How Thick Was The Water?

When a person is spoiled they tend to take things for granted (family or health seem to top the list most of all). The old cliché says that "blood is thicker than water!" Imperfectly most would agree with that adage, and see it as true until when?

It was said that so much stress was placed upon Christ that He sweat blood while praying! That is no doubt a great deal of stress to have to endure. If you have high blood pressure or if you have ever dealt with a stressed heart, or anxiety then you know what the weight on your chest and body feel like, to a degree. If you do not, then you cannot begin to imagine. Some people have higher levels of tolerance than others, so it's just a minor set back for those that have a higher pain threshold. However, to that hurting soul that has the mental gone physical ailment, they may not have a tolerance as great as those who do not experience that.

Imperfect imagination takes one to wonder about how stressed one would have to be in order to sweat blood. It takes a healthy imagination to think of anything positive with a world full of negativity. The imperfect Christian is not too proud to say that he's shed a few tears on his lifetime. In fact he's shed some tears as thick as the tears in the babies eye in the picture below. You know the tear that felt as thick as blood but was as clear as the purest filtered water you've ever drank. It's a really unbelievable, and indescribable. It takes forever to leave your duct. It settles like clotting blood in the corner of your eye next to your nose. Then it drips in slow motion like a regretful one lane waterfall to the corner of your mouth and finds its way to the crease in your lips. It's not salty. It is not bitter. It's like God water. It's like He's saying that even when no one else feels what you're going through, nor do they seem to care or to hear what troubles you, that's when God filters out all of the bad to say, I'm right here. Where does it say in His Word that He would never leave you nor forsake you? Want to find out? Inquire to the imperfect Christian. We will go there together. You don't have to walk it alone. Rejoice and let not your heart be troubled. Until next time.

Peace, blessings, & joy... That real PB&J

Clear Views Make Prettier Pictures

A picture is worth a thousand words, correct? In most cases that holds true, unless you can't see the picture. To those of us with a warm place to stay, the snow might appear to be beautiful. To those less fortunate, it's not so pretty. Imagine not having a fogged window to look out of. Imagine your eyes being chilled and your vision blurred due to being exposed to the elements.

Now imagine a soul being in the same condition. Exposed to the elements of corruption or heartache.

We are quick to judge unless we've been underneath that bridge, or in that abandoned shack, or car with no heat. Quick to judge unless we were that lonely single mother, or fatherless son. You know the people that battle anxiety on the norm and face a new adversity with every breath, a breath that they are fortunate enough to take. The things we take for granted.

Imagine working for a corporation with a CEO that never worked for, or earned a single penny of his/her money. Imagine that CEO having never partook in any manual labor, or made an attempt to experience what their employees work experience was like.

Someone posed the question, "Wonder what it would be like with a president that had never eaten any 'oodles o' noodles?'

Imagine a president that has never been where you are right now. Wondering if he has enough money to pay for a fuel source. Wondering how those noodles taste after HAVING to feast on them for a week solid.

The imperfect Christian watched "Undercover Boss" a few times and thought of how awesome it would be to have such a privilege to give back to those that work hard, and have eaten the oodles of noodles and not be fortunate enough to have whatever they wanted. To have the privilege to show some of their employees that a clear view might very well be a state of mind at times, and not just with the physical eye.

I see Jesus as an/THE Undercover Boss.

He was introduced by John, and only a certain few there took heed. Then there was the encounter at Emmaus. He walked with the Cleopas and another, talked with them the whole way, even ate with them, and only after He blessed the bread and broke it, did they know who He was. Because unfortunately, the disciples, like today's iGeneration only concentrated on the physical.

The one clear picture is certain. HE said HE would never leave us nor forsake us. HE is faithful and just even when we fail Him and fall short. My confidence in Him is not lacking, although, as Grandma Sweetie said, "You (people in general) I'm not so sure about."

