The Fight of Your Life

To The Judges Score Card 

Fighters are usually trained to fight a certain way, teams train and prepare strategic game plans for certain opponents. Perhaps the technique for this fight doesn't apply to the next fight, or this strategy doesn't apply to the next game? What the imperfect Christian has always trained for, as a player and as a coach is this; never put the fight, game, or match in the oppositions hands, nor the judge's hands(control your own destiny and follow the Righteous Judge). It is not likely that a fighter will go the distance in every fight, especially if that fighter fights long enough. It's not likely that as a baseball player that you won't play on a team where the game ends on a called, "third strike." It’s bound to happen. It's not likely that as a basketball, football, futbol (soccer), hockey, or other team sport where fouls are called that they (all the games), are all going to end based on the athletes putting up the necessary points unassisted, and win every game without one of them being decided by an officials call. 

There’s also the opponent that you don’t know, you’ve never faced them before, and you have no film on them. In every case you (yourself), have to be prepared for anything, and rely on your sports IQ, and God given ability. Yes, especially in the game of life. 

The Word says that we as Christians have to be ready in season and out (2 Timothy 4:2). 

The imperfect Christian tries to be prepared on every occasion, but unfortunately, he is not always. The imperfect Christian knows what it’s like to be unprepared too, it’s no bueno, not good at all. He also knows that the only regrets that he’s had in life are: 

Haste (which leads to lack of preparation), 

Procrastination (waiting too long for something, but that something is not on God), and 

Arrogance (enough said). 

Life is too short to wake up with regrets (Ephesians 4:26). Being over confident and feeling as though you don’t need God (remember an angel named Lucifer Revelations 12:9), or not having confidence enough in Him to order your steps and take care of you (Psalm 37:23), or waiting on someone else, or yourself when God has told you over and over to get-ta-getting,’ these are no win situations (Psalm 118:8). 

Yes, love the people who treat you right, but also love the ones who need it most. The enemy who knows no love (Matthew 5:44). You may be the one soul to change their lives for the better (Acts 17:6). Forgive the ones who don't love you, because you are called to be the light of their world, when “The Light” of the world is in you (I John 4:4).

Believe everything happens for a reason (Ecclesiastes 3). If you are a child of the Most High believe that all things work for your good, you are called according to His purpose not your own (Romans 8:28).

A brother prayed for the imperfect one and said, “If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Take a few minutes to think before you act when you're mad. Forgive quickly. God never said life would be easy . He just promised it would be worth it.” 

Sometimes God answers prayers by not answering them, sometimes God answers prayers by exceeding what you could ever ask for in an abundance (Ephesians 3:20). Don’t give up on God, #even_if it seems the world has given up on you. Your sister, brother, perhaps your father or mother, your closest friend, your only lover, but God said He’d never leave you nor forsake you! Stay strong, stay focused, don’t let the enemy still your joy, whether it be through material things, people, or self don’t let anything steal your Joy! The struggle is usually one that is within. Don’t take it personal if someone else is trying to bring you down, take it personal if you let them! 

Peace, blessings, and Joy… that real PB&J 

In His matchless name I wish you all Heaven, 

The imperfect Christian

Hurting?

 

Have you ever hurt badly enough that you didn't know how to react? You can't cry, you can't scream, you can't even find the motion to put your head in your hands. That's a very painful experience. Some people can at least go lay down, and cry themselves to sleep. However, in this moment you can't. You can't reflect back on how beautifully the sun had shone earlier in the day, you only know that the brightness has given way to the dark, and you can only manage to stare at the skyline directly in front of you, and see the stars in the midnight sky. You are staring at them because they are where you feel that you are in that moment, that in comparison, everything seems as distant as the Milkyway to you. The psalmist said "joy comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5), but you're still trying to get through this night. The imperfect one looks to Qigong (a Chinese breathing technique) and says; breathe (Ezekiel 37:9), be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10), then understand as your exhaustion causes you to succumb to its unrelenting grip, that you didn't go without coverage as you passed out and didn't have a chance to pray. God is not your insurance company. There is no lapse with Him. He is not the Federal Government, He will not penalize you if you can't cover yourself. No, what He does is what no one else will... He intervenes for you (Romans 8:26). Now that's not to say He will do for you, what He expects to do through you (James 1:22), but He will cover you when no one else will. He, like no other can, will do so into eternity. 

Until the blessing of a new dawn... 

Until the return of Christ Jesus...

I wish you and all, Heaven... 

Who Are Your True Friends?

