More on standards...

How do you convey your personal standard to others? Those that see no problem with their standard, and can at least somewhat back it up with some scripture....

The Bible is pretty clear that causing strife among Christians is wrong, its something that God hates. If God hates it, is it a sin? I would certainly think so. OK, so we have that its a sin to cause strife between "brethren".

The problem comes when its time to deal with someone who has a standard that really doesn't seem to be in compliance with scripture.

I see too much of Christians slamming their convictions on other Christians in a very Un-Christlike way, a way that is far from loving, far from what Christ would do, far from Biblical.

But, on the flip side, the Bible also says "be not conformed to this world, but be yea transformed by the renewing of your mind...." Romans 12:2
We definitely should be separate from the ways the world does things. In every way that's not pleasing in His sight. These area's include but are not limited to areas of dress, speech,
personal conduct, music, entertainment.

I'm writing this from a guys perspective, cause that's what I'm familiar with.

Should we dress in the same styles as everyone else? probably not. Is everything that comes and goes in the clothing aspect of life, worldly and wrong? No. I would definitely see it as wrong to dress in a style that looks like you are miserable or hate life. Emo, goth, etc

As a Christian guy, I should dress in a way that causes those little old ladies to come up to the table when we are at a restaurant, and say "what a wonderful looking group of young people" , not causing them to look at me and think "he looks rebellious".

I shouldn't have 2 different ways of speaking, I should use the same rating level no matter who I'm around. I have met many teenage guys that cuss and talk "trash" around each other, to try and seem "cool" to fit in, but then around their parents they have to clean it up, so they don't get in trouble. A Christian guys language should be such that he wouldn't hesitate to say it if he was aware that his parents were watching, much less, God.

When I wonder "would it be OK to do__________?" First and foremost, a Christian guy knows for the most part what is right and whats not right(aka: WRONG) "would I click on that, if I was aware God was standing behind me, watching?"

There is so much scripture to back these things up, if you don't agree, say so, and I'll look up several verses on whatever it is

Music.... "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. "

"1 john 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

I don't know about you, but I think that's pretty clear. In deciding if its something we should listen to we should consider some things.

Is this the "worlds" music? if so, the Bible doesn't get more clear, this is wrong. I was once told by a professing Christian "there's nothing wrong with Britney Spears(music)" No one could honestly argue that this isn't "the worlds" music. This is probably the simplest and most basic thing that's wrong with it.

My issue with "Christian Rock" is that "Rock" part at the end. I admit there is usually nothing WRONG with the words(usually kinda shallow, but nothing really bad about them).
If you do even a little research you will find that rock music is wrong. period, end of story.

How can you in good conscience stick "Christian" lyricks to it, and say that its just fine??

Really, it's done to attract a crowd. To get young people inside. To make money. You can't tell me that if Christian Rock, or CCM wasn't popular, that groups such as Casting Crowns would still be in it. If more conservative music was the "in" thing among Christians these so called "artists" would be producing conservative Christian music instead.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/27/arts/music/27sann.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1194500451-+aoHBE6JaBw+xknz4xSQYA

I hope I'm able to get these points across somewhat clearly, without being mean, or hateful.

Personal thoughts from my trip to Bob Jones...

As you might have guessed, I had a great time at BJ, I learned a lot, a lot about ppl, a lot about life, a lot about God. Something I have struggled with for a long time is how to act in situations where something someone does goes against my convictions, but might not be "that big of a deal". When do you cross the line from preaching "be not conformed to this world...." to being someone that God does not approve, i.e. "He that soweth discord among brethren"Which is worse?? "letting it slide" or causing "discord" among the believers? Which is less bad? How to clearly define what you believe the bible says w/o starting a huge argument and causing hard feelings.... Does it matter if it starts a huge argument and causes hard feelings as long as you are right??Where does "Let your moderation be known unto man" come into this

Sarah Graduated

I was looking at my camera, and realized that I had a bunch of pictures from Sarahs graduation, and since I needed to get them off the camera, I might as well put some up here.