Pray for the sick and shut in on this cold snowy day, pray for the homeless, pray for one another, love one another. The imperfect Christian reporting live from Snowville,

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... That real PB&J

Things Aren't Always What They Seem (Part 2)

One of the imperfect Christians favorite stories is about the lion and the gorilla. It reminds me of how most Christians walk through life. The blog that tells that story is found at this link for all those interested: http://blogwieser.blogspot.com/2012/08/things-arent-always-what-they-seem.html

The imperfect Christian learned a valuable lesson in differentiating the purpose of being a judge, and being an inspector. The Word says we are called to be inspectors of the fruit. You can tell a tree by the fruit it bears. (Matthew 12:33)

It is true you can tell a tree by the fruit that IT bears. You inspect it, and you see what it is. To pass judgment on that you is not your business, especially if it's not your tree. The imperfect Christian witnessed on a few occasions people trying to pass judgment on others, when they have not yet pulled the beam from their own eyes. Funny how a church goer will claim to be a Christian, and live like a devil huh? Talk about the law, and then break it themselves on a daily basis, but yet they are quick to judge others as they transgress. My point is people talk about everything from government to religion, and never attempt to make a difference, they only talk!

Here's a scenario (a true story) for you:

About two years ago the imperfect Christian was sitting with his window's down on an overcast, but muggy Sunday afternoon, when a white BMW SUV (an x5) pulled into the parking lot of the grocery store where his wife was shopping. A maturing White (or for the sake of the imperfect Christian's PC 'politically correct' baby girl) a Caucasian male with white hair, that appeared to be in his mid 50's stepped out of the BMW. The white haired man was a tall well groomed man about 6'4" and a little over 200lbs. The man walked into the store, and was in the store briefly before returning to the luxury SUV.

Upon his return he spoke with the young woman that he had left in the SUV, and appeared to be in her mid 20's. He said what he needed to and then started back toward the store.

The young woman, had long brown hair, and appeared to be a tan Caucasian woman, but like the imperfect Christian's baby girl she could have easily had mixed ethnicity. To give you a better feel on the description of the two, he looked like a better looking version of Penn State's Peter Sandusky, and she looked like, a not quite as fit or quite as good looking, US Olympic Track star, Lolo Jones.

Suddenly as if he had forgotten something the white haired man had an abrupt change of heart and direction, and once again retreated back to the x5, and motioned for the young lady inside to get out. The young woman stepped out of the SUV and wore an expression that manifested a lack of interest for going into the store. She was also a tall one, appearing to stand at nearly 6' tall. She stood next to the SUV, by the open door, as the man once again walked away. She got out with a lap dog, and then cautiously, expressed her disinterest verbally about in going into the store. He stopped long enough to boldly ask her to go into the store and pay for what he needed. She again expressed her disinterest of going into the store by explaining that she did not want to leave the dog in the car, and did not want to go in. He then cursed her like she had just spit in his face and continued his heavy footed march back into the store. She was in near tears, as he stormed off. She glanced over to see the imperfect Christian with his daughter in the back seat of their car with her window up. The imperfect Christian had rolled his window up as well, when the man had started yelling out obscenities at the younger woman. The imperfect Christian had rolled up all the windows, so his daughter couldn't hear the man, or prayed she couldn't hear him clearly enough to make out the words, and expressed his displeasure by sending an apathetic look to the white haired man, and a sympathetic look at the young woman.

After the smoke had cleared, and the fire had seemed to die down a bit, the white haired man returned to his SUV about 10 minutes later and the imperfect Christian had again, for the sake of breathing, rolled down his car windows. The imperfect Christian had tolerated the man speaking like he did going into the store, and figured it was his turn to be tolerated on their exit. The imperfect Christian said sweetly in his deep Southern drawl, to his baby girl, "Don't ever let a man talk to you that way, or put his hands on you to harm you in anyway, OK?" She replied in her sweet little, proper voice, "Yes Daddy." 

The imperfect Christian's wife came out a just behind the white haired man. The imperfect Christian got out, opened the back gate on her vehicle, and helped his wife put away their groceries. The imperfect Christian gave his wife the run down on the bitter white haired man, and his young female passenger. His wife said, "It's funny you mention that, he paid with an EBT card." That's when the imperfect Christian showed his imperfections clearly! The imperfect Christian said stereotypically, "That burns me up, that a man can drive a BMW, and get an EBT card, or government assistance, while others that need a ride to the store, and help buying groceries can't get a penny!" His wife said, "You never know what happened, he could be an engineer that was laid off, has a very high mortgage, and from the looks of his new SUV, possibly a very high car payment, and if he's paid his taxes he's just as deserving of receiving assistance as the next person." Can you say humbled!? All things led right to her analogy. He was embarrassed, and too proud to use the EBT card, and became bitter at his much younger female passenger for not making the purchase for him. His words between cursing were something like: After all the things I have done for you, and you can't even do one simple thing for me!

