All Things are Important

Well, it has been a little while since I've blogged (a little while? Dude, it has been more like 3 months). Yes, it has been a long time. Mainly because I haven't worked with kids for awhile. Today, that was changed. I had the wonderful privilege of being able to go Christmas shopping with a bunch of preschoolers today (let me explain. My mom is a preschool teacher, and I was helping out...).

Let me just tell you about the gifts got their parents. There were candy, fake candy, candles, oil, and plungers. It was fantastic. I couldn't help but laugh at how excited these kids were to give these assorted gifts to their parents. Then I started thinking about the gifts that kids have given me in the past. Drawings, candy, instructions on how to get a girlfriend (Long story, remind me to tell you sometime), and etc. I remember telling these kids how much their gifts meant to me, and how I still kept and treasured their gifts. Their faces light up like a Christmas tree.

I knew that was how the parents would react. To the parents of these preschoolers, the plungers, candy, and stickers would be so important to them. Just like how we can make God happy.

You know, as humans we all have different talents or skills. We use these for God. Let's look at 1 Corinthians 12:14: "For the body does not consist of one member but of many." You know the pinky toe? I stubbed it really bad a few nights ago, and boy did that (censored) hurt! Seriously, it just ruined my entire day! Strange that such a small body part impacted me hugely. Horrible analogy, but that got a point across (right?). 

God doesn't need our talents, skills, or whatever we choose to give him. We could give him the spiritual equivalent to a plunger (What would that be? Talking? High-fiving? Underwater basket weaving?), but just like the parent, God will keep it and use it. Strange how that works right? We don't realize one of two things. 

Some of us think that our gifts are nothing. They mean nothing and God can never use them. WRONG! I think this Doctor Who quote sums it up perfectly: "Nobody important? Blimey, that's amazing. You know that in nine hundred years of time and space and I've never met anybody who wasn't important before." You're important, don't forget that.

Some people think that God's plan can't function without their gifts. I'll kindly say this: You may be one in a million, but because there are six billion people in the world there are 5,999 other people like you (Or something like that. I stink at math and got this from the internet.).

Basically, I rambled a lot and if you got lost, I'm sorry. This is 3 months of a whole lot of waiting to blog, but I'll sum it up like this. Everything is important. You're important. Your gift may be a plunger, candy, or a nice scarf (first thing to come to my mind, don't ask.). All those gifts are important on the same level. I just want to let you know that just like I was privileged to shop with those kids this morning, I am also privileged to use my gifts alongside you all because I can give a plunger, and you all give so, so much more. Good night.

A Guide to Pick-up lines for Christians

So, as many of you know, I'm single. I'm about as single as a slice of prepackaged American cheese. I'm quite happy with being single (except for Mondays), but my parents (and anyone else in my life it seems like) is ready for me to be in a relationship. So, in honor of all this, here is a guide of my favorite pick-up lines.

1. Now I know why Solomon had 700 wives...he never met you. (This sounds romantic when you think about it...but also kind of illogical as Solomon lived over 3000 years ago and you live now.)
2. I would slay Goliath for you. (I'm gonna take a Jon Acuff line here: "It's the Bruno Mars of Christian pick-up lines".)
3. I put the stud in Bible study. (Because who doesn't love a little confidence?)
4. I'm not Joshua, but if I walked around you seven times, would you fall for me? (Personally, this is my favorite as it's cheesiness level just might work.)
5. Wanna read the Song of Solomon? (Christian equivalent of asking someone to watch a Nicholas Sparks movie together....I think.)
6.  You make me want to be a better Christian. (Gold right thar.)
7. Are you Jewish, cuz you Israeli pretty. (Only unbelievers don't like puns.)
8. I was reading through the book of Numbers and realized, I don't have yours. (Classic.)
9. Is it hot in here, or is it the Holy Spirit burning within you? (I...have no thoughts on this one. None at all.)
10. Did it hurt when you fell from Heaven? (It's classic, works with unbelievers (which you shouldn't be unequally yoked), and hey, who doesn't want to be referred to as an Angel?)

