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Musing, writing and such

I am sitting here watching a couple of college football games, none of which actually matter to me so I decided I would take this opportunity to drop a few lines on my blog.  After attempting to sign in a few times I realized just how long it has been since I have logged on and dropped a blog.  My “remember password” had gone on vacation and there were bits of dust and cobwebs strewn about once I finally password recovered.  Brilliant!!  It was not for lack of desire to blog that I have stayed away, it was for the lack of topics that I felt strongly enough to blog about.  I have done two types of post on this here blog, either religious/theological or MMA/sports and I am slightly afraid my blog will become type cast.

However, with that being said, the first portion of this particular blog will indeed be something out of the religion section to be followed by something in the sports section.

One of my dear friends, Brett Tilford (follow him on twitter @bretttilford) has just written a blog that I have been working through in my brain.  Here it is.  Hopefully you have just read this blog so you will not be lost.  If not I will attempt to summarize the blog here:  He loathes the phrase, “We don’t have religion, we have relationship.”  It comes across as arrogant and presents a “we” vs. “they” mentality.    Shortly following his post a few others have commented and they seem to all agree.  I say seem because I don’t understand some of the phrases that are used by the “…look at me I went to seminary…” types.  Honestly, that upset me more than anything, but hell, that isn’t the point… …what was the point, oh yeah, religion vs. relationship.

I often use this phrase and to me it makes perfect sense.  Here is religion at its best:  “Do this, don’t do that and give me money… ….blah blah, sing some songs… …give me more money, the red convertible I already drive isn’t good enough I need the new one…”  Religion is based on Do’s and Do not’s.  And it is universal; it is Catholic, Methodist, Buddhist, Hindu and Islam.  Religion is “I am right, you are wrong, good luck with the afterlife…”

I don’t say that I have relationship because it makes me feel like I have finally reached the pinnacle of my spiritual life.  I say it because to me, having a personal relationship with my creator and savior and walking in that relationship is far more important than following the do’s and do not’s of the local “Church”.  (Which today has been turned into a building and is no longer the people, no matter what the average “minister” tells you?)

B, grab your bucket.  I have relationship, I don’t have religion.  Does this make me better then “them?” No!

This does not mean that I have figured out all of the mysteries of the world, nor does it mean that I have or have not been more enlighten then you.  It simply means that I refuse to believe that Christ’s goal in walking on this earth and meeting with the prostitutes and tax collectors in their homes was so he could give them a bunch of rules.  Maybe we should revisit the beatitudes and maybe we should follow along in the gospels as Christ walks through life ministering and loving on those he was around.  Sure there was some hard love, but I don’t remember him calling anyone to “…follow me and all these rules and regulations that I will put forth. Oh and don’t forget to tip your pastors..”

My Newest Thought

I am tired of hearing the analogy: “if your on the bench in your “Christian” walk, you are wrong.”  This is the dumbest thing I have ever heard.  In any sporting event or game in which one would sit on a bench, no one player plays every minute of every game with zero breaks.  It NEVER happens, even the great Cal Ripkin Jr took a game off, Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, took  a seat on the bench to allow Steve Kerr some time.  Here is my new take on this old saying: If you aren’t in the game, dont’ worry about it, study the play book, pay attention and getting ready, so that when your number is called, YOU can not only be in the game, but you can succeed!

I have been thinking and a lot of the times it seems that we are constantly being told, get involved in your local church, if you aren’t ministering to someone seek out a group that needs help and help them.  I believe that their are times and places for all of that.  But let’s look at what Christ was about on this earth: 1- Christ was baptized (we can liken this to us choosing to serve God), 2- he went out to the desert to fast and be tempted (preparing to be in the game) 3- He called his disciples (started his ministry) 4- Went alone into the garden to pray (was still before God-preparing to re-enter the game) 5- Died and rose again for us (fulfilled what he was called to do) 6- Re-connected with his disciples (trained others to help them get ready to be in the game) 7-Gave his final commands (was in the game).  Christ, whom we are to be like, took time to sit on the bench and seek God’s heart.  He was not constantly bombarded with ministry.

“Be still and know that I am God.”

That ring a bell?  Beuller, Beuller? I guess all this to say, If your not in the Game, prepare, so that when your number is called you are equipped to do what is asked of you.

An athlete is known, not by his actions on the field, but rather, by his daily preparation. The greats of our time (Jerry Rice, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, King James…) these guys where known to have the hardest work ethic, and to have spent more time in mental preparation then other players in the sports.

One last Analogy, For those of you who don’t know I am a HUGE MMA fan.  I think that there are few things better then a couple of guys getting into the cage and attempting to impose their will on the other.  The person who usually wins, 99% of the time has spent more time in the gym, more time on the mat and more time studying his opponents weaknesses then the person he beats.  When the fight is over, they do not go climb into another cage, ring or octagon, they grab their closest friends go back to their Camp, rest, heal and begin training for the next challenge.  If they lose, and they all do at some point, they go back, rest, heal and train again.