So the next time you bad mouth that young mother standing in front of you with the smart phone, and Nike Shox, remember she could have been laid off, or widowed by war, and just as deserving as the punk that is coveting her goods! Just another case of things aren't always, or may not always be what they seem to be!

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Ele(mental) Challenges

Some folks get a new ball, and leave the old one out in the cold. Is the ball warped from the beginning, or does it grow warped from being uncared for? If so, perhaps it is time to be rid of it? The imperfect Christian thought about how some friends will do each other that way. We tell each other that we love each other, then bail when things get tough. In most cases we neglect to try or give that friend a choice. Jesus even gave Judas a choice. He knew what choice he was going to make, but He gave him the choice. God could have stopped him, He could stop us all, He did once, it was called the flood. But what is even more amazing... most will walk away from, or push away some, Jesus said to Judas, (paraphrasing) Friend, come do what you have to do. (Matthew 26:50) How amazing is that!? The person that was going to lead Him to death He called, "friend."

Peter is another example. Jesus said in front of all of his friends and cohorts... "Get behind me Satan!" (Matthew 16:23) Peter was hurt, but was strong enough to stay with Jesus and understand that Jesus didn't call him Satan, but rather that Jesus was calling Satan, out. He (Jesus) knew that Peter was influenced by the devil, and was not himself. Peter stayed the course, albeit he drifted, he stayed with Jesus. How many of us stick by friends, when times get tough, and even worse, how many of us stick with Jesus until times get tough. It seems more and more the only time we call on Him, or fellowship with him is when we need something.

Friends will leave you over a political figure. They will ditch you over someone that neither of you even know personally. Out of their element, and into the elements, a storm over something that little know what they are talking about, or whom it is that is involved. Sports are the same way. People argue over who has the best team, or that their favorite player is the best, and when someone disagrees, then they are satan, and no longer their friend. The imperfect challenge is to not sweat the small stuff, and not leave your friends out in the elements. Jesus calmed the storm, and brought His friends in with Him, we should strive to do the same.

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Stages

 

Photo courtesy of steephill and letour.fr not for sale or reproduction for profit. 

We all go through stages. The imperfect one wishes that they were all as easy to get through as Radioshack/Nissan Trek rider Fabian Cancellara seems to make them appear in the picture above. Fabian understands that the road ahead of him is a tough one, however. No sane person, would ever tell you that all roads are smooth, and that all mountains are easy. The roads are beautiful, and the vistas incredible in the mountain stages in the Tour de France (Tour of France or TDF), but they are difficult for even the most skilled and best conditioned riders. So goes the trials of life.

Fabian won the Prologue (the opening stage of the TDF, but not Stage 1) of the International Cyclist Union's (UCI) and the worlds biggest cycling event, in doing so he also claimed the first place yellow jersey by winning the Prologue (Individual Time Trial).

Fabian is a time trial specialist. Fabian has won four UCI Time Trial World Championships (breaking the record), the opening stage (time trials) of the Tour of France five times (tying the record this year), he has won Olympic gold, other, numerous UCI races, and time trials as well. However, Fabian has never won "The Tour." He has won a ton of races, and awards. He has an impressive resume for sure, but what really makes this guy special is his selflessness. Fabian works with his team in every way possible, he takes it under his wing every year in his specialty event, the time trials, and leads them in the team time trials (TTT). This Swiss born rider with an Italian bloodline, is a team player. Fabian never goes out and says, anything about what he has done, or who he is. He doesn't have to, his actions do that for him. He doesn't have to be an, "I did that," or an "I was that guy!" He is still that person, just at an even higher level because he takes others with him. He never boasts about past achievements, he just focuses on the team at hand, and tries to make them better! He held the yellow jersey for the first seven days in this Tour, and has helped keep his team together, to pursue the team yellow now, and is doing so with no complaints. This just in, the team has the Team Yellow Jersey, and lead all teams in the TDF! Fabian has done his part, and is now on his way home to make being a great dad look easy. He's going to experience the birth of his second child. Congrats Fabi, and if you are the was that guy, here's to your change.

