HELP????

Pain, guilt, addiction, sin there such a beast…where can one get help for this? I have a friend who struggles with sexual addiction and is a registered sex offender. There is a church that has a program to help sex addicts but this church will not let this man in because he is a registered sex offender. I understand that this could cause problems because this church is also a school. My question is and is to all Christians…where do these people (sex offenders) get help? If all men were real, how many times have we had sexual thoughts or acted out in our sexual fantasies…but condemned those who were sex offenders. Now I am not excusing there sin, but just saying where can they go get help if the church will not allow them in. Jesus came for the sick and the church is a safe place, not a place of judgment but a place where Jesus’ bride, God’s children shares their burdens and victories with each other. It’s a place where sin is confronted but the sinner is accepted. Now I know there would be a lot of Christian would argue with me but I know that my sin is on the cross just the same as yours and that sex offender. I don’t believe in tolerance to sin, I believe in confronted the sin and dealing with it and the church is suppose to be a place for sinners, not perfect people. Do you think we have to answer to God for putting a restriction on who comes into His church? Isn’t putting a restriction on those who come being judgmental? I have thought a lot about this because I’m a father. I have thought do I want a registered sex offender around my children and my first thought is no. Then I realize that I am around my son and soon to be daughter and realize…hey I’m a sinner and I’m around my family…really what’s the difference…sure there’s a difference in my eyes but what about God’s eyes? I know that there are some registered sex offenders who are genuinely sorry for what they’ve done and there are those who aren’t and will probably do “it” again but how many time have you sinned and felt sorrow but turned around and did “it” again. I am just as guilty. If the church shuts its doors than where can one get help? Just something to think about!
-gravyjmm

I've got Good News...

Jesus is your, my, our Savior…He really did die for you! God sent His Son into this world to save you and me from hell, our sins, from punishment, from our sorrow and guilt. He really loves you and He wants to come to Him. Yes you are a sinner and so I am, but God saw through our sins and saw something worth saving…you, me. He is full of forgiveness, mercy, grace, love, compassion, kindness, gentleness, He will never leave you nor forsake you even when you turn from Him, He made you, He loves you, and you are worth dying for. The world will not give you what God can give you. The world has nothing for you, in God through Jesus; you’ll have everything you need. Are you sick of being sick? Are you just tired? Has going to the world to fix yourself not working? If your empty, hurting, fearful, lost, out of control, in denial, feeling hopeless, afraid to die, depressed, an addict…Jesus is the only answer to fill your void. God wants you to talk with Him, say whatever you need to, don’t be superficial with Him, be real, let the walls down. God wants you to walk with Him, there’s that God can’t fix, heal, there’s no limit to His power…No matter how bad or how awful you think you are, nothing can change the fact that Jesus died for you and God made you and He wants you to come to Him. I used to think and sometimes I still struggle with that fact that God does forgive and forget, the devil doesn’t want you to believe that, the devil wants you to think that you’re worthless and hopeless and you’re a rotten person. The devil always lies and he uses our crap to keep us down. God doesn’t waste our hurts, our pain, our troubles…He uses them to strengthen us and bring us closer to Him. In the name of Jesus, devil flee from us right now and God protect our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus at this moment. You are worth dying for, Jesus did already…come to Him...to be continued

OUR FATHER...

WHO IS GOD?

Eternal (Psalms 10:16)
Everlasting (Psalms 90:2)
Great (Nehemiah 1:5)
Awesome (Nehemiah 1:5)
Compassionate (Psalms 86:15)
Patient (Psalms 86:15)
Faithful to forgive our sins (1 John 1:9)
Faithful to forget our sins (Jeremiah 31:34)
King of everything (1Chronicles 29:12)
Giver of Strength (1Chronicles 29:12)
Good (Psalms 136:1)
Slow to Anger (Psalms 86:15)
Abounding in Love (Psalms 86:15)
Faithful (Psalms 86:15)
Love (1John 4:8)
Holy (1 Samuel 2:2)
The Rock (1 Samuel 2:2)
Powerful (Romans 1:16)
Promise Keeper (2 Peter 1:4)
Mighty (1Peter 5:6)
Merciful (Nehemiah 9:31)
Gracious (Nehemiah 9:31)
The Perfect Planner (Jeremiah 29:11)

There is so much more I could write but sometimes words aren't enought to express who He is nor do I have enough time to write about it! How have you told or expressed to God how thankful you are to Him? Maybe you don't view God the way I do, but I know how He views you...He wonderfully made you and sent His son to save you and there's nothing you can do to make Him love you anyless, He's waiting for you...He's the Father that never leaves nor forsakes you even when you or I forsake Him.
-gravyjmm

Random thought:

What is spam (that canned meat thing)? It's formed to the can container and has white particles and it tastes like a wet salt. But yet I eat it!

WHO AM I?

