Facebook Is Not the Devil

For some reason, I almost felt controversial typing in that title. But it's true that Facebook, snapchat, (insert name of social media here) is not the devil. I get the privacy thing, anything is public blah blah. Kids need to be protected. Of course. Yes, anything can be used for evil, but that's just the point. Anyone with their mind set on doing something bad is going to find a way to get it done, be it social media, texting, or even in person. Telling someone to completely do away with social media to take away temptation for doing bad stuff sends the wrong message. It says: 1. I am not at fault for my choices. 2. An inanimate object has the power to arbitrarily manipulate your mind. 3. I am incapable of making a good choice with something that has dangerous potential. The human mind is amazingly creative (when it wants to be). What it wants to accomplish, it generally does. The same thing that has potential for evil generally has equal potential for good. If parents are worried about what their kids do on social media, do what your title says you do: parent them. Not allowing any exposure to that kind of thing is lazy and dangerous. Communicate with them about what could happen with the internet and allow measured exposure to such things. The danger (to reiterate a previous point) is that we're teaching people that they aren't at fault for their choices. Super main point: take personal responsibility. Doing right is up to you, not Mark Zuckerberg. side note (well actually another main note, with some of the same points as what I just made): I'm tired of people blaming girls for how a guy thinks. No girl jumps inside a guy's mind and forces him to think a certain way. A guy who wants to lust can do a pretty good job of that no matter what a girl wears. And I'm not advocating nudist colonies here. But at the end of the day, guys have to realize that if we lust, it's our fault. -RST

Got Truth?

I know this happened a long time ago, but I just saw an article posted again about how the CEO of Starbucks has "no tolerance for traditional marriage supporters." As a Christian myself, I get so tired of when other Christians misrepresent people's words to try to fit their own argument. This isn't about whether you agree with the man's position or not. This is about being proponents and spreaders of truth. The man simply said “If you feel, respectfully, that you can get a higher return than the 38% you got last year, it’s a free country. You can sell your shares of Starbucks and buy shares in another company." Nothing about "we don't want your business." In the non-condescending, respectful tone we so often beg for, he just told us that no one is forcing you to buy Starbucks. (And let's not get into all the things you'd also be boycotting if you boycott Starbucks for their stance. Unless you believe hypocrisy is ok.) Can we please just spread truth and not say that people said something they didn't say? For being Christian, some people sure do have a funny idea of what telling the truth is.

Video of the CEOs comments down below:

-RST
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Ignorance Is Not Cool

Disclaimer: as usual for me, this is not meant to be an extensive researched thesis on the topic, only my personal commentary on an issue.

What I believe is one of the biggest problems with Christianity today isn’t that we don’t know our faith well enough. Even from a preschool age, I learned those catechisms. “Who is God? God is a spirit and does not have a body like man. What did God make? God made the heavens and the earth. What else did God make? God made me and all things. Why did God make me and all things? God made me and all things for his own glory.” You know how it goes. There are many more that I can’t remember at the moment. Then there were countless Bible verses learned at home and in Sunday school. I’m sure some teacher somewhere still owes me a Snickers. There are some preachers who love to dive into the intricate minutia of the Christian faith. Others preach a gospel message every other Sunday. Not knowing our faith well enough? Debatable. But what I believe is one of the biggest problems with Christianity today is that while we know our friends, we don’t know who or what we’re against.

Now I know, I’m 20 (almost 21!). I’m not a super Christian. I’ve asked God “why” before. I have actual struggles that I have to deal with every day. I don’t remember the exact day or even year I was saved (let’s save this topic for another day shall we). So what authority do I have? None. But luckily for me, the internet is a thing and Holy Spirit insight is also a thing so I get to tell you what I think anyways.

It seems many Christians I have come across are dedicated to debunking the myths of other religions. Which is fine. Except they’re debunking something that does even exist. The classic straw man argument. We seem to want to generalize all non-Christians and/or cults into one argument and shoot them down with our brilliantly crafted words, yet we get upset when others blame us for the deadly crusades. The hypocrisy is astounding. Or we misrepresent the words or ideas of someone and “defeat” an argument that person didn’t even make. Some people give out Christian literature and are upset when people don’t read it, yet the first thing they do when someone such as a Jehovah’s Witness, Muslim, or atheist comes to the door with something for them ready, they immediately throw it away. Why is it that we expect others to listen to what we have to say but refuse to engage them when they share what we believe?

