PJatKZ's Xanga

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:57:00 GMT

No need for fancy color, my answer is as plain as black and white.
I wanna be like my J-E-S-U-S!!!

Which Jesus do you follow?
Which Jesus do you serve?
If Ephesians says to imitate Christ
Then why do you look so much like the world?

Cause my Jesus bled and died
He spent His time with thieves and liars
He loved the poor and accosted the arrogant
So which one do you want to be?

Blessed are the poor in spirit
Or do we pray to be blessed with the wealth of this land
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst for righteousness
Or do we ache for another taste of this world of shifting sand

Cause my Jesus bled and died for my sins
He spent His time with thieves and sluts and liars
He loved the poor and accosted the rich
So which one do you want to be?

Who is this that you follow
This picture of the American dream
If Jesus was here would you walk right by on the other side or fall down and worship at His holy feet

Pretty blue eyes and curly brown hair and a clear complexion
Is how you see Him as He dies for Your sins
But the Word says He was battered and scarred
Or did you miss that part
Sometimes I doubt we'd recognize Him

Cause my Jesus bled and died
He spent His time with thieves and the least of these
He loved the poor and accosted the comfortable
So which one do you want to be?

Cause my Jesus would never be accepted in my church
The blood and dirt on His feet would stain the carpet
But He reaches for the hurting and despised the proud
I think He'd prefer Beale St. to the stained glass crowd
And I know that He can hear me if I cry out loud

I want to be like my Jesus!
I want to be like my Jesus!

Not a posterchild for American prosperity, but like my Jesus
You see I'm tired of living for success and popularity
I want to be like my Jesus but I'm not sure what that means to be like You Jesus
Cause You said to live like You, love like You but then You died for me
Can I be like You Jesus?
I want to be like my Jesus

"I will cling to the cross, I will never let go. I won't be swept away by this world and it's flow." excerpt from a song "Cling to the Cross" that God used me to write

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:45:46 GMT

This song has really inspired me over the past year or so...

I have found myself a hiding place,

I have found myself a secret space

In the shelter of Amighty's love,

In the safety of the Saviour's arms.

Chorus:
I will run to the hiding place, I will run to the hiding place, draw me ever closer to look upon Your face, I will run to the hiding place.

Verse2:
I have found myself a hiding place. I have found myself a secret space. In the refuge of the Father's care, in the cleansing blood of Jesus there

Bridge:
Though my fears may overwhelm me and troubles, they surround. Though the wind rise up to take me my hiding place is already found.

Verse3:
I have found myself a hiding placeI have found myself a secret space
In the shelter of Amighty's love
In the safety of the Saviour's arms

Oh, to look upon Your face, I will run to the hiding place.

- New Life Worship, written by Jared Anderson

"I will cling to the cross, I will never let go. I won't be swept away by this world and it's flow." excerpt from a song "Cling to the Cross" that God used me to write

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 13:18:36 GMT

Where or in whom does your hope lie?

What or whom are you building your life upon? A strong and solid foundation, or one that could fail on you at any time?

IN CHRIST ALONE MY HOPE IS FOUND

HE IS MY ALL IN ALL AND SOLID GROUND

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my ALL IN ALL
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
'Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost it's grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Brought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

So... here I am... safe in the Father's hand. Here I am... with a firm foundation. Here I am... with a HOPE.

Where are you? I'd love for you to be right here with me...

Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be HAPPY IN JESUS , than to trust and obey...

This is my desire. . . to be used by You

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:21:45 GMT

As summer draws near to an end....

This is a time to look back over the summer.

Here's some pictures links from "Treasure Island" Kids Crusade:

Monday Night

Tuesday Night

Wednesday Night

Thursday Night *******JUST ADDED!!!

Decorations

Thursday night will come soon...

Here's a link to pictures of the kids at Ft. Indiantown Gap where we did an outreach every Thursday:

Fort Indiantown Gap Pics

Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be HAPPY IN JESUS , than to trust and obey...