Original first draft of the Emancipation Proclamation

Your true friends, who are they? The imperfect one says this to himself, and his true friends:
"Understand something please... you are and always will be good enough, regardless to what anyone else ever says."

The imperfect one has been told at least once, well more than that he's pretty certain, that people were doing something for his benefit. The part where your parents tell you that they are grounding you, or going to punish you for your own good, well that part's true. When a person claiming to be your friend tells you that, you know it's time to take cover. What that person is telling you is that you are not worth the effort.

February 13, 2013 marks the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. For the benefit of a people, and a nation, slavery was abolished. Freedom is a wonderful thing isn't it? It is until someone sends a family or another individual out with no food, no funds, and literally no way to survive. That type of freedom is not for their benefit. That type of freedom is not beneficial to anyone.

"I'll be around ain't going nowhere..."

People say they'll be there for you, that is until you need something, then unlike 311's promise (I'll be around ain't going nowhere), and more like Karl's tag on the Parkway sign (above picture upper right hand corner)... they become temporary acquaintances rather than life long friends. People argue, and break up over totally ridiculous things. Two people meet, and have coffee and great conversation. They become friends and talk everyday for months, then one finds out that the other pulls for a rival school in college hoops, and they suddenly hate and shun one another! A husband and wife, best friends for years, are doing well until the general election sees the wife agree with the Democratic candidate, and the husband favor the GOP candidate. This difference sees them divorce over two people that they do not even know personally, and know very little about at all. They are only certain of two policies, and because of those policies they argue, don't make up, and divorce! Don't be a "Karl was here," be a "Karl IS here." If you can't talk everyday anymore, so be it, but at least be civil and talk. You never know, one day you just might need the person you turned your back on! Be-trayal, is not always a bee-line trail, or a "be gone". Judas betrayed Jesus, and was terribly upset with his (Judas) own actions. He went to the people that encouraged him to betray Jesus to make things right. The holier than thou priesthood turned him away and said that the damage was done. Judas went to everyone but the right person to ask for forgiveness, and to right the wrong. He felt that Jesus was going to die anyway, and that if he was seen with Jesus that he to would be put to death. Rather than turn to Jesus (his true friend) he went to those that cared for no one, and his fate was much worse. He betrayed his God, then himself! You don't have to go away for the sake of someone else to make it right, and be friends. It's much better when you can sit and settle things with the one that needs you. We can't afford to be a Judas or leave a Judas out there alone. Why? Because if we wait for them (the Judas') to hit rock bottom and think that then they will have no choice but to seek help we could be too late. Will they seek help, or do you care friend? Did you lie when saying that you would be there always? So are you asking this now: "They will seek help after rock bottom, right?" Perhaps if death doesn't find them first they will. The imperfect one does not ever want anyone to hear, coming from his mouth, that he is not going to be there for someone, or able to be their friend, or tell them anything negative for that matter when he said that he would be, then try and convince them it's because it's best for them. No matter what the circumstance! No matter what the circumstance! Yes, I repeated myself purposely and with emphasis for a reason. If you are my friend, then you will remain my friend. You can't force anyone to be friendly to you, the imperfect one understands this, but even in their rudeness, or hurt, you can still be there for them, to show them what true friendship is all about. You don't have to abandon other friends for this person, or walk away from family, just have a heart. We are all human, and we all make mistakes. This past year has been quite a learning experience for the imperfect Christian. If the imperfect Christian called you a friend, then you are still a friend. Friends must show themselves friendly. (Proverbs 18:24)

The INterview

Like a boss in an INterview, we should listen. How do you know if that person has what it takes to fit in if you don't listen? Friends or IN, and they listen. Jesus said to Judas, and I'm paraphrasing: Friend do what you have to do. Jesus knew what was coming and still gave Judas a chance to be heard, but Judas didn't say a word with words, just an act of betrayal. (Matthew 26:50)

The imperfect one finds it overly humorous that someone would say that other people don't know when to shut up, or that they totally ruined a good time because of too much talk, then overtly teach someone else how ridiculous it is to make such statements because all they know how to do is run their mouth. Unfortunately it takes someone else to show us that sometimes we are that person to other people. Sometimes to the talker we talk too much, go figure. Is anyone listening yet, or are you waving your hands and talking bad about the IMPERFECT Christian now too? Were we sharing and venting way too much when we should have been caring and circumventing? Sometimes you have to go around the nonsense to get to the heart of the matter. To do that we have to walk in silence and listen. Therefore, today the imperfect one would like to apologize for talking to much, and saying the unnecessary things. Yes, even to the talker, because the imperfect one should have loved you enough to keep his big mouth shut and listen. He will try to do better next time if you will let him.