Thoughts and questions to ponder:

If God isn’t your source of security, your source of strength, your source of life, than what is? What’s filling the void in your life…if it’s not Jesus, than something is, what is it? What gives you your motivation? You don’t have to be addicted to drugs or alcohol to be an addict! How do you deal with your issues? How do you deal with pain, sorrow, guilt? How do behave behind closed doors…the same when everyone sees you? Do you wear masks around others? Who are you really? What’s really on your mind when your tossing and turning at night when your trying to sleep and can’t? Is it easy to take other people’s inventory rather than look at yourself? I bet you feel that the whole world would be lost without you! Where would people be if you weren’t around? You must have all the right answers! Your way is always better isn’t it! If it wasn’t for “those” people or if my parent(s) did a better job or if so and so hadn’t screwed me over, I’d be okay! If people did things my way, everything would be better! Oh…I’m fine, I don’t have any struggles! Complainer, Quitter, Self-Seeker, My-Wayer, Gossiper, Liar, Procrastinator, Fornicator, Drunkard, Drugger, People-Pleaser, Mask-wearer, Controller, Hater, Power Monger, Unbeliever, No-Self-Esteemer, Pity-Partier, Unfaithfuler, Pornographer, Conditional Lover, Resenter, Two-Facer, Luster, Evil-Doer, Worrier, Doubter, Afraid-to-take-a-chancer, Abuser, Negativitier, Hold-People-To-Your-Standards, Racister, Whinner, Tear-Downer, Non-Listener, Cusser, Overeater, Bad-Mouther, Downer, "Someone Else" er, Playing Churcher, Faker, Blamer, Greedier, Isolator, Pridefuler, Adulterer(Physically or Mentally or Emotionally), It’s all about me so whatever! Oh…I’m fine

Procrastinater Hater

Ya ever had “that” dream were you’re standing around and everyone is looking at you funny, you look down and realize that you’re naked. I believe the term that is used is “being caught with your pants down” which is in reference to not being ready, prepared. Procrastination is a beast. How often do you say to yourself, “I’ll get there” or “I get to it” or “I’ll get around to it here in a bit”…and guess what, what ever that “it” is, never happens. Are you ready for Christ’s return? Are you ready to meet the one and only Savior? Or are you waiting to get around to “it”? Are you putting off getting to know Jesus? Are you thinking that you’ll get around to it one of these days? Tomorrow isn’t promised, all you have is this moment right now. Who’s Lord of your life, God or you? There’s only one way to heaven…and being good isn’t good enough because you or I will never be good enough to save ourselves, that’s why Jesus died for you and I, so we could be saved. Jesus made it possible for you and I to live forever, but you have to decide to follow Him. God’s waiting for you…how much longer will you put Him off?
-gravyjmm

Today is Tuesday November 21, 2006, and tomorrow obviously will be Wednesday November 22…which will be my 29th Birthday. In my short narration of life, I have come to several conclusions and I wish to share them:

Tabasco sauce is a necessity

Do not make sport of the older community’s specific health problems because you will obtain them…i.e. especially anything to do with bowel movements

Even though I have never met or never played or never really done anything with the Washington Redskins other than being a fan for life, I still include myself when I use the “we” statement in referring them as if I had anything to do with the team.

You will fall prey to subliminal messages that Wal-mart flings about and you will find yourself there once a week for the rest of your life buying something simply because it’s cheaper there.

You will fall prey to subliminal messages that McDonalds flings about and you will find yourself there once a week for the rest of your life buying something simply because it’s cheaper there...they have convinced my 4 year old son that they are where he needs to eat

Twinkies are still relevant

I used to be able to eat what I wanted to without adding any more weight to my body...that has apparently stopped working for me

Being married...pennies, nickles, and dimes are very relevant

thats all for now
-gravy jmm

Detox

Ya ever notice that the news at night on TV loves to cover fear, death, crap, and chaos. The media loves to feed us garbage. They (the media, society, take your pick) say that sex, turmoil, gossip, fear, fill in the bank, just sells. You ever notice when you eat things that aren’t that good for you, well you feel tired, out of shape, sick, maybe even depressed. Sometimes the best thing to do is detoxify yourself. Eat right, drinks lots of water, exercise and sweat, you just feel better when all the toxins in your body leave. It’s probably a good idea to detoxify from the media and the TV. To quote Jack Nicholson in Batman, “What this town needs in anemia.” Maybe its time for the garbage to be taken to the road.

-gravy jmm

Where ya standing?

Ah separation of church and state! I love irony! A church can’t endorse any political party or they will lose their tax exemption and get in lots of trouble. Prayer has been removed from schools and there’s even talk of removing “under God” from the pledge. There’s a gag order on people mentioning anything about God in school, workplace, and the like. God’s not allowed in the judicial system. And almost all voting takes place in church buildings. How much longer are God’s children going be tolerate their country not standing where it once stood? Peter told the Sanhedrin that He must obey God rather than men and he wasn’t afraid of what might happen to him. What are Christians so afraid of? The Bible warned of these times and these times are upon us now. God’s got my attention, how about yours…
-gravyjmm

Just Blessed!

Forgive me for not blogging in almost a month. Life has been crazy and our internet has been down. This will seem like I just wrote a book but please bare with this long blog, I has been blessed beyond anything all because of God and if your read this I hope you will be blessed by this testimony of God’s loving kindness and the miracles He does everyday.

