Content vs. Discontent

I was listening to a sermon this morning, and the pastor made an interesting observation.  He said that we are often discontented with what we should be contented, and contented with that which we should be discontented.

 

How true is that?  We often become discontent with our lot in life.  Whether it's our job, our social status or our income level.  "If only..." are the words we use to quantify what it would take for us to be content.  When we should be content with the what God has already blessed us with. 

 

And then there's the other side of it.  How is it that we are content with our relationship with God?  Where do we get off saying that our church attendance and our daily prayers are good enough for the Creator of the Universe?   "I don't have to strive to live a holy life, I'm okay just as I am."

 

I know that it's not always easy to be content.  Speaking as someone who is only "mostly" content, I know what it's like to want more.  But what's interesting is where you find the balance.  I was reading a devo by Billy Graham last night and he talked about having patience, but at the same time being expectant.  Expecting that God will provide when He sees fit.

 

Something I think we all struggle with is God's timing.  I know that a bunch of single folks read this blog.  We all think it would be nice to have someone to romance, or someone to romance us.  But it hasn't happened yet.  And that often causes frustration/sadness/disappointment.  Because we weren't meant to be alone.  Yet we are, and that can lead to discontentment.

 

I think the key to being content is to be satisfied with where you are now, but at the same time expecting that God will provide you with what you need, when He knows you need it.  And being okay with that.

Christmas music streaming online

Just a heads-up that AOL is streaming 14 Christmas albums for free this week (and maybe longer).  It appears to be a mix of older and newer albums (unless Amy Grant rereleased her album).  Here's the link.

 

Also, beyond this week, you can stream various holiday tunes from Accuradio.

Hello Deer!

Today was the start of rifle-hunting season here in Pennsylvania.  I should probably be more specific as my roommate has informed that there is a muzzle-loading season as well, but I don't really know what type of rifle your allowed to use starting today (tho' I'm pretty sure automatics are out).  It was rainy today and didn't look to be very good weather to be out and about hunting deer.  But, my roommate advised me that is actually a good thing because you can smell the deer more clearly in the rain and wet leaves don't make as much noise when you're walking around searching for said deer. 

 

Hunting is taken pretty seriously around these parts. Most local school districts have the day off (offically, it's for the Thanksgiving holiday). Tonight, the local news broadcasts were out at the local butcher shops talking to hunters and butchers about the results of the day.  And it will be in the newspapers tomorrow.

 

Perhaps Ellie might be good enough to share her experiences from today.  What say you Ellie?  And if there are any other readers who have hunting tales, please feel free to share (stories or venison).  Also, any DNR workers who have hunting stories can share their experiences as well...

Test your Princess Bride knowledge!

Hey! I know a lot of folks are familiar with The Princess Bride. But how familiar are you? Take this quiz and find out*. Then if you're game, post your score and your time in the comments section. I scored 14 out of 20 in a total time of 62.02 seconds for a "Rightly Royal" ranking.

*Please note that you will have to register on the site to take this quiz. But once you register, you can take any of the 50+ quizzes they have on the site.

White Christmas

I have some friends to thank for introducing me to the above movie.  It was on tv last evening.  I spent the evening watching it and singing along with the songs.  "Sisters" and "Snow, Snow, Snow" and "The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing."  Good stuff.  And back in the day, Rosemary Clooney was pretty easy on the eyes.  I'm just saying....

It's on sale this week at Circuit City.  I think I may pick it up.

And thank you to whoever suggested that we watch this movie all those years ago...

Post-Thursday Reflections

I think several weeks ago, I may have mentioned my failure to make some brownies from scratch. I again attempted brownies Thursday morning with the same regrettable results. But it appears we may have solved the problem.

I had been using flour from my roommate's flour bin. He did not know what kind of flour it was. It appears that the mystery flour was self-rising. And as any good baker knows, self-rising flour makes some pretty bad brownies (unless you like your brownies to be cake-like). So it appears the mystery has been solved.

I did well with my Thanksgiving dinner pacing. I took small amounts until desert. But even then, I was relatively good. And I have enought leftovers for at least two more meals (with two meals under my belt - so to speak).

Friday morning, I did my shopping online and caught a deal on some RAM and an SD card.