Peace, blessings, and joy... that real PB&J.

Zone Perfect

The Forecast Calls For Pain

Seven days, one week, and precipitation is very likely. Today is an off day, only because life got in the way. Tomorrow life goes on, with or without us. Some have the hope in a miracle that allows them to see their families one more day. Some don't know what to believe, or how to believe in anything anymore. The imperfect Christian believes that there are a few left in the cluster that still have a little life in them. Isaiah 65:8.

Zone Perfect was the wine in the cluster for me. Zone Perfect is a division of Abbott Laboratories, and have given me hope. They made contact with me, and I may have the opportunity to work with them to fight cancer in the Trek 100. I am still able to take donations and need all of you that can help. Not for my sake, but for the sake of a parent that has a child that needs you to be that ray of hope.

zoneperfect.com

trek100.org

http://www.abbottstore.com/nutrition-for-cancer/icat/cancer/&source=leftnav

100 miles in the rain, in the rain, in ease or in pain, I will ride hard for these little ones, because it could've been me.

R U Up 2 That Call?

Are we up to the call? Is it a burning bush moment for you? Did God speak to you today at the voting booth? Did that ballot seem to be on fire, and did the ballot seem to endure the flame? Why didn't the fire consume it, why did like the bush keep on burning? Perhaps because You didn't hear the phone ring, so an inextinguishable bush or ballot should get our attention!

Did you go in to vote today to try and better your community? Did you pray before going? Did you pray after leaving. Pastors did you preach the Word of God, or did you preach the way we ought to vote according to the eyes of pastor? Congregates did we hear from God in service, or did we hear ourselves blocking Him out because we have taken the matter into our own hands?

Gamaliel said, "And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God." (Acts 5:38&39) So in other words, if it is of God there is nothing you can do about it except to accept it. If it is an act of men, then this too shall come to pass, or the end result will be all for nothing!

So are you up to the call? Perhaps rather than voting or being about what new laws passed, or did not pass, or what new Congress seat will be filled and by whom, we should instead pray about what we are doing personally to answer Gods' call in our lives.

How many hopefuls did we pass at the polling facilities today that could use more than just our vote? What if we called one of the hopefuls right now? Do you think they would answer? Perhaps, but more than likely not. But when you call on Jesus... (sorry had a Nicole C. Mullen moment there for a second), but when you call Jesus on the mainline (sorry had a Cheyanne -sweet little gal that used to sing in the imperfect ones church- moment there), He is always there to answer. Jeremiah 33:3 says, "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know."

He will not only answer but show you great and mighty things that you didn't have a clue about.

When we are down, if we will seek out someone else who has a problem and get involved in helping them solve theirs, we quickly forget our own. 

Dr. Karl Menninger

Jesus saw the concerned Christian's today. Those voting, and those seeking votes. He saw the soldier that gave his life years ago to bring forth a freedom that allowed all of us the liberty to vote today. He saw those disappointed and lacking in understanding about what laws that did and did not pass today. Now He wants us to learn from each day, and every event, and help someone else in a like struggle. Things may not seem to be going your way, but if you call on Jesus, He is guaranteed to be right there waiting to hear from you. He might actually put someone in your path to be a blessing to you as well. What you endure, may be a lesson, that you have to help someone else learn from later on in life. The imperfect Christian needs to take what he's learned today, and return the that call now! Time to give thanks. Goodnight all.

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Waiting On A Special Call?

Mark Bishop has a song called, "I'm Listening For The Call." He based this song on 1Thessalonians 4:16. Waiting for "The Call," in this particular biblical pericope is one that is speaking about the rapture. "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first." But how many times in our lives has God spoken to us, and called out, only to find us ignoring Him? People say they believe in God, and then use Him like a genie in a bottle, or like a sin ticket. 

Are we really listening for "The Call?"

If we are true Christians then we know and understand fully, that our calling is not just a one time call, that we are waiting on. It should be an ongoing readiness, and eagerness that is waiting like one listening for the lottery selection to call their numbers after purchasing what they pray is the multi-million dollar winning selection.

God called out to Adam in the beginning before descending in Christ over 2,000 years ago. He called out to mankind again with Christ hear on earth, and with His (Jesus') crucifixion, and resurrection, He (Jesus) arose with all power and, God left His Holy Spirit with us and, has been calling us ever since.