We’re not commanded to shut down the opposing voice. Elijah let the prophets of Baal have their turn. Jesus engaged demons in conversation. But some people want to turn Christianity into a tyrannical religion where no opposition is allowed to exist. Should people stand for what they believe in? Of course. I’m not saying there is no absolute truth. But handle the truth with basic human decency. Don’t be the reason someone discredits Christianity as a whole because you forget the most basic rule of human interaction: treat others like you want to be treated. The Bible tells us to be ready to give an answer. We can’t answer something that is never stated or something that isn’t even an idea.

So please, if you hear about something that an atheist said, check it out. Go to firsthand sources and see if that is correct. We can’t base entire propositions on hearsay. If someone from a different religion comes to your door, engage them. I’m not asking that you be converted to everything obviously. But engage in polite conversation and maybe, just maybe, actually treat them as Jesus would. Because if we don’t know what people out there are saying, we’re spending all our time “beating the air” as Paul talked about. Ignorance is one thing. We can’t know what something is about if we have never come in contact with it. But willful ignorance is a whole different matter. We need to understand the world around us so we know how to interact with people. Being ignorant about what people believe and then telling them why what they believe is wrong doesn’t even make sense. It’s absurd.

Ask for wisdom as you engage others. Ask for wisdom as you read about the real life beliefs of other religions/cultures. People don’t open up to or listen to people who don’t understand them on a basic level. “But hey, you’re turning into one of those young evangelicals who preach the social gospel!” Nope. But God put us in the world. We’re going to be around people. And it would do you well to figure out how to deal with them.

Ignorance is not cool.

-RST

30 Rules of Life

Here's part two of a double feature on my blog tonight. This is a compilation of 30 of my rules of life. If you follow me on twitter, sorry for the repeat.

#1 rule of life: be your own toughest critic, and be generous with others.

#2 rule of life: if you can afford to go to a full service restaurant, tip well. those people need it. I try to do about 33%.

#3 rule of life: you're never as cool as you think you are. don't be so easily impressed.

#4 rule of life: treat people better than they treat you. don't expect return for kindness.

#5 rule of life: learn the difference between personal preference and something worth dying for. I doubt coke vs. pepsi is that important.

#6 rule of life: try new things. explore. travel. be spontaneous. keep an open mind.

#7 rule if life: earn people's respect. it goes a lot better than trying to demand it.

#8 rule of life: you can't control circumstances. you can control your attitude. choose to laugh instead of cry.

#9 rule of life: people are meant to be loved, things are meant to be used. not the other way around.

#10 rule of life: your opinion is a lot less desired by others than you think.

#11 rule of life: don't be on either side of a one way relationship. both people must give effort.

#12 rule of life: be content. don't take any friendship, any breath, any blessing for granted.

#13 rule of life: can't keep promises? don't make them.

#14 rule of life: listen more, talk less.

#15 rule of life: there's no taxes on being a servant. live for more than yourself.

#16 rule of life: don't be afraid of being right. if you know the truth, make it known.

#17 rule of life: a lady is a lady. treat her like one. and ladies, let a man treat you like a lady.

#18 rule of life: don't be afraid to challenge the norm.

#19 rule of life: take care of your body. it's the only one you get. not caring does not make you cool.

#20 rule of life: study history. you'll find it's lessons much more practical than you think.

#21 rule of life: black/white, man/woman, republican/democrat, american/not american, we're all people. respect life.

#22 rule of life: even in an issue you may disagree with someone on, you will find a positive lesson from his/her perspective.

#23 rule of life: when it comes to speaking, being understood is better than being impressive.

#24 rule of life: handle success as if it's all you know. handle failure as if you'll never know it again.

#25 rule of life: love isn't proven by what you say. it's proven by what you do.

#26 rule of life: "one may tolerate a world of demons for the sake of an angel." (thank you doctor who) be the angel.

#27 rule of life: "don't give up. don't ever give up."-- jim valvano

#28 rule of life: always believe in the good around you. hang on to life's bright moments. don't let go of true friends.

#29 rule of life: think outside the box. unless, of course, you're a doctor who fan, in which case your box is bigger on the inside.

#30 rule of life: transcend circumstances. live above haters. live beyond yourself.




I hope those were somewhat insightful or interesting. Let me know what you think. Maybe even add your own "rules of life."

