Now, some of you out there might have very verbose answers containing words that I have never heard and probably never will again. The language is obscure, and the content is deep. You're a smart kid. You're a legit intellectual. But what does it do for other people? Yeah, sure, it's great for the older people who wanna learn about groundhogs, but what about the little children who just wanna know what a groundhog is. When we get bogged down with details, we forget the big picture. The facts that everyone agrees on. The simple stuff. The definitions like "a groundhog is an animal that eats all my veggies". We overlook the obvious, and we get taken away with the nitty gritty.
And we do the same thing with Jesus.
Yup, I went there. We start talking about the nitty gritty and forget what Jesus is really about. He's our Savior, the guy who came from Heaven to die, rise again, and defeat death FOR US. All we have to do is believe in Jesus, and we have ETERNAL LIFE. This is the God who wants a personal relationship with US, and gave His Son up to death for just that. And we have to do nothing but believe. Wow. Whoa. What. Is. This. It's craziness. That's what it is. And we forget that craziness, don't we? We spend so much time on the little details that we forget the big picture. Our salvation story.
By the blood of Jesus, we are saved.
Hallelujah.
Are you saved today?
Friday, August 30, 2013
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Do Groundhogs Have Their Own Written Language? (My Nerdy Post)
Groundhogs don't. But I really wish they did. They really are missing out. Actually, a lot of people are missing out too. Some crazy people barely ever read or write any hardcore fiction (or at least something imaginative, relational, and mind-blowing). Again, they're crazy.
So, I have to tell you what you're missing out on. You're missing out on FUN.
Fictional parties for your soul.
Understanding what a fictional party for your soul is.
Nagging the misfortunate who don't understand what a fictional party for your soul is.
Total FUN right there. But let me explain each one a little more.
Some people think people who like to read don't like parties. But reading is a party. A SOUL PARTY. Every time I read a book, new to me or old to me, it's like a reunion. They're my buddies. I mean, the characters, not the books themselves... Yeah, I totally mean the characters... Hahaha.... :D
If you're insane and don't understand what a soul party is, READ A BOOK. It's magical. Legit magical. If you still don't get it.... #frustration.
Did I just use a hashtag? I repent.
Anyway, as I said before, I nag those who don't understand. I don't really need to explain that.
Then again, I didn't really need to explain any of this. And I don't even know where I'm going with this. But reading and writing is FUN.
Yeah, my nerdy post. Also known as my nerdy rant...
What would your nerdy post be about?
So, I have to tell you what you're missing out on. You're missing out on FUN.
Fictional parties for your soul.
Understanding what a fictional party for your soul is.
Nagging the misfortunate who don't understand what a fictional party for your soul is.
Total FUN right there. But let me explain each one a little more.
Some people think people who like to read don't like parties. But reading is a party. A SOUL PARTY. Every time I read a book, new to me or old to me, it's like a reunion. They're my buddies. I mean, the characters, not the books themselves... Yeah, I totally mean the characters... Hahaha.... :D
If you're insane and don't understand what a soul party is, READ A BOOK. It's magical. Legit magical. If you still don't get it.... #frustration.
Did I just use a hashtag? I repent.
Anyway, as I said before, I nag those who don't understand. I don't really need to explain that.
Then again, I didn't really need to explain any of this. And I don't even know where I'm going with this. But reading and writing is FUN.
Yeah, my nerdy post. Also known as my nerdy rant...
What would your nerdy post be about?
Friday, August 23, 2013
Are You Afraid of Snakes?
Groundhogs are. Especially the young ones. Snakes even go into their burrows. And we know what happens next. I never really understood how snakes can fit so much in their bellies, but they can. Kinda like my dad. According to the Chinese zodiac, my dad was born in the year of the snake. Figures. Just kidding. (Love you, Dad.)
Have you ever thought of the places that act as burrows in your life? Whether it's your prayer time and/or your deep friend time, you should have a place where you feel free to release your feelings and take refuge. You should feel safe. Like a groundhog in its burrow, this is the place you call home.