Guilt should not be confused with hurt. Business as usual, did you have to do that, or did you really hear something tell you how wrong you were this morning? For the good of who? "I'm doing this for the good of you!" Well for the good of you friend, like Jesus I will call you friend and mean it, even if it means the death of me. Jesus went to the cross for all, but only some accepted. So goes life when you give your all to a friend. For some that's still not good enough, but it doesn't mean that you are not good enough. Don't be a doormat, just be a friend. I know how all of those words, and actions have made me feel, and I know what it's like to have someone look you dead in the eye, and more or less tell you with not only words but actions as well, that they do not care if you live or die for another second. Well the imperfect one cares. The imperfect one may not have all the answers, and he is definitely no savior, but he is a friend that will listen. He is having a hard time learning to listen like Jesus though. Listening after betrayal is a tough pill to swallow, but unfortunately the imperfect one knows that it can be done. He knows from Jesus' teaching, and from personal experience.

The imperfect one also knows what it's like for someone to tell him that they are going to do something, and find out that it was only lip service. "Let me come help you!" "I'd do anything for you!" "I'll always be here." The only soul that will guarantee any of those things is God, and a true best friend, if one is fortunate to know either of them. The imperfect one is grateful for the true best friend. If he needed $1,000 there are a few that would give it if they had it to give. There are few that would truly give, but thank God for the few. The few that you would give to someone that they didn't even know. The few that would give to someone after being neglected, abused, betrayed, or misused in the worse way if the need was real. Even if that person wasn't appreciative of the giver! Jesus was that friend.

The imperfect one knows a little something about what Jesus faced in being falsely accused as well. The imperfect one knows what it's like to be rightly and falsely accused. He knows that it's painful to face the music sometimes. He also knows that it's very difficult not to think about revenge when he walks into the concert hall of lies, and anger strikes after the music has been playing out of tune, the lyrics lie, and he can only think about wanting to smash somebodies pipe organ! He understands but wishes that he didn't understand the latter feelings as well as he does.

He knows what it's like to feel less than worthy of someones love, and appreciation. He knows how it feels when a friend says that they never felt good enough. You dear reader may be saying that you have been hurt, and mistreated too, that you are not good enough. Well there are some of us that know those feelings too, you are not alone. Be encouraged however, and know that even when a friendship is on the line, or perhaps even a life is on the line, you have a friend that is right there! The imperfect one wishes that he could be for a lot more of his friends, but he knows that even when he can't cover you, that Jesus has got all of us covered. You dear friend that cared enough to read, were and will be better than just "good enough" to me!

It wasn't about money, or an exchange of favors, in fact it wasn't anything remotely close to that, it was simply about two hearts needing another heart to understand and be there. I want to take time to say thank you for taking time not just to read my "rambling," but to care enough about me to be here for me. So to conclude, if I don't get out and knock on those doors, or have the in person lunches like I would like to, then let me say today, that I love you for being "good enough" to care. That makes you "good enough" in my book for a lifetime.

Peace, Blessings, and 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

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

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

What Is Love: Stormy Weather & Brighter Days

Tropical Storm Lee hits Louisiana coast | Reuters

A.B.C.D E F.G... H. Irene! First Irene, then the letter "J," JustA (Tropical Storm), then "K," Katia, and then in comes "L," with Lee... Well good people the imperfect Christian had some crazy dreams during the night when Irene came to visit his humble mountain abode. Oh top of that the imperfect one awakened his wife with his tossing and turning and in turn his wife woke him up, to check on him. The imperfect Christian is not a storm chaser, but has grown to enjoy them in some cases, not all. The storms seem to remind the imperfect Christian of Gods' glory when he finds himself in the midst of one. As Kirk Franklin would say, "The storm don't last no way." The imperfect one can hear Jesus saying to the storm for him, "Peace be still." The imperfect Christian has learned some valuable life lessons after the natural, and supernatural storms in his life.