God is calling you through that family member that just found out that they have cancer, and feel limited and alone. He is calling you through that friend that just lost their job, and is now searching for his/her career. He is calling you through that stranger that just had a near fatal accident right in front of you. Perhaps on a brighter note however, one of those above people could have something happen to them in a positive way. For example, one of those people could have just found out that they were having a baby, or they could have found out that they just won the lottery! In those situations you still have a decision to make... do you answer their call as though God is calling through them, or do you treat them like some do and ignore them and God altogether? How will you answer that call? By praising God, or by ignoring God? The imperfect Christian has taken some recent life lessons, and applied a few dos and don'ts to his "Call."

1. Always listen, no matter the situation.
You can observe the good and the bad. "Be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." (Matthew 10:16) Your listening could lead you to assist someone and glorify God, or it could allow you to be the one to receive the blessing in being assisted. It could keep you from having to go through heartache, or help prevent someone else that you love from going through heartache. Regardless, of the situation listen. Friends may indeed let you down, or be let down by you, but the important thing is that you take the time to listen. In doing so, you will learn, receive, or possibly be a true blessing. Listen to your friends, and your every encounter (they could possibly be a new friend), and listen to and, (equally as important) listen for GOD!

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

I Love To Dance Naked!

If the imperfect one could inspire you with Bible to put away every heartache, pain, and spiritual covering that hold you down, would you let it all go? Even if it meant to dance naked? Hope your drapes are closed or that you do it in a well gripped shower! 

Everyone needs to let their hair down sometimes, and kick their shoes off, and just dance naked!!! "I came into this world unclothed..." Nakedness is not a sin, it's what we do with it, that is sinful in some cases. Yes, the imperfect one has scripture keep reading...

Here is the imperfect tribute to the King and Psalmist David, whom by divine inspiration wrote this passage, and here is a tribute to a mainstream psalmist... John Cougar Mellencamp whom inspired the blog title. Psalm 30:11&12 poses this question. "Ever thought a mainstream, non-Christian sounding title, would be biblically inspired?"

"You have turned my mourning into dancing for me; You have put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, To the end that my tongue and my heart and everything glorious within me may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever." (AMP Bible)

If there are a ton of December babies born after this blog, the imperfect Christian now claims a waiver, and cannot be held responsible for confusing praising the Lord for a pro-creation dance...

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Fuel: Pre Paid & Paid 'N Full!

NC has the highest tax rate in our region for gasoline! What congress person should lose their job this year? NC officials charge us double the tax rate that the Feds are taxing us. West Virginia and Georgia are close, but West Virginia at 50.6 cents is still nearly 7 cents less costly with their taxation.

You ever look at sin that way? Where do you rank and who is in your region? A good friend of the imperfect Christian (a pastor), said (can't quote him exactly, but this is very close) We are a lot closer to being as sinful as Hilter and Bin Laden, than we are to being as righteous as Jesus.
We are lost without Jesus, and in our being lost, the Word says that we are unclean, and like filthy rags. The imperfect Christian thinks of the old gas rag that could potentially set a nice shop on fire. That's not the Holy Ghost fire that consumes, that's a sinfully, potential hazard. We need cleansing and the only cleaning agent strong enough to do that for us is Christ.  He paid in full with the blood that was shed, and through His resurrection, and rising with all power, we too may live eternally. Thank you Jesus.


Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

What Is Love?

Sings in his best techno voice... "What is love!? Baby don't hurt me, don't hurt me, no more."
Now prompts the female with the wailing of "Whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh oh!"

So a little dude in a diaper gets credit for the love touch! The imperfect one always thought that little and diapered came after you were in love... shows you how much he knows right?
For some, today has been reserved for St. Valentine. Some call it, "The Day of Love." So what is "The Day of Love," all about?

No greater love has a person than this, that someone should lay their life down for them (their friends). St. John 15:13

That man/woman will say to you, "I love you!" But do they really? Your friends will try to explain their love for you, or for God, but what about a demonstration instead of a description? Thanks for the eye opener Uncle Zig!