This is my desire. . . to be used by You

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 02:35:12 GMT

Shh.... can you keep a secret?

Well.... ok... even if you can't, you can see these pics:

There is this girl named Heather that thinks we are going to get married next May. She has the date picked out and everything.

So tonight after Kids Crusade, someone asked me "So who got married?". I looked around the parking lot (knowing that someone had to have done something to my car), and there it was, my car decorated. The pictures can tell the rest...

I will put the links to the Kids Crusade Picture Slideshows on here later.... the Sony Image Station web page is down right now...

By the way.... Heather and I are NOT getting married. Something tells me my car was not her doing either... I dunno. I am suspicious of LOTS of things lately.

The "Just Married" part washed off quite easy... I had to get it off so my neighbors don't start wondering... The white lettering on the otherhand didn't really come off that easy.


Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be  HAPPY IN JESUS , than to trust and obey...

This is my desire. . . to be used by You

Saturday, June 09, 2007

Sat, 09 Jun 2007 12:21:10 GMT

The missing parent?

This post was prompted by my Memorial Day Picnic with my family. My youngest cousin, Austin, who is turning 4, called me dad about 16 times during that picnic. Not because I am his dad, but because I was a male adult taking interest in his safety, well-being, and spending time with him. Not by the fault of my aunt, he does not get to see his dad very often.

Please read this post to the end so you see my complete point... Please understand I am not judging, simply making a proven point. I know many single parents who are giving their best to their children, and I support them 100%.

The stats...

"It has been predicted that half of all American children born in the 1990s will spend some part of their childhood in single-parent homes. Figures available from the U.S. Bureau of the Census (which yielded all of the statistics presented here) indicate that the percent of American homes that were single parent in composition increased dramatically from 1970 (when 18.5% of homes were single parent) to 1999 (27.7%).

Such increases are accounted for by rising divorce rates (5.7% of first-time marriages ended in divorce in 1970, while 18.5% of such marriages ended in divorce in 1998) and an increase in the number of women who give birth to or adopt children outside of marital relationships. Women giving birth outside of marital relationships include adolescent mothers and increasing numbers of older, more affluent (and predominantly white) women, who have elected to become single parents through either out-of-marriage births or adoption. Such women are called single mothers by choice."

The facts from the Bible:

God created families to include one man and one woman, joined in marriage. (This does not mean we cast judgement on homosexuals or those who have children out of wed-lock. We hate the sin, not the sinner. They need forgiveness and acceptance just like I do.) God knew what was and still is best for the couple, and eventually for their child/children.

What does this mean for you?

If you are a single parent, it means the past is the past, and you can't change it. It means God loves you no matter where you are at, but He certainly wants to see you do what is best for your children. If you are still single, find a member or your church or family who can mentor your children and be sort of an adopt-a-dad or adopt-a-mom. This way your children have good Biblical example of a Godly man or woman.

If you are in a blended family affected by divorce or are in a single parent home, don't lose hope. We sing songs like "You are my all in all". You know what that means? God can be everything you need, everything you lack, and more than enough for you. I encourage you to remember how it hurt you to not have another parent around, or how it felt when your parents divorced. Do you want that for your kids? Think about that before you decide to give yourself away to some guy or girl. Are they going to stick around to be the Godly husband or wife you need them to be? More importantly the Godly mom or dad they need to be?

Maybe you have both of your parents, but it still feels like one is "missing". Remember, God can fill the void if you really allow him too. Look for Godly examples in your church who you can follow and learn from.

If you are not married, and don't have any children, wait for the right time. Wait for God's plan, because when we go off track it often produces hurt and pain. I encourage you to rise up like an eagle and soar where you are as you wait.

Some final thoughts...

You see... I've been around long enough to know that children desire two parents. It's how God created them... it's natural. I see the hurt in kids and teenagers lives because of what has happened between their parents. My heart breaks for each one, and I wish I could just give them all a big hug and let them know God is there. He knows their name, He knows their every thought, He sees each tear that falls, and He's hear them when they call.