Today is November 1, 2006 and my family and I just moved into a new home. How we got into this home can only be explained by this: God and God alone. It starts on June 1, 2006 when I went to my landlord and paid him the rent for the place we were staying in. He told me that he had fallen on some hard times and that the taxes on his property were going up and he was going to sell the house that we were staying in sometime in the near future and he would start working on it somewhere within 3 to 6 months. On June 15, 2006 he called me and told me to be out by the 1st of July. So much for being comfortable. Bob (one of my elders at church) and his wife Terry let us move in with them until we found a place of our own. We moved out on June 29, 2006 and on June 30, 2006…we (my wife and I) found out we were pregnant. We had no insurance and we thought we would be eligible for Medicaid. Well I was wrong. As we moved 90% of our stuff in storage and began to settle in Bob and Terry’s place, we though we’d had a plan laid out for us. Again I was wrong. To make a long story a little shorter. What we wanted to save for a place to live didn’t happen because of numerous things: Medical bills for Melissa’s pregnancy, fixing automobiles, paying off some past due bills and the like. We are on a payment program with hospital for our baby girl to be, to pay for the whole birth and stuff. I thought all the money was needed by January, instead it was all due by November 9, 2006. That wiped us completely out. We had to move out of Bob and Terry’s by the 1st of November. Here’s what I want you to pay attention to…I had made a commitment to God that no matter what I be faithful to Him, finically and spiritually. In our worst times, finically, I was told by many people, even those closest to me, “Don’t give any money to God,” but I stayed the course. I believed in my heart that if I was obedient and faithful to God and just did what He wanted me to do, I would be okay. I was facing the possibility of being homeless with my wife, son, and baby to be but I stayed to the course and held to my commitment to God. I trusted God wouldn’t let my family be homeless and was encouraged that if God can speak the world into existence in 6 days, my problems are nothing for Him to deal with. I had to be out on Friday October 27…on Wednesday my mom called me told that there was this house for rent, I had looked at dozens of house and nothing worked out so I wasn’t going to go besides I had no money, but something to me to check it out. That something turned out to be the Holy Spirit because when I checked out the house it was exactly what we needed and so I called the Landlord and he told me he needed the money by today which was $1700. I didn’t have a nickel, seriously. I had found out that people had given money for my family and I for housing…it was exactly what we needed. We had to be out by Friday October 27, 2006 and I had the keys to this house on Thursday October 26 2006. God did for me what I couldn’t do and He honor my commitment to Him. As an added bonus, I have been surrendering my baby to Him on a daily basis and before this little girl is even born, she has everything she needs. God is so good and He has blessed me so much and I hope this story encourages you to walk and talk with God and trust Him with all your heart and no matter what…stay obedient to Him. Life is painful and God is great all the time. Thanks for listening.

-gravyjmm

so so suck my toe all the way to mexico

Things just keep getting fascinating and stuff. What I thought would be a solo project for a music CD, is turning out to be a new band being formed which we are sounding like Alice in Chains meets Emerson, Lake, and Palmer meets Dear Ephesus meets Folds Zandura meets Praise and Worship…I’m not sure how those sound mixed but I’m thinking it rocks. The suspense is finally over with my wife and I’s pregnancy…we have come to found out that on Feb. 28 2007, which is our due date, that we will be having a baby girl…I’m totally screwed…her name will be Amber Danyelle…isn’t that cute. The joys of new baby…my son is happy and promises to be the bestis (that’s what he said) brother. So have fun in cyber land and remember God loves you and He’s waiting for you.
-gravy jmm

noise of a positive frequency

Are you ready for a noise of a positive frequency? The freakuency is coming soon! To be continued - the "JMF"

anticipating things like fresh cookies from the oven

Anticipation is enjoyable especially when one has something that they are anticipating. In the 1st week of October my wife and I will found out what we are having, either the baby is a boy or a girl. Everybody that I know thinks it’s a girl, but I know the truth…it has to be a boy because no girl has been born on my side of the family and its not starting with me. If it is a girl, I already have a camouflage military issue uniform with a black mask and black gloves. I also just completely time in a music studio and cut a demo and as I blog, the demo is on its way to Nashville. My wife and I also are looking for a place to live as we have a moving date of the 1st week in November…so you see anticipation seems to be a theme in my life. But I am most anticipating Christ’s return, because that will rock on more than anything that has ever rocked on before…can I get a witness or an amen in the house. So as I am anticipating quite much, I am praying that I remain obedient to God and that accept whatever life gives me, because I know that God is bigger than me and any of my circumstances. Would you like fries with your anticipation, sir?
-gravy jmm

"CRICKIE"...R.I.P.

What a bummer…Steve Irwin died this weekend. I always thought that a crocodile or some snake would get him but not a sting ray. Anyways, my son and I enjoyed him and I thought he was very entertaining and hilarious to watch…Steve Irwin will be missed. If you have never Collision Course, I recommend it…its not an academy award type movie, it’s just absolutely funny and crazy.
-gravyjmm

Yea

I have been told that I have been very lackadaisical in my blogish ways. Forgive me and I will try to post more frequently.

