Favorite season by far! You get Football, fires, and great a scenery. Some photos of this year I did NOT take.
You decide.
If God was so omnipotent(all powerful) and all things were possible for Him why did he allow evil and suffering into this world? Why didn’t He make everyone perfect?
God first made us so that He could 1st and foremost have a family, a relationship with us. God made us to have free choice. He didn’t want to force us into serving/having a relationship with him. Logically we all would say that forcing people to love and worship you would be empty, boring, not fulfilling because it’s something they would HAVE to do, not something they WANTED to do.
I wish pastors and Christians on the news would simply say this response to the nation when interviewed about homosexuality, murder, adultery etc…
We are all born into sin! God didn’t mess up, and it’s something everyone can be set free from. Just because you are an alcoholic doesn’t mean you can’t change. You just have to make the proper choices and do what needs to be done to be free from alcoholism. SIN is something that we are born into. Why? The fall of Adam and Eve in the garden. They chose to eat the “fruit” which resulted in Disobeying God and sinning against Him.
Why did God create that tree in the 1st place? I believe to see how much they truly would trust, obey, and be devoted to Him.(CHOICE)
Romans 5 12 When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.
Everyone sadly is born into sin, but God is so gracious he gave us a gift to escape by not only having a relationship with Him and being set free from sin by the CROSS, but to also set us free from sin by BAPTISM: putting to death our sinful nature when we go under water and when we arise in water we are born again free from our sinful nature!
Romans 6 5 Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. 6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7 For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.
So if you think baptism isn’t important Secular Student Alliance you are mistaken! Baptism is KEY and a “get out of jail free card” won’t cover you.
One more thing just so you know I used to live my life 2 years ago the way I wanted to. Religion was forced on me but I was an Atheist and I did my own thing. I lived my life of partying, sex, drugs, fighting, steeling.
I broke the rules and I controlled my life. Why would I change my whole life, and give up what I thought was fun and loved to do for some religion? I didn’t, I gave up that life for a relationship with God!
The only explanation I could say is that God encountered me in such a way that I couldn’t do anything else but change my life. I walk with God and become more like Him every single day. I didn’t say I’m becoming a god, I’m not Mormon. I’m living a life of such sacrifice and devotion that God can accomplish His plans through this life.
I believe if God could that in me, ANYTHING is possible!
Want to meet the one and only God? Start talking to Him. Also Check out GCDowntown @ The Center on Thursday nights at 8pm off Belmont and Broadway if you want to see Him move.
If you believe Religion is for the weak please read my post on “Wussy Men go to Church”
Wow!!
SO much has happened since I have last posted. Here’s a very brief summary of the amazing experiences/adventures that have occured.
I finished up my 2 year Intern Program at my local Church @ Capital Christian Center on May 29th with a Knock-out punch Commissioning Prayer time. I started my new job at Unity Media Group on June 2nd. I graduated my 2nd year Intern program officially on June 14th. The fire alarms happened to go off when we were all remenissing after graduation! good times.
On June 19th I got to be apart of the Meridian Dairy Days. Our GCKids had a float and we danced to Hannah Montana!
June 23rd we had Capital 1 softball team play my (capital 2) team. We came into the game 10-0. This game by far was the closest and most fun game we’ve played all year. We were tied in the 7th 20-20 and went into an extra inning and won the game 22-20! finishing the season 11-0
Camp June 24th-27th Kicked some serious tail. We had an amazing time, really seeing answered prayer with the downpour of the Holy Spirit, Release of New anointing, and the empowerment of a new Zeal to see our City reached among our kids. Also we had some of the sickest games I’ve ever been apart of. Team Kilo also took the Gold which happened to be the team I was privaliged to be a Captain over the team with miss Weaver.
Also in the spree of the moment I was called out to be in the talent show on the last night, and found myself participating in 3 gigs. The finale happened to be “The Dunson Dance Off” between my little bro and me. I dont remember much from that time, all I know is I have never done something like that before in my life. From what I have been told I busted out about all the styles you can possibly do in 1 song. I do remember doin the famous “Flint” dance routine though.
The 4th was also amazing! spent some good times playing volleyball and realized how much 2 years of no gym or physical sports can really effect your game. Spent some fun times up in McCall watching fireworks on the lake, and seeing how much the need for the Purpose for God’s love and plan for our lives to be revealed to our Generation.
Those were some of the bigger moments in the past few months. God’s been so unstoppable in my life, and i’m in awe of what He has done, what He has revealed, and what He will continue to do. All I got to say is I gave God 1 year to see what He could do, He changed my Perspective of who He was and has transformed my life into something I never imagined. If you want to know more about my God or have any questions email me xtremelfe@gmail.com. That’s it for now have an amazing day!
