Shh… I’m Trying To NOT Think

As you already know, music is very important to me. If you don’t know yet, you will now. I’ve been playing guitar for a little over a year now. Having been completely self taught, I’ve had a lot of fun playing and learning. Recently I was thinking about my practicing, though, and how hard it is sometimes to learn certain songs (However, I do admit that some songs I try to learn are too difficult at my current skill level). But I’ve seen that a big flaw in my practicing is getting too ahead of myself. I like a song a lot and I think that I can just start playing it without much practice or thought. That is usually not the case. I sometimes just glance at the guitar tabs*, and try playing the song. Most times I simply cannot do it. It’s too fast, too hard, and I get discouraged.

Well, a thought hit me as a struggled through playing a couple fast songs. We had a Sabbath School at the park last Sabbath and the topic was solitude. We discussed solitude and how important it is to shut up, slow down, and start listening to what God has to say. While I contemplated my guitar dilemmas, I realized something. If I want to learn these songs, I need to slow down and focus on the song in parts and not try to take the whole thing on at once. God is the same way. I’ve found that if I can shut my mind down for a few minutes and just be in His presence, answers will come. I don’t always have to pray constantly. Sometimes I try to not even think. I just need to listen.

So whether learning a song, or learning a lesson from the Lord, it’s going to take patience, focus, and trust. Patience to get through the boring parts. Focus to work out the hard parts. And trust that it will come together in the end.

 

Guitar tabs* – This is the term given for another way of reading guitar music. It consists of six lines, representing the 6 strings on the guitar (or four strings for bass tabs) and the frets to play are represented by numbers.

Life Guarding and Life Lessons #2

Well, I know it’s titled “Life Guarding” and life lessons but most of the lessons I learn are with the kids in swimming lessons. One particular time not long ago was when I was assisting in an upper level class. We got some kids that I had never seen at lessons before and some had been coming forever and were decent swimmers. Anyway, there were two especially that I had to work really hard with. They both had similar swimming issues, so it was a little easier to help them. Many times I would get frustrated, but I had to remember my job and stick to it. I did my best to help them improve but sometimes it was like they didn’t even try! Finally after reiterating the same things over and over… I started to see something happening. They were trying. Improvement was taking place. They didn’t stop as much, they didn’t sink as much, they were getting the hang of what I was telling them!

I compared this to my spiritual life. I often feel like God is watching me swim laps and I keep sinking. And I keep getting upset and sometime I don’t try. Sometimes I think ‘Peter got to walk on water, why can’t I for once?!?” But I stick to my lap swimming. Listening to what He’s telling me. Arms out of the water. Face in the water. Kick your legs. BREATHE!!! After telling me a million times, though, I start noticing, ‘Hey, there’s something changing. I’m not choking on water as much anymore’. Improvement has set in and God is making a break through.

In our relationship with God, we will always sink. We will always stop kicking. But sometimes you just gotta tread water for awhile and try it again. It’s the upward trend in the relationship that matters. We fall down, but climb a little higher next time. That’s what God is asking from us. All He wants is for us to swim a few laps with Him and see what happens.