Today is Monday and Ernesto seems to be heading towards Florida…yeah, another hurricane. This looks like this will be my 4th one in 3 years…bring it! I love the hostility that people have with each other during “these” times. Water, non-perishables, and gas become an essential commodity and people will just “scrap” over what they had first or that they were in line first…I’m sure you’ve seen it. It’s like what happens at 5:30 am on Black Friday, only worse. Any-the-ways, this is probably a good time for us “Jesus Freaks” to show the love and trust in which we have in God. I have learned that a lost world only sees Jesus in me, so it’s a good time to display Him, actually any and all time is a good time to display Jesus. Ready…how can I serve you today?
-gravyjmm

SPPOOOOONNN!

About six years ago I remember having a conversation with a fellow co-worker, that was once a democrat mayor somewhere in New York, and we had a discussion on truth. I held a spoon up and asked him what I was holding and he said, “I perceive it as a spoon, but someone else might not see that it is a spoon.” I replied by saying, “Someone’s ignorance that this is a spoon doesn’t change the fact that is a spoon.” What he was saying is that what truth is to me is different than what truth is to you. Because of this kind of thinking, we have 3, 687, 944 branches of the church as well as some 6, 345, 783 false religions. Because of this thinking, the world is as it is today. The truth is, I am in a recovery program because I used to look at my version of the” truth”. Jesus says to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind and love your neighbor as yourself, but I say what’s in it for me and its all about me. Jesus says that truth will set you free. I wonder how tainted are thinking really is? How far away is the world from truth? Truth is…I have gas and it smells! Does the way you think smell?

-gravyjmm

an “electronicphenomena”…

Well, I just got back from an awesome week of camp. I was blessed to be a counselor for a well mixed group of young men from the ages of 12 -14. They were challenged as well as I was challenged to get unplugged from the world and plug into God. In a world full of “myspaces”, ipods, laptops, internet cyberworlds, cell phones that do what a computer does, xbox-nintendo-playstation game systems, an “electronicphenomena”…there seems to be plenty of distractions to divert one from God. I have to admit that I am guilty of being distracted from God because of my desire to succumb to this electronicphenomena. I have heard it said in the form of a military attack, the idea is to surprise your enemy as their attention is diverted. Well it seems that our attention is sure diverted and the devil is waiting like a lion ready to devour. I was challenged this last week to check myself and see how much of me I am devoting God and how much of me isn’t devoted to God. Is my prayer time less than my TV or Computer time? I am properly worshipping God or am I just singing? How much time do I really spend in His Truth (The Bible)? What am I doing with gifts He has blessed me with, am I receiving glory or am I giving Him glory? Am I being a good steward of the money that He has given me or am I treating the money that He has given me as “mine”? It’s good to be challenged, being comfortable means that I’m not doing anything. Maybe you are one who needs to unplug for bit and plug into God. Blogatchalater!
-gravyjmm

Truth from a 3 year old

The wisdom of 3 year old is just something. Its amazing as adults, we sometimes do not say the truth out of fear that someone isn’t going like us or the fear that we will hurt someone’s feelings. A 3 year old doesn’t have this fear. My son recently offended Buddhism…how? While mommy was packing to move, I took him with me to A Chinese restaurant, for some take-out…and whilst in the restaurant, he pointed his finger and asked me what “that” was…”that” was a statue of Buddha”, I replied to him and he in a very serious response said, “ Oh…he has boobies.” He said this in a loud voice that every Buddhist in the room could hear, easily offending their religion. This got me thinking…did he really offend that religion? Now while he’s 3 and not really able to understand the concept of “speaking truth in love”, my son was simply stating what he saw. We live in a world full of “religions” and I don’t believe in a religion because, speaking for myself, I don’t believe that their in any hope or peace or joy in any religion. For me all hope, peace, and joy come from one thing…Jesus. And he didn’t teach about religion, He taught about a relationship. Jesus never feared as His Father, our Father, in Heaven never feared on speaking the truth in love…so why do we, why do I? The truth is that there is only one truth and that is God’s truth and everything else is wrong…it’s a fact, not a belief. In a world that’s so corrupted and immoral and think its time for me to not only speak but live that truth in love, no matter the cost. The wisdom from a 3 y.o. can really be an eye opener.

-gravyjmm

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks I needed that…ever have “one-of-those” months! Not that there is anything wrong with “one-of-those” months, it just been crazy, but that life and God is always good no matter what circumstance I’m in. Being a full-time minister of youth in summertime can be a quite busy on top of moving and having a family, mixed in with multiple “stuff” from church and throw in a little of life “things”...June has just been exceptionally active, throw in my wife and I’s 2nd Anniversary and because God has sense of humor, I just found out that wife is pregnant. I will blog more on Wednesday.
Scream atyalater

-gravyjmm

I have just been to my first Promise Keepers here in Florida. I thoroughly enjoyed it…for the fellowship, for the impact it made on me personally (Spiritually), and for the challenges PK laid out for me. It was called “UNLEASHED” which all the speakers just let it go, there were many times that the men were shouting and clapping and at one point I believe I said, “Heck Yea”. Many “well-made” points were made but 2 that really stuck out were:

1. If my walk with the Lord isn’t there, how can I lead people to Him, I can’t give away what I don’t have.
2. Before the Living Fountain can flow, I must allow God to put the well in my life.