If God says in His word “You shall not murder” isn’t He contradicting himself by killing everyone on earth with the flood, or back when He promised his “Holy people” the Promise land and ordered them to fight and kill everyone and take it over? , Isn’t that a contradiction, thus making his word(Bible) a lie?
Latin word for Murder is homicida. Break Homocida down into homo (man, human being, person) and the suffix cida derived from the word caedere (chop, hew, cut out)= man that was cut away.
Definition of Murder is the unlawful killing of another human being with intent (or malice afterthought), and generally this state of mind distinguishes murder from other forms of unlawful homicide.(Wikipedia) Break that down, murder is killing someone without a cause.
The Flood 5 The LORD saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. 6 The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. 7 So the LORD said, “I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.
Genesis 6:9 This is the account of Noah.
Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.(NIV)
Verse 5 it says God grieved because men were wicked. Take it back to his 6th commandment,”Thou Shalt not murder” and definition of murder is killing without cause, in the flood there is cause because the men and women were wicked. God wiped out all man except for the ones He found righteous (innocent) in finding that God did not contradict His word.
Promise Land Deuteronomy 9: 5 It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness of these nations, the LORD your God will drive them out before you, to accomplish what he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.(NIV)
Deuteronomy 12:31 You must not worship the LORD your God in their way, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the LORD hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods.
So if God is contradicting his word, then killing all these people to gain the Promise land, it would then mean that they would have to be innoncent. But in Deuteronomy 12:31 it says they were sacrificying there own kids to their gods. I dont know about you but thats pretty evil to me, kinda sounds like abortion in these days. Anyways sacrifcying their kids to gods makes them wicked, which = cause.
Now to some this up. If God was to kill people with a cause, wouldn’t there also be people in those cities and towns who were innocent? Absolutely! Look at Noah’s story, God saved him and his family. In Joshua 6:25 it talks about Rahab, and how God spared her with the walls of Jericho collapsing. Even in Lots story with Sodom and Gomorrah, God saves Lot and his family by sending 2 of His angels to warn them about the destruction about to come. I believe God is a God of Justice, and the killings ordered by God in the Bible are justified with cause, intent, and reason.
Summer is just around the Corner! Even though Idaho is very moody and indecisive and wont make up it’s mind between seasons. Besides that I’m excited for some good road trips (Cali), campin, fishin, swimmin, Boating, See some beaches! Amped for this Season. Came across these old pics the other day when I was almost 5 years old stoked during the Summer, figured it would fit well for this Post! (how bout that tan!)
Romans 12
1 Brothers and sisters, in view of all we have just shared about God’s compassion, I encourage you to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated to God and pleasing to him. This kind of worship is appropriate for you. 2 Don’t become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants-what is good, pleasing, and perfect.
3 Because of the kindness that God has shown me, I ask you not to think of yourselves more highly than you should. Instead, your thoughts should lead you to use good judgment based on what God has given each of you as believers. 4 Our bodies have many parts, but these parts don’t all do the same thing. 5 In the same way, even though we are many individuals, Christ makes us one body and individuals who are connected to each other. 6 God in his kindness gave each of us different gifts. If your gift is speaking God’s word, make sure what you say agrees with the Christian faith. 7 If your gift is serving, then devote yourself to serving. If it is teaching, devote yourself to teaching. 8 If it is encouraging others, devote yourself to giving encouragement. If it is sharing, be generous. If it is leadership, lead enthusiastically. If it is helping people in need, help them cheerfully.
9 Love sincerely. Hate evil. Hold on to what is good. 10 Be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each other. 11 Don’t be lazy in showing your devotion. Use your energy to serve the Lord. 12 Be happy in your confidence, be patient in trouble, and pray continually. 13 Share what you have with God’s people who are in need. Be hospitable.
14 Bless those who persecute you. Bless them, and don’t curse them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy. Be sad with those who are sad. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be arrogant, but be friendly to humble people. Don’t think that you are smarter than you really are. 17 Don’t pay people back with evil for the evil they do to you. Focus your thoughts on those things that are considered noble. 18 As much as it is possible, live in peace with everyone. 19 Don’t take revenge, dear friends. Instead, let God’s anger take care of it. After all, Scripture says, “I alone have the right to take revenge. I will pay back, says the Lord.” 20 But, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. If you do this, you will make him feel guilty and ashamed.” 21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil with good.