On February 14th, 269 AD it was said that Valentinus a Bishop in the Central Church of Italy was leading the Emperor Claudius to Christ. But prior to this day, he had been summoned by Judge Asterius to heal his daughter's eyes, and restore her sight. Valentinus had just laid hands on the good judges daughter, and God had blessed his (Valentinus') hands to be present as He (God) used Valentinus' hands to restore sight to the judges daughter. Judge Asterius pardoned Valentinus (for serving God), and set him free. Valentinus baptized and led the judges entire house to Christ that day. Claudius the Roman Emperor heard that Asterius destroyed all of the idols in his home, and began serving Christ. Upon hearing this Claudius instructed Valetinus to come to him. Claudius then told Valentinus to denounce his God, or suffer being beaten to death with clubs, and then beheaded. Valentinus preached Jesus to Claudius and Claudius gave him one attempt to turn from God or face being beaten to death with clubs, and beheaded. Valentinus served Christ to the death...

So do you mean it when you say that you love someone?

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

When You Really Matter...

One tends to think of themselves when someone mentions time. To be selfish, and say, "When will he/she make time for me!?" You want alone time, and can't seem to get it. They want to go party, and you just ain't wit' it... That's the theme song for an "opposites attract" couple-especially those with children.

Or for those of you on the dating scene... I'm going out with the guys this weekend, or it's girls night out... Yeah but what about ME!? They always make time for others, but never you. Yeah those words and actions are more likely than not, mood killers and ofttimes relationship destroyers.

The imperfect one has a Baby Girl that always asks for time, and you know... she's worth every second of it. There is a time however, when the demand is too great to fill. You can't raise a child to believe that anyone (no, not even daddy) can drop everything, every time, and attend to every request. It is foolish to raise, teach, make anyone to feel or believe that. How many times have you ever heard a mother from the hood say, "What's wrong with you!? Can't you see grown folks talkin'!?" The mothers in the hood will tell their spouses that, let alone their kids, get outta line she dares you!

Then there is the classic non-hood approach, where you ignore them until they tug your pants leg, use a louder voice, and force you to say, "You're being ignored for a reason."

There are those times when there are interruptions that do not get turned away, however. Therefore, in those occasions (children or peers) you have to be the bigger person, and just walk away. For sanity's sake, and for demonstration of what worth is all about, you just have to SHOW all parties involved that your time and effort are of worth.

The world would be more impressed by a demonstration of our faith than by a description of it! ~ via Zig Ziglar Daily Devo

How many people do you see post about faith in a social network, then turn around and brag about things that not only God has deemed inappropriate, but you as a parent would? Come on you know where this is going...

"I love the Lord, Jesus is so good to me!" in one post, then the next post is a picture of a nude, or might as well be nude woman on his/her page. Yes his/hers... Not to mention what the captions might say. Then there are those of us (Christians) that really show our hypocritical sides and paint a prettier (nastier, more evil) picture with words alone. But we are still Christians right? Imperfect or not we say that we believe... but what do we believe, and for how long?

I have witnessed lots of things via the bigger social networks, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. A young lady that I have had the privilege of coaching, and getting to know over the years posted on her wall for all to see, "Hopefully one day your life will be as cool as you make it appear on Facebook."

The imperfect one will play like the BASF of bloggers and be innovative with her quote... Hopefully one day your life will be as true, complete, and honorable as you ATTEMPT to make it in your stories, and on Facebook.

Do you really love that man/woman, do you really love yourself? Do you? Stop lying to yourself, and know that you can't lie to the One that always makes time for you, never lies to you, never makes excuses, and never breaks any promises. The imperfect one doesn't make promises anymore, and he also knows that there is only One that is capable of upholding such a standard and His name is Jesus.

Lord I don't want to be wrong. I don't want to think or hurt, or think of being hurt, but I know that only You can be that One...

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Are U 1st or Last?

What does it take to be number one? The imperfect one has to ask himself these questions, and minister to self before he can ever share anything with anyone else. So these are the questions he asked:

In a career, what makes you the top dog?
In a relationship, what does it take to make you the only one he/she has eyes for?
In life what does it take to make you number one with you?

You think you are ahead on the score card of life, then when you can't smile after take a swift kick in the teeth, or gut, you think... man I may need a knock out! Don't rest because you feel like you are ahead, or are in front. You have to keep pressing!



Matthew 20:16
"So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen."