That’s some good eatin’ to chew on for awhile. Hey today is 6/6/06 which means that there will be some paranoid people out today…have fun!

-Gravyjmm

Are you paranoid?

Paranoid - par•a•noid (păr'ə-noid')

adj.
1. Relating to, characteristic of, or affected with paranoia.
2. Exhibiting or characterized by extreme and irrational fear or distrust of others: a paranoid suspicion that the phone might be bugged.

I’ve noticed that Arby’s is advertising that their chicken is 100% real chicken…does this mean that other so called “fast food” places serve only partial chicken . I remember working for McDonalds “back in the day” and I was a big fan of the McRib Sandwich, My boss who happened to be my best friend told me that I wouldn’t eat them anymore after I saw how they looked coming from the box to the cooker…he was so right…they looked like frozen formed pink play-dough blocks and if I remember correctly, the ingredients included the word “etc.”…speaking of McRibs, I haven’t seen them in almost 10 years…

What if the labels that you read on the outside of food that you purchase isn’t correct…how do I know that those labels are what they say they are? Is it possible that the protein, cholesterol, carbs, and vitamin count on the labels are wrong? Wouldn’t it be funny when we get to heaven and God smiled and said, “You could have eaten those carbs, cholesterol, and fat”…

How does a chunk of metal a.k.a the airplane stay in the air?

What do doctors or surgeons really do when they put you to sleep and “perform” surgery? What if really only took 15 minutes compared to 3 hours as they say. I wonder if we are being laughed at people when we supposedly “bite the bullet” and pay lots of money for $5 to $15 procedure or stuff.

I wonder what the government actually really bugs…telephones, cell phones, internet, TV…think about that for while.

Actually none of this stuff really bothers me but I thought that it would give those who read this blog, some interesting things to think about. About the only paranoid that I know is that one song from Black Sabbath…for some of you out there, I probably really messed you up. It’s okay… trust God, it works believe me. Have fun!

-Gravy jmm

Today is 5th Step Freedom

Today is Thursday and tonight at 6 pm, I will sit with my sponsor in celebrate recovery and do the 5th Step in Celebrate Recovery:

5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being, the exact nature of our wrongs. “Therefore, confess your sins to each other, and pray for each other, so that you may be healed.” James 5:16 NIV

This is an absolute 1st for me…confession, a complete confession to another human being that I trust of everything that I kept hidden…whether sin, pain, feelings…it is all coming out, 28 years of “stuffed” stuff, tonight and I am actually really excited. For me, there is so much healing in sharing, taking my mask off and just being real helps me so much in my walk. Tonight my sponsor will point at my character defects that I display which I now look as a blessing because now I can identify my stuff and surrender it to God on an hourly, day by day basis. They tell me when I am done with my 5th step that I don’t have to pick it up again…EVER. It is finished…move forward...why should I pick it up ever again when God has not only forgiven me, but forgotten? WRECKLESS ABANDON ,BABY…I believe William Wallace said in best in the movie Braveheart, “FFFRRREEEDDDOOOMMM.” In the words of the man, Jesus, “Get behind me Satan.” WOOOOO, YEAH
-Gravy jmm

cars are fun to fix

God is great and cars break. My history with cars isn’t great but hey what fun would life be without cars and the fact that they break. Today is Friday and my wife and I currently have 2 cars…both of which probably will be living with God soon but hopefully not until we have replaced them. I must though, say that God has blessed me with vehicles, and they might not have been Bentleys, but they were God-sent and that makes them special. My 1997 Nissan was a gift from God because the car I had in 2004 was destroyed by Hurricane Frances and someone just gave me that car. I just put, well I didn’t, put a new rotor and new brake pads on the front of the car. It currently has working air condition but needs new rear brakes as well as a new radiator. My wife’s car which is worse has 2 windows that don’t work and as of today, it needs a new tire as well as the alignment is shot and it needs new brakes both in the front and back. Her car is 1997 Lumina and its air condition is shot and it has fewer miles than mine. Cars are objects and they break and God wouldn’t have me lose my serenity over it. Besides I am sure that the 3 people who read this blog can understand the fact that cars break and that they break at the most inconvenient time. But of course God’s time is never inconvenient. What I guess makes it inconvenient for me is not the fact that cars break because I have come to accept that years ago, what makes it inconvenient for me is that gas costs $9,786.73 a gallon…of course that is a “jamesim” (see GBH for explanation of term). I guess what I really want to say is…it would be cool to have those hover boards that they had in Back to the Future II which took place in 2015 which is only 9 years away and it seems we are no way near what they predicted the future to look in that movie which really bums me out. To quote C. Thomas Howell in the movie Red Dawn…”Wolverine”

