WEiRD

I must start by saying A LOT has happened in a very short period of time. I finally came to grips with my "weight issue." Since about a year or two ago, i've gained right around 40 lbs. Wow, that hurts to say. I ate what i wanted and didnt care. Now, I made a big life change. I'm determined to get back in shape and eat healthy for a couple of reasons. First, my body is a temple and needs to be taken care of. I want to see Jordan grow up and i want to be able to throw a ball with him. I saw my grandparents make it past 50 years of marriage and i want to do the same with my wife. that means i have to at least be 74. im going to the gym 5 times a week and being a calorie counting nerd. so far, my plan has been working. if i get past the soreness in my head, i feel awesome. my energy levels increased tremendously.

      So, ive picked up a couple of different pastors podcasts and ive been listening to them. ive listened to all of Journey Community Church podcasts at least ten times each. i can get enough of the passion all our speakers have for spreading the dangerous message of Jesus Christ. i started listening to Steven Furtick from Elevation Church. Amazing practical looks at everyday life. And also, Craig Groeschel from lifechurch.tv He has the 2nd biggest church in the world. Reaching lives in countries around the world. Journey is also doing that. in my eyes, we might not be broadcasting to big audiences like the mega churches, but i personally see life change happening here. We have an authentic, amazing, passionate, LOVING church. the perfect church for imperfect people. how true that is!!!! the first time going here, Bobby got on stage and told the congregation, "YOU ARE ALL A BUNCH OF SCREW UPS!" my first thought was not a good thought. he went on to explain it and man the tears started rolling. from telling me that suffering will happen and God wanted us to have happiness and joy. I gave my life to Christ that day and my life hasnt been the same since.

        This is my confession time:  i wish i could sit here and tell you that i read my bible everyday and that i pray numerous times a day. i wish i could say that im not judgmental or that i help the less fortunate any chance i get. i could sit here and type hundreds of "i wish" statements. i honestly can say that i have been busy and lost track some. being a christian doesnt mean life gets easier. there are many times looking back in my life and can say that life was kind of easy being a non-christian. but it would get me anywhere. but now, i want to be weird. weird in a God way.

      We started a series at church called WEiRD. its based off the book that Craig Groeschel wrote called Weird: because normal isnt working. ive listened to craig speak about his book and also heard Bobby preach about it. Man.....this book is meant for EVERYONE. normal is half of marriages ending in divorce. Dating has become a Toothbrush mentality. you move in with your girl/boyfriend and bring your toothbrush and put it in his/her toothbrush holder. lets say you get in a argument. you just pack up and take your toothbrush to someone else's toothbrush holder. thats normal. t.v. nowadays is crazy. all the cursing and basically nudity on primetime tv. thats normal. well lets get weird. living out your faith is weird. not being pressured to go see a movie that you know you shouldnt see. thats weird. this series is absolutely amazing. its pretty much has changed my outlook on the way i should live my life. i know im a work in progress, but i will always put one foot in front of the other and keep fighting to make the moves i need to make to better myself as a christian.
     This past week, Andy Stickel spoke on being Weird. First off, Andy is pretty much my go to guy for anything spiritual. anytime i have a question about the bible and that sort of stuff, he always gives me the guidance i need. Andy pulled a verse out that spoke volumes to my heart. the verse was John 15:18. Jesus said, "If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first." Regardless of how i feel or the way people feel about me, Jesus felt it first. I have the power through Christ. He gives me that strength to get through anything. just knowing that wants me to better my life. THATS WEIRD