tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32815418793472995372024-03-05T09:46:18.512-05:00Thinking out loud.Proverbs 16:9
A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.Nthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281541879347299537.post-87464640828449768602015-03-06T23:56:00.000-05:002015-03-06T23:56:05.183-05:00Beautiful mess.March, 2015. Nineteen days and counting until I am a married man. It's still a bit surreal to think that Rebecca and I have made it to the month that we'll join together in marriage. The road we took to get here was not the easiest, in fact, we took the hardest route we could. It wasn't by choice, but thats what happens when you make a mess, you have to take the time to clean it up. You have to go the extra mile or two. <div>
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Rebecca makes fun of me when I cook or eat, because I am messy. There is rarely a time I don't leave a wake of messiness to clean after I've interacted with food. She smiles and says "How do you make such a mess?" and of course I defend myself and say "I am so busy cooking I don't have time to notice it!" but really, I'm embarrassed because I know she's right. I am messy. </div>
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I wish I could say my messes are contained to the kitchen but that would be a lie. The Lord has shown me, in so many ways, just how messy I am. I'm a bull in a china shop when it comes to my life at times. I think if God could show a highlight reel of my messiest moments, I'd slump on to the floor and melt in a puddle of shame. How I've treated people with no true regard to their feelings. How I am so quick to act on emotion, rather than take time to think. How I've hurt the closest people in my life by my selfish choices. The list goes on to make a devastating earthquake look like an easy saturday chore.</div>
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Our love story in particular, is messy. It's not elegant or pretty. It's worn and battered. It's been a war of picking up the pieces of our own selfishness and figuring out how to put it back together as a cohesive, loving unit. We became handymen in our own love story. If it was going to work, we'd have to work. </div>
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And it's a mess that changed everything. </div>
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Have you ever made a mess so big that you didn't even know how to attempt to clean it up? Yeah... that was what I had achieved. It was so large in scale, that we accepted what had happened and we left the mess for no one to clean up. Instead of cleaning house, we burned it down. The end was all but certain. There was nothing left to do, nothing left to say, nothing that could change things. And in that moment, when I had little faith and a lot of grief, God started to clean up the mess. </div>
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Picture God with a mop in a big room with nothing but dirt and grime from floor to ceiling. That's what I like to picture to get the story across. </div>
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It was like a drop in the ocean. It was so small that I didn't even notice it. But what man cannot do, God can most certainly do tenfold... And He did. </div>
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Time had passed. SO much time had passed. And before I knew it, I was checking in on that mess, just to see it again. Except, this time, the mess had been cleaned up a bit. The mess went from catastrophic proportions on a global level to a teenagers dirty room. What had happened that this mess no longer looks impossible? God went to work in our hearts. You see, the big empty room with dirt and grime from top to bottom wasn't the mess we made, it was our hearts. God was purging the selfishness and the brokenness little by little and in turn helped rid us of our pride and shame. That gave us new perspective. That gave us a vision of our mess we didn't see before. </div>
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Have you ever seen something so big and awe inspiring, then years later you come back to see it, and it turns out to be pretty small and lame? That's because as time goes on, our perspective changes. Internally, we are changing with everything we encounter in life, and this is how God worked things out for us spiritually. Our mess looked like the end of it all, but after time, that mess was manageable and easily cleaned up. God took two broken people and made them see through their own messy hearts and brought them together. I am so thankful that God took on the hard work of our mess, to allow us to be together today. It wasn't easy, and It would be a lie to say I didn't have my doubts and faithless days but this is what grace is.. When I don't deserve anything, God gives me everything. And in this marriage I am about to enter into, I pray that God would be glorified, and His love would be magnified in and through me, even in my future messes. </div>
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Nthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281541879347299537.post-44286740151197395652014-02-11T00:54:00.001-05:002014-02-11T00:56:28.740-05:00The Body.Sunday morning - 10am.<br />
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My alarm goes off. <br />
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I rub the tired out of my eyes and get out of my warm bed.<br />
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I brush my teeth and proceed to get in my Sunday best, the way Mom had raised me to.<br />
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I drink the last sip of coffee from my mug, throw on my shoes and look out the window. <br />
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It's a gloomy day with cold rain pouring down without a moments rest. I grab my rain coat and walk out the door.<br />
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I turn on my favorite worship playlist. It's in this moment every Sunday that I try and prepare my heart and mind for worship. Sometimes it works. Sometimes I'm still half asleep. Regardless, It's my thing.<br />
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I pull into the full parking lot, this is where the enemy starts his attack. I'm tempted to get angry at the lack of parking spaces, the pedestrians taking their time, the thought of walking a long distance in this rain. I shake it off and begin my walk to the front doors of the sanctuary.<br />
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I trudge through the slush of snow left from days past, while the droplets of water topple down on the hood of my coat. It's in this moment that my heart has peace. The enemy attacked. But peace triumphs frustration on this serene morning.<br />
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As I enter the sanctuary, a warm rush of air hits my face, it's a relief from the cold. It's a reminder that I am welcome in this place.<br />
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Immediately, people are everywhere, from every stage of life. children. elderly. middle aged. college kids. black. white. rich. poor. The diversity isn't apparent until you take a good hard look around. It's something that drew me this place of worship in the first place.<br />
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I walk from the narthex to the sanctuary doors. An elderly usher hands me a bulletin and exclaims, "Good morning!" I nod my head, give a smirk and walk quietly to my usual seat.<br />
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I see friends and strangers all sitting mixed together. I embrace friends and give my "hello's" before worship begins.<br />
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Worship begins. You can hear the hymnal pages turning. Organ blaring loud.<br />
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Hymns. Something I wasn't very fond of when first coming to this church. I was used to my Hillsong United and Chris Tomlin. Hymns were out of the comfort zone I had built up. I just didn't feel anything when I sang hymns. This almost deterred me from attending this church. Something as little as the type of songs we sang almost ran me out of the most welcoming church I had walked into since I moved to Kentucky, I chuckle at the thought today. <br />
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I'm certain God also found it amusing when He realized my "dilemma." He continued to work in my heart and challenged me to look at the core of the church, not just one part of the body. Today, I love singing hymns.<br />
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The church, after all, is made up of many parts. We may favor our right hands, but our left hand has worth of its own. The choir director picks hymns that he believes will uplift and encourage us. He has worth. He has gifts.<br />
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The service continues with the Lords prayer, tithes and offering, more hymns, responsive readings, and then the sermon.<br />
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The pastor is someone I've come to respect. The way he articulates himself and brings the gospel truth into the theme of his message always floors me. It's almost like clockwork that the last 10 minutes of his messages bring the heat. In this 10 minutes he wraps his entire 30 minute message into one huge serving of spiritual truth that nourishes the soul. This sunday was no different. I nod my head in agreement with his words. My heart literally rejoices in hearing truth. You know the feeling. The feeling where you know without a doubt that the truth being told to you is good for your soul. Your soul literally leaps and sings inside of you. It cannot be described any other way than a true blessing.<br />
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After the sermon ends, the ushers and elders come forward to pass out communion. It's in this moment each sunday that I stop and reflect on my character, who I am as a Christian man. I reflect on what Christ did for me. I reflect on my sins. In this moment I look up and I see a room full of sinners, sinners that Christ paid the ultimate price for. In this diverse room filled with people of all ages and all races, we are all the same children of God. We are the same body of Christ.<br />
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As communion comes and goes, we are met with the benediction, and in turn, the end of corporate worship.<br />
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People stand up and gather their coats, bibles, bulletins, etc.<br />
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I just sit there observing. I look at the church. Not the building. The body of Christ. The people who are quietly getting up and heading to the exits. In this moment, it's just me. My heart is full and I am ready for whatever type of week I am handed. It's hard for me not to think to myself "I want everyone to have this. I want everyone to experience this."<br />
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This is why I support going to church. This is why I will encourage friends, relatives, co-workers, even strangers to attend church. Do I believe that church isn't for everyone? For a season, yes, some people may benefit from time away. Some seasons last longer than others. It is my opinion, however, that when you find the right church and plug yourself into that community, you will be filled up and sustain a healthy spiritual journey. Is church limited to sunday mornings? Absolutely not. Is church the only way you can spiritually "fill up" as some would call it? Absolutely not. I believe It merely is one of the easiest ways to access community, servant-hood, worship, biblical knowledge, etc.<br />
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The longest I've gone without church is two years. In those two years I was at the lowest spiritual point in my life. So, from my own personal journey, this is why I cherish church. It works for me. I know the bible urges us to involve ourselves in church and community, so I work at it. Yes, you heard me, sometimes church is work. But at the end of the day, it's rewarding, like most things we work for.<br />
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I will also say this.<br />
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Church is not limited to a building, nor is it limited to worship and a 30 minute sermon. WE are the church. We work. We help. We build. We do life. We are the body.<br />
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In my own personal experience, my whole 25 years of life, I am convinced that sunday morning worship (full of sinners who make mistakes, like myself) and living out the body of Christ in my everyday life is exactly what was intended. It was the dream. It was the bigger picture that Christ gave to the apostles. It's not limited. It's meant to flourish together as a working unit of many members.<br />
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It's a matter of spiritual well-being. It's worth discussing. It's worth praying about.<br />
