Uninspired Blog Posts

It's been several days since my last post (for which I apologize). But, to be honest, I am having a little trouble finding something inspired to write about. Most of the things that pop up in my head are pretty lame and would be a waste of both yours and my time.

So, I have a question: "How do you overcome un-inspiration?" What do you do when you feel creatively empty to refill the tank?

Weekly Update

Well, I finally managed to get back on a "normal" schedule. For whatever reason, I had gotten completely out of sync and it was driving me crazy. Good to feel ahead of the game this week.

Speaking of this week: it's really busy. I'm exploding with excitement about tomorrow night's service. We always try to do something huge at the end of school. Last year we really didn't, but this year we're bringing crazy back. Rented some of those Sumo Wrestler costumes so everyone can Sumo Wrestle. It's going to be hilarious. Worship will be awesome and the message has already been a fun one for me. With all the info I was able to dig up, I could have made a VERY, VERY, long sermon. But I was able to deny the Teacher within and cut it down to what's most important (I think this is a desirable trait of a pastor).

I'll be in the office (or around somewhere, working) Thursday and then hittin' up graduation that night @ 7p. Congrats to Codie's brother Chase for achieving Valedictorian. I always get nostalgic at this time of year.

After graduation is over, we're bee-lining for my parents house. First thing Friday, we're making the quick drive from my parents to PC Beach. After an exhausting day, we'll head back to my parents and spend Saturday with them. Then we'll be back for Sunday.

Busy week. Exciting week. Exhausting week. It's going to be great!

What about you? What's your week shaping up to be?

On the Road Again

Greetings everyone!  It's Monday, the start of another great week (hopefully).  Today is especially great for me because I'm getting ready to head to Louisiana.

I absolutely love to travel.  Visiting new places--especially large cities, is one of my favorite things.  I could travel for a living (anyone willing to pay me to visit places, please leave your name and contact info :)  I've never been to Louisiana, so I get to add a new state to the ones I've visited.  Here's my list of places I've been:

Alabama

Georgia

Mississippi

Florida

Tennessee

Kentucky

Indiana

South Carolina

North Carolina

Virginia

West Virginia

Pennsylvania

Maryland

Washington D.C.

Colorado

Texas

Germany

...and now Louisiana

What about you?  Where have you been?  What are your favorites?

More Interesting Thoughts...

First off, I want to say thanks to Ryan, Codie, and Kayla for their input on the last post.  All were VERY good insights.  If you haven't read them, check it out on my last post, "Why Salt?"

As promised, here's what I found (this is not my opinion, it's theologian Adam Clarke's):

 

Salt was the opposite to leaven, for it preserved from putrefaction and corruption, and signified the purity and persevering fidelity that were necessary in the worship of God. Every thing was seasoned with it, to signify the purity and perfection that should be extended through every part of the Divine service, and through the hearts and lives of God’s worshippers. It was called the salt of the covenant of God, because as salt is incorruptible, so was the covenant made with Abram, Isaac, Jacob, and the patriarchs, relative to the redemption of the world by the incarnation and death of Jesus Christ. 

Here's another nugget of Scripture I found about a month back when I was reading Ecclesiastes [5.1,2]:

As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut. It is evil to make mindless offerings to God.  Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few.

I think that we Pentecostal/Charismatics don't honor this part of God's Word.  We believe in exuberant worship and clapping, dancing, shouting, etc.  Don't get me wrong this are all good things and are also listed in the Bible as expressions of praise [Exodus 15.20, Psalm 126.2, 1 Samuel 4.5, Ezra 3.11].  But, I think we we fail (sin?) is forgetting the truth of this verse in Ecclesiastes.  We need to realize that God is in heaven and we are just part of HIS Creation.  So often we come in and offer God the first thing that pops in our minds and rush to make commitments to God that we never keep, when really He just desires for us to be in His Presence.  We wonder why we don't hear from God, but maybe it's because He can't get a word in edgewise because we're singing, shouting, dancing, praying, etc.

This verse has really challenged me.  I've tried to let me words be few in worship, and it's not easy.  When you're used to constantly making noise and you try to stop that noise while everyone around you is still making it...well it's not easy.

I think I need to find the balance between exuberant and reflective praise; the balance between speaking and listening.

What about you?  What do you think? 

Why Salt?

So I was reading in Leviticus (ch.2) last night when I stumbled upon a verse that has me a bit baffled.  Here it is:

Leviticus 2.3: Season all your grain offerings with salt to remind you of God’s eternal covenant. Never forget to add salt to your grain offerings.

Sometimes God asks things that don't make a lot of sense--especially in the OT (maybe its just b/c I've never been a Jew).  Apparently, for some reason this salting is very important.  But why?

I need your help.  If you have ANY insight at all (no answer is too crazy), please comment me.  Monday, I'll post what I found out...

Thanks for the help.

What's Your Favorite...?

I've seen different versions of this question since I've followed blogs (which is a good bit longer than I've actually blogged).  But I have a question:

"What bands/musicians/singers are your favorite?"

I love music, so I'd like to hear what you listen to...

New Music

Downloaded some new stuff last Friday and today:

Bob Dylan -- Like a Rolling Stone

The Byrds -- Turn! Turn! Turn!

The Contours -- Do You Love Me

Shake Sherry

Can You Do It

CCR --Fortunate Son

Fellowship Church -- Humble Pleas

The More I Love You

New Creation

Generation Unleashed -- I Always

Planetshakers -- All for Love

Better than Life

Free

Come Holy Spirit

What about you?  What have you been listening to lately?