when I was nine. I’m not a victim, but the break still broke me. It wounded me in ways I could not control. Years later, because I didn’t have the resources to work through things as a nine-year-old boy, certain forms of brokenness seem native and normal to me.
“The break that happens between mom and dad in divorce happens within the child.”
Divorce “attacks the self, because the self is formed within the belonging and meaning provided by the family. When it is destroyed, the threat of lost place and lost purpose becomes a reality. Without place or purpose, one becomes a lost self” (Andrew Root, Children of Divorce, ..”
To the Sons and Daughters of Divorce Article by Paul Maxwell
Regular Contributor desiringgod.org “…Children with divorced parents have experienced a different kind of violent, traumatic collision. And every child of divorce must likewise walk a path of healing. It will, of course look different for different sons and daughters, but no one can deny that the emotional and relational bleeding needs attention, likely long after the papers are filed.
..
My parents divorced when I was nine. I’m not a victim, but the break still broke me. It wounded me in ways I could not control. Years later, because I didn’t have the resources to work through things as a nine-year-old boy, certain forms of brokenness seem native and normal to me.
The psychological effects of divorce may touch divorcees, children, family and friends. Speak to a divorce lawyer today about coping with divorce. Read more at http://www.floridadcf.org”
My wife and I are sharing this short yet powerful testimony of a little girl who is struggling with the battle taking place between her Dad and Mom. As I watched it today, I was very inspired, as well as saddened, for although the little girl’s heart’s desire is right . . . she did not know how to fix a seemingly impossible dilemma. So many of God’s children are struggling, and although they may sincerely desire for their marriage healed and restored, they often do not realize what it is they are literally fighting against, nor where the fight is coming from . . . My wife and I know all to well from personal experience what this battle is like. For we wrestled for years to overcome, yet it seemed no matter how hard we “tried,” nothing seemed to really work. Looking back now, I clearly see that we were “fighting” in the flesh, rather than the power of God’s Spirit ! For our Father in heaven has given each of us great Light from His Word, and above all, this assurance . . . “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (weak and human), but mighty (full of power and possible) through God . . . to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing (those spirits, and powers of the air) that exalts itself against the knowledge (knowing – John 17:3) of God . . . And bringing into captivity every thought to the perfect obedience of Christ !” II Corinthians 10:4-5 & ref: Ephesians 2:2 “We wrestle not against flesh and blood (not our spouse, nor even our own), but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness* of this world . . . against spiritual wickedness in the heavens . . . Wherefore my brother and sister, take unto you the whole armour of God (Deity – II Peter 1:4), so that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day . . . and having done all, to stand ! . . . . Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with the Truth (John 17:17), and having on the breastplate of righteousness (Jeremiah 23:5-6) . . . And your feet shod with the preparation (ointment) of the Glad Tidings of Peace . . . And above all, taking the shield of faith . . . and faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17) . . . wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one (Satan, the devil) . . . And take the helmet of your Salvation (that deliverance, freedom and healing wrought and complete for you by the Lord Jesus Christ), and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God . . . !” Ephesians 6:12-18 “For it is not by might, nor by power . . . but by My Spirit saith the LORD of hosts !” Zechariah 4:6 “And the Words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are Life !” John 6:63 and ref: Isaiah 55:8-11 We pray that this little girls testimony will touch you. And I encourage you also to watch the story of the miracle which the LORD did in our lives, and is more than willing also to do in yours, if you will seek Him with all your heart, and fight the good fight of faith !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCg93… – The Dragon Revealed – a True Story Please contact us if we can be of help. And remember, With God, “all things are possible to him that believeth . . . !” Mark 9:23
“Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.”-Matthew 12:25
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