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I urge everyone who reads this to take a moment and survey your heart. Are you a sunday morning, coffee toting, bible thumper who raises his hand in worship -- then walks out the door and lives a selfish life against the body of Christ? Or maybe you're the non-church goer. You have survived this long on your own. You don't need corporate worship. Things are fine. You find your quiet times, you know the verses, you find your community in your own way. Is it enough? Are you spiritually satisfied? Are you accountable to your moods, your thoughts, your ideals? Is there discipline? Are you lonely?<br />
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We need each other.<br />
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Let's be everything that Christ knows we can be and do it in a way that glorifies His name.<br />
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<br />Nthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281541879347299537.post-5888569964142612022014-01-27T12:31:00.003-05:002014-01-27T12:36:48.539-05:00ForgivenessIt's quite possible that the two hardest things to ever say are: "I was wrong, I'm sorry." and "I forgive you."<br />
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Mending broken relationships, whether being the offender or the offended, can be absolutely painful. It can be awkward. It can be filled with anger. It can be filled with fear. It can be filled with just about anything, depending on the situation at hand. When your heart is hurting over something someone has done to you or your heart is hurting because you know you've hurt someone in some way, we carry an invisible weight that we cannot see, but boy, do we feel the weight we carry. It's the feeling of pushing a boulder uphill. We push and push but the task seems so daunting that we become discouraged. We lose heart. We face many doubts. We tell ourselves "I cannot forgive this person." or "I cannot apologize, because I wasn't wrong." We hold on to the one thing that will ultimately be our own undoing -- pride. Pride is a monster. It tells us that we must respect ourselves and hold sacred our honor first and foremost. That is dangerous, because once it becomes about us, we push everything else out. Reason, understanding, compassion, our ability to apologize or accept someone elses apology. Pride shields us from looking weak. Pride protects us from being vulnerable. Pride feeds us enough propaganda to keep our weapons drawn and our hearts in the fight. We see the dangers of pride in the verses below:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Corbel, Verdana, sans-serif;">"The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, “Who will bring me down to the ground?” -Obadiah 1:3</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Corbel, Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br />"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." -Proverbs 16:18</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Corbel, Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br />"Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin." -Proverbs 21:4</span><br />
<br /><br /> I found myself in a quarrel with my old boss shortly before I resigned from a previous job. My boss and I had a pretty good relationship for quite some time, unfortunately, we didn't see things eye to eye one day and things went south. Tempers flared, we put on our armor and went to war with one another. It wasn't a ground war with attacks back and forth, but instead, a nuclear war. We both dropped bombs on one another and severed all ties. It was done. There were brief discussions of negotiations but I was given another job opportunity and I took it. That was the icing on the cake of an already terrible situation. Of course, I felt like I was right in everything that happened. They wronged me and I would not work for someone who didn't respect me. I continued to justify my actions and tell myself how I was so terribly, terribly hurt. It took a long time. It took some healing. It took some perspective. It took me letting go of the one thing that wouldn't allow me to "admit defeat" as it would call it -- pride. Once I put my weapons down and took a hard look at the situation, I realized that there were many things I could have done better. There were things that I was wrong about. Once pride was out of the equation, which should have happened sooner, <span style="background-color: white;">I</span> knew that I needed to make things right. Sure, there were still things they did to me that were wrong. Things I was accused of that I didn't do. But, in the grand scheme of things, was it worth holding onto? Would I really let that imprison me for the rest of me life, just because I didn't receive an apology? No. It's not worth it. It never is. Forgiveness sets us free. Apologizing and admitting our mistakes sets us free.<br />
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Jesus tells us the importance of forgiveness: <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Matt-6-14" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="woj">“If you forgive people their sins, your Father in heaven will forgive your sins also. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="text Matt-6-15" id="en-NLV-23298" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>If you do not forgive people their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." -Matt 6:14-15</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"> He also tells us the importance of apologizing and making it right: "</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Corbel, Verdana, sans-serif;">Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." -Matthew 5:9</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Corbel, Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br />I eventually reached out to my old boss and asked for his forgiveness. I apologized for my mistakes and also let him know that I forgave him of anything I felt wronged for. The peace that I received after that was worth pushing that boulder up the hill. It was hard. It took time and energy. It was awkward and frustrating. But at the end of the day, the Lord told me what the right thing to do was. It wasn't the easy option, but it was the right option. Most of the hard things God asks of us, builds us up in ways we can't even imagine. We mature. We grow in wisdom. We build in character. The Lord becomes ever more present in our daily lives. It's a very spiritual thing to make amends.<br /><br />So maybe you've got a bad situation with someone currently, things aren't good. Maybe you're the offending party, perhaps you're the offended. But I challenge you to consider letting it go. To approach them in humble spirit and talking it out. They may not listen to you. They may curse you. Do it anyway. You will not only release the weight you're holding, you will grow spiritually, and you will be obeying Jesus in your deeds.<br /><br />Or maybe someone has approached you and asked for forgiveness, yet you are withholding it from them. I also challenge you to accept the apology and move on. There is no worth in holding on to a grudge. There is no worth in living in the past. Life is moving forward, while you sit in a prison of pride that keeps you living in the past. Day after day, you are filled with anger, malice, bitterness, or even ill-will. I assure you, that person whom you will not forgive is not in the same prison you are. If they have approached you with an apology, they are free and no longer hold the burden that you carry. Let it go. Let them go. Move forward. Pride isn't worth it, friend.<br /><br />I end with encouragement from Jesus out of Luke 6:27-31: <span style="font-size: x-small;">"</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Luke-6-27" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="woj">I say to you who hear Me, love those who work against you. Do good to those who hate you. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="text Luke-6-28" id="en-NLV-25175" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="woj"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">28 </span>Respect and give thanks for those who try to bring bad to you. Pray for those who make it very hard for you. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="text Luke-6-29" id="en-NLV-25176" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="woj"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">29 </span>Whoever hits you on one side of the face, turn so he can hit the other side also. Whoever takes your coat, give him your shirt also. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="text Luke-6-30" id="en-NLV-25177" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="woj"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">30 </span>Give to any person who asks you for something. If a person takes something from you, do not ask for it back. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="text Luke-6-31" id="en-NLV-25178" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="woj"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">31 </span>Do for other people what you would like to have them do for you."</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><br />Let it go.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Luke-6-31" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Corbel, Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Corbel, Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Nthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281541879347299537.post-30460313135050071832014-01-15T17:42:00.001-05:002014-01-15T17:42:42.037-05:00The end of one life, the beginning of another.I started the month of January with a pep in my step. Things in life have been looking up. I have the job, the girl, a good living situation, a church I love attending, among many other things. This current season of life has been blessed to say the least, however, things can't stay that way forever.<br />
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On January 9th, my first born nephew, Branson Thayer passed away in his sleep.<br />
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Words cannot express the sadness and grief that this shock has caused myself and my family. I had just woken up when I got the call, I remember laying in my bed weeping. How could this happen? How could such a precious child be taken? Why? Why not me? These are simply a sample of the things that flew though my mind in the middle of this pain.<br />
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I remember sitting on my couch in a blur wondering if this was all just a dream. It wasn't.<br />
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I loaded up the car and started driving to Florida. A trip from Kentucky to Florida is about 14 hours depending on where you're going. An assortment of things swirled in my thoughts. Branson, my brother and his wife, and my desire to be with my family. I knew that I wanted to be close and serve them in any way I possibly could. I didn't want to just be another presence. I wanted to help. My time to grieve would come. Their time to grieve was right now.<br />
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The days flew by for me, although I don't think they did for my brother and sister in law. To them, it must have felt like a single day was a year without their precious boy. The visitiation and the celebration of his life came and went. Tears were shed and hugs were given. This boy was loved and the amount of people that came to honor his life, give support, and love on my family was absolutely amazing. God delivered helpers and people with hearts that reflected Christ by the boat loads.<br />
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I was afraid to leave Florida and return home. What if I still needed my family? What if they needed me? Doubt came over me like a rain cloud, but I think we all know deep down that we have to get used to the new normal. The new normal of not having that precious little boy with us anymore. It's tragic and sad what happened. None of us are likely to ever be the same people we once were, but the blessed assurance is that Branson is happier and healthier than we could ever dream. He is in heaven with the Lord. The beautiful thing is knowing that we will join him one day. He will run to us with a smile on his face, I can already hear his infectious giggle and feel his warm embrace.<br />
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It is true, to live is Christ to die is gain.Nthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281541879347299537.post-81931278521140880332013-09-16T17:40:00.000-04:002013-09-16T17:41:12.009-04:008 things I've learned in 25 years of living. (so far)Over the past few weeks I've realized a reoccurring theme in conversations with friends. The topic being how we felt like we knew it all when we were 18 years old and again when we were 21, thinking that we had everything figured out and that we were so much more mature than we really were. We thought we had grown to the peak of knowledge and understanding of life, when in actuality -- <i>we didn't. </i>
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Here I sit at 25 years old, hopefully a little bit wiser and definitely a bit more mature from the obstacles life has dealt me. It's not hard to look at the younger generations and see the same mistakes, quirks, and arrogance that I myself carried at a younger age. Many times I'll smirk at the things I'll see posted on facebook or overhear in a conversation from the younger generation, remembering being in those same shoes once before. At 25 I've learned many of lifes lessons, most of which came through trial and error, making me a bit more keen to certain things and hopefully preparing me for the next obstacles that come my way.
