Monday, May 31, 2010

Day 7 - Enjoy the Silence

John 13:1-5 ----

1It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.a]" style=" line-height: 0.5em; ">[a]

2The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. 3Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

John 13:23 ---

23One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him.


Hello my friends! How are you doing deep down, be honest, you are allowed to have a rough day, or a fantastic day. Share how you feel. So, check out Day 7's scripture. Read it.. Picture yourself present at The Last Supper. The meal is over, Jesus is relaxing. Content. Can you feel the love? He has spent three challenging, powerful years, growing, and loving with His disciples. Yet He knows that there is so much more to come, picture how this scene must of looked like, felt like...

Now, Jesus asks you to join Him. How do you feel? Excited? Terrified? Nervous? Satisfied? Safe, or vulnerable... or perhaps both? Sink in deep with this. What are you emotions? Take time to really figure it out. Now, Jesus invites you to lay your head on His chest, you are listening to the very heart beat of God. What do you hear?

Take some time in the silence.

Journal. At first I was scared, not ready, then I realized, this is what I want. I don't have to worry about trying to impress Jesus.

Pray about everything, and for everything, there isn't one thing or person in this world who can't use it.

-Colton

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Day 6 - Enjoy the Silence

Exodus 4:1-5 ----


1 Moses answered, "What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, 'The LORD did not appear to you'?"

2 Then the LORD said to him, "What is that in your hand?"
"A staff," he replied.

3 The LORD said, "Throw it on the ground."
Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it.
4 Then the LORD said to him, "Reach out your hand and take it by the tail." So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand. 5"This," said the LORD, "is so that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you."


Hey Folks! So, my apologies, I skipped a day, I ended up staying the night at a Friends house and didn't get a chance to blog. Forgive me? But let's start up where we left off! Day 6.

So, MOSES - a wicked cool guy. God called Moses to do a massive, radical task. I am sure it seemed outrageous at the time. So... why Moses? Moses had history. To say the least, his family situation was kind of messed up (weird adoption process). He was known in Egypt as a murderer, which made going back to Egypt not exactly appealing. Also, to top it off, he couldn't really talk. Yet, God said... I choose you, Moses.

Read the first five verses again. What is Moses feeling? Have you ever felt like that? Journal it.

Read it again, this time, check it out from God's perspective. While Moses is feeling less then adequate God asks one strange question and two odd commands. What is in your hand? Throw it on the ground. Take it by the tail. Put yourself in the position of Moses. Moses knows that snakes are dangerous, he is shepherd, he isn't dumb. He also knows that grabbing a snake by the tail is a terrible thing to do, sense the head of the snake is free to bite. What would you be thinking about God's command?

"Perhaps God was giving Moses a vivid picture of how the things we fear - the memories and doubts that poison our future, that lie between us and where God wants us to go - need to be confronted head on. Perhaps God was helping Moses understand the deep guilt, forgotten hopes, and lost dreams of the past can be wither a snake on the ground intimidating you or, through his power and grace, a rod in the hand."

Examine yourself, maybe you have your own fears, painful memories, regrets, etc. If so, is it keeping you back from what God is calling you to do? Right now, in silence, with these words, God is asking you to throw down all that "crap" before him. He wants to change the snake on the ground to a rod in your hand.

Journal what is frightening you and holding you back. Listen quietly, God's talking, forgiving, and assuring. He is restoring you. Restored. Every time you are brought back, every time you are restored you become stronger. Remember that.

God is nearer to us then we are to ourselves.

-Colton

Friday, May 28, 2010

Day 5 - Enjoy the Silence

Psalm 23 ---

1-3 God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.

4 Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I'm not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook
makes me feel secure.

5 You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.

6 Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of
God
for the rest of my life.

Yo yo yo!
How is everybody? Smile. Sometimes when you smile, it sticks with you, and actually ends up lifting everything right up...
ANYWAY, Day 5. I like Psalms, I like them a lot! It's just poems about worshipping God, throughout everything in our life. They are empowering.
So, use this Psalm to empower your mind, I was reading in this book this morning, and this part really got to me. Breathe in slowly as you consider each word and pray. Think about how each gift of the Shepherd plays out in your life.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. - SUPPLY
He makes me lie down in green pastures, - REST
He leads me beside quiet waters, - REFRESHMENT
He restores my soul. - HEALING
He guides me in paths of righteousness - GUIDANCE
for His name's sake. - PURPOSE
Even though I walk through death, - CHALLENGE
I will fear no evil, - ASSURANCE
for You are with me; - FAITHFULNESS
Your rod and staff, they comfort me. - COMFORT
My cup overflows. - ABUNDANCE
Love will follow me all the days of my life. - BLESSING
I will dwell in the house of God forever. - SECURITY

Journal your thoughts and reflections.
I wrote... "This is everything I need. You're good."