But what if you aren't as safe as you thought.
Now, hold up. I don't find that very comforting. I started to think about this when I was awkwardly googling groundhogs for inspiration (I never thought I'd write that on the Internet). Wikipedia told me that snakes sneak into the burrows and easily prey on little groundhogs. And their easiest catches are often the youngest. That's logical, but think about it. What snakes are getting into your burrows?
And I never thought I'd ask random strangers that question.
Anyway, snakes get into my burrows often. When I'm with my friends, the snakes come in the forms of jealousy, annoyance, vanity, insecurity and so forth. Although my friends and I grow closer and grow stronger, we still have issues like those because we're human. And that's what humans do. There are also snakes when I talk to God. As much as I'd like to say I'm the perfect Christian, it's not true. I'm still human, and even though I can do all the right things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13), I'm not usually relying on Christ to strengthen me. It's a hard truth, but it's the truth. When I'm praying or just trying to live a life centered on Christ, snakes like doubt, pride, and way too many more keep on getting in my burrow.
So, what do we do about this?
Yeah, that's a hard question. By ourselves, we can't do it. Yes, like young groundhogs, the younger you are (on your journey with Christ), the easier it is for the snakes to enter in. But still, no matter how mature you are in Christ, those snakes are gonna come in. No doubt there. But snakes came into Jesus' burrow too (when He was tempted), but He didn't get eaten by them. He defeated them. That's what we've got to do too. But again, we can't do it alone. So, I conclude with the verse mentioned above:
"I can do all this through him who gives me strength."-Philippians 4:13
And that's why we have to stop fearing those snakes.
Note: Your journey still won't be perfect once you first rely on Jesus, because you're gonna forget to rely on Him sometimes (most of the time). This just means we've got to cry out to God when the snakes start to get us, and then Christ will give us strength and protection from those snakes.
Have you ever thought of the places that act as burrows in your life? Whether it's your prayer time and/or your deep friend time, you should have a place where you feel free to release your feelings and take refuge. You should feel safe. Like a groundhog in its burrow, this is the place you call home.
But what if you aren't as safe as you thought.
Now, hold up. I don't find that very comforting. I started to think about this when I was awkwardly googling groundhogs for inspiration (I never thought I'd write that on the Internet). Wikipedia told me that snakes sneak into the burrows and easily prey on little groundhogs. And their easiest catches are often the youngest. That's logical, but think about it. What snakes are getting into your burrows?
And I never thought I'd ask random strangers that question.
Anyway, snakes get into my burrows often. When I'm with my friends, the snakes come in the forms of jealousy, annoyance, vanity, insecurity and so forth. Although my friends and I grow closer and grow stronger, we still have issues like those because we're human. And that's what humans do. There are also snakes when I talk to God. As much as I'd like to say I'm the perfect Christian, it's not true. I'm still human, and even though I can do all the right things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13), I'm not usually relying on Christ to strengthen me. It's a hard truth, but it's the truth. When I'm praying or just trying to live a life centered on Christ, snakes like doubt, pride, and way too many more keep on getting in my burrow.
So, what do we do about this?
Yeah, that's a hard question. By ourselves, we can't do it. Yes, like young groundhogs, the younger you are (on your journey with Christ), the easier it is for the snakes to enter in. But still, no matter how mature you are in Christ, those snakes are gonna come in. No doubt there. But snakes came into Jesus' burrow too (when He was tempted), but He didn't get eaten by them. He defeated them. That's what we've got to do too. But again, we can't do it alone. So, I conclude with the verse mentioned above:
"I can do all this through him who gives me strength."-Philippians 4:13
And that's why we have to stop fearing those snakes.
Note: Your journey still won't be perfect once you first rely on Jesus, because you're gonna forget to rely on Him sometimes (most of the time). This just means we've got to cry out to God when the snakes start to get us, and then Christ will give us strength and protection from those snakes.