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I wanted to share what I've learned, firstly so that I can remind myself where I've been and how thankful to the Lord for bringing me to where I am. Secondly, so that I can share a bit of wisdom with anyone who wants to learn from a guy who is famous for learning things the hard way. Third, I hope that one day my children can hear my stories and learn some lessons from them. No, I'm not married yet and I don't see children coming into my life for awhile -- but you better believe I pray for my future family every single day. Why not get an early start?
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So, ready or not here are 8 things I've learned (So far) in 25 years of life (in no certain order) -- please keep in mind that these are molded from my personal experiences-- I am in no way shape or form claiming to be all knowing or wise. I simply want to share a little bit or perspective with the world.
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<i>#1.</i> <b>Be real with yourself.</b>
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How many times have I painted a grand masterpiece in my head, only to find out how unrealistic I was being? Too many times. At a young age I had visions of grandeur with what I wanted my life to be. Don't get me wrong, I think it's important to dream big and pursue your dreams. But <b>BE REAL</b> with yourself, you must know what you can do and what you can't do. Every ones story is different, sometimes things do happen fast and all at once, other times they take years to accomplish. Make realistic plans with realistic expectations. Be patient. Take your time. Don't rush. At 18 I wanted to be married, have a career, and a family by the time I was 21 -- that didn't happen, because I wasn't being real with myself. I wrote a life check for $1,000,000,000 when my life bank only had $1.50 in it. It turned out that Gods plan was way better than the fantasy I had imagined in my head.
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<i>"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."</i> - Jeremiah 29:11
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<i>#2.</i> <b>Work hard every day of your life.</b>
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Boy, do I wish I had instilled this into my head at 18 years old. After moving from Lake Placid, FL, where my job experience was working about 15 hours a week, to Lexington, KY where I needed a full-time 40hr a week job, reality set in that just doing the minimum wasn't enough. I got my first job at UPS and they worked me like a dog. I quit after two weeks because they were rude, but lets be real, I was a pampered sissy boy who hadn't worked a demanding job in my life -- I couldn't handle it. I bounced around from part-time job to part-time job receiving mediocre reviews from managers. It took me a couple more years before I realized I needed a better work ethic and an appreciation for the work the Lord had provided for me. When you get a job, take it serious and work hard from the time you clock in until you clock out. There is something admirable about someone who comes home from work exhausted, with dirty hands, and a need for a shower. And don't merely work hard at your job. Work hard for friends, family, and loved ones in whatever task they ask of you. It improves character and humbles us -- putting others before us in an act of servant hood.
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<i>"For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living."</i> - 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
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<i>#3.</i> <b>Own your mistakes. </b>
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This doesn't even really require a whole lot of breaking down. When you make a mistake whether it be big or small, don't brush it off and place the blame elsewhere. You should own your mistakes in whatever situation it may be. I know it's difficult facing someone you've hurt or let down. It's tough facing your critics when you make a giant mistake, you want to disappear or run away, but don't let your pride interfere with your need to take ownership of the situation. In most experiences I've encountered in my 25 years, people respected me more when I took ownership instead of avoiding it, being defensive or dishonest about it. If you mess up, own it and move on.
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<i>"Though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand."</i> - Psalm 37:24
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<i>#4.</i> <b>Listen more, talk less.</b>
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This one is something I've tried to heed to much more than I used to. We live in a society where its texting, tweeting, status updates, emails, instagramming, etc. We tend to talk more and listen less -- when in reality it should be the exact opposite. If we aren't listening to what other people are telling us, we have no way of serving or loving them, plain and simple. We need to take a step back and listen to what people are telling us by processing what they are really saying. Sometimes people don't always come out and say what they need, and often times if we just stop and listen to them we can digest it a little better and hear what they are trying to convey to us. Other times, people convey EXACTLY what they want, but we are too busy talking and preparing our next big speech. Sometimes people just want us to listen and not jump in at every other word. So next time you think of something wonderful to say to a friend or loved one who is talking to you -- don't. Wait until they are done, then respond.
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<i>"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak."</i> - James 1:19
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<i>#5.</i> <b>Don't always be the hero.</b>
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This one may leave a few people scratching their heads, but let me explain. I'm not sure if it's a man thing, or if I grew up watching too many super hero movies and cartoons as a kid, but I have always had a heart for helping people in any capacity. This is not to boast, because it's actually a quality that sometimes is obnoxious. Anytime a loved one was in trouble or needed anything, I wanted to be the big hero. I wanted to swoop in and watch that person go from insecure and upset, to assured and content. It's not a bad thing to want to help people, or make someones day by being the hero from time to time but let me assure when I say, sometimes it's okay to do - <i>nothing.</i> Some people don't need a hero. Some people just want you to know whats going on and to listen. Some people need to do things on their own, without your help. It's okay to play the supporting role and not the starring role. Trust the Lord, and pray for that person. I assure you that will do more in the long run, then anything else you could do.
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<i>"Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” </i> - Matthew 26:52-54
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<i>#6.</i> <b>Find community.</b>
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This one is huge to not only living a Godly life, but staying sane through all of lifes obstacles. I cannot stress how important it is to experience corporate worship and community with other believers in every aspect of your life. When I moved to Kentucky seven years ago, I lost every part of the community I had built at my home town in Florida. I didn't realize it then, but that changed who I was and the person I became. God became less of a priority, I stopped going to church for awhile. I lost every ounce of accountability in my life when I lost my community. It's not sudden and it doesn't happen overnight but once you lose that community things get much harder. Now I know some people prefer to be alone or not be with big groups of people, that is fine, so long as they are experiencing community from time to time. Its the permanent isolation from community that will leave you feeling lonely and struggling in many aspects of your life. Once I found my community in Younglife and now in church, I can see the fruit of being connected with friends and other people who really care about me. It's imperative you find that and keep it.
