The Book of Eli

I had the honor of seeing the new Hughes Brothers sci-fi epic, The Book of Eli, and I was truly impressed. Denzel Washington is a notably excellent actor, deeply respected by his peers and a recipient of numerous accolades, including an Oscar. In this movie he plays the role of Eli, a post-apocalyptic nomad on a mission to deliver a very important book. He believes his mission to be God inspired, and he is prepared to do anything in his power to make sure his package arrives safely.

I was surprised by the action sequences, mostly because I am not used to seeing Denzel doing any fight choreography where scenes involve martial art type movements. It was truly impressive, in my opinion.

I won’t go into too much detail about what happens in the movie, but I will say that it caused a dramatic resurgence in my faith as a Christian. I mean, I was actually in tears at some points in the movie because I so empathized with the character. Here we have a man on a quest who doesn’t even know where it is going to lead him, walking by faith alone. “We walk by faith, not by sight…” Yeah. I cried.
I cried because I have been so out of touch with God these past few months that I was taking it all for granted. I mean, I was truly reminded that this is WAR. Seriously. Every day is a battle, where we are caught within the world and its dangerous plights while trying desperately to cling to the tenets of our faith. The Eli character did this remarkably well, and showed strength in the face of monstrous and unbelievable conditions.

I wish to be like that. I want to be able to walk tall and stand proud in the affirmation that Christ saved me from myself. I know this isn’t written as well as it is supposed to be, but I hope God can see its sincerity. I hope that you all get a chance to see this movie. Maybe it will change your life as it did mine.

So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to vplease him. 1For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. -2 Corinthians 5:6-10

The Battle in the Mind

“He will guard the feet of his saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness. It is not by strength that one prevails.” (NIV) -1 Samuel 2:9

I appear to be a strong man. I left weights every day. I push my body to endure things normal men wouldn’t. I am physically stronger than the average man my age and height. Yet, there are times I feel immensely weak. There are days I feel like you could knock me over with a feather.

Yesterday I felt impossibly confused and somewhat angry as to what God intends for me. I see things change these days and I wonder what lies ahead, after all I have done. Yet it appears I have not done enough in God’s eyes. So I will take my mind away from this situation and place it on Him so that He will strengthen my resolve, calm me and take away my fears.

I firmly believe the victory is first obtained in the mind. By keeping God close and the faith in him paramount, it pushes the physical capabilities even further. What we contend with these days are not just physical problems but spiritual and mental. We must continue to strengthen our minds against those who would intend to harm the faith that we hold dear. One of my favorite quotes is “the mind is the sword.” Truly, it is the most powerful weapon we have, yet we misuse it every day, wasting our thoughts on miniscule matters that will have no consequence in the betterment of our lives and others.

Thank you, Lord, for today. It is especially awesome that you have come to my aid in the days I have thought I would falter. You have given me mental strength in the midst of my own shortcomings, though I don’t utilize the full force of it enough to have an impact. Thank you for your forgiveness.
So once again, I hope to honor you with these words that flow from my heart like water through a sieve. Praise be unto the Most High, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. In His name, I pray…

My God, my pen, ‘til this world ends.

Live to Learn/ Another Answer

The axiom “Live and learn” holds so true. How amazing is it that God allows us to live here and experience the trials and tribulations that the Earth has to offer. On this great ball of water and dust, spinning through space at thousands of miles an hour, we are afforded the blessing of love and family, of an amazing God that loves us despite our sin nature. We travel through days, quickly, learning all we need to survive on along the way. It can’t be a coincidence that we are here, at this time in history. We are witnessing a change that is profound.

Yet, amidst the beauty there is a great ugliness that sits upon the world like an ink blot on a white sheet of paper. A stain so deep I wonder if we can be cleansed of it. Then I think, “It’s not for me to wonder”, for God will answer all in time. He will address the horrors that we cower from when he comes back. No matter when that is, I am comforted by the fact that I will be with God in the afterlife. I am ever faithful, because I know that in the end He is all that can save me. He is all that I have. When all else fails me, He is there. So I am happy to look to Him in times of great happiness and pitiful sorrow.

Walk tall and proceed as warriors. There is no room for weakness anymore. Protect your faith and guard your heart, for the Bible says it is the most precious of all. Pray for me as I pray for you.

The Straight Path, Re-Visited

"Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator."
-Colossians 3:9-10


Thank you God for giving me another chance.

I know so much has happened in the past year, but I continue to be hopeful. You have made a way for me when I literally had none. I can remember when I was at work in Washington, not knowing where I was going to sleep that night, lo and behold you sent someone that gave me a place to lay my head for not one night, but three. Lord, I was actually homeless for those days, and I realize that you wouldn't let me fall too far, as long as I had you on my mind and in my heart.

I thank you for just being God all by yourself. You don't need any help to make the stars shine and the planets move. I am humbled by your grace and in awe of your majesty. I ask that you continue to build in me the great human being you have asked me to be. I know I have my flaws and I fall short of what you want me to be, but you love me anyway. Thank you.