-RST

Blessings

I realize I promised a blog post much earlier than this. I apologize to the two people that ever read this. Since I waited so long, I'll combine this into a follow up post on my week working at Royal Family Kids Camp and my church VBS.

Working at RFKC, it was amazing to see kids that needed love so bad. I was sitting on a couch and a little girl just ran up and sat beside me. After just a few minutes of talking, she launched into a tackle hug and ran off. The moment melted my heart. Being around kids for a week who are subjected to abuse, some on a daily basis, will change your perspective. Kids who endure so much pain are able to exude so much joy, yet we complain when a red light is a little too long. I hope I was as much a blessing to the kids as they were to me, even if they did drive me a little crazy. A few random notes:

1. Kids think if you say anything nice to a member of the opposite sex, you should be dating that person.

2. Kids have no concept of sometimes you're first in line, sometimes you're last in line. It happens how it happens.

3. Kids don't realize that if you don't fight back, the fight can't go on.

At first I was nervous to work at the camp. But one week, many memories, much coffee, and a few new friends later, I'm already saying....... Let's do it again!

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My church recently finished VBS. There were 70+ saved, including one that I personally got to talk to. Nothing is more humbling than realizing someone's eternal destiny is your responsibility at the moment. I'm thankful that it's the power of God for salvation because I know if it were up to my words, I would definitely mess it up. I'm thankful that it takes simple faith. Praise God the Gospel still works. Pray for effective follow up/discipleship for those saved. Many come from unsaved homes and won't have much chance for growth without someone actively seeking them out.

The blessings from two separate one week events were too much for me to write or even comprehend. It was worth not being able to have a job just for those two weeks. A good exercise in proper perspective...

-RST

See you on the other side: a week with no internet

If you know me at all, you know I've been rather jobless and stuck at home for most of the summer so far. But I'm about to break that mold in a big way. Well, for a week anyways. I'll be leaving Sunday night to work at Royal Family Kids Camp (the one that's in Georgia) until Friday afternoonish. The camp is for abused neglected kids, and I'll be a counselor to two 10 year old boys during the week. A few points of excitement (excitement is a big deal for me):

1. I get to get out and do something. I love getting out and being able to do stuff. And with any luck, I'll end up with a worse farmer's tan than I already have now.

2. I get to push my limits. Now some of you people that are all cheerleader kind of personality say no problem. But if you know me at all, I'm not all that outwardly emotional. And of course, in a camp setting, they want counselors who are going to be excited about stuff and get the kids excited. That is going to be a challenge. Also, dealing with kids isn't my favorite thing ever. So having patience (and stamina) is also going to be a challenge.

3. I get to do what I (and the Bible for that matter) consider one of the truest expressions of Christianity. James 1:27 says, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction..." and these kids that have been so mistreated in their lives that whether or not they live with parents or not, they are the kind of people the Bible talks about. Jesus came to earth to help the helpless, and I have a chance to do the same. For kids that may not have many good days at all in their whole life, I have the chance to help them have a good week. I have the opportunity to show God's love to kids who have gotten such a distorted view in their life of what love really is. Funny (but not) how the one place I can think of the Bible talking about pure religion is one of the most often neglected. Not that churches doing building projects, going on church outings, or other such things aren't good/important, but after seeing people with nothing, it makes our extra little fun things seem a lot less important.

I'll need your prayer. It will be a challenging (but hopefully fun) week. Pray I don't hinder truth in the kids' lives but that I present it lovingly and openly. Pray I survive a week without internet access. Ok, that might not be as hard as it seems. Looking forward to a week of growth for me and making smiles for others. I'll hit you with an update/summary next Saturday if I have enough energy, Monday if not. Don't miss me too much.

-RST

Listen Up, Freshmen

In honor of many recent high school graduations, I'll post my advice for college freshmen from someone who has been there, done that. I can't promise it'll be brilliant (or original), but hopefully it will be helpful. Now sit back and let an old geezer learn ya a thing or two....

1. You don't own the place, so don't act like it. Just remember how you felt just this year about all those little kids in 9th grade.

2. Put down Call of Duty and pick up your textbook. Of course, there is a place for fun. Just not when you have homework. My freshman year I decided to play games a lot more than doing homework. No wonder I didn't understand my math class. You won't earn a degree in video game playing.

3. Leave the drama in the theater. You thought people would be more mature than in high school? Think again. People don't get more mature, just more crafty and sly in their immaturity. So stay away from those people that never mentally made it out of the 8th grade.