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<i> "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."</i> - Hebrews 10:24-25
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<i>#7.</i> <b>Love her well. </b>
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This one is for the fellas - I have no marriage experience so I'll talk about this from the dating perspective. It's impossible not to see how relationships are treated these days. People getting together, people breaking up, people looking for lifetime commitment, and people looking for selfish satisfaction. There are so many variables in dating and most of them are wrong. It's all around us and I understand that some men may be confused with how to act or approach a dating relationship. If I've learned anything, it's this -- <i>Love her well.</i> How do we do this? By genuinely caring for her heart, not controlling it, but by encouraging and treating it with respect. Don't just tell her you care for her, show her you care for her by acts of service and by making her a priority in your life -- Not necessarily the top priority but a clear cut priority that is obvious by your actions. Listen to her and what she is saying. Protect her purity (this is huge). Never stop pursuing her (also huge). Be her best friend. Be honest with her. Make her laugh. Push her to pursue the Lord and ask her to do the same for you. Every man will encounter a woman who has different quirks about her. Take time to learn those quirks and find out who she really is. Take it slow and let the Lord guide you in the relationship. If you fight, work out your differences -- don't be petty and you'd better leave your pride at the door. Relationships are give and take, you cannot go into the relationship with a wish list of things you expect, you'll be doomed for failure. People change and grow, the purpose of dating is to see if you can marry that person. If you find the love of your life, fight for her, but listen for Gods direction. Enjoy the time you have with one another. Things will progress as they need to. <i>Love her well.</i>
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<i>"Love never fails"</i> - 1 Corinthians 13:8
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<i>#8.</i> <b>Never give up.</b>
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In 25 years, there have been so many times I've wanted to quit and walk away. In so many aspects of my life I have seen and witnessed things that would make anyone just want to give up. In high school I quit the soccer team my senior year because I was benched in favor of another player. I told people I quit because I was just tired of playing soccer after almost 12 years. The reality is that things got hard, and when things didn't go my way I gave up. Today, I regret quitting because I loved playing so much. As the years went by, I moved and faced even harder circumstances in life. There were times I wanted to quit and some that I did quit. But through the absolute WORST times in my life -- which I won't mention today -- I was able to keep going. It wasn't easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it made me who I am today. I am stronger and wiser because of Gods comfort telling me to keep pressing on. When I was faced with the seemingly worst situation and I would almost scream to God in anger, a small still voice said "Keep going." I cannot tell you how difficult it was to listen to that voice, but today, I am thankful that I did. So I urge you reader, never give up or quit. God is always with us and his plan is good. We just have to keep the faith. I am so thankful of where I am today.
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<i>"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."</i> - James 1:12
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So there are the 8 things I think are super important to remember. I'm sure if I sat here for another couple hours I could make a much longer list, but these are the things that neeeded to be addressed right now. In 5, 10, 20 years from now maybe I'll look back and laugh thinking I had these things figured out.
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Or maybe, just maybe, I'll be reminded of where I've come from and how far God has brought me.
Nthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281541879347299537.post-9355495236861121482012-12-16T16:02:00.001-05:002012-12-16T16:05:45.539-05:00Man Up 2012 - A Year In Review - Part 1It seems so crazy to me how the year 2012 has come and gone so quickly. It's also crazy to me that there were times the days would drag on, never seeming to end.
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Looking back at the year I dubbed "Man Up 2012", I have to stop and ask myself the one thing that demands an answer: Did I really man up? In the next few weeks I'm going to post a few entries dedicated to this subject to find out for sure.
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These posts aren't about to be a play by play of my life or a diary of any sorts. I have taken some time to think about these posts and I've decided to write down the things that were most meaningful. These are the moments that I took something away and will keep with me the rest of my life.
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I succeeded many times this year, I also failed many times this year. Each experience has taught and molded me into a wiser man of God, even if only a little bit. In many ways, It seems I had to fall far away from God in order to become closer to Him. In many ways, I had to figure out that a life of a Christian man is not a life of ease or comfort. It's become clear to me that the days I am most comfortable are the days I am not challenged in any way. Comfort is a place of complacency that looks like joy, it feels like joy, but it isn't true joy at all. Comfort tells us that we are satisfied with everything exactly the way it is. We don't want anyone to touch it. We don't want to work for anything else. We don't want to step outside of that "comfort zone" for fear of losing what we deem is enough.
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The question may arise "Isn't comfort in God/Christ a good thing?" and I answer that by saying that Gods comfort is a good thing to seek out and find -- obviously. Gods comfort is different in that He continues to push us and challenge us. God never just leaves us in one spot. We are always growing and learning when we're truly seeking Him out in any way -- even in comfort. The type of comfort that paralyzes us is the one we should be most afraid of, and the one of which I speak.
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I digress.
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This post isn't to preach on comfort or stepping outside of your box. I am merely conveying that the first thing I learned this year is that complacent comfort is never truly satisfying or beneficial in the long run. It is a mirage that gives us nothing of true spiritual substance.
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Why else would we hear in James 1:2-4 that we should consider it joy when we are going through trial? Because a comfortable life doesn't finish it's work in us. Perseverence through trial DOES finish its work in us -- to the extent that we are not lacking ANYTHING.
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This post is simply setting up the theme of this year -- Man Up 2012 was a mixture of several learning experiences for me. It is obvious that the overlapping theme that God wanted me to grasp was that I could not man up at all without learning to be totally and utterly uncomfortable -- This lead to an even stronger reliance in Him.
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As you'll see in my next entries, this story is just beginning.
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“Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.”Nthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281541879347299537.post-2551993071277934442012-12-09T02:41:00.000-05:002012-12-09T02:56:17.337-05:00"I paid for this"It's been quite awhile since I've last written anything. No blogs or journal, nothing to write down my thoughts or opinions. I'm honestly not very good at expressing myself on any type of journal, with the exception of the occasional moments of brillance where I feel like I HAVE to write something down.
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Lately, I've been feeling that I need to write something. Not because I wanted to do it just for the sake of doing it, but rather, I've had a reoccuring thought that I can't seem to shake. Most of the time I shake it off and just think "eh, it's just a random thought" and that's the end of it. Not this time. This time I need to speak out.
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As some of you know, back in October I participated in an obstacle course called "Tough Mudder" For those of you who have never heard of it, Tough Mudder is a 12 mile obstacle course (with usually about 20 obstacles) through backwood terrain, built by British Special Forces -- (Yeah, I know) It was a bit intense, to say the least. It had fire/smoke, electrical wire fields, artic water, and lots of mud. You PAID to do this and even signed a death waiver before you did it. The way I explain how the experience was -- Awesome and Awful.
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That day there was a high of 55 degrees with a windchill of 50. You can't really wear a coat or anything warm while you're participating, so it's pretty much you and the elements. Oh, and the artic water I mentioned before -- was the second obstacle.
You are immediately thrown into survival mode. You have to keep yourself warm by running and moving, without stopping for anything. You are leaping walls, jumping over logs, and crawling on your stomach in the cold mud. The water splashes your face. The wind reminds you how vulnerable you are. You're exerting yourself to stay warm, while pacing yourself just to keep going. Thankfully, I was not alone on this quest of toughness as my friends Chelsea, Brad, and Lauren joined the fun.
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There were several points throughout this day where there were "traffic jams", as I liked to call them. People would get to an obstacle or to a point where they didn't know what to do, so people stopped and waited or made up their own "route" to go. Our specific Tough Mudder was in Maysville, KY and the hills were steep as ever. After many muddy people walked the hilly paths up and down, the paths lost all traction and simply became muddy slides. People started going off path to avoid these muddy trails, and I'll admit I did this for a time. After awhile, I got frustrated with it and said four iconic words that stay with me to this day -- <b>"I paid for this."</b> Those words were my motivation. Those words were my driving force. Those words became my catch phrase throughout the day. I clung to them as if they were my warm blanket. I sipped on them as if a hot cup of coffee.
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I took the hardest roads and faced every demon on that course from there on out. I attempted every obstacle and didn't let anything hold me back. When everyone else looked at the slip n slide that had electric wires hanging a few inches above it and said "No thanks!" I looked at that slip n slide and said "I PAID FOR THIS." and leaped with wreckless abandon. Sure, I ended up swallowing muddy water and getting shocked a few times, but I did it -- and dang did it feel good!
