Let’s face it no one really likes pain. In fact, most of us go out of our way to avoid pain.

However, if we are going to accomplish our goals and ”complete the race marked out for us,” we must endure some pain along the way. If we seek to “Fix our eyes on Jesus,” as suggested in Hebrews 12:1-3, then we must look at adversity (pain) the way scriptures looks at it.

Jerry is training for the Ironman (which is insane) although he is also a pastor at my church (he’s in charge of the youth).

While I do like people who encourage (what my senior Pastor is awesome at), I love the blunt talkers, especially those who encourage you to survive the trials, regardless of how bloody it might be.

As an aside, I personally love Jerry blunt sermons (i.e. improve slacker or perish), although I think I’m one of the few who do.

(Image via Endless Cycle)

–Posted from my iPhone

Yeah, if you recognize that title, then you must have grown up with Dr. Seuss! (I was a fan ever since I could pronounce sentences together)

Out of all of the books that he wrote, my favorite thus far has been “Oh The Places You’ll Go!,” mainly due to its emphasis on exploring the unknown world around you (despite the bumps).

In fact, I just bought it from the app store right now, although for the uninitiated here is it via YouTube (thanks to some brazen user, although you should buy the book).

Anyways the  reason I am writing this is because too often in my life I’ve seen so many people give up their dreams and exploring the world around them due to past disappointments, finances or some immovable obstacle.

Too many people are merely satisfied with only living out their lives day by day instead of striving what is best for them, their family, their ________ (fill in the blank folks!).

It is my firm belief that every child born is assigned a destiny by the Almighty, and the passions within the heart are hints (or indicators) of what your destiny is.

You should never stop short of pursuing that, and should strive towards that goal everyday in every way you can.

While you’ll encounter disappointment along the way (we all do), you should view obstacles as lessons instead of barriers.

To borrow a phrase from one of my favorite quotes:

“And if you keep your vision clear you will see the future. What happens in our future is our own responsibility.” ~Rem Saverem

So stop the pity party friends! The future has yet to be written, and regardless of what lies ahead you can succeed–if you really want it.

(Image and Video Credit: Dr. Seuss)

So I’ve decided to read a book by Miyamoto Musashi called “The Book of 5 Rings” (which is really popular in the east).

Anyways, back on topic, I’m slowly developing a thirst for eastern books (I blame the Art of War), so if anyone has any other suggestions, feel free to post them below or on Facebook.

– Posted from my iPhone

Why is it that people expect an unconditional affection without exchanging anything in return?

It’s almost like I’m demanded to pour all of myself with the hope and knowledge that I will receive Jack squat–or worse nothing at all.

I’m not exactly sure where this thinking materialized, but one thing is clear–it has to end.

Friendships don’t endure with this mentality, and relationships often come to ruin when only one gives while the other only receives.

Love without sacrifice isn’t love, but enslavement, which can lead towards an unhealthy attachment to the one “being adored.”

I’ve seen this countless times and quite frankly it sickens me.

People need to realize when they are being used, and once enlightened terminate the pseudo relationship ASAP (plus avoid any collateral damage that may result from it’s ending).

If more people understood this, half of the talk shows and most politicians would be out of business.

– Posted from my iPhone

So I finished reading a book called The Shack by William P. Young.

Overall I found the book to be slightly “emoish,” although it’s one of those few books that I find that can alter ones perception of God (regardless of your perspective or philosophy regarding him).

Like most books nowadays, I read it on my iPhone (thanks in part to ScrollMotion) which has really rekindled the bookworm within me–but more of that later (on another blog).

Anyways, The Shack started off really slow. I felt like I was watching a LifeTime show produced by the 700 club (which I would not recommend anyone watching–especially the latter).

Half way through the book started improving (although it was still slightly corny) but the end justified the $16 I paid for this book app on iTunes.

Overall the book tries to paint a very simplistic “I love you unconditionally” view of God, and his constant fascination of humanity.

What I liked about the book was it’s constant focus on improving relationships with friends and family. Love is a verb in this book (and not a noun) and whether you agree with its theology or not (note: many conservative Christians may not), The Shack pushes you to reexamine your relationships and do whatever is neccessary to improve them.

What I thought was lame about the book was it’s portrayal that independent people are somehow evil, which might not thrill those of you within the Libertarian group (myself included).

Overall the book was okay, and if I had to rate it I would give it 3.5 out of 5 stars (I would give it 4 if the intro wasn’t so underwhelming).

– Post From My iPhone