4. Don't overstudy; you'll need the sleep. A mistake that most people make is staying up until 2 a.m. every day just to get a little more study time in. I promise, the extra sleep is worth it. Make your late nights rare. And take study breaks while you study. I know my focus is completely gone after about 30 minutes of study, so at your focus limit, just take about a 10 minute break.

5. Take a little time on your weekend for something fun. Even on your busiest weekend, you need to take a break sometime just to maintain sanity. Whether that's just sleeping in, going out with friends, or whatever you do for fun, it will give you much needed refreshment.

6. Don't be desperate. I'm talking about guy/girl stuff here. She's looking for the prince, he's looking for a female that's breathing and acknowledges his existence. Finding a mate for life is important, but don't let it consume you. I was like that my freshman year. I analyzed everything every girl said to me. I let myself get heartbroken every time someone didn't respond to a Facebook message. It was stupid. It really takes away from simply enjoying life. Takes away from study time too.

7. Find a good group of friends. Well duh, everyone needs friends right? Find people that will encourage you in hard times and laugh with you in good times. You might meet these people at a job. You might meet them in a class. Maybe have weekly lunch plans with a person or group. Everyone needs a support system. Besides, people often meet "the one" (which I don't believe in, but I use the term for sake of understandability) just by hanging out with their friends.

8. Appreciate your teachers. I'll admit, I've had a few teachers I didn't care for. Like, I'd rather suffer through a 3 hour chick flick than attend their class for an hour. But appreciate the time they put in. At least in my case, the vast majority actually cared about students. It would probably hurt the teachers to hear all the things said about them behind their backs. Most of them are probably willing to just get to know students, so take advantage of those who are.

9. Don't get offended easily. You're getting out in the world a little more. Not everyone knows who you are or where you've come from. People will be insensitive about sensitive subjects for you. You can't let people have that kind of power over you. You need to decide what's worth worrying about. You can decide whether or not you let petty things bother you. Transcend the haters. Just do what you know you need to do. Don't let someone else define you. Define yourself.

I hope not having a #10 will bother you OCD people. It's kind of a hobby of mine. I hope you found something useful. I wasn't too clever, but I think if you (freshmen especially) take the advice, life might be a little better for you than when I had to learn the hard way.

-RST

Problem vs. Inconvenience

It's a nice summer day in Georgia. Well, a little hot, but we can't have everything. So like every normal person, I headed out to the pool with phone and 1 month old iPod touch in pocket figuring I might instagram a picture at the pool. Unfortunately, my brain had different ideas. It decided to make me forget what was in my pockets. Or maybe it was thinking "well you CAN instagram a picture at the pool.... just underwater." So..... my phone and my most monetarily valuable possession (iPod) took a bath. While I was my normal calm self on the outside, let me assure you that I was much less than calm on the inside. I was not very excited about having paid $300 for a paperweight. I quickly ran home and threw both things in a bag of rice. We'll see if it works.

But let me get to the real point of this post. As I was frantically scrambling to get my iPod and phone in a bag of rice while cursing my bad luck, I remembered the words of one of the Bert Show's (morning radio show in Atlanta) hosts, Jeff Dauler. "Is it a problem, or just an inconvenience?" Really powerful words. Let's think of all the daily things we get upset about. Did you get cut off this morning on the way to work? You probably yelled and honked at the driver. I've stubbed my toe before and had to bite my lip to keep from saying words I know I shouldn't. I lost a $20 bill recently and nearly lost my mind looking all over for it. And of course, just today, my brand new baby, my most expensive piece of personal property, my iPod touch 5th generation took a bath in the pool.

Now let's look at those scenarios. Do they/could they hurt? Of course. Less money in my wallet or a scrape on my big toe always hurts. But think about it. Will I care about $20 or an iPod when I die? Will those things get me any closer to heaven than not having them? Nope.

Now let's think about other things happening in the world. Starvation, human trafficking, and disease are just a few examples. More recently, there have been many homes destroyed, lives lost, and people injured by the tornado in Oklahoma. On a smaller scale, my dad is dealing with cancer. The grandfather of one of my good friends is on the verge of death and as far as we can tell is not on his way to heaven. Now there are some real problems. Let's put it better than I can in words....