-Gravy jmm

I'm sick so here's a some funny bulletin bloopers

I always seem to get sick this time of year with the stupid cold/flu thing. My old thinking was this is really inconvenient…I can’t do this, I can’t touch this, blah, blah, blah. My thinking this time was…hey I can rest which I got very little because we have a puppy that believes his daddy’s arm is his teething bone. Any-the-way, needless to say I’m using Lysol. Since I am sick and have a major brain fog issue…as the GBH has always told me, “Dude you have random thoughts.” Here are some of my favorite church bulletin bloppers:

• Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles, and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
• The outreach committee has enlisted 25 visitors to make calls on people who are not afflicted with any church.
• The Pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday morning.
• Low Self-Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 to 8:30 p.m. Please use the back door.
• The third verse of Blessed Assurance will be sung without musical accomplishment.
• The Rev. Merriwether spoke briefly, much to the delight of the audience.
• The pastor will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, "Break Forth Into Joy."
• During the absence of our pastor, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good sermon when J.F. Stubbs supplied our pulpit.
• Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.
• The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the church basement on Friday at 7 p.m. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
• A song fest was hell at the Methodist church Wednesday.
• Today's Sermon: HOW MUCH CAN A MAN DRINK? with hymns from a full choir.
• On a church bulletin during the minister's illness: GOD IS GOOD Dr. Hargreaves is better.
• Pastor is on vacation. Massages can be given to church secretary.

My personal favorite
• Don't let worry kill you off - let the church help.

Here’s one from our bulletin back in the day around 2001: we normally would have a bold message in our bulletin that read “Pantry needs” only this one time it read “Panty needs” which all of our seniors were red in the face.
-Gravy jmm

Being Real

They say in recovery that it will be worse before it gets better…what options do I really have…I could go back and stay in my struggles or continue the journey through the desert and up mount Everest. Why can’t life be like that Staples commercial, push the “easy” button? Of course the reality is…there is no “easy” button. There is a minister friend of mine that once said that in his 17 years of ministry, he learned 2 things…I thought he was going to say something that rocked but instead his said, ”God is great and life is painful.” Everyday is different for me and I have come to find out that I have limits. I once thought that I was strong and could do things on my own and all it got me was into a celebrate recovery program. Actually truth be known, I really acted for many years…I enjoyed wearing a mask because I didn’t have to be real and be held accountable. It was easy to hide behind a religious spirit. I finally couldn’t run or hide anymore. I was found out. I was a broken man. I thought I was on way to a mental institute, really. For the first time in my life, I am real. For the first time in my life, I don’t care anymore about pleasing people. For the first time in my life, I am transparent and not a Pharisee. For the first time in my life, I am finally dealing with everything that I’ve stuffed for 28 years. For the first time in my life, I am admitting all my wrongs and accepting life for what it is. For the first time in my life, I am no longer pointing my finger. For the first time in my life, I have really given up and surrendered. For the first time in my life, I don’t want to medicate with anything and I want to face my issues. For the first time in my life, I am finally joyful and grateful. For the first time in my life, I want to know God intimately. For the first time in my life, I am willing to be used by God. For the first time in my life, I no longer want to think that it is the world according to James. I thought for awhile that God’s will for me was to go back to Bible college and get my degree…I know now that I needed recovery…I have learned more about God and His purpose for me since I started looking in the mirror and got serious about recovery from my hurts, habits, and hang-ups. God is awesome and I love Him so much…I am so thankful that He knocked me off my feet and showed me how insane I really was…I am thankful that He finally broke down my walls and I finally let Him come into all of my life. It feels good to walk around weightless for the first time. Thanks for letting me share.
-Gravy jmm

Fundamental Elements of Blogtown

There always seems to be something going on! I’m not much for politics, I thought I was once but I rather swim in a tub filled with scissors than “get into” about politics. I’m not sure where I stand on the whole immigration thing. Its funny how in our country we are so divided on issues instead of being united as the name of country seems to give but none the less I am proud to live in the USA. Actually I can’t wait to be united with Christ in heaven but that’s God’s call when He calls me. Anywho as GBH likes to say…there always seems to be something going on and there always will be. I am no longer paralyzed from fear that news seems to give us on a daily basis. The only fear I need to have is that for God.

Jeremiah reminds me that, “This is what the LORD says: "Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the LORD. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, on the salty flats where no one lives. "But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit. "The human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I know! I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve."

I hope all is well in “Blogland” and blog at ya’ll later. Until then …live in grace and prosper.
-Gravy JMM

I Want to be Drafted!