Do You Know What Pain is?
I don't know if groundhogs know what pain is, but humans sure do. It hurts. It's not fun. It's not necessarily physical, but it's a horrible sensation nonetheless. It really gets to me, and it makes me feel hopeless. So, why is there pain anyway?
When you were little, did your legs ever get these weird, tight cramps? Mine did. At first, I hated them with everything in me. I would have my mom and dad rub my legs until the pain would go away or I would fall asleep. It was the worst, and I dreaded the pain. But there came a point when I noticed what the pain meant for me.
I was growing in my pain.
I would ache and wake up taller. It became exciting. Growing pains. I loved it. I would legit pray for growing pains so that I could wake up feeling a little bit taller and a little bit more successful. Pain was good.
But what if I tell you that all pain is good? What if I tell you that it's all necessary growing pains?
I don't like that. Do you?
I especially don't like it when I'm in pain. I wanna be a victim. We all wanna be victims, because it means we're innocent, totally not responsible for our situations. But are we really victims?
We deserve death. We are not victims.
Or are we? As I once read in a book by Robin Jones Gunn, we are victims--victims of GRACE. We mess up and bring pain for us and everyone around us; everyone around us messes up and brings pain for us too. But God takes these mistakes and uses them for our good. We may not see it, and we may never see it. Sometimes it's hidden. But I promise that God is using your pain right now to shape you and the others around you. I promise that God is going to turn your pain into a multitude of blessings, big and little. Chain reaction blessings. That will change the world in ways no one will ever understand. And the Kingdom of God will grow each and every day.
We sin, and God gives us grace. God turns our pains into growing pains.
And that's one reason why God lets bad things happen. But there's more. So much more. But if we knew all of God's reasons, then we'd be God, and that can't happen. So, we'll have to settle for being victims of grace and, of course, victims of love.
Do you know what pain is now?
When you were little, did your legs ever get these weird, tight cramps? Mine did. At first, I hated them with everything in me. I would have my mom and dad rub my legs until the pain would go away or I would fall asleep. It was the worst, and I dreaded the pain. But there came a point when I noticed what the pain meant for me.
I was growing in my pain.
I would ache and wake up taller. It became exciting. Growing pains. I loved it. I would legit pray for growing pains so that I could wake up feeling a little bit taller and a little bit more successful. Pain was good.
But what if I tell you that all pain is good? What if I tell you that it's all necessary growing pains?
I don't like that. Do you?
I especially don't like it when I'm in pain. I wanna be a victim. We all wanna be victims, because it means we're innocent, totally not responsible for our situations. But are we really victims?
We deserve death. We are not victims.
Or are we? As I once read in a book by Robin Jones Gunn, we are victims--victims of GRACE. We mess up and bring pain for us and everyone around us; everyone around us messes up and brings pain for us too. But God takes these mistakes and uses them for our good. We may not see it, and we may never see it. Sometimes it's hidden. But I promise that God is using your pain right now to shape you and the others around you. I promise that God is going to turn your pain into a multitude of blessings, big and little. Chain reaction blessings. That will change the world in ways no one will ever understand. And the Kingdom of God will grow each and every day.
We sin, and God gives us grace. God turns our pains into growing pains.
And that's one reason why God lets bad things happen. But there's more. So much more. But if we knew all of God's reasons, then we'd be God, and that can't happen. So, we'll have to settle for being victims of grace and, of course, victims of love.
Do you know what pain is now?
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Have You Ever Marveled at the Sky?
Groundhogs do. I think you should too. You really should marvel at the sky. All the time. I don't do it enough. When I do look at the sky, it makes me grateful. All the colors seem to guard me, but the space makes me feel limitless. I'm safe, but I'm free. It's kinda insane. So, if your life needs a bit of insanity, look up. Yes, that means we should all look up.