We need to be like those fighters, win or lose, we pick ourselves up go back to our camp, rest (be still), Heal (find the wounds and emotional damage and begin working it out) and train (meet with our fellow believers, meet with God, get into the word) and prepare for the call that sends us back into the Cage.  We have the greatest corner man in the world, for who better to give you by the second changes then God himself.

Dogs more important then… …Humans?!

I was watching my shows two of which are on ESPN, Pardon the Interruption and Around the Horn, when I heard something that I just had to post.  Dante Stallworth, a wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints, was sentenced to 30 days in jail for hitting a pedestrian while driving drunk.  Now under normal circumstances I would not think twice about this, but then I remembered one Michael Vick who just spent 19 months in prison for fighting dogs.  Now I am not saying that dogs, animals for that matter, have no place in our hearts.  They are great pets, they are great companions and I have really enjoyed the ones I have had, as i am sure you have.  However, I can not think that for one minute that someone acting irresponsible and killing someone should in any way garner less of a sentence then killing an Animal!  My beautiful fiancee completely disagree, she argues (and it does make sense) that Vick intentionally fought animals, thus intentionally hurt them and therefore deserves a longer punishment over Dante who merely got drunk and accidentally killed someone.  I get the difference and I still think that killing a PERSON, a HUMAN should grab you a longer sentence.  The moment you step into that vehicle impaired you are intentionally doing it, and therefore your actions should be judged as such.  I will not lie to you and tell you that I have never driven impaired, because I have, but I have decided that it will never happen again because I don’t ever want to cause someone their life. My Fiancee has the biggest, sweetest heart I know and believes 100% that Animals have souls and feelings, as for me, I am still unsure at this point.

I posed this question to her, “You are told you MUST shoot either the Animal or the Human in front of you, which one do you shoot.” to which she replied, “the person asking me to make the choice.”  Well played sly woman you, But now I ask you, my reader:

You have an animal and a human in front of you, both are great beings, the person feeds the homeless gives money to the poor is the perfect saint and the dog is a seeing eye dog, great with children.  You must shoot one of them, not the person asking, not fire your round into the air, you must point and shoot either the Human or the Animal, the fate of the world depends on you doing it, which is it?

I for one will shoot the dog without a second thought for me, the choice is simple: Animals are great, but humans are far more important.

Post your answers and any comments you have on the situation!

This, My Comback pt. 3

Finishing my third week of training tomorrow learning some things, lots of things.
1) Training partners have a direct impact on your ability to push through pain and or not be able too! Secondly, they can wreck your concentration if you are not careful to tune them out. Finally, you can Not, under any circumstances trust that they are willing to go the distance that you must go in order to perform at the level you desire. My current training partner tries hard but grew up with a different type of training. First, he is a sprint freestyler and I am an individual medley person. The first week it didn’t matter because I was just trying to get my feel, week two was okay because I was still trying to get my feel. I am now feeling almost normal in the water and I am upping yardage each time (avg. 3500 yds each workout) the sprinter not so Into it. Excuses as to why he can’t or won’t keep up with me abound. If you have ever trained with me you know my best workouts are when I am chasing someone. I need that, no crave that little added incentive to do catch some one.

2) Direction. I need help. I don’t like knowingwhat my workout is until I get on the pool deck. I like finding out about each set as it comes along. Currently I am writing my own workouts, which tends to make not knowing pretty tough. I think I will try to contact an old coach of mine and see what he can do for me.

3) first meet is 30 days away. Very nervous I mean what if I get up there and some 55 yr old hack with a beer belly and a pink poka dot speedo makes me look like a chump? I will be relying heavily on my pride and competative nature to take over and push me through the pains of my first race in four years or more.

4) I am loving every step, no matter how frustrating!

What is in a Label?

Recently I have become immersed in a fantastic debate on my friend’s blog. I would suggest you start there before heading over here, it is wonderfully written and thought-provoking if anything ever was.