And I saw The Bee Movie. It was funny.

Painfully aware

Some of you may recall that I'm currently leading my small group in a study of the book "The Pursuit of Holiness."  I am painfully aware of the fact that I am poorly qualified to lead such a study.  Each week as I prepare the lesson, I see personal applications for my life.  I've noticed over the past three weeks of study that I really open a lot of the doors and windows of my life.  It's been remarkable to see how this book has helped me over the past few years and I'm very excited to be able to share my experiences with my peers.  And I'm so very thankful that God is willing to use imperfect people for the Kingdom.

 

 

Also, in a completely random and unrelated note, hot chocolate lovers need to try the Cocoa Trio at Borders.  It's terrific!

Thanksgiving Thoughts

This Thanksgiving season, consider these words from Paul:

 

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.   Col 2.6-7

Remember that thing about Chuck Norris?

Movie Review - August Rush

Every once in a while, a real good movie comes along. Tonight I had the opportunity to attend a sneak preview of August Rush. In a word, it was awesome. The story revolves around an orphaned boy who also happens to be a musical prodigy. In an effort to find his parents, he embarks on what becomes a musical awakening. Keri Russell and Jonathan Rhys Myers play the parents of the title character, who is played by young Freddie Highmore (he of Willy Wonka fame). I am certain that he will be recognized for his work come awards season.

If you are a musician, I'm fairly certain you will love this movie. August's mom is a cellist and his dad is a guitar player. You can't go wrong with strings (or percussion for that matter)!! Music abounds throughout the film and I found myself tapping my foot for virtually the entire movie. And this music is really what makes the film so great. This movie had a handful of interesting twists that kept things exciting. I'm giving this movie a "10" and to that effect, I'm including a trailer below. That's how much I liked it.

vLookup

Can anybody offer me some help using vLookup with MS Excel?  I need to use it, but I am very unfamiliar with how it works.  I tried a tutorial, but it hasn't helped.  Any takers?

I Like Mike

Astute readers (not your RSS'ers) will notice a new button on the right side of the page.  It's for Mike Huckabee.  For those out of town, or unaware, Huckabee is running for the Republican nomination for President.  I like him (hence the button).  If you're interested in learning more about him, click the button to jump over to his home page.

Also, Chuck Norris likes him.

Cultural Holiness

Last night, we talked about the idea of "cultural holiness." This is the idea that our idea of holiness is based on others.

In a nutshell, the idea is that we determine that "holiness" is based on what we see in others. We look at the Christians we know and take note of how they behave, the things they say, and what they watch. Then based on what we see in other believers, we determine what's good for us (in regards to holiness).

That's no good. We can't look to others for our standard of holiness. Our standard comes from the Creator himself. "Be Holy, because I am Holy." Those are the words that God spoke to the children of Israel.

But why don't we look to God for our standard? Why do we look on earth for our standards? For one, I think it's easier. It's a lot easier to use standards man creates. Also, we just often don't think about God's standards. How many times are you thinking about what God would want from us in a particular area?

Funny or Die

Check out my short movie acting debut! Thanks to Mr. Tim Morgan for allowing me to play a part. Check out his myspace page here. Don't forget to vote!

Veteran's Day

I would just like to take a moment to say thank you to those who have served the United States in a military capacity.  I am thankful for their willingness to serve in a position that often puts them in harm's way.  And I am mindful of the sacrifices made in this duty.

Holiness Part I

Tonight, I begin a Bible study based on one of my favorite books, "The Pursuit of Holiness" by Jerry Bridges. Each week, I hope to share a verse that is relevant to our discussion that week. This week, that verse comes from Deuteronomy.

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all
your strength. - Deut 6.5

Consider the word "all" and what it encompasses and entails.

Free Sara Groves Song

She has a new album releasing on Tuesday.  But you can download a free track from the album via iTunes.  Click here.

Glorious

One of the perks of leaving for work in the dark is that you can often catch the dawning of the day. Sometimes it's rather ordinary. But sometimes, it's spectacular. This morning was such a morning. The black of night gave way to a pink and purple sunrise and the pink was gradually replaced by orange as the sun rose. I wish I had had my camera with me. It was definitely worth getting up for.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands Psalm 19.1