Think back to when you had your first spark with God, go back to that, visit that. Fan the flame. Don't let it go out.
-Colton

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Day 4 - Enjoy the Silence

Hebrews 4:12-16 ---

12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens,a]" style=" line-height: 0.5em; ">[a] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hey Hey Hey!
I don't know about you, but this morning I was feeling SLEEPY, I didn't want to read, I wanted to go back to bed for another five hours, but hey... that's not going to happen. So rub your eyes, and give me a big smile. Focus your heart. Take three deep breathes, now read. :)

So, sometimes we find it hard to read the bible. I read this this morning and loved it... "The bible won't keep you from sin, but sin will keep you from the bible." Really, the bible is so important, it's like a gift, it really gets to the deepest parts of our hearts, well for me anyway.

Okay, so start the lectio exercise by reading verses 12 to 13. Stop after each phrase, ponder and pray. "The word penetrates, even to the dividing soul and spirit." "Joints and narrows." "Judges thoughts and attitudes of the heart." "Nothing hidden from God's sight." What is it like to be in full view of a "double edged sword"? Get this, thankfully, the blade isn't in the hands of an executioner, but it's in the hands of a God who wants to save us.

Check out verse 15. Don't rush, what do you think? Journal. Now verse 16. Picture it, you are there with God. Just you and him. You're naked, exposed, He can see through you. Don't be afraid, but know that you're exposed because God is ready to take you out of hiding. He's taking out the cancer of our life, and making us whole, and perfect. Just chill out in that place, approach God, knowing that He loves you for who you are.

I am ready to get anything that you'll give me. I want to do what you want me to.
-Colton

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Day 3 - Enjoy the Silence

Isaiah 6:1-8 ---

1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another:
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory."

4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

5 "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."

6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."

8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"


Hey Folks! Well, it's that time again! I read this this morning and had some cool thoughts so lend me your ears, or eyes in this case.

Check it out, we live in a world where we are basically brought up to worry about ourselves. All the time, it is always about "Me." Am I right, or am I right? "Love me, laugh at me, look at me, notice me." Yet somehow, "Send me" isn't one of the "me" phrases that we usually are concerned with. So, take a look at yourself. What "Me" phrases are controlling your life, and are they from God? Or is it more so brought on by your culture, friends, family? At this point take some time to journal what you're thinking... I wrote down that for me, I am consumed with the though, "Why me?" or "Why am I here...?"

Read those verses again. This time, check out all the incredible things Isaiah is saying about God in his vision. This God was high, enthroned, lifted up, mighty and holy. When Isaiah say god in this vision his first thought wasn't "Why me?" or "Woe is me." It was "SEND ME!!!"

Take another look at yourself, check out what "Me" thoughts are slowing you down on the Highway of God's call for you. "Maybe the way to freedom, is to change your "Me" focus to a God focus."

Okay, read it one more time. This time, examine all the "me" phrases stalling and stopping you, as well as the ones that are driving you. Try this fill in the blank, for me it was the word "why"... "What would it mean for you today to move from, ______ me, to "Send me"?

Now journal... the only thing I want to share about what I wrote, was my last line.. "Send me, I will go."

Simple words. Real Challenges. A huge vision.

-Colton


Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Day 2 - Enjoy the Silence

Jeremiah 31:16-25

16 This is what the LORD says:
"Restrain your voice from weeping
and your eyes from tears,
for your work will be rewarded,"
declares the LORD.
"They will return from the land of the enemy.

17 So there is hope for your future,"
declares the LORD.
"Your children will return to their own land.

18 "I have surely heard Ephraim's moaning:
'You disciplined me like an unruly calf,
and I have been disciplined.
Restore me, and I will return,
because you are the LORD my God.

19 After I strayed,
I repented;
after I came to understand,
I beat my breast.
I was ashamed and humiliated
because I bore the disgrace of my youth.'

