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

Behind These City Walls

Photo Courtesy of GoTravvy

This photo is not for resale, or copying, and is a non-profit production 

Behind These City Walls

Where Citizens Have NO Citizenship 

People and social media, what to do? Some people vent on their Facebook (FB), Twitter, Instagram (IG), Snapchat (SC), and the list goes on. While others boast on their social media. Some people play the victim on social media, while others pretend to be  celebrities on their social media. Some people even feel so bold that they feel their social media makes them second to God, or feel that their social media makes them a god because they don't have to believe in anything but their status (social worth), on their social media.

Please note that the imperfect Christian is pointing all fingers at self and already faced this conviction. Perfect Christian folk get bent out of shape over two things: being excluded when a lie is circulating, and being included when the truth comes around. Delete me, unfollow me, or hang on because the conviction gets thicker than a mouthful of Jif peanut butter with every truth here after.

When You Feel Her...

When you feel her... and she's away your heart feels heavy. It's like she's got a rope anchored in the top of your heart, and her weight is pulling it into your stomach, as you pray her back home. You get nervous, you wonder how she is doing, you just miss having her near. Then you realize you can't always be there, you can't physically protect her from everything. You can't have her in your physical presence at all times. You also know that she's not always going to be there. A lump rises in your throat, it's difficult to swallow. You fight back tears. Then you take a deep breath, and think of how she'd be saddened to see you sad. Therefore, you suck it up, and you pray, "Lord keep her safe, thank You for placing her in my life, thank You for watching her when I can't, and even as I can. Thank You for allowing her to be loved, and among people that love her, even when she's away from me. Thank You for allowing her to be loving. Thank You, God for my daughter. Amen."

Ponytails, seashells, and pretty smells...

God bless every daddy that has a baby girl... Amen. 

Where'd You Go?

A single mother walks the ridge line alone. The sun is dropping, and preparing to set in hues of oranges, and reds. The night sky follows the sun until it pushes it out of sight. The sun is out of sight, but it's not forgotten, it's just not seen anymore in this day. 

"I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments." Psalm 119:176 (NKJV Biblegateway 2015)

She walks alone and watches the sunset, and she misses it as it gets darker. She knows that for this day, that for this season that the sun is gone. However, she knows that tomorrow brings a new sunrise. There's the possibility that the sunset reminds her of a few things. She may be missing her child(ren), or the touch of her father's gentle caress against her cheek. She may miss her lovers embrace, and be lonely, but she knows that tomorrow is a new day. The commandment of the rising sun is like that of the commanded rising of the Son, there will be another rising of power. She too, must rise for her sake, and the sake of her loved ones. 

A mother/father is missing her/his child today. A lover is missing his/her helper, and earthly provider today. A child is missing his/her father today. Where are we? Are we helping to ease that pain? Are we His hands, and feet?

Some of those missing are not there by choice. The decision was made, and the absence stings. 

Some of those missing are gone by divine choice. 

The thought of hearing his/her laugh. The stories you can no longer share. It's painful to have to accept that kind of absence. 

You drive down a stretch of highway and think to yourself, "Remember when you sang that song about Snoopy, and we laughed until we cried?!" 

Then you think, "They used to sit in the seat right next to me, sat in my lap from time to time, and now I do not have that opportunity. You do remember, but the one you shared that with is gone. You can't tease them over Thanksgiving dinner about the time they sang that silly song, or when they farted at your in-laws house and blamed it on the dog. They are now just memories. So in my cutting up, let me turn back to seriousness to close, and encourage you not to be selfish, and please do not embrace recklessness, or carelessness. Share with all of your loved ones that you can. Share with blood family, and inherited, or blended family, because we are not promised one day to the next. However, as you are blessed to see another day, rejoice and be glad in it, and share that joy! 

On the flip side, you may have a loved one that needs a break from you. Go share with another loved one. Even a lapdog desires a break from you from time to time, so spread the love!  Whatever you do, and with whatever LOVED one; share, and make lasting memories that you can be thankful for. 

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

Reading Old Love Letters

Photo Courtesy of Israels DSS Collections

"Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught. And the Jews marveled, saying, 'How does this Man know letters, having never studied?'" John 7:14&15 (NKJV)

Sometimes you just have to R.O.L.L. (read old love letters) with it. What if... someone had read or written a copy of the ultimate love letter to Curt Cobain? Would Courtney Love Cobain be a widow right now? 