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You see, some people will look at what I did and say "That's just an excuse to be wreckless." or "You didn't gain anything from it." and my response to those people is that life is not merely about playing it safe. Life is not about cutting corners and taking the easy way out. You get your hands dirty and you experience life. Sometimes you swallow the muddy, gritty water. Sometimes you cut your knees on the rocks in the mud. Sometimes you get shocked by lifes electrical wires. You breathe in the smoke from the fiery trials of existence. <b>You. Live. Life.</b>
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My catch phrase is the not the same one I use in my everyday life, it is slighty different. It's different in this way. Instead of saying "I paid for this." I say "Jesus paid for this." And with those words I remember my savior who died, and gave me a real life to live. A savior who commanded "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.." (Matt 28:19)
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Jesus certainly didn't tell me that life would be an easy ride to paradise. (Matt 24:9), nor did He tell me to live a sacrifice-free life (Mark 8:34-35)
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He told me, through Paul, to run the race -- <b>"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. <i>For the joy set before him he endured the cross,</i> scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."</b> (Hebrews 12:1-3)
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I don't know about you, but I have zero desire in my heart to live a life that does not have risks. I don't wan't to play it safe. I don't want easy. I want my spirit to sweat. I want to hurt so bad that it delights my soul.
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We finished that obstacle course -- five hours later. I was tired. I was worn out. I slept like a baby that night - and I am so thankful that I did it without any limitations. No regrets. Left everything on that course.
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Christ took the hardest road imaginable to save my weary soul, should I not do the same for His ultimate glory in my everyday life? If He can carry the cross through the mud, I must too live a life that takes me through the mud as I carry my cross. (Matthew 16:24-26)
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We all have a story, and the beauty is this my friends, when you give it all you've got and keep going for His name sake -- you win. (Hebrews 6:10 - Psalm 37:27-29 - John 3:16 - Romans 8:38-39)
Nthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281541879347299537.post-17809200617601130712011-11-16T23:53:00.002-05:002012-12-09T02:44:47.623-05:00Starving for attention.It's taken me a long time to come to the place where I am. A place of peace about who I am and where I am in life. For a long time I struggled with always wanting and needing some type of a friendship or relationship in my life to fill a void of lonliness. I think alot of it stems from the fact that I'm without my family here in Lexington. I see my friends being able to see their parents, siblings, and other family members at any time. Thats not something I have the privledge of being able to do. I'm lucky if I see my family three times a year. And thats not the only contributing factor in the midst of all of this that plays a role in not wanting to be alone. God created woman so that man didn't have to be alone. It's biblical that companionship and the desire for it is in fact normal. But you can't let that make who you are as a person. It absolutely cannot define who you are. If it does, then you are simply putting your future into someone elses hands. You can't solely rely on friends or significant others to make who you are. It's something I've heard time and time again. It's the sermon you hear in church and you say "Thats the guy sitting next to me with that problem... NOT ME!" but in reality you have to accept that maybe that is you.<br /><br />Over the past few months I've been so content in my relationship with the Lord. The more I am alone, the more I realize that I am not alone. That doesn't mean that I don't miss my family, I don't desire lasting friendships, or that I don't want to eventually be married to a Godly woman. But I am content in the things the Lord is doing in my life. I am content sitting alone in reflective prayer and meditation with the Lord instead of always doing something with someone. I am not planning or building or surrounding myself in expectation of someone else. I am going after the things I feel the Lord has before me. I am chasing the dreams I have in my heart. I am passionate about them and I am thankful that the Lord has brought me to the place I am at. I've definitely had my downfalls and struggles along the way.. The path to wisdom is not without the bumps and bruises and the hard lessons. But overall they help us become truely wise.<br /><br />In the past few months the Lord has not only taught me to be content in my relationship with Him but also in being a steward with my money. Money is the topic that Jesus talked about most in his time on earth. I really used to blow this topic off and just say "It's my hard earned money, I'll be alright with my decisions with it." but it's important in understanding that being wise with your money is wisdom in itself. I've started a rough budget each time I'm paid and so far it's worked out pretty well. <br /><br />I know that the road to know Christ better is one that is never ending. I'll never "be there." I'll never "know it all." because we serve a God that is limitless and is far beyond our minds. We are always learning. We are always growing. This is a season I have grown so much, and I am going to continue one step at a time.Nthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281541879347299537.post-83291328506901395622011-08-02T23:40:00.002-04:002011-08-02T23:44:55.907-04:00Tonight.You tell people you know what his idol was. You claim you know his heart better than himself.<br /><br />Is it easier for you to say those things? Does it make you feel better to tell people the things that you can't even be sure of?<br /><br />It's a dangerous thing to put yourself in the very seat of God.Nthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281541879347299537.post-31387343725383015802011-07-31T23:11:00.001-04:002011-07-31T23:13:43.118-04:00Go."If we let ourselves, we shall always be waiting for some distraction or other to end before we can really get down to our work. The only people who achieve much are those who want knowledge so badly that they seek it while the conditions are still unfavorable. Favorable conditions never come." C.S. Lewis<br /><br /><br />What are you waiting for? Live your life. Now.Nthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281541879347299537.post-14642780680720043492011-07-26T15:17:00.003-04:002011-07-26T15:24:34.841-04:00World Traveler.Andrew Peterson is an artist I randomly found on Itunes and I am SO glad that I did. His latest album "Counting Stars" is so good. Here is "World Traveler"<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxZeEN-b02w"></a><br /><br />I grew up in a little town<br />A southern mix of lost and found<br />Where most folks seem to stick around<br />But I could hear the highway song<br />I'd sit out on the dock till dawn<br />And dream about the great beyond<br /><br />(I dreamed that I was)<br />A world traveler<br />Set me loose to find my way<br />Just get me out on the road someday<br />With my sails unfurled<br />So many mysteries<br />I wanted to unravel<br />If I could travel the world<br /><br />Soon enough I had my way<br />I saw the world the Lord has made<br />Mostly from the interstate<br />But I had hardly seen a thing<br />Until I gave a golden ring<br />To the one who gave her heart to me<br /><br />(And I became)<br />A world traveler<br />That's the day I hit the road<br />'Cause I walked the hills of the human soul<br />Of a tender girl<br />I'm a world traveler<br />She opened the gate and took my hand<br />And led me into the mystic land<br />Where her galaxies swirl<br />So many mysteries<br />I never will unravel<br />I want to travel the world<br /><br />Take a left at the end of my street<br />Just a few doors down<br />Up the hill and into the trees<br />There's a hole in the ground<br />Where we traveled the caverns so deep<br />We wandered the wonders so wide<br />It was right beneath our feet<br />All this time, all this time<br /><br />Tonight I saw the children in their rooms<br />Little flowers all in bloom<br />Burning suns and silver moon<br />And somehow in that starry sky<br />The image of the Maker lies<br />Right here beneath my roof tonight<br /><br />(So hold on tight, I'm a)<br />World traveler<br />Pack yours bags and dig down deep<br />Let's ride the storms and sail the seas<br />To the distant pole<br />I'm a world traveler<br />Into these uncharted lands<br />To blaze a trail in the vast expanse<br />Of the heart and soul<br />In the grace of the God of peace<br />Let's wade into the battle<br />Come on, come on with me<br />And get up in that saddle<br />There's a million mysteries<br />I never will unravel<br />Come on, let's travel the worldNthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281541879347299537.post-34033960681550902992011-05-31T00:38:00.002-04:002012-10-28T23:44:51.911-04:00Strength.Tonight I am humbled and in awe of a God who is far greater and wiser and more amazing than anything my mind can even fathom.