God of Sandcastles

In my walk with God, there have been times of realization. Eye opening experiences that change my views on things. We all can have times like that. Sometimes, an experience can occur and altar many people’s opinions and beliefs, but at the same time, not affect others at all. I’ve seen this many times and wondered how someone can view God, or other things that way. One huge example is music. This among other things, will most likely ALWAYS be a disputed subject between Christians, both liberal and conservative. I for one, am fairly liberal. Anyway, as I was saying, people have many different views on music. Personally, I like a variety of music styles. Rock, Rap, mainstream Christian music, etc.  Just…not country. However there are some that will argue, saying that all secular music is from the Devil, straight up. I’ve heard them talk on and on about the “Evil Drums”, and other things. And, naturally my response is, “Shut up! What do you know? You’re wrong!” and naturally their response, in a more “conservative” way, would be, “Shut up! What do you know? You’re wrong!” and my response would be…well you get it. The point is, no one is ever going to be totally correct about everything. Who are we to judge what someone else’s relationship with God is? Personally I can gain music, both “secular” and “christian”. Not from every single song of course, but some more so than others. There are definitely some secular bands that inspire me to be a more compassionate human being than some christian bands. So to say that God cannot bless and/or convey messages to people through certain things is to put a boundary on His power. A “limit”…on God’s limitless power. Through music, through movies, through…dare I say…dancing?? The possibilities are endless with Him. However, here’s the catch: Not everyone gains blessings or receives messages the same way. God is a personal God, and therefore delivers His personal will, etc. to us in different ways. If God only gave us blessings through bike rides, nature hikes, and country music, I’d be lost. I’d be clueless. One of the only things that we all, as Christians/Seventh-Day Adventists can learn God’s will from is His Word, the Bible. It’s what we all have a common belief in. From the Bible, we can then begin to find our character in Christ as one of His own. No, we’re not all the same. No, we don’t know God on the same levels. Thank goodness. I’d feel “un-unique”. The best way I can describe the thought I’m trying to get across is through an analogy. I love analogies. I view a lot of stuff through them. All of our walks with God are like sandcastles. We’re all on a giant beach, making sandcastles with God. You look around and see your fellow believers making castles as well. So you’re there building, following what God says carefully. You even have a “Sandcastle Instruction Guide” called the Bible. You and He flip through it to assist you with your construction. Once in awhile you misplace a tower and it falls. “It’s okay,” He tells you, and He helps you set it up again, slightly different. “Oh, I see now,” you tell Him. Sometimes, you don’t see why He did it that way, but you still trust. Occasionally, you glance at your friends’ and fellow Christians’ sandcastles. You think to yourself, “Wow, that one is great. It’s a lot better than mine…” and to others, “Wow! That sucks compared to mine!” and to some, “What are they thinking?? They’re doing it all wrong!”  Then you turn and notice that the exact same God kneeling beside you, is right next to them too.

You see, like I said, God is a personal God and He works in mysterious ways. Don’t judge others’ walk with God based on your perspective. Because the ones that are following Him and seeking His will will be the ones whose sandcastles survive the high tides.

Wonder What’s Next…

Well I figured I’d just briefly talk about a recent retreat I took with some friends and our youth pastor. At our church, our youth pastor, Shane Daughenbaugh has been pushing and trying to get us be more active in our church. Rather than “youth ministry”, it’s “youth in ministry”. So six of us were chosen to be a Leadership Team and try to start something with our fellow youth. What we’re starting we’re not sure exactly. That was one of the reasons we went on this day and a 1/2 long trip.

We went to a church member’s lake house, which was fabulous, and played in the lake, etc. We also spent some hardcore time talking, praying, and discussing our “youth in ministry” project. We’re working with a foundation called Endevour, which helps churches empower young people to finish the work the early church began so long ago. We got a lot done and began making plans on how to start involving others and get something started for God. It was funny because Pastor Shane had laid out plans for us when we arrived at the lake house, but God had other plans. On our way to the house, our van got stuck in mud and there was no way to get it our by ourselves. Three vehicles drove by us and only one said they’d help. Unfortunately, we never saw them again…   So I thought maybe God wanted us to work together to get the van un-stuck. But once again, not His plan. We could not get it out, so we decided to just start walking the rest of the way to our destination. The whole point of the trip was for us to start taking charge and making decisions on our own, and we got started on that quickly. We walked probably two miles if not more before we got to the lake, then we had to find the house. After walking in a giant circle, we hesitantly went to a bar to ask for help. Inside the bar was a man who had passed us earlier on the road and not stopped to help. He felt bad he had not assisted, so he offered to drive us. We humbly accepted and, though he definitely had been drinking for awhile, he got us to the house.

From there, like I said, we had a great time talking and thinking about what God might want us to do specifically. I will talk more about our Youth Project as time goes on and we hopefully succeed with God’s help. But this weekend left me thinking and curious. We as youth have been held back for so long and not allowed to do awesome things, that now we’re being empowered, it’s kind of exciting to think about what God might have us do. We have all this potential, but we’re more than just potential. We can accomplish big things. And when I start believing that, it leaves me thinking like the band Chevelle’s* lyrics say, “I wonder what’s next…” God has a lot in store for us. It’s only a matter of time before something incredible happens. So thank you for all the support that has and is to come. And thank you to Timothy Eldred who did our camp meeting and helped inspire everyone to do something for God and to step out of our comfort zone. It’ll be exciting to see what happens.