Have you ever felt like an empty container of ice cream? Like, life was once so sweet, but someone or something ate all your sweetness away? Well, I have. If you haven't, can I be you? I mean, you're humanly impossible.
One night, I was feeling restless, but not in a physical way. It was in a I'm-getting-emotional-I-need-to-feel-loved-in-an-amazing-way way. I felt special love, but I didn't feel super, super, special love. Make sense? So, I prayed. In short, I prayed for God to open up my ears to hear what He had to say, whatever that may be. And I went to bed. Exhausted. Hopeful. Humble. If there was one thing different in my prayer that night, it was humility--God-given humility. Suddenly, it wasn't God who had to hear me, but it was me who had to hear God. I don't feel that very often.
I woke up. There was no crashing thunder or parted seas, but I didn't notice that too much. My expectations were low and typical. I got ready. Nothing special. I went downstairs and walked into the living room. Now, that was special. Through the front window, I saw the most brilliant sunrise I have ever seen. And I've been to Hawaii. Hawaii had nothing on this. The sky was lavender (oh, yeah) and orange. My heart. It flew. I felt like heaven met earth. I felt like God met me. Right where I was. In my living room. God answered my prayer.
We have such an awesome God, active in our lives and loving us always.
Then I realized I hadn't had my morning quiet time. So, I ran upstairs to my bedroom and grabbed my Bible. I flipped open to the book of Hebrews, but kept searching. I knew there'd be a hidden jewel in the book of Psalm. I didn't think it would be so intense, but God had something special for me in His Great Love Letter. I turned to this verse.
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."-Psalm 19:1
My heart. It flew again. All of Psalm 19. It was beautiful. Sometimes I forget that the Bible is not just a bunch of stories that can save the lives of everyone. It's a love letter, perfectly crafted and personally made for each and every one of us. Individually. Sometimes I forget that Jesus' dying to save us is really Jesus dying to love us.
And love never fails.
That's why you should marvel at the sky.
Have you ever felt like an empty container of ice cream? Like, life was once so sweet, but someone or something ate all your sweetness away? Well, I have. If you haven't, can I be you? I mean, you're humanly impossible.
One night, I was feeling restless, but not in a physical way. It was in a I'm-getting-emotional-I-need-to-feel-loved-in-an-amazing-way way. I felt special love, but I didn't feel super, super, special love. Make sense? So, I prayed. In short, I prayed for God to open up my ears to hear what He had to say, whatever that may be. And I went to bed. Exhausted. Hopeful. Humble. If there was one thing different in my prayer that night, it was humility--God-given humility. Suddenly, it wasn't God who had to hear me, but it was me who had to hear God. I don't feel that very often.
I woke up. There was no crashing thunder or parted seas, but I didn't notice that too much. My expectations were low and typical. I got ready. Nothing special. I went downstairs and walked into the living room. Now, that was special. Through the front window, I saw the most brilliant sunrise I have ever seen. And I've been to Hawaii. Hawaii had nothing on this. The sky was lavender (oh, yeah) and orange. My heart. It flew. I felt like heaven met earth. I felt like God met me. Right where I was. In my living room. God answered my prayer.
We have such an awesome God, active in our lives and loving us always.
Then I realized I hadn't had my morning quiet time. So, I ran upstairs to my bedroom and grabbed my Bible. I flipped open to the book of Hebrews, but kept searching. I knew there'd be a hidden jewel in the book of Psalm. I didn't think it would be so intense, but God had something special for me in His Great Love Letter. I turned to this verse.
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."-Psalm 19:1
My heart. It flew again. All of Psalm 19. It was beautiful. Sometimes I forget that the Bible is not just a bunch of stories that can save the lives of everyone. It's a love letter, perfectly crafted and personally made for each and every one of us. Individually. Sometimes I forget that Jesus' dying to save us is really Jesus dying to love us.
And love never fails.
That's why you should marvel at the sky.
Why Am I Writing About Groundhogs?