So control what you can control. Don't give yourself away to just anyone. Wait for the right person for your sake, and for your future children's sake.

There are things you can't control. I know several families who have lost a parent because of the war, several who have lost a parent because of a crime, and the list could go on. If this happens, trust God. There is a woman in our church who shows great courage and commitment by sticking by her husband even though he will be locked up for a long time. Her son is one of the boys I mentor. He is five and misses his dad. It's hard for him to understand. Again, I honor the mom's commitment to making things work for her boys.

This whole topic is near and dear to my heart... if you ever want to talk about it... I'm not an expert... but God certainly has given me a passion to love those who are missing this "something" in their life. If all I can do is pray for you, then that is what I'll do...

I hope and pray you understand where I am coming from, and I am not here to condemn anyone, because I know not their situation or reasoning. However, remember you have control to make some of the major decisions in your life. Do what is best for your future spouse and possibly children. Especially if you know what it is like to go through a divorce or to be "missing a parent".

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Sun, 20 May 2007 02:19:03 GMT

When the day is done
And there's no one else around
While I'm lying here in bed
You're in my heart, You're in my head
You're all I need, You're all I need
There are a million voices
Calling out my name
But You're the One I want to hear
So make the others disappear

You are all I need when I'm surrounded
You are all I need if I'm by myself
You fill me when I'm empty
There is nothing else
You're all I need

When the morning comes
And Your mercy is renewed
There's a fire in my bones
I'm not afraid to go alone
You're all I need
You're all I need
The sun on my face
I hear You whisper loud
You're still the God that opens seas
Every flower, even me
You're all I need
You're all I need

I'm drawn to everything that You do
Nothing compares with You

- Bethany Dillon "All I Need" from self-titled album

All I need is You, Lord. All I need is You.

You are my "ALL IN ALL".

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Tue, 15 May 2007 03:06:24 GMT

You stood before creation, eternity in Your hand.

You spoke the earth into motion,

My soul now to stand.

You stood before my failure,

carried the Cross for my shame.

My sin weighed upon Your shoulders,

my soul now to stand.

Yes... He stood before our failure.

So what could I say, what could I do,

but offer this heart O God, completely to You.

So I'll walk upon salvation. Your Spirit alive in me.

This life to declare Your promise, my soul now to stand.

So I'll stand with arms high and heart abandoned

in awe of the One who gave it all.

So I'll stand, my soul Lord to You surrendered,

all I am is Yours.

Show me Your heart, show me Your way,

show me Your glory.

Look closely and you actually see the heart in the clouds...


Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be  HAPPY IN JESUS , than to trust and obey...

This is my desire. . . to be used by You

My Desire... to be used by you

Thu, 03 May 2007 01:51:34 GMT

What is your desire... what do you want to be... what is the goal of your life???

Do you want to be real with people? Do you want to have virtue?

You are the face that changed the whole world
No one too lost for you love
No one too low for you to serve
So give us the grace to change the world
No one too lost for me to love
No one too low for me to serve

This is my desire... to be used by You.

Monday, April 09, 2007

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 01:47:25 GMT

My life poem...

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day.

I'd rather have you walk with me than merely point the way.

The eye is a more ready pupil than ever was the ear.

Good advice is often confusing, but example is always clear.

Adapted from:

Sermons We See
Edgar Guest

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.

I soon can learn to do it if you'll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lessons by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you and the high advise you give,
But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles and a strong man stays behind
Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me
To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be.
And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today
Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.

One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold;
One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told.
Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,
For right living speaks a language which to every one is clear.
Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say,
I'd rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day.

2 Teach is

+ 2 Touch a life

= 4 EVER!

So what are you teaching to others? Are you teaching them love and authentic Christianity? Even if you are not considered a "teacher" or a "pastor", the way you live is probably "teaching" someone.

This is my desire... to be used by You.