What if an authoritative figure had read the love letter himself, would he have been so compassionless to have said, I won't lose sleep over them, I'd tell them to go ahead, I mean if someone's going to truly kill themselves you can't stop them, they'll eventually find a way.

What if that's his child one day? Does that restless night come then?

Curt was sincere, and Curt found a way. 

I don't ever want pretend to care or just say that I do. I want to be blessed to help, or blessed to never cause anyone else pain.

Lord let me be sincere, before someone else is sincere in showing that they realize that others were not. Amen. 

Love is just a word until someone shows up and gives it meaning. ~Paulo Coelho 

Missing a spirit of compassion may cost you dearly one day. Don't forget to be kind, loving, and understanding. It may help save a loved one, one day. Something's are worth missing a few hours sleep over. 

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... One last real PB&J.   

A Warm Embrace

A Warm Embrace...

A warm embrace begins with warm intentions. The imperfect Christian once frequented the local recycle center, taking his recyclable goods there at least once a week. You know empty milk cartons and Gatorade containers from fueling and refueling the body have to go somewhere. Therefore, embracing a love for Gods' green earth the imperfect one recycled. It was there that the imperfect Christian ran into a perfect role model for how an imperfect Christian should behave. Mr. Buster Sparks made certain to show Christian love to an imperfect Christian on every trip to the recycle center. 

One day before Christmas, nearing the turn of the decade and century, some participating partygoers took heed to his royal badness (Prince), and began to party like it was 1999; like we'd soon be out of time. The scare of major electrical/technological shut down and crisis filled the air worldwide as Y2K neared. But one man was not at all concerned with any of that. That man was Buster Sparks. Mr. Sparks only concern; that humanity would not celebrate Christ, but rather celebrate a faux end with a reprobate mind. 

Mr. Sparks looked at the imperfect Christian like one of his dearest friends and like a lost son trying to find his way. Mr. Sparks always taught the imperfect Christian a lesson in humility. Mr. Sparks always asked the imperfect Christian to pray for him. The imperfect Christians lesson in humility, to honor his elder, and God by not being ashamed of the gospel. Thank you Jesus, saints Paul, Timothy, and Pastor J. Trox! 

Mr. Sparks was a good, no a great Christian man. Mr. Sparks' Y2K lesson in humility, however, caught the imperfect Christian off guard. Mr. Sparks greeted the imperfect Christian this day with a kiss on the cheek. Shocked? Shocked indeed, like God Himself had pushed the imperfect Christian into a baptism pool filled with water and a live wire from a transformer! 

The Word of God says: 

"Greet one another with a holy kiss." Romans 16:16 (NKJV)

What did Mr. Sparks risk by greeting his brother with a holy kiss? Being judged for one. Secondly, a possible physical confrontation, and lastly being accused of being anything but a child of God. The imperfect Christian knew Mr. Sparks heart and knows it was one after Gods own. 

A warm embrace is from a loving heart, not a lustful one. Embrace love like a cold body embracing the warmth of the sun on a new, lively Spring day, transitioning from a bitter cold, winters day. 

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

Words with Meaning, or Meaning with Words?

 

The Fixx performed a song called, "One Thing Leads to Another," and in their song they pose the question: "Why don't they do what they say, say what they mean?" Then explain that, "one thing leads to another."

The imperfect Christian hears the term, "I'm sorry, and asks himself what is this besides uniformity? Does it truly ameliorate the issue at hand? Is it comforting or true? In most cases, no, it is not. It's a cop out that says, "Ok, you got me!" It is not a sincere, "How may I amend this, what may I do to right the wrong?"  

"I'd do ANYTHING to make it right again!" 

Would you really? If you would should the offended party be willing to forgive you, and if so, how many times?

How many times should I forgive my brother Lord? (Reference St. Matthew 18:21) Peter was gracious enough to ask the Lord if 7 times would be a sufficient amount of times to forgive someone, and Jesus said (paraphrasing in a modern voice); Homeboy if you can double the California penal code ruling and baseballs 3 strikes you're out rules, then you should be able to forgive 70 times 70!

Therefore, if you can forgive 490 times, then what's 491?!

Perhaps someone has promised you something? Perhaps they promised that they would be somewhere, or provide some sort of service, but failed to deliver? Perhaps they promised to love you? Have you completely forgiven that person? Are things like they were before the incident? If you answered, "no" then you haven't forgiven that person or yourself.

Sivart Pooknyw said, "I want my life to have meaning, not wording. When I say I love you, I love you, I not only speak it, I live it!"