20 Is not Ephraim my dear son,
the child in whom I delight?
Though I often speak against him,
I still remember him.
Therefore my heart yearns for him;
I have great compassion for him,"
declares the LORD.

21 "Set up road signs;
put up guideposts.
Take note of the highway,
the road that you take.
Return, O Virgin Israel,
return to your towns.

22 How long will you wander,
O unfaithful daughter?
The LORD will create a new thing on earth—
a woman will surround
a man."

23 This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: "When I bring them back from captivity, the people in the land of Judah and in its towns will once again use these words: 'The LORD bless you, O righteous dwelling, O sacred mountain.' 24People will live together in Judah and all its towns—farmers and those who move about with their flocks. 25 I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."

(This is the NIV version, I encourage you to check out the message version!)

Hey guys!

So today is just a quick thought, read above a few times, practicing the method of taking the time to let your thought take over. A big important thing to do is pray before hand to ask God to show you something, that these words will stick with you, they will stir thought, and prepare you for what is going to happen.

Now, check this out. You are travelling on a road, we all are. We all have our own specific road, and with any road there are signs and lights guiding out way, or giving us directions. What are the signs on your road saying? Is it a warning? An affirmation? Picture them. What do you see? Now, the big question, who put those signs there? Are they from God? Yourself? Other people? So, this is what it boils down to... where is the road headed? And is God there with you, or are you alone?

When I did this, this morning I had a vision. I think my road is like a highway, with a high speed limit. Almost like you can't go lower than 100 km/h. Some signs are telling me that I am going too fast. I also say that on this highway there are many God given exits, perhaps second chances? Retreats? Chances to get away form the speed? However, these are just a few of my thoughts that I journaled.

Okay, your turn, spend at least ten minutes in the silence, journal. Enjoy it.

Be still, and rest in God.

-Colton

Monday, May 24, 2010

Day 1 - Enjoy the Silence.

Luke 8:4-15 ---
The Story of the Seeds
4-8As they went from town to town, a lot of people joined in and traveled along. He addressed them, using this story: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. Some of it fell on the road; it was tramped down and the birds ate it. Other seed fell in the gravel; it sprouted, but withered because it didn't have good roots. Other seed fell in the weeds; the weeds grew with it and strangled it. Other seed fell in rich earth and produced a bumper crop.

"Are you listening to this? Really listening?"

9His disciples asked, "Why did you tell this story?"

10He said, "You've been given insight into God's kingdom—you know how it works. There are others who need stories. But even with stories some of them aren't going to get it:

Their eyes are open but don't see a thing,
Their ears are open but don't hear a thing.

11-12"This story is about some of those people. The seed is the Word of God. The seeds on the road are those who hear the Word, but no sooner do they hear it than the Devil snatches it from them so they won't believe and be saved.

13"The seeds in the gravel are those who hear with enthusiasm, but the enthusiasm doesn't go very deep. It's only another fad, and the moment there's trouble it's gone.

14"And the seed that fell in the weeds—well, these are the ones who hear, but then the seed is crowded out and nothing comes of it as they go about their lives worrying about tomorrow, making money, and having fun.

15"But the seed in the good earth—these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there's a harvest.


Hey Kiddos!

Well, today is say one of Enjoying the silence. The scripture above is part of the devotion that was in the book today, and I want you guys to do this with me. Obviously, I am not going to write the entire book on this blog, that's plagiarism (a no-no), but I will share bits and pieces of what I got out of it, and what I think you can do to get something out of it as well. So here we go.

Read it, drink up. What do think when you read that. Really read it, don't just rush through. If God sat down next to you right now, and spoke with a big booming voice, directly to you, would you ask Him to kindly hurry up so you could go watch the finale of some TV show? I didn't think so. Take the time. Read it. The first time through, read and listen, what is being said? Think about it. ---- Read it again. This time, imagine it, put it into pictures into your head. Visualize what is being said. ---- Now this last time, listen with your heart, what is your heart drawing you to, what is sticking out to you. Pause after every major thought, take the time to let the thought mature. Read. ---

I found that this made me examine my heart, how I accept the word into my heart, what type of soil is my heart like? Which situation describes where I'm at? Close your eyes, imagine what your heart is like, what does it look like in this story? Journal it. Now, picture this, and I LOVE THIS, the farmers hand is working on his soil (your heart) so that the seed will blossom the way it needs to, what is the farmer doing? Watering? Weeding?