I have been on quite a journey with quite a few things in my spiritual life. One of the things I have been struggling with is labels (which is the topic of the post that I suggested you read at the top of this post). Let me start by saying I am not in any way suggesting that if one calls him/herself a christian that they are wrong, or religious or any such negative comment. These are my views on the topic and mine alone, I do not pretend that I am the end, but merely stating my point of view. Having finished all the PC BS, I can now move on to my point of view:

Backstreet Boys, Boys II Men, Gary Busy, MC Hammer, DMX, 50 Cent, Lindsey Lohan, and my personal Favorite, Andrea Yates. These are a list of person who call themselves Christians, better yet, they are a list of persons who take part in the religion that is Christianity. The Bible says, “we shall know them by their fruits..” Well a man who sings about loose women, gang banging and what not, not exactly what I would call “Christian” qualities that I want to be connected with. Andrea Yates, what did she do, she killed her kids in the name of Christ because they were not “behaving” not “developing” properly. OH yes, please let me be connected with her, or how about the Crusades? Yes, all done in the name of Christianity, Christianity!! Not Christ, not God, but the religion that is Christianity! Yes please sign me up! Excuse me for not wanting that had taste in peoples mouths when I speak of them on my beliefs, no don’t excuse me, just get over it! It was said that it is:

“You may share your beliefs with people whenever they ask, and you may even use the name ‘Jesus’. But to say, “I believe in Jesus”, and refuse the label ‘Christian’ does come off a bit… well, it is just not feasible, nor honest, in the context of today’s world.”

I argue that it is not only feasible, but that those of us who truly follow Christ, and do enjoy our personal relationships with him might consider moving away from a name that is tarnished via the world. As to it being dishonest, I am being more honest by saying that I believe in Christ and the things he has done for me, but that I am not a christian, is more accurate and true for me. Let’s explore what a “Christian” is these days, perception is what we are going with not what they may actually be:

1. They go to church- I don’t go to a Church (I will explain this stance shortly)

2. They are Arrogant, dogmatic know it alls- which I do not believe I am, I am open to discussion, I think having debates and discussing ideas is very important.

3. They are Liars and Cheats- I say this because I used to work for someone who was an Elder at a church I went to, he was also a business man. He was the biggest liar, cheat, manipulator I have ever worked for. Cheated me out of commissions and was sly when it came to his customers, bare minimum. Ardent Atheists are more scrupulous then most “Christian” businessmen.

By perception I am not a person of the Christian Religion, therefore I am not a Christian.

Another topic which has come up is the idea that one must be apart of a church, a congregation of persons who sing 5 songs, give money to pay the guy(or gal) that is going to give the message (about 45 min) shake hands, stand up sit down, so on and forth. I completely agree that one must Fellowship with other believers, but I do not remember the bible saying it must be at a corporate looking building with a steeple and some guy must lead it who has been to seminary and thus believes he has a direct line so that God can call him any time he has a question. Do I need to sit next to 499 other people to get my healthy dose of God? NO! I can chat with my friend Brett, and talk and pray with him, or I can go play ultimate Frisbee, then go grab a beer and just enjoy being in the presence of another that believes similarly as I do. Christ himself spent most of his time at peoples houses, meeting them where they were at, being with them as they are on a daily basis! “But Christ preached to thousands, what do you have to say to that?” Simple Christ was A) The Son of God, B) A Phenom, wouldn’t you have gone out to see some guy heal people, and preach something completely different then you grew up with, yes!? In my opinion Home Groups are where it is at, they offer intimacy, possibility of discussion and true times of fellowship, not going to a “church” that is 500 strong, where you don’t know anyone. Now, I need to make a point here, the real Church is the body of Christ, the people, the Believers, not the building. My Buddie’s friend and mentor said this:

“…flat-out that I’m robbing the church and the kingdom when I am not committed to serving and tithing in a church.”

I can’t see how that is, what, you are robbing the building of an electrical bill paid? you are robbing the church of what? So because I give my 10% to some charity, rather then some money grubbing church, I am robbing God. Doesn’t that sound strangely familiar to the Roman Catholic church, when they used to say, give the church X amount and you will be absolved of all sins? I am not saying that all Churches-in the building sense- are bad, or terrible, I am just saying that I want no part of that, let me meet with my friends at the local coffee shop and fellowship with them.

Well I am just about done, I hope you have enjoyed the ride into my train of thoughts, I am not saying they are complete or that I have finished my journey, and who knows maybe some day I will look back and say, what was I thinking. But for now, this is where I sit, and I welcome any and all discussion that anyone might offer.

P.S. In Sporting news, Messi and Barcelona have won the UEFA league Championship.

This, My Comeback (Day 2)

I am doing two-adays, lifting in the morning (which I have been doing already for about 4 months now) and swimming in the afternoons, I remembered what it felt like to be sore from one of them and going into the second.  It was rough.  I had a nice set of 10 x 300m they went swim (s) kick (k) pull (p) after one cycle I started it up again and for a third time, leaving the last 300 for a nice long warm down.  I hit one hell of a wall on the third 300, but I pushed through and managed to finish pretty well.