Today is one of my favorite days…it’s the NFL draft and being a fervent Washington Redskins fan, I get real eager to see who they will snag. This year they’re not picking until 53 because they traded there 1st pick to the Broncos last year for Jason Campbell. I am also in to the draft just because I am a major NFL and a college football fan. I am interested into seeing where some of the players that I watched in college that I really liked will wind up. I can only image what these guys must feel like on draft day. Some have worked so hard and have achieved so much for this day to play in the NFL. Some of these athletes have some real awesome exercise and eating disciplines to keep them in extreme shape. Because I am such a nut about football and the draft I got to thinking about my life and where my walk with the Lord was…and I wondered if there was a “Kingdom” draft for kingdom workers…where would I be drafted? I wonder how much emphasis I put on my conditioning for God’s Kingdom. I wonder how hard I am really working at loving God and loving what God loves. Am I really living up to the potential that God has given me or am I burying my talents? I wonder if I am just doing what I need to on the surface. I know over the years there have been college players who were hyped into being these “great” NFL stars and they turned out to be nothing but a bust. Sometimes I can be my worst enemy because I can con myself into believing my own hype when I am nothing but a bust because I am not doing what I can be doing. I know that God loves me and that He has a purpose for me…I believe that but sometimes I know it in my head and I don’t live from my heart. I am a work in progress and I can reach the potential that God has given me…I believe I just have to get out of His way and let Jesus come into my heart and mold me. Then maybe God will draft me to do His kingdom work because He now can use me because I let go and I am allowing Him to use me.

-Gravy JMM

I have to stop being a wuss

To quote the band “Tears for Fears”…”Shout, Shout let it all out…” Sometimes you just have to shout. I have found in the 12 step Celebrate Recovery program that I am involved, actually the better word here would be engrossed in…I used to blame everyone and everything for my issues. Come to find out, it has always been me. I used to think recovery programs were for “those people” when all along I had hurts, habits, and hang-ups. What does this have to do with shouting? In recovery I introduce myself as: James, a child of God who struggles with co-dependency, anger, sexual integrity, depression, religious spirit, food addiction. You see I struggle…and I try not to live in my struggles. I have always stuffed my issues and I have found out that stuffing only lasts for so long. I finally came to a point in my life were I was going to BLOW…God finally got my attention. I was sick of being sick and sick of wrestling God, a match that I can’t win. Having said all of this and probably wasting a minute of your time, here’s what I really wanted to say…I am shouting to God that I am sick of being a 90 lb wuss, and I want to trust God with everything that I am, not 68%...everything…100%.

Step 3 in Celebrate recovery stats, “3. Made a decision to turn our life and our will over to the care of God. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God –this is your spiritual act of worship.” Romans 12:1 NIV. This is really hard because its COMPLETE surrend…I have to give up and turn to God. Here is STEP 3’s prayer:
Dear God, I have tried to do it all by myself, on my own power, and I have failed. TODAY, I want to turn my life over to You. I ask you to be my Lord and Savior. You are the One and ONLY Higher Power! I ask You to help me think less about me and my will. I want to daily turn my will over to You, to daily seek Your direction and wisdom for my life. Please continue to help me overcome my hurts, habits, and hang-ups and may that victory over them help others as they see Your power at work in changing my life. Help me to do Your will always. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.

I can be such a wuss but I am thankful that God loves and gives me the strength and peace to do what I have to do. Basically, I am nothing without God. So for me, I know what the scriptures say in my head…its time for to live them from my heart. God is and always will be bigger than me and there is nothing impossible for Him to do. WORDS ARE JUNK…Its time for me to just do it, just trust Him. So if you read this, and you have struggles…there is nothing too difficult for God to fix, you just have to let Him do it. Remember if God’s not in control of your life, your life is out of control. I might be a wuss and have 83 things that I struggle with…I am forgiven and God has grace for me through Jesus and God can remove from me what doesn’t belong…I just have to move myself aside and let Him use His Holy Spirit to guide me and He will do the same for you.

Sincerely a wuss in recovery;
-Gravy JMM

Remembering Columbine

I realize that today is the 7 year anniversary of the Columbine shootings. I remember waiting tables at Rio Bravo in Orange Park and hearing on the news of the shootings and I remember thinking why would someone or people do this? I realize now, 7 years later, the finger is still pointing at who to blame: The parents, the police, Marilyn Manson, the ones who sold them the guns, and so on. The truth is that Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold pulled the triggers, no one else. The truth is Eric and Dylan had some pain and chose to take the pain out the wrong way and lot of lives were destroyed because of their choice. Nothing could have prevented the Columbine shootings except Eric and Dylan. The hardest thing that I have had to come to accept in my life is that I CAN’T control or change anyone, what they say or what they do. The sad truth is that there always seems to be headlines like this in the news of tragedy after tragedy. My sponsor tells me that there are 2 types of people: Those in recovery and those who need to be. The only thing I can do is let God change me and for me to deal with my hurts, habits, and hang-ups the right way, God’s way and not the way that Eric and Dylan did. Columbine was a heart-breaking tragedy as so many other occurrences like it. Pray for the lost and if you are a child of God, be a mirror that reflects Christ because Jesus is the only hope for this world and a lost person is only going to see Christ if they see Him in me.
-Gravy JMM

"Deny Religion, Embrace Jesus"