Groundhogs live in burrows. This blog is meant to be my burrow. It's a little home for my thoughts and my feelings, and it's a home meant to be shared. So, welcome to my burrow!
But let's be honest. That's not why I named this The Groundhog Blog. This summer, a groundhog has basically deprived me of my health. Not to be overdramatic, but she ate my veggies, and I like my fresh garden veggies. She has finally disappeared just in time for the summer to finish and vegetable season to come to a close. You see, this groundhog hasn't been helping me out very much. And I don't exactly like this animal for that very reason (although I hope it's disappearance doesn't mean its death).
So, why name this blog after a groundhog? Well, my original reason was because my friend and I wrote a hilarious and awkward short drama in which I was a groundhog who ate a lily named after my friend (it was obviously for our intellectual growth). So, that leaves me with this interesting nickname. And groundhog rhymes with blog. Gotta get that rhyming in.
Now I have a better reason for naming this The Groundhog Blog. We're all like the groundhog that ate my veggies. All of us. No exceptions. We take all that wonderful goodness for ourselves. And we don't share. We are selfish animals in a selfish world. But God still loves us.
Okay, so I know most of the few (very, very few) people who stumbled onto this blog have possibly clicked off and left me as just another piece of the internet. Not everyone likes to talk about God, but everyone thinks about Him, so keep on reading.
We all wanna be like God. We all wanna call the shots and be on the top of the world. That's even why Adam and Eve ate the fruit. They wanted to know it all like the Big Guy in heaven. That didn't really work out for them, did it?
But God still loves us crazy children. Because He loves us and has made us to love Him back, God sent Jesus to die for all our sins. The perfect sacrifice. No flaws. No sin. Just awesome. We only need to believe in Jesus, and we are saved. That's the center of my faith. I know so many people have heard this verse or at least have seen it's address on a sport icon's face, but I'm gonna put it here, and I want you to really THINK about it.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." -John 3:16 (TNIV)
It's epic, right?
(P.S. I didn't mean for this to be a mini sermon, but it happened.... )
But let's be honest. That's not why I named this The Groundhog Blog. This summer, a groundhog has basically deprived me of my health. Not to be overdramatic, but she ate my veggies, and I like my fresh garden veggies. She has finally disappeared just in time for the summer to finish and vegetable season to come to a close. You see, this groundhog hasn't been helping me out very much. And I don't exactly like this animal for that very reason (although I hope it's disappearance doesn't mean its death).
So, why name this blog after a groundhog? Well, my original reason was because my friend and I wrote a hilarious and awkward short drama in which I was a groundhog who ate a lily named after my friend (it was obviously for our intellectual growth). So, that leaves me with this interesting nickname. And groundhog rhymes with blog. Gotta get that rhyming in.
Now I have a better reason for naming this The Groundhog Blog. We're all like the groundhog that ate my veggies. All of us. No exceptions. We take all that wonderful goodness for ourselves. And we don't share. We are selfish animals in a selfish world. But God still loves us.
Okay, so I know most of the few (very, very few) people who stumbled onto this blog have possibly clicked off and left me as just another piece of the internet. Not everyone likes to talk about God, but everyone thinks about Him, so keep on reading.
We all wanna be like God. We all wanna call the shots and be on the top of the world. That's even why Adam and Eve ate the fruit. They wanted to know it all like the Big Guy in heaven. That didn't really work out for them, did it?
But God still loves us crazy children. Because He loves us and has made us to love Him back, God sent Jesus to die for all our sins. The perfect sacrifice. No flaws. No sin. Just awesome. We only need to believe in Jesus, and we are saved. That's the center of my faith. I know so many people have heard this verse or at least have seen it's address on a sport icon's face, but I'm gonna put it here, and I want you to really THINK about it.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." -John 3:16 (TNIV)
It's epic, right?
(P.S. I didn't mean for this to be a mini sermon, but it happened.... )
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