I journaled as I read this, which is something I encourage you to do, for one, it helps you collect your thoughts more clearly, and in the future you may wish to re-call what you found out. I'm going to fill you in on what I wrote. I said my heart needs more moisture, it needs to be watered. Perhaps the soil is stale, getting old, and needs water before it dries up.

What do you see...

I hope this helps.

-Colton.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Enjoy the Silence

I don't have to wait to go to Heaven when I die, I can go right now.

Hey folks,
so I want to apologize, I didn't get to blog last night I was out of town to see some friends, however I am back and at it tonight. So what do you think of that first line? It's from a song by Jake Hamilton, check him out. What I think that line is saying, is that we can Encounter God, and all his "incredible awesome-ness" daily, here on earth. Which ties in perfectly to what I want to talk about for the next thirty days. Enjoying the silence.

1 Kings 19:11-12 ---
The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
God was in that whisper.

So, I bought I new book yesterday, called, yes you guessed it, "Enjoy the silence." It's cool because my devotion book is somewhat like this book, it is based on the "lectio divinia" method, which stands for divine reading. The goal is basically to tune into a deeper level of reading, understanding, and hearing God speak to us. It's like what I was talking about with The Holy Spirit, we need Him in order to do anything worth doing. If we are going to do this Christian thing, let's do it right, and on a higher level, let's get closer, and closer, none of this mediocre stuff!! Your ready? ":)

So, we need to commit, what I am thinking is I am write on here, for the next thirty days a little devotion based on what I read that day in this book to help us tap into that place where it is just us, and the big man himself. I honestly think this is cool and we will see results in a big way. So let's do it. Let's commit. I am thinking it will be set up like a scripture, you read it over at least three times and then eventually one word, or phrase really sticks out to you, you pray about, study it, seek it out. I feel like it won't make sense until we read the first one. So come back tomorrow for Day One!


I don't want to wake up dry, to make it through lost and confused. No, I don't want to survive. I want to live. You, you are life. You, you satisfy, you are more then just a fantasy of faith, you are everything, you are life re-defined.
-Colton

Friday, May 21, 2010

I want everything You've got for me.

Bonjourno.
Well, tonight I am at peace, and am happy.
I pray that the kids got something out of what God put in my mouth. After we talked we prayed for a while and eventually there were only eight of us left, and it was really encouraging, and, once again I pray that the youth see the effects of pray and how much it helps. I don't know, I feel really peaceful....
Yet at the same time, I want to job and explode and run around, travelling, doing things that God is wanting me to do, that is on my heart to do, it is killing me to sit down.

On the way home from youth a song was playing on the radio, and I have no idea what it was called but a line that hit me was something along the lines of "You will shine again."
That really hit me, You will act again, You are not done, I am still working with you, and in You.

I can't help but think how blessed I am by those guys, they are so awesome and I want to see them grow more and more, and feel better, and ahhh, I don't have words.

Another thing, my heart is so broken for so many people I love that don't see how much Love I see in the world, who don't see the greatest love of all, who turn to other things to try and fill the void that they have, and they see that nothing can fill that void. Does that make sense? Pray

There are so many through out my head, but I think right now, I just want to settle in this peace, smile, think, write, pray, breathe, and soak it up. Try that, soak up what God has to give you, thank him for the peace He supplies.

I will see you in the morning. :)
-Colton

P.S. ----


Lord I want Everything, Everything You've got for me
I won't be satisfied until I find Everything you are
Lord You know You've opened my eyes,
Shown me things that I can't see on my own

You call me justified, free to find, everything you are,
Everything You are
And You changed me from what I used to be
Opened my eyes now I can see
Your making this life so beautiful
So beautiful


Lord I give everything, Everything You want from me
I lay it at your feet
I'm after your heart, You've stolen mine
Cause you came along and gave up Your life
Now I can be, I can be with you, I can dance with you

Thursday, May 20, 2010

He won't stop pouring out His Love.