Ah the joys of a traditional Easter Sunday...this is one of 2 times a year most people make it a point to come to a building and I guess punch in their ticket so God can see that they were at "church". This is also were traditionalists and religious people make not of that and do nothing but stay seated on their "throne". I am a recovering traditionalist as well as a recovering religious spiritualist. Let me explain...someone who suffers from a religious spirit, knows all the answers as per the bible and fail to live them. The Book of James says that were aren't to just merely listen to the Word, but do what it says...someone with a religious spirit doesn't do what the Word says, its all a talk. If this was 2000 years ago, Jesus would have referred to me as a Pharisee...Jesus would have said to me that my lips praise Him but my heart is far from Him. Like I said, I am a recovering religious spiritualist...I didn't go to "church" on Sunday, I went to a building and had fellowship and sang praises with my brothers and sisters in Christ who belong to HIS church. Being a minister is something I "get" to do, not something I "have" to do. I don't go to a "church"; I belong to His' church. I am happy that there are those who only come to a building a couple times year, I just glad that they are there and I pray that seeds are planted that God can water and that they don't see me but they see Christ in me. A Pharisee thought highly of themselves, they knew the all answers and they were never wrong. How can God use me, if I am full of myself...He can't. I have a bumper sticker on my guitar case that says "Deny Religion, Embrace Jesus"...the greatest thing one can do is have a personal relationship with Jesus, not some religion...money can buy religion, but not hope, peace, strength, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and love which comes from God through Jesus. When I was baptized, or when I read the Bible, or when I come to a building on Sunday... I am doing nothing for God; those are all gifts that He gave me. Its not about head-knowledge, its about TRANSFORMATION. Its about a 24/7 lifestyle. Its not about pleasing people, its not about what your giving, its not about what you are doing, its not even about you...it is always, always has been, always will be about GOD. So today enjoy Jesus and let Him come into your life and transform you. Get out of your comfort zone and take God by the hand. Remember worship is not just on Sunday; it is your lifestyle for God.
-Gravy JMM

Go Through It!

I don't necessarily enjoy going to the gym but, I know what the results will be as long as I continue to abide by the disciplines of eating properly with a good exercise plan. Many moons ago, I remember jokingly asking my 3 y.o. if daddy could sleep in his little Spider-man tent...and he with a very serious looking face said, "Daddy you can't, you're too fat." I had remembered that he probably heard me on many occasions saying that I was getting fat because my closes weren't fitting. So after prolonging the inevitable for many, many, many months...I joined a gym. I really stick out at the gym...I always find myself working out between guys who wear those "protocol gym clothes" and make 200 lbs look easy as were I am wearing a goofy tee shirt (thats Goofy from Disney) and can barely bugde 25 lbs. Having said all of that and probably realling wasting your time just to get to my point...walking with the Lord is similar to working out. When one lifts weights, the idea is to break down the muscle in order build the muscles to be stronger...after a few weeks or a month you can go from lifting 25 lbs to 35 to maybe 45, all along you wear yourself out but you become stronger and healthy of course eating properly helps along taking vitamnins. There is NO mircale pill, you just have to continue to work and work in the gym. The results will be a healthy strong body. What does this have to do with walking with the Lord...life is painful. For me all of times I didn't want to deal with pain or problems, I wanted a way out. God's way is not out but through our problems and pain. Truth is...no matter what limitation or circumstance I am struggling against, God can empower and equip me beyond what I thought possible. I need to accept pain as a part of life. Acceptance will help me live in God’s reality so I can adapt and change to the way things really are and learn to trust God. I need to welcome problems in my life as gifts from God to help me become a better Christian for His Kingdom. God sees my difficulties different from the way I do. God’s way is not out of my problems but through them. As stroms arise, either I am going lay down in defeat or I will invite God to be Lord of my entire life and lead me on...God will ge me the strength to grow through any situation. As pain and problems come at me, with God's grace, strength, peace, loving kidness... I will become a stronger Christian in this life. I need a healthy prayer life, a healthy devotion life, bieng still, and a healthy trust and dependency on God. With God I will be stronger as storms arise and things that I thought were impossible will be possible because of the power that God has. I just have to take God by the hand and with Him go through it!
-Gravy JMM

April 6, 2006

Mirror, Mirror on the wall…

“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 18:9 – 14

Remember the quote from Snow White…mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all…the evil queen thought she was until the mirror revealed that is was Snow White. The Pharisee believed he was a righteous man but Jesus said that the tax collector was justified because he was humble…the tax collector realized he was a sinner and needed God. When I look in the mirror, I examine myself…do I need to shave, do I need a haircut, do I need to get some facial products for my face…When I am before the God I need to examine myself, but sometimes it’s easier to examine others. Lamentations says, “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD.” Sometimes it’s easier, though, to examine others rather than self. I know for me it would be more fun to look at the character defects on those around me becuase I really don't want to look at me to closely...I'm not into change, I want to be comfortable...but if I am comfortable that means I'm talking more than doing. Truth is if I or you or really honest and open before the mirror and God, there's alot of pain and defects that I have or you have but God doesn't waste a hurt or pain. So if you are looking, really honestlty looking into the mirror today...are you wearing a mask or are you real before God and others.

-Gravy JMM