My top ten favorite Christian pick-up lines. To my Liberty friends, I dare ya to try one of them out. Pass them all to your friends, and hey, at least they are good for laughs. Or maybe you'll get that Ring by Spring.

These are just some of the  inspirations for this fantastic blog.

A Poem for Fall

Autumn, oh Autumn

I look forward to when you come

You leave a kiss every morning

Summer's heat slightly less scorning

Autumn, oh Autumn

I look forward to when you come

The leaves are changing

The color green is waning

Fall colors make a beautiful scene

To the green, until next Spring

I cannot wait for the Summer to be over

Please, dear Autumn, don't come slower

I'm ready for your fine weather

And your power to bring people together

Fall, oh dear sweet fall

Please answer my call.

Misconcep"twin"....or just something about the term "twins."

Let's talk about something that is very common that I just don't get. When people have something in common, they become "twins!" Ya know, something like: "I like such and such color." "OMG, me too! Twins! <3" (Gotta add the heart as well. It's pretty much mandatory these days.) It's sort of funny because it happens a lot as I observe people around me (I'm trying to be like Sherlock. I do a lot of observing now).

If twins are people who have something in common, aren't we all each others twin then? "I woke up this morning!" (Me too! Twins!)

"I breath air." (No way...we're twins!)

"I talk with my mouth." (Twinsies.)

Pretty much, this misconception of the term twin (Hence, misconcep"twin"), can also be commonly seen in the "best friend" term. I do this a lot. I have a ton of things (or just one thing) in common with someone? Let's be best friends! (<3 Don't forget the heart. It's important.) Seriously though, I simply don't get it that once we find something positive or cool about someone, we jump on the opportunity to compare ourselves to it and try to be as similar as possible. Let's get serious for a minute...

"I struggle with a sin/addiction/problem that I have no way of getting over by myself."
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It's funny that if we think about it, we are all twins. Romans 3:9b "For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin." 

I'm not a fan of generalization, but I know for myself (and you may agree) that when someone shares a sin or a struggle or anything of the like, we don't go jumping on the opportunity to see that we may struggle with the same thing...we simply suggest another person that can help. No way do we want to be seen with that black mark of sin struggle by someone with the same struggle. We want to appear strong in the eyes of others. All sin is the same. Whatever they are struggling with is probably really similar to what you're struggling with. So, yeah, be there for others basically. We need Jesus's help foremost, but we help each other as well. Chances are, they told you because they want your help and not someone else's.

Just a thought I've been thinking about lately, and wanted to share with all of ya'll. Thanks for your time, and have a wonderful weekend. (Wait, it's the weekend for you too?? Twins!)

Now and Then: Remembering

So, I started thinking back to 3 years ago (I was entering Senior year in HS then), and I was sorta surprised at how things turned out or didn't turn out. So, this post is a quick trip to the past. (Cue time machine effects)

1. Shock to my past self: I find redheads attractive. (Starting out with something small, but this does shock me. Up until last year, I always thought redheads were scary.)
2. Non-Shock to my past self: I still want to leave Lynchburg. (Lynchburg stinks...people stink...)
3. Shock: I'm still single. (That was my only single complaint.)
4. Non-Shock: I still enjoy the good ole B&N. (It is the exception to "Not liking where you work.")

Those are just few of the things that have shocked me or haven't. I'm reminded that I may have my own plan, but God has His own, and when our plans conflict, I end up hurting myself, and God just sits back waiting for me to get with His program. I've witness alot in 3 years, and even more in 11 years (the time from when I moved from Southern California). This blog has no purpose but to state the obvious. Three years ago I had no idea what was gonna happen, and I know that I will be surprised what happens in the next 3 years.

A new chapter

I love change. Seriously, I tire of redundancy so easily, it's bad. I just have to change up my life sometimes, you know? And right now, some serious change is coming my way.

I've been working with kids for two years at least, and it's been a crazy ride, but I'm done after tomorrow. I start working like crazy at a pretzel shop (rolling in the dough and whatnot...last time, I promise) and Barnes and Noble. No more kids for me. Other changes in my life: no more King's Players (a ministry team that was a huge part of my life the past two years as well) and I'm considering buying Toms (this is a big deal for me...I've always been a Converse guy).