The storm was amazing! Like a scene right out of a movie... the sound of the pines cracking in the pitch dark as the wind roared. The imperfect curtains rushing away from the window seals, and racing to the ceiling, like banners on stubborn flagpoles, ready to see their cohorts ripped away, rather than bend. Then a change of direction in the wind vacuums the drapes back in against the screen tightly, until the wind calms, and they fall back into place. This reminds the imperfect one of the crucifixion. Rather than be bent, or show any signs of flexibility, compromise, or just plainly admit that they were wrong, the disciples stayed firm in their thinking. Peter didn't think he would deny Christ, but he did, and did so three times. (Matthew 26:35) Then Judas Iscariot after asking whether it would be him that would betray Christ, led the soldiers straight to Him. Jesus called Judas friend, moments before the soldiers whisked him away! (Matthew 26:50) Thomas continued to doubt, until Christ showed up passing through a locked door drawing close to each one of them as they were in a panic, fearing that they like Jesus would also be crucified. Jesus calmed that storm to, and after the veil was rent into, there was a settling that had to take place, and then with understanding there was peace.

Some will say that God tempted the disciples, or that God tempted Pharaoh. That it was their destiny which was predestined by God, Himself... The Word says: "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts He any man: (James 1:13-14 AKJV)


So although, you have a storm that you are having to endure, understand that sunny days always seem much brighter after a storm has passed.

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

What Is Church To You?

From a distance things look different. For from a glance, people thought the imperfect Christian Rav had oversized offroad tires, but as they got closer they realized that they were innertubes for the river. You may or may not know of Benny Hill, but he was a prime example. Benny would do a thorough look over on a woman, and go ga-ga over her. Then when he passed her she wasn't quite as attractive as he had anticipated. Isn't that the same with any quick take, or lustful desire? Even with church right? The building, cathedral, place of worship seems immaculate, then you go inside for a closer look, and it's not as pretty on the inside. Mainly because of the heart of the matter and not because of the building itself.

Better look up close... What's inside, what is the heart of the matter, where is the heart of worship in that church?
Old - New... Can you break away from traditions, or do you need to build on them?
Time and distance changes things... The Road to Emmaus, the time that the disciples were away from Jesus, and they had totally forgotten what Jesus had taught them, and were slow to receive what He was teaching even as He walked with them.

AC/DC sang a song that built a Highway to Hell, and we all turned it into a freeway!

So what turns you on about being a Jesus Freak or what totally turns you away from His love?

Survey:
1. If you could be a part of a church family, what would be the most attractive part of church for you?

2. What is the least attractive things about church from your experience?

3. What do look for personally from your church?

4. If you could do one thing to help your church, what would it be?

5. What is church to you? Peace, Blessings, & Joy... that real PB&J!

Moving On Up...

The imperfect Christian was reminded that it is Ascension Day, or 39 days after Easter Sunday. Churches and individuals celebrate in different ways. I witnessed the "church crawl", in Mexico City, where people would go to the Cathedral and crawl for hundreds of feet all the way to the altar. Over a hundred meters or more on there knees on concrete. It is a very humbling experience!
To the understanding of the imperfect one, some Lutheran churches organize and worship with a special service where the Paschal (Easter) candle is extinguished and removed after the reading of the gospel on Ascension Day. Communion is not uncommon either. "Do this in remembrance," is written on a ton of AME church communion tables.

Ascension Day can be referenced back as far as circa 68 AD. It is one of the earliest known celebrations or Christian festivals after Christs' crucifixion, and resurrection. Jesus met with His disciples on occasion during the 40 days after His resurrection. It still blows the imperfect Christians mind to read about how the disciples had scattered in fear of their own lives, and Jesus showed up in the upper room where the door was locked! Can you imagine!? Scholars believe according to scripture that on the 40th day Jesus took them to the Mount of Olives, where they stood to bear witness of His ascending into heaven. "And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen." (Luke 24:50-53) NKJV

Ascension Day ends the Easter season and takes place ten days before Pentecost, which in case this year would be on June 12th. So with that said, Happy Day of Ascension, or Day or Hope, and Promise. He has gone to prepare a place for us. Until we meet in that place, and at that appointed time (that only He knows!) blessings to you all. I really want to go to Corcovado, and have my picture taken by the Redeemer statue! Oh yeah and hang out with Ronaldinho! LOL!

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

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Just By Chance

I returned and saw under the sun that—
The race is not to the swift,
Nor the battle to the strong,
Nor bread to the wise,
Nor riches to men of understanding,
Nor favor to men of skill;
But time and chance happen to them all.
Ecclesiastes 9:11 (Amp)

Sometimes God will not do for you what He expects to do through you. Then at other times He through His Sovereign Arrangement will show your physical eye what your spiritual eye missed, and will bless you without giving you any say in the matter. He will show you a miracle spiritually when physically all you have seen was a mishap! By chance could it be a blessing in disguise? Lord I pray so...

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

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