Romans 6 (NLV)
Sin’s Power Is Broken
1 Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? 2 Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? 3 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
5 Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. 6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7 For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. 8 And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. 9 We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. 10 When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. 11 So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.
12 Do not let sin control the way you live;[a] do not give in to sinful desires. 13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. 14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
15 Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! 16 Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. 17 Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. 18 Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.
19 Because of the weakness of your human nature, I am using the illustration of slavery to help you understand all this. Previously, you let yourselves be slaves to impurity and lawlessness, which led ever deeper into sin. Now you must give yourselves to be slaves to righteous living so that you will become holy.
20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. 21 And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. 22 But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
As you all know the Economy isn’t looking so hot right now. For the past year and a half things have been rolling down hill for majority of the Nation. Spending time in prayer and studying I feel like God has revealed some things to me that I would like to share with you.
First off He took me to Job 37:13
Whether for discipline, or for [the good of] his earth, or out of mercy, he makes the storm appear. (GWT)
Now this Vs. Refers to Natural storms declaring clearly why God brings them to Earth. But I feel like God is also doing this in the Spiritual. For all 3 reasons, Discipline, Good of the Earth, and Mercy. I really think God is doing this shakening to get our focus back on Him. And to live the lives pleasing to Him.
I really feel a huge reason for this Shakening is falls under the Mercy Category. In Judges it talks about how the Lord promised the Isralites(Gods chosen People) blessings and Prosperity favor and authority in the Promise land. After Generations time of Moses and Joshua you see that the Isralites quickly turn their backs on God, and follow other gods and idols. Quickly other Tribes take control of the Isralites forcing them into Slavery. It then it says the Israelites prayed and cried out to God for mercy for him to rescue the Israelites from their captors. God shows compassion and remembers His promise and rescues the Israelites, and provides for them a Godly Leader to help lead the charge back to the way God had intended.
I feel that the stat America is in now is because we as a society have turned out backs on God. Whether it’s idolatry, love of money, rebellion, hatred etc. Forcing God to do whatever is necessary to get our focus and priorities back on him! As Churches all around the nation have cried out for His Mercy and to rescue us I Believe God is on the MOVE!
I honestly Believe that all this shakening is for the good. The possible collapse in the Economy Bring it on! Am I crazy? Did i just say that? You bet. See my God is a living breathing God and He has everything worked out for my good. Romans 8:28. So I feel through this shakening He is realigning the church into the Proper stat of the Promises God origionally intended for us to be in. He is making Kingdom Minded leaders put into wealthy positions. Having many new people come back to him, by changing minds and softing hearts! He is making opportunites and opening doors No Man could ever OPEN!
For the past few months I have been really thinking about the conversations and the relationships I have through the Church on an average Weekend and have noticed that I talk to crazy amount of People! but the sad thing is I really don’t know that many peoples names. I mean I talk to people regularly and quite often too, but for some reason the whole name exchange in my mind is blank. People say Hello to me all the time by using my name and I catch my self feeling bad because I have know idea what their name is. to me the relationships and conversations have been going on for so long it would in my opinion be devastating for me to say, “I’m sorry, but what was your name again?” So if you are reading this and Not sure if I know your name……. Sorry!
Bro!, Dude!, Hey!, You!, Man!, How are you?, It has been a while!, Where have you been stranger,? Missed ya man!
Today (Saturday) I woke up to my alarm crankin at 5:40 in the morning. I knew I had to get up because at 7 we had a Pancake fundraiser and at 6:45 I would be picking up one of my Jr. Highers. So I did what all people should do. I hit the snooze until I had to get out of bed at 6. Anyways I was on my way to pick up my Jr. Higher and I decided to bust out the directions he had given me the previous night. Now I didn’t fully read his directions because it was the last text I got right before I went to sleep, but I soon found out how much I need to work with my kids on communicating. Surprisingly it only took me 5 minutes to figure out what he was talking about and we got to the fundraiser right on time. I will credit God for that one. anways here’s what it said,
“ok. go to maverick turn in the first turn into the subdivision. go straight untill you have a park infront of you then take the right fork in the road. keep folowing the road untill you get the the house right in the center of the part of the road that turns to another road.”
So I have been holding on to this thought for a while and finally willing to release it. Might be a tangent but I am ok with it. Commenting on those who say that Wussy Men go to church! Now I am not denying that there are wussy men in the Church, there are guys who go that in all honestly are pretty wimpy, but here is the deal. Not all men who go to Church are Wussy’s.
I feel that a real man would admit that he doesn’t know everything and set his pride down by saying I dont have everything figured out and I do need some help! I do need to trust in God, and lean on him, because I am not strong enough to stand alone.