I ask that you take care of my loved ones. I want you to watch over them and keep them safe, Lord. My friends, all those near and far, keep them close to you so that no harm may befall them. I ask that those things or people you don't want in my life Lord, remove them with grace and expedience, Father, for I must not tarry. Liberation is near.

My true goal in life was to just be free. I know it sounds simple and maybe even crazy, but freedom is elusive. Highly sought, but rarely found. Help me find my way, Heavenly Father. This is my prayer to you, for I am but a lowly servant, a man trying to be a warrior. Put me on the straight path, so that I may lead by example.

In Jesus name I pray to Thee, Amen.

This Is For The Lover In You

Maybe this is premature, but I know this song says all the things I would want to say were it that right time. Even so, we aren't promised tomorrow. This goes out to the lover in you, from the lover in me...

I love you.


This Is For The Lover In You ~ShalamarIt’s got to be real

Girl, I could write a book on how you’re makin’ me feel
I know I’ll never find
Another who could match the lovin’ you’ve givin’ to me

So this is for the lover in you
This ring means I’ll always be true
This is how we’ll start love anew
This time it’s gonna last forever

I trust you, yes, I do
And girl, you’re not the kind a guy could easily charm
‘Cause the meaning of love
Is always shown to me when you are wrapped in my arms

So this is for the lover in you
This ring means I’ll always be true
This is how we’ll start love anew
This time it’s gonna last forever (I don’t wanna, I don’t wanna give you up)

This is for the lover in you (I love you , baby)
This ring (Ooh)
This is (For the lover in you, girl)
This time it’s gonna last forever

I could say I never met a girl, no, no
Who satisfied my mental and my physical thing
When I lay me down to sleep
I’m rest assured with the thought that you are right next to me, my baby

This is for the lover in you (Take this ring)
This ring (It means I’ll always be true)
This is (How we’ll start love anew)
This time it’s gonna last forever

This is for the lover in you (Take this ring)
This ring (Oh...oh...)
This is (Sweet baby)
This time we’re gonna be together

Oh...
So much love between us
I’ll be the one to come runnin’ {Be the one to come runnin’}
Oh, home to you {Home to you}
You give me sweet love
With a woman like you, I don’t need to play around
Oh, you’re more than just one woman
You’re blowin’ my mind with the love that you’re givin’
That’s what you hear me say
Girl, every day

It’s for the lover in you, baby
With this ring I’ll show you that there ain’t no maybes
It’s for the lover in you, baby
And it’s this time we’re gonna last forever

It’s for the lover in you, baby
With this ring I’ll show you that there ain’t no maybes
It’s for the lover in you, baby
And it’s this time we’re gonna be together

It’s for the lover in you, baby
With this ring I’ll show you that there ain’t no maybes
It’s for the lover in you, baby
And it’s this time

Nude

One of my very favorites on the album 'In Rainbows', I visited the lyrics page just to see what the heck he was saying. Kinda deep. Thom's gotta be the king of minimalism. Short on words, big on impact. Makes me think of Canada and all the time I spent there only to realize that I belonged somewhere else. That there was something "missing" all along. The irony is that the first time I heard this song I was there in Vancouver. But I never knew what they lyrics were. I would listen to this song time and time again...and never looked the words up. But Gods hears. He sees. And now I know why I needed to see these words now and not then.

Funny how much you can see when the sky ain't clouded.


"Nude"

Don't get any big ideas
They're not gonna happen

You paint yourself white
And fill up with noise
But there'll be something missing

Now that you've found it, it's gone
Now that you feel it, you don't
You've gone off the rails

So don't get any big ideas
They're not gonna happen

You'll go to hell for what your dirty mind is thinking

Been Waiting, Lord

Whereas they want it all, grabbing blindly at none, my eyes are open so give me some
Been waiting on this Lord, wondering how it’s gonna come,
How my hands will be positioned, where my irises will be aimed,
Will it follow the way of the world, or the rules of the game
Where profit equals smiles through a soul’s exchange,
Or perhaps a miracle that cannot be explained?
Will selfishness usher the demise of my favor?
Will I ever bear fruit for my labor?
Or will that sweet taste be unavailable for me to savor?

Whereas they want it all, lost in the error of their fun, my eyes are open so give me some
Been waiting on this Lord, wondering how it’s gonna come,
How my mouth will sing your praise, or be full of lamentation,
Will I be standing amidst a family and their adoring admiration,
Where my soul is at ease and I live free of frustration?
Or perhaps I am pursuing more education?
Will I suffer the sins that my father has wrought?
Will I leave this world still seeking the unsought?
Or will I rest assured of the price my soul was bought?

Lend me your hand, God, let me stand
I want to be your warrior, but I am just a man
To work out the journey and perform your plan
My eyes are watching you Lord, here I am.