Hey!
I am super excited for this!
As I am sure you are aware, I have been feeling a little "out of it" lately, but I feel like God wants to use me, that He is stirring something up inside of me. I don't know why this exact moment, or for what reasons but I am ready!
Tomorrow is Friday, which means Youth group. I have a such a heart for that small group of kids, and I want to see them so in depth with God. So, I came home tonight and Mom said that the youth wanted me to speak tomorrow night. At first I thought, okay that's odd... then she proceeded to tell me that the kids want to hear about The Holy Spirit.
Well! Let me tell you, it was like a light bulb combusted in my skull!
I don't know yet exactly how to organize my thoughts but it is definitely something that my heart is needing. A talk about the Holy Spirit, these kids need another encounter, a refreshing energy. One of my favourite verses, and there is no doubt that I have used it before, is the following...

Acts 1:7-8 ---
7-8He told them, "You don't get to know the time. Timing is the Father's business. What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world."

I love this verse for SO many reasons!
1) It is talking about the power that the Holy Spirit holds. The ability that is bestows!
2) It says that WHEN the Holy Spirit comes on you... WHEN! This makes me think, it is completely foolish to think that we are capable of doing anything for God without being lead.
"Where you Go I Go - What You say, I Say", it's not where I want to go, I go, what I think, I say...
So WHEN the Holy Spirit comes over us, THEN we will be capable of all these great works. I don't know about you, but that is all I want to be doing with my life. So I need that, constantly to keep me going, it is vital in my day to day encounters.

Okay, one prayer request. Well, a few. I pray that the kids won't think they can only feel the presence of God and be blessed and touched when the lights are dimmed, there is music playing, and people are praying. I want them to know that God works anywhere and everywhere.

I have so many more thoughts and I know God is going to do something good. Pray. Pray hard, please? I will be sure to fill you in.


We Want You Tonight.
-Colton


P.S. -- This message wouldn't send on FB to the Youth, so here it is guys...
Yo!
Tomorrow I am going to talk about The Holy Spirit, it is going to be a big night, and we should start praying about it now! I heard some of you want to feel a Feb. 12 night again... if so come on out, but I want to warn you, you don't need dim lights, and Jesus culture DVD's for the Holy Spirit to show up. PRAY! I am ready and need this, are you? I love you guys. -Colton

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Show Me

Hey Folks!
Well I have had a swell day, my mom graduated with her Masters today. It was fantastic, I met up with a friend of mine and we tried video blogging, that was also fun. While we were filming for the blog I had a story on my mind from my devotion book but I couldn't remember it exactly so now I re-read the story and I am ready to tell.
Check this out. :)

Acts 26:12-18 ----

12-14"One day on my way to Damascus, armed as always with papers from the high priests authorizing my action, right in the middle of the day a blaze of light, light outshining the sun, poured out of the sky on me and my companions. Oh, King, it was so bright! We fell flat on our faces. Then I heard a voice in Hebrew: 'Saul, Saul, why are you out to get me? Why do you insist on going against the grain?'

15-16"I said, 'Who are you, Master?'

"The voice answered, 'I am Jesus, the One you're hunting down like an animal. But now, up on your feet—I have a job for you. I've handpicked you to be a servant and witness to what's happened today, and to what I am going to show you.

17-18"'I'm sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I'm sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me.'


Now let's think. -- Read the passage aloud, this time noticing all the personal pronouns in this very personal conversation. Read it again, this time check out how it focuses on the past and the future.

1. Why do you think Jesus doesn't say, "I'm the Son of God. Your doctrine is wrong. Change it"?

2. How do you respond to Jesus' giving Saul a job to do even though he's been murdering Christians? What does this tell you about Jesus?

2. Consider what Paul might have prayed next; there he is, blind, with his underlings leading him to safety.


Pray about it. - Let's have a fill in the blank game, try this out. Have a conversation with Jesus similar to Paul's. First, Jesus asks you, "Why are you ____ ?" How do you respond? Next, Jesus tells you exactly who he is - a glimpse of him you have missed: "I am Jesus the One you're _______" Finally, Jesus says, "Up on your feet - I have a job for you." What is the job? How do you respond? _______.

Live today asking Jesus the question: Is there anything about you I'm missing out on? That I don't understand or accept? Show me."


I read that earlier today in my devotion book and that fill in the blank part hit me hard. For me it was, Why are you giving up, or laying low, or getting tired out? The next was, "I am Jesus, the one you are holding out on." I respond by taking the job that He has given me and with some kind of strength that I have need to find, completing the task.