How many times has someone told you that they loved you, but wouldn't take 30 seconds out of their day to pick up the phone just to check on you. How many times has someone told you that they'd do anything for you, but when you're down on your luck they will not pay your power bill, in fact they are likely not to give you a dollar toward your utility bills, or any other bills, let alone pay a total payment for you?

When a lover tells his/her partner that they love them, they don't just use words of uniformity. They live that, and make that word a work, and it's supposed to be an ongoing work.

There is one that paid it forward, once, and for ALL. Yes, er'body, even the imperfect Christian.

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

Church Mother Jab!

Have you ever been to a church or out in public, and have a woman stick and move on you? The exception being that she did the sticking, and your head and neck did the moving? 

While in Jamaica, The imperfect Christian developed a stomach disorder. Mama T (the deaconess) chalked it up as running stomach. Her husband, Deacon Thomas, with her diagnosis, anointed the imperfect Christian with oil. He slathered it on the imperfect ones'  head, neck, and body. The deacon smacked the imperfect Christians skin like a good corner man does a fighter. The deacon prayed over the imperfect one, that day and gave the instructuon that everyone was to rise each morning at sunrise for Son rise at 5:30am to have devotion. After much prayer, The imperfect one examined Mama T's ingredients, and discovered that Mama T was putting milk (a lot of milk), in his breakfast drink. From then on out, it was only fruits and veg-Jah-tables  (veg-Jah-tables="vegetables" in the imperfect ones best Jamaican accent), an "I could've had a sweeter V-8," smack to the forehead, and healed! This was the cause of his running stomach, because the imperfect Christian is lactose intolerant... No more milk, no more running stomach, Go, and be blessed! 

One of the imperfect Christians favorite church leaders "Ms. Alice Swepson Ray," once prayed over him after noticing that he was hurting spiritually. Then with a Holy Ghost, pungent swat to the forehead, and a mild case of temporal whiplash, that lasted all of approximately two seconds, he was healed. In fact the imperfect Christian laughed after he realized that she had just knocked some sense into him. 

Then there was Mrs. Freeman. Mrs. Freeman used to do the same thing, and tell you that she loved you, but she would tag you with that flat open hand, to the forehead, quicker than a young Ali, and sharper than a seasoned, and oh so, crafty Larry Holmes could have. 

The imperfect one loves the late Ms. Marilee, and Ms. Alice, and he loves the Thomas'! Above all the imperfect Cristian loves The Lord, for introducing and allowing him to meet and know such great people.The imperfect one thanks Him, and praises Him for allowing him to go, and be blessed!

Deuteronomy 28:6 

Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. 

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

You Can Get With This, Or You Can Get With That...

Pastor Laurie did this blog just for me. He's eaten at least eight Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in one sitting, so he definitely qualifies as my kinda preacher! I wanted to share this blog because I wanted to prove that KKD is the official doughnut of heaven, and to say that as in imperfect Christian I can say that the choice between right and wrong is ours as individuals. It is above all of our pay grade to be anything but inspectors. There is but one Righteous Judge. I pray that you enjoy his ministry and blog as much as I do. Peace, Blessings, and Joy... That real PB&J! THE BELOW MESSAGE BELONGS TO GREG LAURIE AND HARVEST MINISTRIES:

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013   A Bittersweet Message   To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this? —2 Corinthians 2:16 Have you ever eaten something that was sweet going down but made you sick later? Let me restate the question: Have you ever eaten eight Krispy Kreme doughnuts in one sitting? I have. I got a little carried away. They were great going down. But less than ten minutes later, I was asking, What have I done? In Revelation 10, the apostle John asked an angel for a small scroll. When the angel gave him the scroll, he told John, "Yes, take it and eat it. It will be sweet as honey in your mouth, but it will turn sour in your stomach!" (verse 9). John said, "So I took the small scroll from the hand of the angel, and I ate it! It was sweet in my mouth, but when I swallowed it, it turned sour in my stomach. Then I was told, 'You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings' " (verses 10–11). The message that we believe as Christians is sweet to us, but it is bitter to others. This is God's Word to us. We eat it like food. Job said, "I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food" (Job 23:12). For Christians to have a Bible study is like a feast. We love it. But for others, it is misery and torment. They don't like it. Some hear the gospel and say, "I love that. I believe it. I want Jesus." Others say, "Not only do I not like it, I hate it. And I hate you for saying it." As believers, we need to take the message of the gospel and give it to as many as we can. Whether they love it or hate it is really up to them.

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.

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

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

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!!!