Look at this:

and then tell me that this:

is really a problem. It's very sobering very fast. The parents of my cousin's husband lost their house completely in the tornado. Thankfully they are all ok, but I would ask you to pray for them (and everyone affected) as they figure out what to do next. I lost a few dollars. They lost a home. One is an inconvenience. One is a problem. It would do you good to learn the difference.

This is how you can have at least a small part in helping recovery efforts in Oklahoma:

http://www.redcross.org/news/press-release/Red-Cross-Statement-on-Oklahoma-Tornado

-RST

ATTENTION-GRABBING TITLE

Let me preface by saying this is not meant to be a doctoral thesis on the issue, only a few thoughts. Let me also say that these are meant to be from as neutral of a perspective as possible, just trying to help people see both sides of a thing.

There was a big story published in Sports Illustrated and on ESPN's front webpage about Jason Collins, current NBA player, "coming out" as gay. My observations:

1. Homosexuality will never be accepted until they stop making a big story about it every time they discover another gay person.

2. Why be so condemning of homosexuality when you persist in your own sin? Lying is a sin too. So is gossip. Yet we often misrepresent (i.e. lie about) people's words and talk unlovingly behind someone's back about their sin of homosexuality. Sin condemning sin does not work.

3. Let's see if this can make sense. I don't see why homosexuality can't be part of who a person is, but it is also a choice. Let me put it this way. I was born with a preference/inclination to being a lying and sarcastic person, but each time I speak this way, it is a choice. That doesn't make me any less right or wrong. I think homosexual tendencies can be just as much "personality" as anger tendencies.

4. It seems like pretty soon it'll be straight people having to "come out." It seems like people saying "you should tolerate all views" aren't tolerating the views that oppose them. And disagreement does not equal hate. I have firms convictions against being a Michigan fan, but by no means do I hate my friend Joel (although I do feel bad for his suffering over many recent years of football irrelevance). But this doesn't mean I can say whatever I want and then throw on the phrase "but I really love you, but hate your sin." Also remember we are to speak the truth in love.

5. If you ask a person a direct question about what he/she believes, don't attack them for giving an answer that disagrees with you. Common sense.

6. If I were an employer at a company, I don't think sexuality should even be a question with regards to employment (same for professional athletes). A business can stand for principles, but it is not a church. When speaking in a strictly business atmosphere, the questions should be all about how the person performs a job, not whether he/she likes boys or girls. Actually I would think it would be a great chance to show someone Christ's love.

7. When Christians see a person, aren't they supposed to see a soul? Why then are we so concerned with someone's sexuality? Our first concern is to be evangelizing lost people. The Gospel doesn't say "be a straight man, and ye shall be saved." But we attack a symptom. While people must see sin for what it is, I'm concerned we make such a big deal over homosexuality that people see Christianity as "that religion where you have to be straight" when they should see a group characterized by love for each other and devotion to God. I don't want someone's first thought to be when they see me "oh look, there's a straight guy" because I'm so much more than that. So why do so many people say "oh, I wonder if that person is a homosexual or not"? That is not the first problem. If they are A) human they are B) a sinner that C) needs Jesus. That simple.

So... there are just a few thoughts. Incomplete thoughts at that. I'll probably think of something later that I wanted to say, but I need to get back to studying for exams.

-RST

Dear Exam Week: My Semi-Annual Butchering of a Famous Speech (apologies to Abe Lincoln)

Twelve score and six days ago our administrators brought forth on this campus, a new school year, conceived in scholarship, and dedicated to the proposition that all students are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great finals week, testing whether those students, or any student so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met in a great classroom for this week. We have come to dedicate a portion of that room, as a final resting place for those who here sold their souls that their exam grade might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The smart students, passing and failed, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above the poor power of true and false. The students will little note, nor long remember what the teachers say here, but they can never forget the tests they gave here. It is for us, the passing, rather, to be dedicated here to the failing work which they who fought here have come so close to advancing. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored fails we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full semester before graduation—that we here highly resolve that these failed shall not have failed in vain—that these exams, under-studied for, shall cause a new birth of optimism—and that America’s Ideological Foundation of the school, by Dr. Schoolfield, and for my A-, shall not cause me to perish from the earth.

Hope that was at least semi-interesting. Now that you'll never look at the Gettysburg Address the same again.....

-RST

Win the Fight

As recently told my Facebook friends and Twitter followers, my dad is stepping back into the octagon (for you UFC fans) against cancer. At first I was a little shocked when I got the phone call. Even though I always knew it was a possibility, there was always the thought of "no way will this happen to us." But it did. So how do we handle it?