I'm excited for the changes though. I'm excited for a new chapter to begin with school starting. Maybe I'll start a new blog (or maybe not), but whatever happens I'm excited. I'm excited because while I see everyone around me getting content with the norm and immaturity (another blog, another time) of everyday life I'm gonna make some changes in my life that I feel good about. For all I know, maybe this may be the chapter that allows me to start my own little Christian coffee shop, Holy Grounds (I'm serious, puns, coffee and Jesus, what could be better)!

So, this is the end of things kids say (not really) and the beginning of what could be the start of something new!


Sorry for the short, pointless blog, and also, share this with your friends if you may! I always appreciate others' thoughts and perspectives! G'night, ya'll!



Edit: I almost forgot, Happy First of August, Ya'll!

To Neverland!!!

Seriously, how cool would it be to go to Neverland? To be a child forever and ever? I can dig it.

You know that technically, Neverland is the only way we can enter heaven? (People be thinking I'm crazy.) Jesus actually says that in Matthew 18:3 (Hey, I biblegateway'd it for you) that we cannot enter heaven unless we change and become like children? I read and ponder, what does He mean to become like children?

I struggle with this every day. I love being a big kid. Seriously, my childhood was da bomb! I had dreams and goals that made others pale in comparison. I was gonna marry the first and only girl I ever dated (I was an odd child), a Sunday School Teacher was my dream job (along with being a preacher), and I already knew I wanted to go to a Christian college (did I mention I was only 6 at the time, a new Christian?).

Fast forward eleven years, and none of that seemed possible. I wanted to be a writer, in a second relationship, and wanting to leave christian schooling as soon as possible. I wanted to grow up and leave the child behind.

Three years later and we're here now. I've worked with children for two years, and for lack of a better phrase, it has changed me. I'm being a child again! Star Wars, Pokemon, and so much more from my childhood has returned, and with it an opening of my eyes. I remember my dreams and goals. I'm grateful for Liberty University, and excited for the ministry that I will do for the Lord.

Now, what's the point of this blog? Just a reminder of to always be like a child. Not in intelligence mind you, but in the heart. I've seen kids wanting to start businesses, kids who think I'm cool because I like Pokemon and comic books, and with kids there are no trends or cliques (Oh, keep an eye out for a blog post on that subject...dang, hipsters.). So, with this, I want to quote the great C. S. Lewis:

"[M]ost children show plenty of 'prudence' about doing the things they are really interested in, and think them out quite sensibly....He told us to be not only 'as harmless as doves', but also 'as wise as serpents'. He wants a child's heart, but a grown-up's head. He wants us to be simple, single-minded, affectionate, and teachable, as good children are; but He also wants every bit of intelligence we have to be alert at its job, and in first-class fighting trim."

So, be a kid and reject trends, cliques, and what the world tells you should be on your heart as an adult! Embrace your dreams, goals, and childhood. Combine that with a level head and ever constant mind, thinking through everything, you'll be a force to reckon with for Christ.

Well, that is all, and thanks again for reading my mindless rants! Have a good one, ya'll.

Shameless plug to my Twitter.

A funny thing happened at the boardwalk today.

So, I'm on vacation right now with my family and as we were getting dinner, a concert was going on locally. Well, it just so happened that this was a Christian concert with some small time band. They then played "Everything" by Lifehouse (Which I found out through Wiki-research was a church rock band at first) and these lyrics:

"Cause You're all I want    
You're all I need    
You're everything, everything"

just really made me think. Is Jesus all I want? Do I really see Him as all I need? Is He my everything? Or do I just use that quote or lyric as a status to encourage others (yes, unfortunately)? Sometimes I forget to encourage myself. Sometimes I forget to ask for encouragement. And all the time, I forget to ask Jesus to help me. If He truly was all I wanted, needed, and my everything, I wouldn't be too stressed and crazy and tired and lonely. 