Teach Our Daughters Well...

We need to teach them well, so they may live well...

We need to teach our daughters to distinguish between a man who flatters her, and a man who compliments her... a man who spends money on her, and a man who invests in her... a man who views her as property, and a man who views her properly... a man who lusts after her, and a man who loves her... a man who believes he is God's gift to women, and a man who remembers a woman was God's gift to man!

Words to remember and live and die by, if you are blessed with having a daughter! Thank you for sharing the above bold print Dr. Stephers!

After watching the updates of an unarmed man being slain, and the prosecution having very inconclusive evidence, the imperfect Christian couldn't help but to be motivated to be a better father. After getting updates on a, "your word against mine, no wait a minute, I'd like to change my story trial and execution," you can't help but want to be a little better father. God forbid any of you reading this, including the writer will have to suffer with seeing, or hearing about any of our child(ren) being placed, or placing themselves in such a horrible situation. Father God, in the name of Jesus, may Your will for me be one that is blessed with longevity, love, and seeing my children blessed after me in the same manner, because I have helped lead them to You... Proverbs 20:7


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

Dude I Want That...

 

The imperfect one loves two wheeled machines, of any kind. Bicycles, motorcycles, road or dirt in either category. As the imperfect one was looking at some of the advanced technologies online one night, he discovered that the floating wheeled, no spoked, magnetized beauty (pictured above) is back! The floating bike has been given a light kit, to give it a Tron-like feel to it on a site called, "Dude I Want That!" No guys the model is not included, you have to find your own... As a kid the imperfect Christian said that (I want that!) a lot, dude was added later during his days in the San Fernando Valley. At Christmas and on birthdays as a kid, and he says it today even... New 2012 R1, "Dude I want that!" New Trek 2012 Mtn Bike w/ disc brakes... again, "Dude I want that!?" But then the imperfect Christian had a flash back, and remembered a time when he was the only member on a missions trip to Jamaica with African ancestry. His roommate a pastor (Caucasian) from the county adjacent to him helped through his first missions work. The imperfect Christian and the pastor were given time to speak with the children at the local school. The children ranged from kindergarten to fourth grade. The older children worked, or went to different academies. The pastor looked at all of the children and asked them if they knew, and liked Michael Jordan. The children then looked at their teachers, then the other minister (the brown faced non-Jamaican/imperfect Christian), and smiled after he smiled at them, and then they shook their heads as if to say, "Yes." The pastor then said, "Wouldn't it be great to have his autograph on a ball, or a jersey?" They all looked at the imperfect Christian again and smiled and shook there heads again as if to signify saying, ""Dude I want that!" Or as the Jamaican's would say, "Yeah Mahn I'm Feelin' Dat,... Respect!" Pastor followed up with asking them if they thought he (MJ) would remember them in a crowd of ten thousand or more? They all shook their heads (but still smiling) as if to answer, "no." What came next was the "Dude I want that," of all time! Pastor said, something along the lines of:

You know who is even more important than MJ and would remember you? They all shook their attentive little heads again, to say no, and pastor said, "Jesus." The looks on their faces were priceless.

Pastor said:
I love Michael Jordan, but he cashed his check from Nike, and never called to thank me, or see how I was doing once.

To have that kind of ministry, and excite children that much about Jesus, Yes indeed, "Dude I Want That!"

We sang, and talked more, and the children wanted to know if the imperfect Christian liked America. He was puzzled at that question until they explained their inquiry. They were under the impression that most of America is Caucasian, and hated any people of African Ancestry, which they (from youngest to the oldest) were well aware of, included them. The imperfect one read from Ecclesiastes 3, and told them that there was a time and place for everything. Then the imperfect one told them a story about Abraham Lincoln, the president on the penny, that helped to abolish slavery. President Lincoln was a "White" man that saw that other good "White" men and Brown to Black men hated slavery so much that they gave their lives to end it. Therefore, President Lincoln looked to do his part and help end it as well. He didn't hate the people, he hated the hate in his country, the hate that people had toward one another. So he signed the Emancipation Proclaimation Act into order. The kids were amazed as the imperfect Christian passed out pennies to over 400 hundred children. The last question, and greatest question was asked by the youngest member of the group, and their star business major pupil. The little fellow couldn't have been more than about five or six years of age, and he asked the imperfect Christian after receiving his penny, "Is dis real money sir, cahn I get cahndy wid it?" The imperfect one told him that it was indeed real money, but probably not near enough to get candy with, but if he would come to the service that night, he would make certain that he got some candy. That kind of innocence, determination, and love... "Dude I Want That!"