First, we rejoice that through a great trial, we find a greater measure of grace. We do not find any problem to go through that we cannot handle through our Spirit-enabled ability. It's almost like a compliment from God saying "You know, I'm allowing this tough trial, because I know you can be even tougher." Second, (and semi-related) I rejoice for the chance to grow through a new experience. Having our faith tested builds patience, and I know my faith will be tested. In the end however, I know that the result will be to make me a better person. Third, I am thankful for the opportunity to grow closer as a family. To be completely honest, I don't have the best relationships with my siblings. I pray that this experience will be an agent of change for that. Last, I pray for the opportunity to show the world why I can still be happy. As I get to know people, I'm sure it will come up eventually that my dad has a life-threatening disease. But I don't want that reality to define me. What should define me (and I pray him as well) is the continuing joy in Christ regardless of circumstances. We can rejoice because this "light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison."

Already I have been humbled and moved in the last day by friends who say they are praying for my family. From the bottom of my heart (which may not be very deep, but hey, it's what I have), thank you. Those words are really insufficient, but all that the English language allows.

I've been told (and read) that metastatic melanoma has a low survivability rate. To be honest, that somewhat scares me, but thankful that "as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too." People have asked me how I'm handling it. Right now I'm just focused on finishing up school, but I sure am glad that didn't happen earlier in the semester. I'm sure I'll struggle through this, that I'll hit my low points. But I know God will be there to push me back up, and my world-class friends will help do the same.

It sounds like dad's handling it like a champ. Talking to him, I would never guess he had a life-threatening disease. He was only concerned that his family be provided for, not worried about himself at all. I know he appreciates every prayer he gets, though. Please pray if you think about it. From our perspective, it looks like bad news, but here I would like to give you one of my favorite quotes (from me, actually. I like my quote): "Let God be God. He does a good job." There's really not much we can do aside from prayer, so I just do what I can do and let God take care of the rest. And in the end, as that one song says, may we "come forth as gold." (actually, isn't platinum more valuable? I forget. whatever.)

One way you CAN help (not just my dad, but lots of people) is through the Winship Win the Fight 5k in Atlanta this October benefiting patients and cancer research at Emory University, one of the best cancer centers in the nation. Check it out here: http://winship5k.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1056462

So am I concerned about my dad's situation? Yes. Worried? No. Cancer is a big challenge, but I know my dad is up to it. Now step up in the octagon, pops, and roundhouse cancer in the face.

-RST

Wearing My Cross (Literally)

I made a recent purchase at one of those super exciting festivals with mostly girl stuff. But I had been looking for something like this for a long time and was pretty excited when I found it.

I don't like to make assumptions, but I do anticipate some things, negative feedback in this case. So my anticipated negative feedback:

1. "The Bible says it's a shame for a man to dress like a woman and necklaces are feminine clothing."

2. "You think it brings you some kind of special power, don't you?"

3. "It will offend some people."

4. (Insert whatever else, comment if you think of any other objections)

Now I'll actually tell you why I wear it.

1. The Bible talks about Jews tying Scripture around their foreheads and such. This is my way of doing that. Having the cross hanging around my neck serves as a constant reminder to me of what Christ did in my life. (side note: honestly, I think it clearly looks unfeminine.)

2. I wear it as a testimony to the world. There are people who I pass by but will never be able to talk to. I wear it so that those who don't know me and don't get to talk to me will hopefully identify me with Christ. It is a simple way of being unashamed of the Gospel. And if I do get into a conversation with someone, it's a great tool to point someone towards the Cross.

3. There was also a reason I chose those specific colors. Sometimes in America, I think we start thinking we have a monopoly on Christianity. Or maybe that specifically white independent Baptists have a monopoly on Christianity. We would never say that. Obviously. But the way we live sometimes contradicts what we say. I chose black and white to remind myself that the Gospel is for everyone. I need Jesus just as much as the next African, Asian, islander, whatever (and women). The same Gospel power in me is the same as what my mom, dad, brothers and sisters have. The problem for Christians is that we sometimes get the idea that we are the Gospel when in reality Jesus is the Gospel. We are only presenters. These colors remind me of our equality in Christ.