 

*Chevelle is a rock band that I like. You’ll find I like quoting lyrics and I love music, so bear with me if I randomly say something from a song that has helped inspire me, etc.

Pyro The Pondering Pumpkin #4

This is an excerpt from a newspaper editorial of “Pyro the Pondering Pumpkin”. It is written from the perspective of Pyro himself:

I remember when I was at GGA (Great Gourd Academy). Yes, we pumpkins have academies too. Those were the good days. I remember it like it was yesterday. We had so much fun… But there is one occurrence that I would especially like to share with you guys. I recall very distinctly one time when a good friend of mine had a crush on a squash named… named… well I don’t remember and it doesn’t matter either. The point is that he was completely stem over heels for her. So many nights he’d keep me awake talking on and on about her. The one problem with this was that no matter how much he talked or thought about her, whenever he was around her, he could never think of anything to say. He’d just stand there. I’d try to tell him to say something, but the words would never come to him. I think that we are sometimes the same way with God. We want so badly to get close to Him and know Him better, but we’re held back somehow. We’ll think about it for quite awhile, but when the time comes to finally say something… we might get nervous and just put it off until another time. I know that I went through this when I was trying to figure Him out. I just never knew what to say or what to talk about. There were times I wanted to give up and just go on with life, but something kept nagging. I finally realized that all I had to do was say something, anything, it didn’t matter a whole lot. Once I started talking a little bit, it grew and grew until I could talk to Him about anything and trust that His will would be done. He’s ready to listen and start a relationship with you that can be eternal if you’ll just let Him. I promise, you’ll never regret it in the end.

Pyro The Pondering Pumpkin #3

This is an excerpt from a “Pyro the Pondering Pumpkin” article written in the perspective of Pyro himself. Some background on it; Every year we have a new theme for the schoolyear. Last year was “Mission-Possible”. This year was “Step Out Of The Boat”. So I that is what I am referring to in this article. You’ll see what I mean.

This week, I want to hear some embarrassing stories. I, myself have been embarrassed many a times, being a talking pumpkin, you know. It’s not easy. When you’re carved into something without having a say in the matter, you could end up like anything…as I sadly did. Oh well. But what I lack in looks, I make up for in wisdom. That is why, this week, I want to challenge you with something. I know, you always hear people say, “ Let me challenge you with something,” but this week, I want you to take it seriously. Find a time. Just one time to step out of your comfort zone for God. Maybe even feel embarrassed. This goes along with the theme for this year. Step out of the boat. Allow God to use you. You may feel like a fool, but you’ll be God’s fool. After all, God has used fools throughout history. Take the Israelites for example. They were some of the dumbest people ever. But are we any different? We ask for God’s help when we need it, but when everything is going good, we walk away. You don’t have to be a pastor of a church, or even of your class to do something incredible for God’s cause. It can be anything. A simple smile or a hug can give someone hope, or cheer them up. So, dear reader, as you live the rest of this day, remember this; God always has your best interest in mind, whether you believe it or not. Have a great day, and look for someone who needs a reassuring word or so.

Against The Flow,

Pyro the Pondering Pumpkin

Pyro The Pondering Pumpkin #1

This is an excerpt from the Thanksgiving issue of the school newspaper. In it I asked the students what they are thankful for:

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and do you know what that means? Yeah, you might think of eating turkey, watching some football, and stuff like that, but it also means something else. This is a time for us to stop and think about what we are grateful for. So, what are you thankful for this holiday? I can think of a few things that I’ve taken for granted in the past. First off, I’m glad that I haven’t been turned into pumpkin pie. I think people have begun to favor apple instead, so that’s a blessing. But most of all this Thanksgiving, I am thankful for friends. There are just sometimes in life when you need a friend to be there and say the right things at the right time. Especially when you’re going through hardships. So during this holiday season, remember to remember the things that you sometimes forget about and take for granted.