<br /><br />This past weekend God has shown me so many things and opened my eyes to things I've never really grasped before. I've always embraced the fact that I'm a man. I like to get my hands dirty. I like to be a helper. I love to fix things. But the difference between being a mere man and being a man of God is one thing. STRENGTH. On my own strength I can get very little done. The results are limited and things never seem to work. Things backfire in my face. I'm left empty and wondering why I cant just fix everything for everyone. But God reminded me that It is by his strength alone that things get accomplished. How could I ever be a friend, a son, a boyfriend, an employee, or a Wyldlife leader on my own strength? I can't. I cannot do it. There is nothing of purpose and no reward from it. With God I can do all those things and more! One day I hope to be a father to some beautiful kids. One day I hope to be a firefighter and save peoples lives. One day I hope to be an Ephesians 5:25 man to my beautiful wife. Is there any way possible that I can do that on my own strength?<br /><br />NO.<br /><br />I am so humbled and thankful that God has saved me from so much grief and pain and anguish in all my failures. He's giving me a chance to start relying on his strength and love on a daily basis. Do not be fooled. Your friends cant give you the strength and your family cant do it and your significant other cant give you the strength to accomplish Gods will for your life on their strength. Only God working in them, and God in the full can give you the strength to succeed in these things.<br /><br />I am a man. I'm a man that has been reminded that a real man lays down his pride and humbles himself in the midst of a God who is eager to help us. A God who will never leave us nor forsake us. This weekend has strengthend my foundation and I am eternally grateful to God.Nthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281541879347299537.post-31255692238916679962011-02-21T19:40:00.002-05:002011-02-21T20:21:40.275-05:00Holding on when you can't.When Job lost his children to the death and destruction of Satan he immediately fell down to his knees and praised God. <br /><br />That is a testament to all of us who have ever been down on our luck, who haven't had things work out, who lost something or someone in a sudden way. To praise God when our hearts are crushed is the epitomy of radical faith. To do an act such as that is putting ourselves in the backseat instead of the drivers seat. An act such as that is saying "Okay, God. I trust you. I know you will work this out to my benefit. You will heal me and sustain me. In this mess of my life you are being glorified." Anyone who has been crushed knows that it's not easy to praise God when we are upset. <br /><br />Who wants to praise God when all we want to do is wallow in our own self pity? <strong>Read that statement one more time.</strong><br /><br /> "Who wants to praise God.." Want? <em>WANT?</em> It doesn't matter if we <em>WANT</em> to praise God. We <em>NEED</em> to praise God. Sometimes I don't WANT to go to work but I know I NEED to go to work so I can earn my paycheck and continue living!<br /><br /> <br />If anything, I've learned over the past year (with many recent reminders) that we cannot get our fulfillment from anything other than God. We can't. If we put our hope, our dependency, our aspirations, our love into anything that isn't God then we are setting ourselves up for a rude awakening. <br /><br />Two days ago I was waiting to hear back about a job. I can't tell you how excited and hopeful I was for this job. I had so many people praying for me and supporting me. I acknowledged in my prayers that this wasn't in my hands but in Gods. Well, long story short is that I didn't get the job. When I heard about the news I immediately felt like a failure. I felt like everything that I was hoping for and dreamed of was shot down. I wanted to go off by myself and be alone. I wanted to wallow in my disappointment and crushed hopes, but I wasn't able to and that was most definitely because of God.<br /><br />I didn't fall on my knees and praise God. I sat in a chair and asked "why not me?" <br /><br />Thankfully, I have an amazing group of people in my life that support me. To remind me that life goes on, that God has other plans, and this doesn't define me as a person. I knew all those things, but to be encouraged by the people you love is a blessing from God. It picks you up when you cannot stand on your own. <br /><br />In the end you can't sit down and focus on what you don't have. The things that didn't pan out. The hurt you feel inside. The emptiness we feel. You must give EVERYTHING over to God and push forward. You cannot let your failures, hurt, and downfall define who you are. You are only defined by who you are in Christ Jesus. PERIOD. <br /><br />God finds value in you. God cherishes you. God wants your praise. God wants your hurt. God wants it <em>all. </em><br /><br />The devil will haunt you. The devil will tell you lies. The devil knows just exactly how to make you feel incomplete. <br /><br />When we listen to the lies of Satan and question God... Look what happens.<br /><br />Job 38<br /><br />Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: <br /> 2 “Who is this that obscures my plans <br /> with words without knowledge? <br />3 Brace yourself like a man; <br /> I will question you, <br /> and you shall answer me. <br /><br /> 4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? <br /> Tell me, if you understand. <br />5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! <br /> Who stretched a measuring line across it? <br />6 On what were its footings set, <br /> or who laid its cornerstone— <br />7 while the morning stars sang together <br /> and all the angels[a] shouted for joy? <br /><br /> 8 “Who shut up the sea behind doors <br /> when it burst forth from the womb, <br />9 when I made the clouds its garment <br /> and wrapped it in thick darkness, <br />10 when I fixed limits for it <br /> and set its doors and bars in place, <br />11 when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther; <br /> here is where your proud waves halt’? <br /><br /> 12 “Have you ever given orders to the morning, <br /> or shown the dawn its place, <br />13 that it might take the earth by the edges <br /> and shake the wicked out of it? <br />14 The earth takes shape like clay under a seal; <br /> its features stand out like those of a garment. <br />15 The wicked are denied their light, <br /> and their upraised arm is broken. <br /><br /> 16 “Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea <br /> or walked in the recesses of the deep? <br />17 Have the gates of death been shown to you? <br /> Have you seen the gates of the deepest darkness? <br />18 Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth? <br /> Tell me, if you know all this. <br /><br /> 19 “What is the way to the abode of light? <br /> And where does darkness reside? <br />20 Can you take them to their places? <br /> Do you know the paths to their dwellings? <br />21 Surely you know, for you were already born! <br /> You have lived so many years! <br /><br />The verse goes on for awhile. The point is that God knows what he's doing!<br /><br /> Fall to your knees and praise Him.Nthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281541879347299537.post-22784415359999024142011-02-03T19:47:00.002-05:002011-02-03T20:00:52.521-05:00Promise keeperWhen I was fairly young my dad took me to a mens conference called "Promise Keepers". It was a weekend long Christian mens retreat in a big arena in Tampa. I only remember bits and pieces of it, as I was really young when I went. But I always remember the drive home when my dad would ask me... "So are you a PK?" And I'd always kinda stare at him with this confused look on my face. He'd smile and say "Are you a promise keeper or a punk kid?" That always made me laugh and take a step back to think "Am I keeping my promises to God? Am I following Him and glorifying him the best I possibly can? Or am I being a rebel?" As I've grown up and moved on from those times in my life, I still ask that question to myself. Am I a promise keeper? Am I glorifying God in my actions, following His will, and ultimately living a Godly life? Unofortunately many times the answer is no. God made a promise to us that He would always love us, never leave us, and always forgive us when we did wrong. The only thing He wants in return is that we seek Him and love Him with all that we have. To live honorable lives according to his Word. There are numerous times I have failed over and over and over. Every single time I know God is there to pick me up and dust me off. He embraces me when I don't deserve it. He extends grace when I'm rebellious. <br /><br />It always comes back around. Am I a promise keeper? My dad always told me that being a promise keeper was the true measure of a man. A man that keeps his promises to God and the ones he loves showed where his priorities and heart were. Over the past week that has hit me so hard. I not only want to be a man, but I want to be a Godly man who is true to his promises. I want to show God and the ones I love that I am true to my word in every aspect. Yes, It's possible for me to fail but thats only If I let my pride get in the way. I need to lay down my pride and pick up my cross... daily.<br /><br />Thats whats on my heart and that is what I so strongly am striving for in my day to day life right now. I'm a promise keeper. Are you?Nthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281541879347299537.post-30824183869260576072011-01-26T20:20:00.002-05:002011-01-26T20:46:09.712-05:00Figuring it all out.Ever since I was very young, I have always struggled with knowing what I wanted to do when I got older. I remember wanting to be a fireman, police officer, a pyschiatrist, a real estate agent, and most recently a youth pastor. It's always frustrated me that I could never figure out just exactly what I wanted to do. I felt like I was on the right path on a few things but then somehow the road lead to a dead end. I know I can do anything I set my mind to, and that when I want something... I go for it until I've achieved it. But one of my faults is that I sometimes get discouraged fairly easily and just wanna quit. In all honesty, I really am struggling with the thought of being in ministry as a career. I know ministry is always going to play a role in my life, but I know that the Lord isn't directing my life towards ministry as a career right now. There are other things he's put on my heart and mind. I am pretty nervous and definitely questioning my ability to do some of the things that are asked of me. I am putting my trust in the Lord to guide me through this time of change. I know He won't let me fail in His plan for my life. That is the one thing that helps keep me going. There are so many things in this life that I have yet to figure out, experience, and accomplish. But God has placed so many wonderful people in my life to help me along the way that I am constantly encouraged and challenged. <br /><br />God has used my mother and father (and siblings) to always encourage me with wisdom and leadership to raise me in the right way.