Did I really just say that? you better believe it! See I don’t know if you guys know me that well. I’m a Man, and ain’t afraid to show it. I like to build things with my hands, I don’t wear tight jeans, I don’t pluck eyebrows or spend a lot of time on my hair, I like to watch a good game of football, Love to grill me some burgers and steaks, I have a lab, I own a truck(even though it may be a ranger), I like to work on my truck, I like to wrestle, I don’t like to fight,but I’m not afraid to bleed, love to camp, fish, go shooting, Like to protect and provide, love sports, have scars all over my hands, I’m consistent and a man of my word, I’m not 2 faced, I don’t pretend to be something I am not, I work for everything I get, I love God with all my heart, and I ain’t afraid to show it, I believe Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I understand that I am born a Sinner, but once I accepted Jesus into my heart I am set free from my sins, not saying things will be perfect because you still go through tough times, but I invited God to be with me and guide me so I don’t do it alone. I live everyday for God and I know God’s plan for my life is far better than mine.
I don’t go to church to follow some rules, or live by what some guy said cause it sounded good. I dont’ go to church to gossip, I don’t go to church because I am afraid, or because I feel weak. I don’t go to Church to find my spouse, I go to church because I have a relationship with Jesus Christ, and He has proved himself real to me in a real way. I go to church to continue to grow deeper in my relationship with God. I go to church because it says you need to in the Bible. I go to church to get fed so I can be sent out and achomplish God’s will that He has for me! I have given God 2 years of my life and I know I am nothing like I used to be. I have never lived my life like this before, giving God my everything, but it’s authentic and genuine, and I know that my life is way more fun, exciting and happy. I don’t need to be fake, or put on some front. I finally have dreams, I finally have a purpose, and a Identity. I am still a man, and I love G0d with all my heart. If you think I am a whimp that’s fine, But what kind of man are you?
Finally! Christmas is here. All the preperation, the cleaning, editing, waiting, buying, eating, all done..
Surprising everything worked out to the T. Started my shopping yesterday at 10 am and finished at 1130. The Christmas Eve services at Capital were off the chain last night. Everything went splendid. It was way worth the long hours of cleaning, building, decorating, and rehearsing. Plus the Candles looked amazing.
The snow kept on dumping late into the night. I know cause I was running around in it! Christmas day was awesome, got some pretty cool gifts. some I definitely don’t want to put down. As well as those amazing home made treats that make you feel old fashion. I am forced to make a decision though, stay somewhat in shape and put down those goodies or forget it and gorge myself in those delightful sweets. Thank God for self-control.
Anyways 2008 Christmas= Success. To bad no more watching someone run around all crazy with a clipboard with a handy clip on light hahaha.
Merry Christmas Everybody, God Bless Ya.
One of my fav Gifts
I spent my Sunday afternoon in Nampa and it was grand. A bunch of snow, and a bunch of crazy little red heads runnin around everywhere. anyways I ended up with a cookie made of myself. here it is.
By the way it tasted pretty good!
Also one of my friends decided to make this awesome Elf yourself video of me with some of my friends. click the link to watch.
So today we had my Awesome Merge Small group. The plan tonight was simple, bring some money, buy some city light gift, go caroling, eat some krispy Cream, and white wash kenricks Small group. Mission completed!
Now out of the whole night everything went real smoothly except for the very first task. Go buy the gift. So I walk all 12 of my boys from the Church to Crossroads Shopping Center, secretly disguising the fact that we would be going to Bath and Body works. haha
Of course I heard many complains, I mean I am trying to raise some God fearing men of God so I am glad I heard them. Anyways we all walk into the store and started looking for the prepackaged gifts.
Uncomfortably we kept getting weird glances from the employees. I mean I have been in that store before and the ladies who work there are always so nice, but tonight it was different. I know I had 12 13-15 year old guys, but they weren’t bad at all they were pretty quiet and awkward all at once. But the employees were pretty rude and snoody. One of the employees comes up and asks if she can help me, I say “yes, How much is this gift box?” she says “check the back”, I say “I did it says 25 but the sign says 15 and under” she replies “take 30% off ” and walks away.
Next the boys and I go up to purchase the gift. I saw some gift wrapped bags and asked the cashier if it cost money to get our gifts gift wrap. She says “no”, I said “awesome can i get mine wrapped then”. She replies “we don’t gift wrap.” I shut my mouth and tried to set the example for being polite to rude people. All I have to say
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED despite our awkward weird encounters.