Against The Flow,

Pyro The Pondering Pumpkin

Life-Guarding and Life-Lessons #1

I just have a random thought that came to me today at work. I work at Larson Lifestyle Center, life guarding, assisting with swimming lessons, cleaning, etc. You’ll probably hear more about my work as the summer progresses, but for now I just have one thing…

When we’re having kids in lessons learn something new, (such as jumping into the deep end, doing dives, etc.) we usually like them to be able to do it without assistance, however that’s not always the case. Rarely do you have a kid that wants to do it by themselves the first time. Most times they’ll say, “I can’t do it alone/by myself”. I find it interesting. It’s innocent. They need help and want it. 

     “For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, “I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God’s kingdom. What’s more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it’s the same as receiving me.”

Matthew 18:3 – The Message Bible

 

A lot of times, we as “grown-ups” think we can do it on our own. ‘We don’t need the Lifeguard when we’re drowning in Life’s deep end’. Good thing it’s the Lifeguard’s duty to jump in anyway and pull us out. But there still has to be cooperation on our part. Otherwise we end up getting punched in the face like Neal McDonough in the movie “The Guardian” (with Ashton Kutcher and Kevin Costner). He is one of the Coast guard rescue instructors and has one of his students attempt to save him for practice. Long story short, his student had failed many times before because Neal had fought so hard not to be saved. Finally his student hits him in the face to escape and ultimately saves him.

Sometimes we fight against God’s help and get “elbowed in the face”. Sometimes its our wake up call that we need help and should stop resisting rescue. He’s there to help if we’ll put away our pride and become like children, trusting that He’ll not let us fall. Just like the little kids at the pool innocently, almost blindly trusting that we’ll take care of them and see them through the situation.

Overall, I really like my job. I enjoy interacting with the people, the kids (unless they’re crying), and working with my friends. Therefore, I’ll try to put up more stuff about “work experiences” this summer.

 

Against The Flow,

Josh M.

Against The Flow

This is an excerpt from a “Pyro the Pondering Pumpkin” article in our school newspaper where I introduced my new signature, “Against The Flow.” I had always ended my “Ponderings” by saying, “Regards, Pyro the Pondering Pumpkin”. So now you’ll see why I use the signature I do now:

This week’s edition will be quite shorter, but I figured I’d just share a quick thought with you anyway. I have long been debating on what would be a good signature for me rather than always signing with “Regards” at the end of my messages. Therefore, I finally came up with one  which I will be using now and I just want to tell you what it means to me and can mean for you. It will be “Against The Flow”. My reason for this is fairly simple. In our walk with God, we are often caught in the mainstream of daily life and culture and can become unaware that we are slowly slipping away from The Creator. So, when everyone seems to be going one direction, and you feel deep down that it isn’t right, stand up for what you know is correct in His eyes. Thus the phrase “Against The Flow”. It may sound rebellious, but isn’t that what our calling is? To stand against the tides and currents that the world pulls us in? I think it is. So now, whenever you see this signature, remind yourself of what’s happening around you. If it seems to not be glorifying God, then perhaps it’s time to swim upstream.

Against The Flow,

Pyro The Pondering Pumpkin

Pyro The Pondering Pumpkin #2

This is an excerpt from an article written for the school newspaper. What I did this year was had a spiritual thought, then got some responses from students and added it in the paper along with the article. That is what I’m referring to when I say “Let’s talk about our oddities”. Students gave their responses and they were put in the school paper:

It’s Pyro again, and I’m very excited! Wanna know why? Because it is the beginning of a new season, and it just happens to be my favorite… Fall! I remember the day I was carved. It was a Friday… much like today… oh, but I digress. We pumpkins have a short attention span, you know. You wouldn’t think a simple gourd would have a disorder like this. It’s kind of weird. Speaking of weird, I don’t want to feel like the only strange one this school, so why don’t we talk about our oddities. Some different things about us. You see,  we’re all weird in some way. We all have things about us that make us unique, things that set us apart from everyone else. We aren’t like identical robots that are all the same. God has put something in all of us. There’s something special that we have to offer to society, our school, your family, and the world, you just have to find it.

 

Against The Flow,

Pyro the Pondering Pumpkin