Here are my parents, standing proudly with my sister, Sarah

It was a rainy graduation day, here is the clock "tower" right outside the dinning common.

I don't really have a lot to say about it, cause it was...well... a graduation.

Umpiring All-Stars

This year Dade City got to host the 11 year olds, and 15-16 year olds All Stars, so I did a lot of umpiring this last week.

The tournament started last Saturday, and the final game will be played tomorrow, at 11:30, Dade City vs New Tampa. So.... due to church, I won't be umpiring tomorrow, and that's perfectly fine with me! :-D

Caption: See Mom's Sign there in the background! Oh sorry, Real Caption : YER OUT!!!

Thursday night, we were in the middle of a rain delay(it was pouring,the games ended up being pushed back to the next day) I went in to the bathroom, and while I was washing my hands, about to leave, someone opened the door, and a kitten ran in. He was soaking wet, and scared from being chased by several kids, and a dog that was outside.

Anyway, I got some paper towels, and went over to the corner of the bathroom, where he was trying to hide, and I picked him up, then wrapped him in some more paper towels, cause I did NOT want to get scratched by his razor sharp claws, plus, isn't there some fear about wild cats and having diseases? So, I took him out of the bathroom, and I was wondering what to do with him next. I was greeted with a Lady asking "Are you going to keep him???" I said "no, we already have 4 cats" she said "well can I have him?" I said sure, and handed the kitten to her son.

Then, today the same lady came up to me and told me that the kitten is doing fine, and he finally stopped being scared of everyone, and is letting them pet him.

That's my feel good story for the summer! :-D

It Works!!!!

They actually grew!!!! There are more buds then just these, but that was the only spot where I could get a picture of 5 of them, in the same picture.

I figured the red circles might help you find them, It was Very bright outside, when I took the picture just now.

However I do have a Heather that is trying very hard to die, apparently a cat or some other animal dug it up out of the ground, and Peter stuck it back in, and told me about it. It's getting plenty of water every day, but just doesnt seem to want to live..... If plants can have desires....

Flower Bed Project

Recently we divided up the flower bed into 3 sections, with each of us guys taking on one as our responsability to keep it weeded, and do the necessary work to make it look good.

My portion of it, is coming along well, IMO

Yesterday I planted several packets of seeds in ground, there in the section of dark dirt.(top soil and peat humus that I added)

Here's a close up of my dirt, the day after I planted the seeds, I'll add more pictures when they sprout.

My First Day of Summer Break!!!

Tomorrow will be my first real day of Summer Vacation!!

I don't really have much to say about it, seeing as how it hasn't happened yet, but still, I'm excited about the thought of not having any school to do tomorrow.

We went to the Devil Rays game last night, or as those PC ppl like to say it "Rays" game. ;-) (that's a wink!) Sadly , the rays got killed.... 4-9, against the worst team in baseball.

But, no matter how bad the Rays are, I will still root for them!

Umpiring This Summer

The reason for making my blogs URL Dade City Blue, was because of my "hobby" of umpiring Little League games, So I figured it was time to write something associated with it.

The regular season is over, and TOC is going on, All Stars should be coming up soon, and I'm starting to think about what I will do, as far as all that goes. If I should umpire in All Stars, or just enjoy my newly found free time, since school is out. I somewhat enjoyed umpiring during the regular season, I only had a couple of rough games, where the coaches showed their true colors, and were jerks. I would MUCH rather be at practice or playing in a game then umpiring it. Come to think of it, I would rather stay home and watch the Devil Rays on TV.

People ask, "Then why do you do it??" , I'm still not sure.... Somewhere between those (very few) fans who say "Thank you, good job, Blue" , the great need for umpires in DCLL, and my Mom's encouragement to continue , and stick through, even when its not so fun. I manage to forget the game the night before, and whatever bad that happened in it, and come out, with my mind fresh and ready for the next game.

Free Puppy

Anyone want a free puppy??


She's cute!!