Flava Flav said about 9-1-1, "You think you are first, when you really are tenth!"

Sivart Pooknyw said, "When you look back smiling and think you're ahead, you're really just about to be lapped again."

Again, what does it take to be number one!? Ask yourself now, what goal are you working toward, and what do you want to be first in? Be true to yourself, and honor God, because self may be in denial, but God always knows the truth. He will lead you to the finish line, or take you instead, if that is His will, you just have to be a willing soul. Regardless of the situation, if He is with you, then you win. Stay strong, pray (and not just for self, but for others), and remain faithful (again not just for self, but for others), in every way.

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

What Did You Mean By That?

Female David and Goliath! This could never happen because women wear there slingshots, and have to accessorize! That doesn't qualify for a "What did you mean by that!" If it does, then it's too heavy to handle right now...

How many times have you ever asked the question, "What did you mean by that!?" Ever felt like that question is followed by the person in front of you trying to tower over you like the very tall woman towering over the petite little lady in the picture?

Well if you want honesty, here's three places you can start...
1. The kiddy corner, because pre-schooler's are brutally honest.
2. The Corner Liquor store, or
3. Skip the corner and just inherit a drunk brother-in-law. Yes, a brother-in-law, because a sister-in-law will tell you what she thinks of you even when she's sober.
4. But wait there is the 4th option... You can be a man or woman of integrity, and no matter how bad it hurts you can just accept the truth, and be honest with yourself!

Paulie Pennino a.k.a. Rocky Balboa's brother in-law. Broke down and said, "I can't do this no mo' Rocko! You's was good ta her (Adrianne), I wasn't! I can't do this no mo'!" Paulie told the aged figther/best friend/brother-in-law that it was best to get the beast out! Let that fire burn one last time, but to get it out!!! Rocky had to move past Adrianne, and his will to get in the ring. Paulie was the God send to help him move on. (If you haven't seen Balboa -the final Rocky movie- you need to!)

Imperfect Christian's sometimes need to get the beast out! (Philippians 2:12) "Therefore, my beloved as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling..."

Shep (a pastor/confidante/great friend/spiritual brother) once said, "We are truly who we are, when we are truly alone."

Another best friend writes, "The best proof of love is trust..." and the imperfect one would have to say also that the best proof of trust is love. That has to work both ways to make a secure bond. Insecurities breed unnecessary fear. Unnecessary fear leads a hurt person, to hurt people. The cliche's are endless. But at the end of the day, "What did you mean by that?" What are you really saying, or trying to say? Rock didn't want to get old, and see the most important things in his life come to an end. His wife had gone on, his career had gone on, and now it was time to accept the twilight. But he had one last fight in him. So what did he mean by still having a fire in the basement? "What did he mean by that?"

Rocky said, "Don't let anyone else tell you that they're better than you!" Are you hearing and believing the voices of others, or are you stead fast on hearing the voices that count? No one can blame anyone else, for a lack of communication. The pastor misread a verse. The study group had a misunderstanding with the group leader. Did you go to be blessed, or did you go to judge, and falsely accuse? You lose members that way, or force them to move on. So what did YOU mean by that. The imperfect Christian means, if you have to say it, or if someone has to ask you to say it, then you are probably too late! Apple got ahead of the curve, by showing you what to need, showing you what to want, showing you what to love. If you have to wait for an explanation, I am afraid what you meant, might be understood, a little too late.

There is nothing that you can do so bad, that it can't be fixed. Not encouraging any serial killers to spring forth, or thieves and the sort, just saying that even the thief on the day of the Cross was forgiven. Joy stealer, material possessor, destroyer of your own family... work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, He listens, and He cares. From the fire in the basement, to the fire in the sky, get that beast out, and don't let anyone tell you that you are of no value!

Peace, blessings, and joy... that real PB&J

Where Can I Find The Right One?

OK the human in the imperfect one says, now he is in favor of the death penalty. Forgive Your imperfect child (me) Lord for allowing the hate in others fuel such an evil thought in Your imperfect child.

Mindless people taunted this little girl, they placed horrible images on various social networks of her. What could a child possibly do to encourage someone to such hatred. You know the imperfect one has seen some kids that are well deserving of correction, but to torment a little girl with an illness and especially a critical one, warrants a critical punishment in this imperfect mind. Lord again forgive Your imperfect child...