I am quite aware that my wearing of this cross may offend some people. Two part response: For offended Christians, I would remind you that as it says in Romans, the Gospel is not a matter of meat or drink (or clothing). To avoid causing division however, I would politely remove it without making a big deal. For offended non-Christians, I would not remove it. Why? The Gospel is naturally offensive to those who don't accept it. People must be confronted with reality to understand it. (side note: for dress codes such as in a job or at school restricting wearing things like this, I wouldn't wear it in the spirit of obedience to authority. Wearing it is not essential to Christianity, only a help.)

I'm open to discussion. Polite discussion of course. And I hope those that see me wear it will think of what I've just said. But mostly that they think of the Gospel.

-RST

Christian or not, who cares.....

Guess what guys. A short blog post from me. I know, you're really excited about this. Better get started before I lose you.

One particular debate annoys me kind of a lot. Well, really a lot. "Was America founded as a Christian nation? Is it a Christian nation? How do we make it a Christian nation?" How about...... WHO CARES. People spend so much time arguing over things that don't matter. As long as you are doing what's right, does it really matter what we label our country? To quote a paraphrase of a quote of my teacher: "Why is it so important to define America as 'Christian' when our first citizenship is in heaven?" Thanks Dr. Schoolfield. Should we participate in government? Sure. Should Christian convictions influence our decisions? Absolutely. But stop freaking out over laws in our country. For people that preach and preach AND PREACH God's sovereignty and control, we sure do freak out when some state passes a marriage equality act or when (God forbid) they talk about background checks on gun purchasers. We do our part. That's all we can do. We sure are bad at putting "all things work together for good" into practice when it comes to considering government decisions in our country. And "don't be anxious about anything"? Yeah, that's still in the Bible too. So chill out. And just do right.

-RST

The United Steaks of America

You could call me a health freak. Well, not really. I've never been accused of that before. But one thing has been bothering me lately, and it has to do with food. Specifically eating it (unless there's something else you do with food?). I'm not going to tell you how many calories you should have or any of that stuff. What I am going to tell you is to take food seriously. Yes, you. Yes, food. Yes, seriously. I'm tired of people (especially in authority that are supposed to be our examples) making light of how bad they eat (people from the pulpit talking about how they just eat pizza and steak all the time). Why is it that we expect people to practice self control when it comes to sex, but we can't exercise self control when it comes to what we eat? I'm not telling you to go vegetarian or vegan or on some big diet, but there's so many EASY things you can do to eat healthier. Because yes, the Bible says whether you're eating or drinking (or whatever), do all for God's glory.

1. Put down the soda. I'm not going to go into all the scientific details (come to my speech next week for that), but needless to say, the stuff is horrible. And the average American drinks 600 cans per year. SIX. HUNDRED. Disgusting. Google "coke drain cleaner." Even if you start with dropping to every other day instead of every day, it's a start. Diet is no better either.

2. Don't do that steak challenge thing. Ya know, eat this ginormous steak in however much time, get it free. But actually this is about buffets. You're eating like, 3 meals at once. And it's usually just nastiness. And fried stuff. Don't do it. Go grilled.

3. I try to sneak my vegetables into some kind of soup. Don't avoid them because they're gross. Suffer through. Your body will thank you.

4. Don't bathe your pizza in ketchup and mayo. No seriously, I saw this once. Gross. If you eat something like bacon and/or sausage, take a minute and a few napkins and dry the grease off. It's disgusting how much you don't have to make slide down your throat. And you're not really hungry, so don't do ice cream. Sugar makes you think you're hungrier than you really are and you end up eating more. Drinking water with your meal will make you full faster in a much healthier way.

5. Think. Look at the food your eating and say "how can I make this just a little better for me? or what can I exchange in this meal for something else?"

Now I'm not gonna go all super body builder cray-cray on you. You can have a piece of pizza. Have a soda. Have a chicken nugget. But the times you don't should FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR X 1000 outnumber the times you do. Moderation, yo. Use it. It's in the Bible. Biblical self control is for all areas of life. Even food. And you might even feel better about yourself.

-RST

God's Will: Preacher or Politician?

You all know the story. You've heard it in church, perhaps from the pastor or a testimony from another member. "There I was, sitting in my corner office commanding the people of my business, making millions of dollars. Then all of a sudden, BOOM, God says be a pastor. So I quit my job and went to seminary and here I am today." To be honest, this kind of story kind of discouraged me when I was younger. At any moment, I could be doing what I thought was the right thing in life and God would teleport me into a pulpit in the future and expect me to preach.