God, Is there something I am missing, because that is what it feels like? Show me, please.

-Colton

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Even While I Wait

"Mitch, can I tell you the thing I'm learning most with this disease?"
What's that?
"The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in."
His voice dropped to a whisper. "Let it come in. We think we don't deserve love, we think if we let it in we'll become too soft. But a wise man named Levine said it right. he said, 'Love is the only rational act.' "
He repeated it carefully, pausing for effect. " 'Love is the only rational act.' "

Hey!
So I was on the way to bed and I remembered I didn't finish this post.
Well, let me tell you, today was beyond relaxing. I go to school, it was a fairly chill day, I come home, sit outside in the sun and read more of Tuesdays with Morrie - the quote above explains that. - Also, I had a voice lesson then when I got home I checked my e-mail and the cast list for Grease was up, I got the role of Danny Zuko, which I am ecstatic about.
So... today was one of those days where I just feel God's blessings overflowing. Also, tomorrow I am not going to school because it is my moms graduation, she is graduating with her Masters, which I am so excited for, and proud of her for.
I feel like there isn't a lot to say, I am at peace in waiting. Waiting for God to come sweep me up, I know that it is coming because I need it, so while I wait...
WOAH! Idea --- check out these lyrics by John Waller.
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait


I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting

Yes, I realize that the opening excerpt from the book, and the lyrics, and my little blurb, really don't have a connection. Well, now you know how my mind works, take from it what you will. My prayer is that it clicked,or inspired, or blessed you in someway. While I am waiting, I am looking for ways to serve.

I don't know what else to do. Yet, maybe that is the point?
-Colton

Monday, May 17, 2010

Meaning vs. No Meaning

Hi folks!
Well I am reading "Tuesdays with Morrie" and I am extremely impressed. Last night I feel like I wrote a novel, so here is something short and sweet to read and pray about. How does it connect to you? Is God saying something directly to you? What does He have in store for you today?

"So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they are busy doing things they think are important. This is because they are chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning."
-Mitch Albom

What are you devoting your time to? Is it the thing that matters? What's your goal?

Sleep like a rock with overly awesome dreams!
-Colton

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Catching Up

Howdy!

Happy Sunday. I should warn you, this blog is Catching up on a lot of things I've wanted to say but didn't have a chance. Hold on tight.

Well I work tonight from 5 to 11, so I thought I'd blog early while I still have some energy left in me!

I want to talk quickly about church this morning, it was a wicked service.
Basically we took the whole time praying for stuff that we thought needed to be prayed for, certain people were designated to different topics, there was music and videos thrown in there, and before I knew it it was One O'clock and the service was over.
Some of the topics we prayed for were government, education system, youth, children, families, healing, economy, summer programs, church, etc... stuff like that.
I guess it is hard to explain without You being there, but it felt refreshing.
Everyone had something on their heart, and that was unexpected.

I want to elaborate on a couple topics. My grandfather prayed for family, it was more so for parents but it really effected me. The basis of it was that parents jobs are to not provide for their kids, or to make sure that they have everything they want, it is to make sure that there are rooted on the right path. With that, no matter what happens to them, or if they get knocked down they will always come back to the right path. I thought that was so true, and it holds true in my life. So if you are a parent and You read this, I hope you enjoy. Make that your first priority, to guide your children on the right path, nothing else matters. We, as kids, really appreciate that.

Another topic, Government.
My pastors wife spoke on this and it also really got to me. I'm sure some of you are aware of what went on in Government this week, basically there was a bashing of Christianity and not only was there no respect in the situation but, the man who said that "The return of Jesus" was basically a joke, refused to apologize. My pastors wife basically spoke about how one voice doesn't make a difference by itself but with many voices we can see a change and you should not sit back and let something that you believe in be made fun of. I think this holds true with everything, it's kind of funny actually we have been talking a lot lately about rights and freedoms in Political Science and recently a lot of testing has been going on in that area. Before I forget to mention it, while she was praying, O Canada was being played on the piano in the background, and for the first time, I think it hit me about how blessed we are to be such a free Country, so let's keep it that way, and not be mocked in a legislative assembly. Sounds good? Haha

WOAH! It just dawned on me, Friday Night I said I would elaborate on dating? I realize this is a lot to read, You up for it?
So.. call me crazy, but... "Why date but a potential mate?"
Sometimes I'll say this and people will look at me as if I am insane.
"For fun" "To learn" "We're in High-school, what else are you supposed to do?"