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

From Beneath The Ashes To The Top Of The World!

My looking back over a very memorable day... Ten years seems like ten weeks. The brevity of life amazes me. The thought of death and advancing makes me more appreciative on a daily basis. My 9/11 was not spent in a metropolitan area. My view was not from a skyscraper. My view was from the top of the world today. I washed bikes with my sweetie today. Her little pink bike sparkled, but not nearly as bright as those beautiful little chocolate diamonds that she looks up at her daddy with. I spent a little over an hour on top of the world with a great riding partner, my middle son. We were in top of the world thinking about those atop the World Trade Center Towers ten years ago. We were on top pf the world thinking about how God is the maker of it all, and this is His footstool. (Isaiah 66:1) So even when terrorist try to pull us down, and our problems seem to be out of this world and over our heads, they are just under His feet! I am on top of the world tonight, and sorry for those that are not, because the view from here is lovely! Gods' view is breath taking. That light on the mountain is not just the sun calling my name. But when I see it and get to it, there is an indescribable peace there called home, and from there I hear the voice of Almighty God. You see it's not just my mountain that makes the view captivating, but the Spirit that is within me. Now I will finish the day on top of the world by resting high on that mountain with the woman God ordained me to be with. Good night brothers and sisters, may God bless America, make his face to shine upon you all, and may He grant you all memories of perseverance, love, and true hope that stem from this day that outshine all of the rest!
Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Psalm 1:1&2
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,nor stands in the way of sinners,nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord,and on his law he meditates day and night."

We as Christians should not dwell in the counsel of the wicked, we should dwell among the wicked and counsel. ~ Sivart Pooknyw

Tenth year since the attack on our nation, and still it stings. The imperfect Christian is not old enough to have been around during the attack on Pear Harbor, but can only imagine how the hearts of the men and women of Pearl Harbor feel every year that December 7th rolls around. Some of us have grandparents, or, perhaps even older grandparents depending on our age, that remember Pearl Harbor, and other events that are a sad part of our nations history. We as a nation persevere, and even in our differences come together as a people even if not completely to make a stand for one another. That troubles, and confuses a lot of other people. But it's as simple as comparing our nation to our family. Dad loves ice-cream, but is lactose intolerant. He loves football, racing, and competitive sports. Mom loves milk drinks it everyday, only loves Packer football, watched racing when the 3 car was driven by a man named Dale, and is not much on competitive sports unless her kids are playing and she's at the game. Just for grins and giggles, let's say that none of the other family members from either side care about any of that! What matters is that they are still a family, and they will still dish out or take a thumpin' for family! So if your ancestry dates back to whatever continent, the imperfect Christian says as an American, not as a shade or belonging to any department or sect, to his American family, have a beautiful "In Remembrance Sunday."

The NYT Remembering:
NYT: The 9/11 Decade: The Price of

The imperfect Christian may not agree with your religious views, choice of teams, or schools even, but he will not dwell in the counsels of those that encourage such behavior that disrespects leadership, love, or life. Hitlers propaganda had to start somewhere. Someone had to inspire Bin Laden. The way some people talk in this country I fear that the next leader of terror could very well be readying himself right here in our country. So rather than bad mouth our parents youth, rather than bad mouth our government working class America, I think we should dwell among the wicked that we talk about, and consider talking to them in love and with great discernment rather than about them... Then bust their tails if they don't listen. Hahaha! My apologies for the warped but heartfelt humor, you know the score...

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!

What Are You Rejoicing Over?

Ever heard of those people that will believe anything, their called fools... Every heard of those people that believe everything should be acceptable, again fools. They will also use propaganda, that's right, they twist the words of others to say what they want them to say. They are not rational enough to hear anything you have to say, sadly enough most don't even listen or understand a tragedy even when it hits their home, then they look to cast blame on anyone but self...

If the shoe fits wear it.
The imperfect Christian doesn't get offended when people bad mouth Bible Thumpers... he doesn't force his  faith on anyone, but will share it if someone is willing to have a decent conversation. So the imperfect Christian doesn't take it personal, or get tore up over the term Bible Thumper.