I always heard about God "calling" people out of business into the ministry, but never the other way around. So I thought, "I'll fix that. I don't want to have to start life over. I'll start out going to be a missionary." In my mind, that was the right decision to make, because all I'd ever heard was that to please God, people left the business world to become a preacher.

In about 10th grade, one of teachers had a private conversation with me because he was concerned I was doing too much to try to please people instead of what was really right. He was right. I was trying to hard to "be cool" and do what everyone wanted me to do. While he may have been specifically talking about my relationships with my friends, it got me thinking. Why do I want to be a missionary? Is it really God's will? Am I doing what God wants or just what others expect?

I can't tell you that you shouldn't be a missionary, a preacher, whatever. I also can't tell you that you should. My problem at the moment was that I wanted to go into the "ministry" for all the wrong reasons. Pleasing my parents, it's expected for Christians, and free golf when I visit churches were just a few. But I missed what should have been the biggest reason. Never in there did I pray about the issue, and at the time I was not even reading the Bible.

The biggest problem people have with trying to know God's will is guessing at what we think He wants us to do while not doing what we know He wants us to do. As we do what we know God's will is, our obedience leads us to the right decisions in life. That was my problem. So I got in the Bible. I found that God's will is to "abstain from fornication" and "in everything give thanks." So i started working on those things. I started praying. And you know what? God "called" me out of the "ministry."

I am currently in college pursuing a degree in Political Science. I don't know whether I should be an elected official or a media person, but I know that as I do what I know to do, all things will work together for good (Romans 8:28) "for them that love God." The Bible says that men know we love God by keeping His commandments. The logical conclusion from these separate verses is that everything works out for good when we obey God.

So should you be a politician, preacher, baker, missionary, businessman, or evangelist? Look into the Bible. Follow direct commands (obey your parents). Follow principles (all to the glory of God). And in the end, you'll realize it doesn't matter. I can glorify God by speaking from the Senate floor just as much as from a pulpit. As long as what you're doing is what you believe can bring God the most glory as you obey his revealed will, you can't go wrong.

And just in case you haven't noticed, our government has many people opposed to God. It is a pretty big mission field on its own. Maybe I've been called into the "ministry" after all.

-RST

Fact Checking is a Beautiful Thing

Joel Osteen, pastor of a megachurch in Houston, Texas, posted this on his website on March 29:

http://www.joelostenministries.com/

Or did he?

Before I continue, let me point out that this is not a defense of or attack on Osteen's ministry. I leave that up to you to decide.

First of all, check out the domain name. The misspelling of his own name seems pretty obvious to me. Second, on that same page, a link is embedded to a CNN article.

When you click on the link, it takes you to this page:

I may be a dummy, but that sure ain't no CNN article.

Third, check out his actual personal pages.

https://twitter.com/JoelOsteen @JoelOsteen vs. https://twitter.com/PastorJoelOsten @PastorJoelOsteen

First one real. Second one fake.

http://www.joelostenministries.com/ fake website vs. http://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/Home.aspx real website

http://www.facebook.com/JoelOsteen?fref=ts real Facebook page.

If you look at all the real websites, you won't find any hint of resignation, denying the Christian faith, etc. Just more of his Texas-sized smile and words of encouragement.

Articles discussing the hoax:

http://global.christianpost.com/news/joel-osteen-resigns-a-hoax-pastor-attacked-with-false-statement-93453/cpt

http://www.examiner.com/article/joel-osteen-leaving-faith-hoax-fake-website-claims-cnn-report-on-pastor

I'm not saying that everyone should go to Lakeview Baptist Church, give money to the ministry, or any of that kind of thing. All I'm saying is before jumping to crazy conclusions, do some basic fact checking. It's a beautiful thing.

-RST

Help Me, People (All Y'all)

I started a new blog. Yeah, I think the title is clever too. But this post itself isn't because I need your help. I can't guarantee a regular posting time, but I will try to make it at least one or two times a month. My ideas, however, run out quickly sometimes and I get boring. So this is where you help me. In the comments section on this post, on my Facebook link, or Twitter reply, tell me what i should write my posts about and that would help me out a lot. Topics can be serious, non-serious, or any topic whatsoever. And of course I'll acknowledge contributors which wouldn't help your fame much, but it might make you feel better. I'm trying to make the posts shorter and more readable than my last attempt at blogging. Thanks for any ideas that you may give.

-RST (Random Southern Thinker- to be used as my "name" in the future)