In Gods' care rests little Kathleen now, but her family may not rest well for sometime. Please lift them in prayer. Please lift your imperfect brother in prayer. He is in dire need of it.

Tim Allen has a new sitcom called "Last Man Standing." On the show he had a conversation with his (on show) daughter. She said something to the affect of his acts needing to be more loving, and kind, like Gods'. Tim's character said whatever happened to the acts of God that involved the lightning strikes, and the earthquakes to take care of worthless people? Well those were like thoughts of the imperfect one concerning the matter involving little Kathleen!

Abram asked God if he could find enough men that were righteous in the city, if He would spare the city, and GOD could not find one outside of Abram (Abraham)! Only Abram, and his family were spared. Unfortunately everyone in Abram's family, but his nephews wife was spared. Lot's wife looked back and was not spared. Note to self, don't look back when you ask GOD to spare your city (house), and when He says press forward do so, and remember that the one He spares just might be you!



http://news.yahoo.com/video/detroitwxyz-20910802/taunted-girl-dies-from-fatal-disease-27867302.html#crsl=%252Fvideo%252Fdetroitwxyz-20910802%252Ftaunted-girl-dies-from-fatal-disease-27867302.html

Peace, Blessings, and Joy in Christ... that real PB & J

Do You Remember The Best Part?

Do you remember what the best part of the cake was? Did you savor it, and enjoy every morsel, or just remember that it was good?

The imperfect Christian stood by his great-great grandmother's bed side and held her hand as she died. After that day, he was fearful of death! The imperfect Christian thought about it as a youngster on a daily basis. As an adult that fearful memory was refreshed, but this time in fear for his children. The imperfect one as a young newly crowned father, had a dream that his infant son (oldest son and no longer an infant) walked out of a skyscraper window, and fell several stories. The imperfect one scrambled in the dream and forced himself to sleep, and to continue the dream, until he could catch his son before he fell to his death.One of the imperfect ones most frightening events for sure!

Then later in his adult life, and being blessed with a girl, the imperfect Christian was sent a message from an angel to give to his little angel. She woke up one night, screaming, and daddy flew to her rescue! She told her imperfect daddy something that tormented him. She spoke of a horrific death that she dreamed about... her own! The imperfect Christian fought back tears until after he talked with her. He thought about the times he dreamed of himself drowning as a child. By the grace of God he swims very well now, and survived childhood by that same grace. So we speak no such curses about death, when it is our time, it is our time. The Word that the angel gave to this imperfect father, and imperfect Christian was... "baby you don't dream of dying, you live, and dream of living!"

Life vs. Death, Heaven and hell, an eternal living God vs. a lying deceitful devil... Who wins, which do we seek most? You see we give in and let evil take way too much from us. We think about the doctor saying, "You are going to die in six months." We don't hear him say, "You have six months or longer to live!" We don't hear GOD saying, "I have prepared a place for you," or "I am the God of the living." We hear that we are going to die. It numbs you doesn't it? It made the imperfect Christian numb to think about hearing those words, he can't lie. How would we face those words? This is how the imperfect Christian chose to face them... See that pound cake above? The imperfect Christian can normally down a piece of cake like that in a breath! Not today, however! Today it took almost 35 - 40 minutes. He tasted the goodness of God through butter, sugar, flour, milk, eggs, and took his time with it. He felt that cake dissolve around his teeth, melt on his tongue, and hit every taste bud on the way down! It was a wonderful piece of cake, and the best part of that cake, was every part, not just the sweet, but the satisfying of sweet, and hunger, and the joy of having something to enjoy. To think someone cared enough to bake it, and share it with others. Thank You God for sharing first of all Yourself, but also the loved ones I get to appreciate on a daily basis, You are too good to an undeserving wretch like me!

Today the imperfect one wants to strive not just to see his children as good, but see the spirit (Spirit) within them, the full vibrant glow in those brown eyes, on each member. The perfect pink lips, and the wonderful white toothy smiles! The active little and not so little fingers with the dirty nails that show the indoor and outdoor activities. All the way down to those long finger toes with complimenting nails. Today the imperfect one challenges you, to savor each moment, and LIVE!!!


Peace, Blessings, and Joy in Christ... that real PB&J!!!