The true test though comes after I press the "Publish" blog and this is for all to see. The test is remembering this. Remembering that Jesus is all I want, all I need, my everything. It's hard because I forget that He is always there. When you have trust issues, it takes baby steps (like ittle bitty baby steps). I just need to be like 1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." Because, thank God, Jesus will never forsake me.

Well, I hope this made sense and thanks for listening (er...reading!).

What's Attractive: One Man's Perspective

Maybe I'm weird. Or maybe I'm just way too uptight. It could be that I take too seriously my baptist upbringing. The point is, I have a hard time being attracted to make up, skinny, or girls who show skin...

Let me back up a bit. I was working at the Pretzel maker, rolling in the dough (See what I did there?) and two girls came up to buy a drink. Now, these girls were pretty in the face, but how they were dressed just turned me off completely. Now, how were they dressed you may ask? Showing off their belly. What's wrong with that? Absolutely nothing....except they were totally unattractive. So, am I right, or am I weird?

See, like any typical, warm blooded, imperfect male, I get turned on by the visual. I mean, who doesn't? So, whenever I see a pretty girl (by the popular standard), I am instantly attracted, but attracted with conflict. Because like Paul says in Romans 7:15-25 (Biblegateway it, great verse), I do what I do not what to do. My sin nature is all like "Mhm, dat girl looking fine," but my true, or Christian nature, is all like "Bro, that ain't attractive, it's just a girl."

So, conflict. And it's funny because this conflict pretty much runs my life. I can be with a group of friends chatting it up, laughing, and joking along, but totally not get what they're saying (I was sheltered, so sue me). Today I realized a fun fact though. This conflict also determined my opinion on myself.

I am ugly and fat. That's why I am single. Or...so I thought. I was brought a truth from a child (kids say the darnedest things). Today I had the opportunity to be a head teacher at summer care today. Of course, when you have all day to the kids, they love to learn more about you. Typically, that involves shocked statements of "You still live with your parents?!?" and "How old are you?" Today the children were shocked that I was single...which typically leads to "You're never gonna get married!" But today a child replied: "But you're cool and hansome (misspelling on purpose), Mr. David." Apparently, these children see more to me than what the mirror shows every morning. These kids see more to me than what the world tells me.

What's the point of the blog? I honestly don't know, I just want to vent. I just want to lay it all out now that I am proud to say that I will never call a girl babe, baby, hot, sexy, or any other terms the world or everyone else uses. I am proud to say that a girl who can dress modestly without make up is the gosh darnedest prettiest thing I've ever seen. I am proud to say that God has placed a beauty in each of us that can only be achieved once we finally understand who we are in Him.

But wait, what am I attracted to (I have to add this in, since ya know, it is the blog's title)? Maturity. Took me awhile to catch this, but maturity. A girl who can dress modestly in her own style (just something about a girl who has her own style, and not a "trend"), who love Jesus (of course), and enjoys discussions that are thought provoking (I like to think, whoduthunkit?) at coffee shops. Maturity is a rare thing to find in Lynchburg, and seriously, everything is a trend now, but that's what I am attracted to, and gosh darn it, I will find that girl.

I'm a nice guy! (According to God and my students)

So, I've been working with kids for about two years. I've heard many things from them (which you will hear (or see?) over the course of this blog), but today I heard a blessing. We have "emailer of the day" which is where we read a child's email and guess whose it is (simple, right?). Well, today, the email mentioned a name, mine. "Mr. David is a nice guy." Well, that was shocking. Seriously, I'm just a normal "teacher." I'm strict, disciplinary, and not fun, and yet these kids love me! They want to go see movies with me and I was even invited to go to the beach with one's family. Kids are always surprising, but also, I learned another thing with what they say. They are a blessing. I've been feeling down and unappreciated lately, and then these kids surprise me with kind words. God knows when and how to lift a spirit up, and I thank Him for that everyday.

Obligatory first blog

Well, I seriously have no idea what I am doing. I am just going to be posting things the kids at my work say, thoughts on life, and book/movie reviews. Yep....let's do this.


P.S. Anyone want to teach me?