<br /><br />God has used my friends who bring their thoughts and spiritual encouragement to the table to help sharpen my thinking. <br /><br />God has used my wonderful girlfriend to encourage me by her strength and courage to remind me that while circumstances aren't always good, God is always good and He will see things through to the very end.<br /><br /><br />At the end of the day, I know God has provided and blessed me beyond what I deserve. He knows my plans and the things deep in my heart that I pray daily come to pass. He knows the desires of my heart and the things that I care most about. He's got all of those things in the palms of his hands and He's going to take care of me according to His will for my life. That is what keeps me going most of all.Nthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281541879347299537.post-28908773541843803692010-09-19T22:27:00.003-04:002010-09-20T00:22:25.106-04:00Love never fails.Nthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281541879347299537.post-33150626015426512322010-09-14T22:38:00.001-04:002010-09-14T22:39:36.420-04:00What We Need.I love finding passages I've read before, but never truly studied. Here is the one I found tonight:<br /><br />"I'm glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess - happy that you're again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally. I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don't mean that your help didn't mean alot to me -- It did! It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles." Philippians 4:10-14<br /><br />Notice that Paul wasn't in need. He didn't need the encouragement, concern, or love that was given to him. But he gladly accepted it, because it is uplifting to know that someone cares for us and is there to cheer us on. That despite distance, time, and isolation, the ones we love are there to show us Christs neverending love. Paul made it clear that the ONLY thing he needed is God. He could maintain happiness whether full or hungry, hands full or empty, with a little or alot. His happiness isn't dependant on a person, relationship, place, or ideal situation. But Paul admits that the help meant so much to him, that it was a beautiful thing for someone to come alongside him and be there for him. I believe that we can take this as an application to our own lives. <br /><br />We don't need anything but the unconditional love from our Savior. That's it. We need nothing more than that. Now, that doesn't mean we cant have friends or become dependant on someone in some form or another. It's perfectly fine to build relationships, make friends, or like the situations we are in. (Don't forget that God gave Adam the gift of Eve to keep him from being lonely.) Man was not meant to wander this earth alone. I believe God knew that Paul was self-relient and that he didn't need anyone in his life to be happy, but God also knows the importance of a spiritual community around us. Paul was doing everything right in being content in the love that God supplied but God blessed him anyway. Sometimes just when we think we're fine the way we are, God will throw a blessing out there. It's another reminder that God is constantly thinking of us, giving us everything we could ever want or need. In your life, be content in the Lord our God. But always welcome the kindness, love, and support of the people who truly care for you. Those are the blessings God has given us!Nthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281541879347299537.post-27844989547505668422010-01-05T19:05:00.007-05:002011-01-26T21:09:00.724-05:00Not much going onWhat?Nthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281541879347299537.post-36297368367732916392009-12-01T23:09:00.002-05:002009-12-01T23:37:39.732-05:00Be moved. Stand strong.Have you ever had someone come into your life and they just... Moved you?<br /><br />You're not expecting it. You're not searching for it. They just come into your life, and in the most unexplainable way they uplift your very core. The very sight of them. The very thought of them. Something. Anything. It just moves your soul. You can't explain it. You can't control it. It's invigorating. It's joyful. It makes you feel like God plucked this person JUST for you. That God wanted you to know this person, so that in this relationship, God could be glorified in some significant way.<br /><br />I've had people like that come into my life. When this person arrives, you never want them to leave. You don't want to say goodbye or wait for something else. Unfortunately, sometimes it does happen. It hurts when it does. The pain is real. You ask yourself, why? You don't know what to do. But deep down you know God has this in his holy hands. <br /><br />I am a romantic at heart. I believe that a woman is to be treated with kindness, respect, and every bit of love I can offer. Even in friendship I give all that I can give. But I save that special love for the one that is out there for ME. I wait for the time to be right. I give my life, my soul, my mind, my heart, my purity, and my focus to God. Because through Him... that special person will be revealed. Whether she's been apart of my life already or not.<br /><br />Theres something you should know about me. I'll fight for love. I'll fight for whats meant to be. I'll stick it out. I'll wait. I'll be strong. I'll stand. I'll do what it takes. Because I believe in a Christ centered love that is so deep that no boundaries, hardship, or uneasiness could ever stop it!<br /><br />You came into my life and moved me. I'll wait here and be unmoved. I'll fight. I'll smile. I'll find joy. I'll do it all for you. I'll do it because my God did it for me!Nthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281541879347299537.post-61143008175545250352009-11-26T18:58:00.006-05:002009-11-26T19:27:42.632-05:00Thanksgiving. This and That.Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope the day is filled with food, family, games, laughing, fellowship, and football of course! <br /><br />I'm going to be cliche and write what I'm thankful for. Ready? Here goes:<br /><br />I'm thankful for a God who loves me!<br />I'm thankful for friends who can make me laugh at any moment!<br />I'm thankful for my family who supports me in every decision!<br />I'm thankful for a job in this tough economy, even when I hate it sometimes!<br />I'm thankful for a place to live, and food on my plate every day.<br />I'm thankful to have a car.<br />I'm thankful that I have clothing.<br />I'm thankful that even when I'm sinful, Jesus still loves me!<br />I'm thankful for the patience that God is teaching me to have.<br />I'm thankful for music!<br />I'm thankful for fall weather!<br />I'm thankful for this beautiful earth we live on!<br />I'm thankful for little children that say the darndest things!<br />I'm thaknful for people that make me want to be a better person!<br />I'm thankful for the things God has shown me that are yet to come!<br />I'm thankful for heartfelt conversations with people I care about!<br />I'm thankful for the opportunity to spread Gods word!<br />I'm thankful for the ability to take walks and look at the stars!<br />I'm thankful for God showing me what I should do with my life!<br /><br />Whew! I could go on for days. But that is some of the many things I'm thankful for!<br /><br />As I sat down during my quiet time today, I started looking back at some of the things I'm so thankful for in my past. What moments really took me by storm to help mold me into the person I am today? I started thinking about the mission trips I took back in highschool. I was a young 16 year old who wanted nothing more than to serve God and have fun with my friends! Our church decided to take a trip to the Bahamas to run Vacation Bible School, and do a bit of manual labor at local churches.<br /><br />It was the trip of a lifetime! I can't remember the last time I had so much fun while also doing the Lords work.<br /><br />One moment in particular I will cherish forever.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdXhhlSDGUSzaW1qIcngpaN_U_hn-vT2DYhC2pfTPeVVvTeEcGHGz3TN2IlIKSDMga8NGqsJeG7NCe0w7QpfdmaHYpmpVK_hkvDepkooKnrm14QisIFQLX8f76w-Cj4InK3IqmpRvips/s1600/Bahamas21.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdXhhlSDGUSzaW1qIcngpaN_U_hn-vT2DYhC2pfTPeVVvTeEcGHGz3TN2IlIKSDMga8NGqsJeG7NCe0w7QpfdmaHYpmpVK_hkvDepkooKnrm14QisIFQLX8f76w-Cj4InK3IqmpRvips/s400/Bahamas21.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408571593739800226" /></a><br /><br />The picture above pretty much sums up the entire trip for me. The look on my face, and the joy on the childrens faces. It was such a blessing. I'm so thankful for that moment and for that picture. <br /><br />It's one of the many reasons I long to do childrens ministry. As I'm still praying about what I'm to do in school, that picture helps me remember that Jesus loves the little children. That they are the future for our world. They hold the key to what becomes of us. And as I'm still asking God's direction in what It is he would have me do in this life. I find great peace in glorifying his name in childrens ministry!