-Here are my thoughts:
In the book Isaiah it says that God knows the end of situation, from its beginning. Which makes me think it is obvious that He has someone specifically chosen for me already. I don't know about you, but I know God as someone who is pretty good at taking care of things, so why worry about it? Here is a thought, I know I will be ready to get married when I can love myself for who I am, and love God with all that I am. Think of it this way, and I LOVE this... God is going to give me one of His daughters to marry someday. He is their dad, He is going to make sure that I am perfectly ready before he hands her over to me. He is one of those protective Fathers and He doesn't want any of His children to be hurt. Make sense?
I guess what I am saying is He will prepare, and He knows when we are ready, so there is no need for us to rush it.
When we date we need to be able to focus on what we are supposed to focus on. If we loose focus even a Godly mate can become and idol and a distraction, thats why I decided not to spend my time looking for the girl of my dreams, I think that is going to require the assistance and direction of God.
You know what is exciting? God made us, and He knows us perfectly! So when he put together our future mate He made sure they were perfect for us. That is exciting! Perfect Love.
Perfect Love, there is no fear in Love...

1 John 4:18 --- There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment, so the one who fears has not reached perfection in love.

And that is how You know perfect love. :)

----

I am going to say what is on my mind for a minute, sometimes we feel like failures, recently that is all I've been feeling, especially with this blog, and I think it is perfectly okay to say that we feel crumby. So here I am, I feel crumby. I think what it is is that I feel like God has given me so much and I feel trapped, I don't know how to use it, I feel like I am getting worse are writing my thoughts down on this blog. I am staying faithful because a part of me is hoping that this just a test and I will come out on the other side that much stronger. Another part of me wants to move away and seek opportunities that seem to be calling me, and another part of me feels like I am a "quit-er". Hmmm. I think my prayer is to be stirred up, for mountains to move, and to be still standing there when they are.

Thoughts? Ideas?

You are beautiful, know that!
-Colton

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Your Love Never Fails - Chris Quilala

I have so much I want to say, but I am so exhausted that I can't say it, so I am saving it..
But....
I was driving home tonight and this song came on. I have always loved this song, watch the video, listen to the words, embrace the love.
I have never felt more comforted. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoezWBPGRAc

Nothing can separate
Even if I ran away
Your love never fails

I know I still make mistakes, but
You have new mercy for me everyday
Your love never fails

You stay the same through the ages
Your love never changes
There may be pain in the night
But joy comes in the morning
And when the oceans rage
I don’t have to be afraid
Because I know that you love me
And your love never fails

The wind is strong and the water’s deep, but
I’m not alone here in these open seas
Cause your love never fails

The chasm was far too wide
I never thought I’d reach the other side
But your love never fails

You make all things, work together for my good


I may have lied, this song makes me want to talk, God makes me want to talk...
I cannot stay quiet.
A couple of questions to ponder...
Should we feel guilty for being tempted?
Or wanting something we know we shouldn't want?

Another thought.
What is on my heart?
I want to be fully surrounded by people who support me, it would make things so much easier,
then I ate a fortune cookie and this is what it said...
"We find comfort among those who agree with us, and growth among those who don't."
I didn't know God also worked in the fortune cookie industry! Who'd of thunk?
Also, tomorrow at church is a prayer service, the international day of prayer is coming up... meaning, a day people around the world focus on just talking to God. i think that is so cool, just a personal conversation all day. So pray.

:)
Guten Nacht.
-Colton

Friday, May 14, 2010

Your love.

Yo
So, I got the chance to go to youth group tonight, and I am so glad I did.
The topic: Dating.
I have already decided that tomorrow's blog will be elaborating on this topic, but tonight I want to give you two verses to ponder about, kind of like a heads up...

Jeremiah 17:9-10 ---
"The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful,
a puzzle that no one can figure out.
But I, God, search the heart
and examine the mind.
I get to the heart of the human.
I get to the root of things.
I treat them as they really are,
not as they pretend to be."

and...

1 John 2:15-16 ---
Don't love the world's ways. Don't love the world's goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the real love.