Charles Barkley is a huge man from Alabama with African Ancestry, (that the imperfect one is not a big fan of) that has made some racists remarks, and even has a book that somewhat manifest his racists thoughts in the title... "Whose Afraid Of The Big Black Man?" If Charles were to run for President, you couldn't accuse the imperfect Christian of being racist in his vote, because in that election if Charles were running against a man/woman of non-African heritage you simply couldn't pay the imperfect Christian to vote for him (him being Charles Barkley). Yes, Charles, the imperfect one is certain, would call the imperfect Christian "turrable" among other things much worse. Charles would probably say that the imperfect Christian's grammar and run on sentences are worse than his as well. The imperfect one would have to disagree with him on the first half at least! The imperfect one doesn't get bothered over people calling him a racist because he doesn't associate hymnself with Sir Charles ideals concerning ethnicity, or for that matter much else.

What does the Bible say?
The imperfect Christian is not one to wear out a pericope, he prefers to reference and apply the entire Bible in his life, but some verses are better suited for certain situations. Two verses that the imperfect one has seen the most today are from Proverbs. Proverbs 24:17&18, and Proverbs 21:15. Some folks have used their concordance to find their verse for the day, and others just saw it on Twitter or Facebook. A concordance is awesome, it helps you find a verse via a key word search. The imperfect one has used them plenty. But it is also great to study to show yourself approved...

Yes it is great that most (even the non-believer) knows what John 3:16 says. It's even greater when they know what 3:17 says, and are even more intrigued to find out what the rest of that blood given covenant says.

Today the imperfect Christian has seen and heard everything from, "It's a government scam to shake up Al Qaeda," to "He (Bin Laden) got what he deserved." "This isn't the end of terrorism," and "Obama didn't get him!" The imperfect Christian has witnessed people use Bible verses, and witnessed others quote great minds all over the web, and on social networks.

So what do the two verses say:

Proverbs 24:17&18

17 "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;
18 lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him," (NKJV)

Verse 18 ends in a comma, verses 19 & 20 ends that with saying:
19 "Do not fret because of evil doers, nor be envious of the wicked;
20 For there will be no prospect for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked will be put out." (NKJV)

The lamp today, according to reports, was snuffed out...

Proverbs 21:15 Reads:

"It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity." (NKJV)
"Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers." (NLT)
"When justice is done, good citizens are glad and crooks are terrified." (CEV)
"When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers." (NIV)

In the imperfect conclusion the imperfect Christian would have to say this:
The killing of Osama Bin Laden may not have come from a gun that contained the trigger finger of President Obama, it may not bring back 2,977 NY Lives from September 11, and countless other lives in Afghanistan, Iraq, or Pakistan, it may not even be true at all that he is dead... however, if he (Bin Laden) is dead, it is not gloating, or even a rejoicing in one mans death, or pay back for 2,977, it is praising God for the fact, that the one dead man, will no longer be able to master mind the killing of 2,977 with less than one percent of the people that he was responsible for killing.

Freedom, Hope, Peace, Perfection wish You were here... Perfection left the physical a little over 2,000 years ago. We won't see Perfection again until He returns... until then keep Him in your heart press toward the day of Perfection.

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

How Do You Get High?

What do you have with a cool Lake Michigan breeze, a Carolina Blue sky over a blessed Wisconsin home? The perfect day for a family Easter gathering. To be imperfect, and see His love poured out still.

To have the grace of hearing your children laugh with a never ending energy as they hunt for Easter eggs.
To be a part of the fraternity that is now a part of the inherited family, that sits around downstairs, laughs and gets excited over the games they're watching on TV.

To be reminded of the mercy He bestowed upon us with Easter egg devotions. To have the hostess, a great Christian teacher, an even better Christian wife, mother, and grandmother remind us that it is Him that mercifully saved us from a devils hell!

Yeah that's the difference between grace and mercy as Pastor Henson would say:
"God gives us grace by giving us what we don't deserve... and the mercy not to give us what we do deserve!"

So how does the imperfect Christian get high? It starts with a hug from the aunt that opens her door for you. It continues with more hugs from more aunts, and cousins. It's getting a kite started a mile above the grass that is greener than the green in Green Bay, for your 6 year old, then allowing her big cousin to join in on the fun. It's the football game in the back yard where no one boo's if you throw a pick or miss an assignment. It's the love unconditional that still calls you family even when you forget to send a birthday card, and now we have email and Facebook, so shame on you if you miss one! It's the passing on tradition from one generation to the next, and enjoying what God has given that makes the imperfect Christian high. I hope this trip helped you get up for another good time.

Until the next time... Peace, Blessings, & Joy... that real PB&J

From the fine folks of Spiritual feeding (Quotemeal):
"If God be your partner, make your plans large!" ~ Dwight L. Moody

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8