How Now Shall We Live?

Hey! Man, it's been a long time... hopefully I'll get some past adventures up here real soon! I know it's no excuse, but I've been real busy with school and the like. I've had sooo many good experiences in the last few months that I want to share though! God has shown me a ton. Basically, that He is good and takes care of us no matter what we do. =) How amazing is that?

I was talking to a friend, and somehow it came up that I had never really written a poem. She asked me to write one, and this is what I came up with. No, it doesn't rhyme. =)
God bless, everyone!!!

Brooklin
______________________________
Faith.
Hope.
Love.
But the greatest of these is love.

Little child, what do you feel?
Feel loved, Little Child.
Little child, what do you give?
Give love, Little Child.
Little child, where is your heart?
Keep your heart near the Father.
Little Child, what do you have?
Have faith, Little Child.
Little Child, what do you hold?
Hold hope, Little Child.
For the Father up above
Is looking down in love
Be careful Little Child,
How you live.

Stress test?

I was walking out of Wal-Mart today, and there was a booth set up outside with a "stress test". The guy sitting there (Johnny) stopped me to ask if I wanted to take a stress test. I said I'd take it if he took a test I had for him. (That would be the Good Person Test) He agreed to take it, so I took him through lying, stealing, murder and adultery. He confessed all four. The frustrating part about this guy was that he just didn't seem to care. He was basically "Yeah, nobody's perfect. So?" When I asked if he would go to heaven or hell, he said he doesn't really worry about it. "What's true for you is great! I'm glad you have that. I'm not going to say you're wrong." Oh boy.
So, the conversation wasn't really fruitful, but I was reminded that we are simply called to reach out and talk to people. God will take care of the rest, and we are not to worry about that part. That's God's part. (And praise Him for that!!)

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Therefore go and make disciples. Christ gives us the strength we need to do our job, and He takes care of the rest.

Of Pirates, Pizza, and theology.

I was walking past the Regal theater in Simi yesterday, and saw a strange sight... several groups of people set up in lawn chairs, blankets, and reading material. With Pirates of the Carribean 3 coming out, they weren't taking any chances of being the first into the theater. I started talking to several people at the start of the line. Sure enough, they were there to see Pirates. I talked with them about movies, past and present... who was with who (they were mostly all strangers..just drawn to the same movie. =)

Then I started talking to Vince, someone who was there by himself to see it. I asked him if he minded a random question: "What do you think happens when we die?" He didn't know. "With all the different religions in the world, how can we know what one is right? And if we pick one...what if it's the wrong one?" He didn't know if there was a God, but he was "trying to be a good person". Good person test, anyone? =) He admitted that, if Christianity is true, he would go to hell. There were a lot of distractions, so the conversation drifted off and on the subject of God, but I was able to share with him some of the truths of Christianity, opposed to other world religions.
There was a group of about eight people ordering pizza; Vince didn't have any money, so I chipped in... didn't think I was going to be there when it came. ;) When it did, I asked another guy, Matt, the same question I asked Vince. His response was #1, religion is okay for some people, because it gives them hope. That's alright for them. And #2, he's more "into science", not "religion." Like with Vince, I showed him just a few historic/scientific facts about creation vs. evolution, and why evolution doesn't add up. Apparently he hadn't heard some of the arguments before.

I sat with the group for about an hour and a half... it was a great interaction, especially with Vince and Matt. The pizza was good too. ;) I didn't change either of these guys minds on the spot...but hopefully seeds were planted. Be praying for Vince and Matt, and that God will use the seeds.

Resurrection Sunday

In all of life,
It comes down,
To just one thing.
That is to know you, Oh Jesus.

Not exactly the first lyrics you think of on Easter, but still, I thought they were fitting. Nothing in this life really and truely matters, except for our relationship with Christ. He died for us. And then, guess what? He rose again. I don't know about any of you, but I've never met a guy who has raised himself from the dead. That's pretty amazing, if you ask me. And guess what else? He died and rose again for us. That's even more amazing. We're offered eternal salvation. I'd like to see the Easter Bunny top that.
So I was going to post more, but I think that's about it. Read 1 Corinthinas 15:1-34 for me. Full of good stuff. =)

In all of life,
It comes down,
To just one thing.
That is to know you, Oh Jesus.
And to make you known.

Hope you all had a wonderful Resurrection Sunday (also known as Easter). God bless!

Brooklin