One more thing before I go, today was my Math teachers Birthday, actually tomorrow is, but we surprised her with cake and candles, and we sang. Seriously, she almost teared up as she said that no one has ever done this for her before. Seriously, it was the most rewarding thing all day. My side thought for you is, surprise someone with a blessing. Honestly, it will make their day. :)

I will not forget your love.
-Colton

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Hero

Ready for this?

Esther.
Woah, well what a day, anyway, just recently Mom and I were talking about Esther and how she was called to do the right thing.
Recently I have seen, as I am sure you have too, where the right thing needs to be done, yet it isn't getting done. Fun fact: You my friend, see that something needs to change, therefore change it, stand up, be bold and courageous in God. Don't sit and worry about the thing that is standing in your, no matter how large the issue, God has given you passion for this issue, therefore do what needs to be done. You may feel like you are loosing, or being mocked, however in the end you feel success like never before.
In Esthers case, it was an entire race... I doubt your issue is much larger than that.
Want to be a hero? Here is your chance.

Now, the story of Esther, and her uncle Mordecai.
Mordecai was Esthers uncle, and long time guardian. The king, whom Esther was married to, made a decree that basically the Hebrew race was to be wiped out. At this point the King didn't know Esther was from this race, she needed to speak out(which was a big deal, considering at that time, if you entered the Kings presence without permission you were killed.) I love what Mordecai says to her...

"Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king's palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
-Read more:http://bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Library.sr/CT/ARTB/k/178/Lessons-Esther-Mordecai-Never-Grew-Weary.htm#ixzz0nrp6bvTE

Basically he is saying, speak up now, if you don't, help may come too late. You are here for such a time as this!
Or, in the message it says...
"Don't think that just because you live in the king's house you're the one Jew who will get out of this alive. If you persist in staying silent at a time like this, help and deliverance will arrive for the Jews from someplace else; but you and your family will be wiped out. Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this."

I love to think about this next part, if Esther hadn't of spoken up, hadn't of been a hero, where would we be now?

It is impossible to guess what might have happened to the Hebrew nation had there been no Esther. Except for her, Jerusalem might never have been rebuilt, and there might have been a different story to tell all future ages. If the Hebrew Nation had been entirely wiped out of existence 500 years before it brought Christ into the world, that might have made some difference in the destiny of mankind; no Hebrew nation, no Messiah: no Messiah, a lost world. This beautiful Jewish girl of the long ago, though she herself may not have known it, yet played her part in paving the way for the coming of the world's Saviour.


"Wake up child, it's your time to shine, You were born for such a time as this, such a time as this."
-Jake Hamilton "The Anthem"

Be the Hero God created You to be.
-Colton

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Infectious.

Hey Hey, it's FAAATTT Colton.
Not really, but Albert isn't even close to my name.
How are you?

Today was a good day, I had a bio test that I feel confident about, and I have school work under control, I think, so I am pleased.
Tonight I want to look at the book of Philippians. I am not going to put it all on here, but basically the extended passage of what I am going to talk about it Philippians 1:12-30. So check that out in the near future. As for right now, take a look at this...
Philippians 1:18-21 ---

So how am I to respond? I've decided that I really don't care about their motives, whether mixed, bad, or indifferent. Every time one of them opens his mouth, Christ is proclaimed, so I just cheer them on!

And I'm going to keep that celebration going because I know how it's going to turn out. Through your faithful prayers and the generous response of the Spirit of Jesus, everything he wants to do in and through me will be done. I can hardly wait to continue on my course. I don't expect to be embarrassed in the least. On the contrary, everything happening to me in this jail only serves to make Christ more accurately known, regardless of whether I live or die. They didn't shut me up; they gave me a pulpit! Alive, I'm Christ's messenger; dead, I'm his bounty. Life versus even more life! I can't loose.

- Now, I Love this! Basically this Paul was in a terrible situation, kind of like house arrest, just not nearly as glamorous as today, it was rough... and He is celebrating! This is his most joyous letter and the happiness is infectious. I think I love this so much because no matter how poor we think we have it, or how terrible our situations are, we can't really top this. Paul knew He was going to be killed and He was rejoicing. My favourite line is in bold. "I can't loose" We can't loose. It isn't possible, and that is inspiring. Now, I urge you to read this entire passage and be inspired and drawn to the infectious happiness that Paul possesses.


"I can hardly wait to continue on my course!"

-Colton