I feel I neglected to mention someone that was insanely important to my swimming, someone who really helped push me through many walls, she got up early, she cooked me insane meals every morning and she took me to practices twice a day, while still getting my sisters to school and even myself.  She busted her ass, so that I was given every opportunity to succeed.   Clique yes, but my mother was a solid force in my swimming life, supporting me in every way.  If I am not mistaken she was also around when I did my first try out, she always new I could do well.  She was there during my first shaving experience and I must say it was a blood bath-literally!  I was in my first state meet in Austin, Tx, we were in our Holiday Inn or some hotel similar and it was time to shave, I had never done it before, and I was still not used to the whole speedo thing, so I asked for the razor and stepped into the bathroom alone to attack this new adventure.  I came out with a gash on my shin and later I found out that one might want to use water and shaving cream (who knew).  Razor burn sucks, you do swim awfully fast when you can feel your flesh burning.

My dad also did a ton, helping me calm down after losses, trying to remind me that at the end of the day my parents loved me win or lose, so long as I gave it everything.  There were countless times he would take me to meets, or come straight from work to watch me swim no matter how tired he was, no matter how heavy the work load, he made sure he was there whenever humanly possible.  I remember the last time Dad picked me up from swim practice, I had driven my self in my new/used.. …really used Plymouth Tourismo/Dodge Duster (it was so old it had a hole in the roof which we, really he made into an impromptu sun roof) It was the first time I had driven it on my own, the road is slightly hilly in the McKinney area, next to 75.  I made it there on my own, but it was when I started my drive back that the problems came.  I smelled this burning smell while starting my drive, I called him up and  he came to investigate the issue.  We decided to try and drive it home, me in my car and he in his following behind.  We were doing fine until we came up to the second hill.  That is when my clutch decided not to work, it actually was eroded so there really was no clutch.  Well after several attempts he came to my window and asked to have a try.  We ended up sitting there for roughly 3 hours waiting for a tow truck.  It was 11pm before we got back, Dad had to be up and out the door by 445am.

I know this may come across sappy, but deal with it, I had amazing parents who spared no expense to ensure I had what I needed to be the best I could.

Iphone iblog

I sit here in my car at 606 am est waiting for someone to open the building I work in. Not that I am excited to actually work but rather because I had to drop me room-mate/friend off early. I decided this would be the perfect time to post the first blog from my iPhone. It is harder then I would like but I am getting pretty good at typing on this thing. My topics are, fighting, work and who knows what else!

Word on the street is Rampage is out of shape and still beat jardine. This is a scary thought because “the dean of mean” Jardine is a great fighter and if you can beat him you gave a chance against any one if you are in shape. The Evens vs Rampage fight should be a beauty!! Frank Mir has postponed his death sentance with lesnar do to surgery he just had on his knee. Kind of a bummer that he just can’t seem to stay healthy for very long.

I was talking with a great friend of mine (www.bretttilford.com) and we were discussing the possibility that “the word” (the bible) could be… …more of an alogorical book (especially earlier books like genesis) One of the topics we discussed was the talking snake we find in chapter three. Was there really a talking snake? Was there really a tree or specific garden? Or is it possible that genesis is written to show the choice man has in his/her life? We have come to the conclusion that we are just unsure of the answer.

For those of you who do not twitter I would like to announce something very important, I the author of this post, am engaged to be married to my beautiful and awe inspiring fiancée, Cat!! I am very excited, it will be a longish engagement because wecwant to wait until I am out of the Marines to get married, I am so stoked!!

That is all for now my friends!!!

A few things I have seen lately

Actually only one thing: I was watching TED Talks and I saw a great clip on some really interesting ideas.  Here you go:

http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/457

just copy and paste it, it is pretty interesting

My latest thoughts

I have been thinking a lot lately about some interesting topics, topics I don’t usually think about.

Government: I have decided that I think it would be best for our country if Governors and presidents were only allowed to have one term of five years.  I think this would allow them more freedom to truly work towards there goals, and towards the promises they give us.  I say this because so many times presidents and governors have to worry about their numbers, they have to worry about their careers.  If they go in there knowing they only have one shot, then maybe some things would get done.

People:  If you know me, you know that certain types of people really annoy me, first are the drama queens. I am not talking about people who have real issues in their life, I am talking about people who decide that everyone should be involved in their lives no matter what is going on.  Like people who get text messages when no one is around, so they laugh insanely loud so people will ask them what is up, as if we care!  But more then those people I can’t stand those leaches on society.  The people who decide that being a single mother with six kids and no job is a good idea, but a better idea is to have 8 more.  BRILLIANT!  Do you know who pays for her kids, that’s right folks, well fare!  SO, let me get this straight, she couldn’t get a job, so she had to have welfare, but she had enough money to go get artificially inseminated?  Does that strike any one else as slightly… …odd.  Welfare, is a nice concept that has gone completely wrong.  It feeds the already large disease that is laziness with in our culture.

I have more but not enough time.  Until next time, keep your head down, and your eyes up.