<br /><br />Have a blessed Turkey Day!Nthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281541879347299537.post-47898813612264563232009-11-24T19:10:00.004-05:002009-11-24T23:12:38.947-05:00Underdog.One thing in life that I've always had a passion for, one thing that I just always felt on my heart was right, was to stick up for the little people. To fight for the underdog. It didn't matter what the situation was. It could be someone about to get beat up by a group of bullies, someone who wanted to be with someone else so bad but couldn't get their attention, or someone who had no chance of making friends on their own. I fought for them. I helped them. It wasn't because I had too, or I felt bad for them. It was because I believe that everyone deserves a voice. Everyone deserves to be heard. Everyone deserves to love and be loved. <br /><br />To this day, I still love the underdog stories. I'll volunteer to help friends, and even sometimes strangers. <br /><br />Now, I'm not here to blog about how great I am because I help others, or what an awesome person I am for my good deeds. Far from it! <br /><br />My passion to help others is due to the fact that Christ first helped us out! We were dead in our sins. We were beaten down. Our sins kept us from greatness. But when God sent Jesus to die for us, it was the greatest underdog story ever. <br />Jesus not being the underdog, of course. But us.. our selfish, sinful, disgusting selves. We are the ones who need the help. We need the guidance. We need love from an all sufficient savior. <br /><br />The best part about it is... GOD LOVES TO GIVE US THAT! He makes it a point to help us out when we can't help ourselves. We don't have a voice of our own, and we can't forgive our own sins. But Christ does speak for us! We're the little guys. The world doesn't care about us, but Christ DOES!<br /><br />So, that is my challenge to anyone who reads this. It's the challenge I give myself every day. Seek the underdog. Show them the love that Jesus first showed us! You'll be blessed beyond what you could expect. Thats the beauty of our God. If we have a servants heart, he is faithful to his promises. Promises of love and hope! <br /><br />Just my thoughts for tonight. Never give up! No matter what the obstacles are in front of you. If Christ proclaims his words into your heart, then you should pursue them until the very end. If you're the underdog, then heed to God's word. If you need a friend -- I love you! But better yet, Christ loves you!<br /><br />I've been trying to spice up the blogs a bit! I'll get more in depth, and not so preachy all the time. But I really felt like I needed to speak on this tonight. Until next time... ;-)Nthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281541879347299537.post-2827794581451911612009-11-22T14:03:00.002-05:002009-11-22T14:42:10.125-05:00Every day is a new adventure...The past couple weeks have given me an amazing opportunity to search myself. I've been renewed in Christ, and It is simply AMAZING. I can't quite put to words how I have been feeling with this new sense of renewal, but anyone who has felt the power of God knows what I'm talking about. It's like you're doing your same routine every single day. You're getting by. You're living. But you're not really LIVING. Life is so much more than just going through a routine. It's God's quest for us. It's the journey he's laid before us. <br /><br /> I've been living. But not the life that God has planned for me. I'm still not quite sure what his plan is. Thats just it, though. Thats the exciting part! I wake up every single day thinking, "I wonder what great plans God has for me today?" I'm not living for the future anymore. I'm not living for all of MY plans, but for the plans that HE has set for me. It's been such a relief to do that, too. It's like this burden was just lifted off of my shoulders. <br /><br />And when I say It's a new adventure every day... I mean it! God has blessed me with new things almost daily. I've met amazing people, I've enjoyed fellowship with friends, and I've been able to figure some things out about my future.<br /><br />It's like this rain cloud has been following me. Nagging me. Saying, "What are you going to do with your life!?". And for so long, I've been afraid to answer that question. I've been afraid to take any further steps towards my future. It's like, once my first plan failed. I just froze. I didn't know what to do. I didn't know why I just couldn't make a decision about my life! Finally, God made it clear to me what I should do. <br /><br />I'm going back to school!<br /><br />I've still got some praying to do on this matter... Like what I want to do! I want to do something that will enable me to help others. Something where I can live out my faith. I'm seeking God's direction in what it is he wants me to major in. I'm giving it all to him. This is a big thing for me. School isn't exactly my favorite thing in the world. I tend to become lazy, and procrastinate. So, we'll see how this goes. Haha. But I'm just thankful for a God who knows my fears and will stand with me through it all!<br /><br /><br /><br />"Search me, O God, and know my heart; <br /> test me and know my anxious thoughts. <br />See if there is any offensive way in me, <br /> and lead me in the way everlasting." - Psalm 139:23-24Nthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281541879347299537.post-32419769701093255492009-10-12T18:08:00.000-04:002009-11-18T22:08:53.323-05:00Jesus Was A Rebel.What is a Rebel? <br /><br />What do you think of when you hear that word?<br /><br />For the most part, people associate the word Rebel with someone who is bad or does wrong. Someone who opposes something good. They don't listen to authority. They don't obey.<br /><br />A rebel has their own agenda. Their own plan. Their own ideals.<br /><br />It's safe to say that the world is often times a terrible place. Sin and curruption consume the earth on a daily basis. A murder here, a lie there, some lust, plus adultery. It never ceases. It never ends. Sin crawls in the shadows of the earth 24/7.<br /><br />Sin is everywhere. Everyone sins. Sin is a product and a government of Satan. As we know, it's what he uses to make people fall into dark helpless corruption.<br /><br />There is no such thing as a sinful rebel anymore. Because everyone has rebelled in a sinful manner, so If everyone is doing it... what are they rebelling? It is technically no longer rebellious to sin.<br /><br />Because we see it so often. In the media, in the papers, and in our every day life. Sinful rebellion is a part of life. It influences, and effects us every single day. <br /><br />Rebellion in the terms of doing something bad or sinful, is now a way of life. It starts as soon as we're born, and stays with us until we die. We may not be a crazed rebel with a gun getting ready to kill someone. Or a rebel in school who doesn't follow the rules. But we may know someone who is. Sinful rebellion is everywhere. <br /><br /><strong>It's no longer rebellious to sin...</strong><br /><br />Enter our Savior.<br /><br />Jesus Christ came into this earth. Not with guns blarring. Not with a sword of fire. Not with death. <br /><br />He came with a message. <br />He came with a purpose. <br />He came with his perfect will. <br />He came to rebel.<br /><br />Jesus rebelled AGAINST sin. <br />His message was LOVE. <br />He stood against sin. <br />He stood against such things that make us fall every day. <br /><br />Jesus came in as a perfect being. His message was pure. Love one another! Follow him and accept him into your heart. Drop your life, your thoughts, your ideals. And follow him. He asked the people to rebel against their sinful lives, to live a sinless life with him. In one love!<br /><br />What happened?<br /><br />People didn't want to accept him. Why would they? Christ was a rebel. The people were so against this Rebel-Savior, that they asked for one of their own... A man by the name Barrabas. They screamed out his name. "BARABAS! FREE BARABAS!" A murderer. <br />Pilate listened and freed Barabas.<br /><br />So, it was set... Jesus was to die. A rebels death.<br /><br />He was beaten, bruised, and crucified.... But He didn't give them anything! He didn't back talk. He didn't smite them for doing what they did. He kept quiet. He rebelled against his anger and the emotions that were rushing in his mind. He rebelled against the thoughts he could have shouted out in a sinful manner. <br />He was a rebel.<br /><br />He rose again, and made it possible for us to be with him. Jesus rebelled against death. He went into hell and back. Tell me that isn't the greatest rebel ever!<br /><br />He left us his legacy. He left his disciples to spread his word. He encouraged them to make rebels of all men. <br /><br />Those rebels are now called Christians.<br /><br />I'm a bonafied rebel. Jesus told us to be the difference. He told us not to conform to the ways of the world. He told us to fight satans lies. He told us to Love. He told us to rebel.<br /><br />That is EXACTLY what I plan to be. I will follow his steps. I will be a rebel for the Lord our God.<br /><br />Will you join me? Will you rebel? Rebel against a sinful society? Rebel against Satan?<br /><br />I challenge you to think on it. Being a Christian isn't just about sitting in a pew on sundays. It's about being the change. It's about rebelling against all evil. Satan is trying to conform everyone to his destructive ways. What life will you choose?<br /><br />Be like our Savior, Jesus Christ. Be a Rebel.Nthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3281541879347299537.post-21524447620661639162009-06-14T00:50:00.000-04:002009-06-14T01:01:34.020-04:00Ahoy!Here is my new blog *looks around* - pretty nifty right?<br /><br />Hopefully, I'll stay with this one. I've had quite a few over the years. The biggest one I had was LiveJournal. Remember those? Sheesh, seems like everyone had one of those! Now.. not so much!<br /><br />Anyway, this is a blog to show off my lifes lessons, lifes fun times, and of course my photography. I post most of my photos on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pictures-in-odyssey/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/pictures-in-odyssey/</a><br /><br />So, bookmark it... like it... love it... hate it... give me feedback!<br /><br />I don't have much for now. I'll post more later.Nthayer1408http://www.blogger.com/profile/17331031241191993585noreply@blogger.com0