A Royal Bummer...

So I was pretty bummed out today and I wasn't quite sure why until just a few minutes ago. I was outside in the sunshine, raking the hay, grass, weeds mixture in my front yard and reflecting on the events of the day when it was revealed to me. I had done to much thinking on the ride to work and I had taken my focus off of the blessings of my life. Here's what happened:

The day had started like any other day, except for the television being on at 6:30 am for the royal wedding playback on the dvr. My wife has British roots from her mother's side, so this was a special day for her. It was a special day for many. I think I read somewhere that over one million people had lined the streets of London. Wow! It was without a doubt a celebratory day. But not for everyone.

I checked a few sites before I left the house and I soon found myself praying for a friend who had posted a rather bitter comment on a very popular social networking site. This friend, whom I have not really spoken with in too long, had also celebrated a wedding day so many years ago. His joyous day however did not culminate in the fairy tale ' happily ever after' that a many a girl, young or less young, was dreaming about today. My friend thought he had found his princess and his happily-ever-after, but alas, he no longer felt like a prince at all.

The bitterness I saw in my friend's heart really affected me. I got morose thinking about all of those that had loved and lost. All those whose happily-ever-after ended in either hatred, disappointment, or bitterness. Lives that have been temporarily ruined by adultery, alcoholism, neglect or a life-ending tragedy. You may disagree with my use of "temporarily" here, but I'll explain why I think of it that way later. My thoughts however did not end there.

Soon I was thinking about all of the poor, the hungry, and the homeless in our world. I was wondering how any two people could demand such extravagance for themselves when so many others can't feed their children. Sadness turned into irritation. I wanted to shake the whole world collectively and ask, "What is the matter with us?" My mind flashed back to the Super Bowl a few months ago in Dallas, TX. The Oscars a week our so after that in Hollywood, CA. We have an uncanny ability to spend millions in time, money, and resources for things that ultimately have zero value. I was back to sadness again.

I want to say to everyone reading this and shaking their head in agreement because they too felt bitter or angry or jealous: We do not have to continue living as victims to the evil ruler of this world. The enemy wants us to remain so entirely focused on our own plights and problems that we convince ourselves that we couldn't possibly help anyone else. We allow ourselves to become angry or bitter because of our surrounding circumstances instead of remaining joyous and loving in God's truth. That truth, or at least a part of it, is two fold:

First, you can still be a prince or princess! By accepting Jesus as king of our lives, we become His children - we become members of the one and only truly royal family. We become adopted sons and daughters to the Most High God and thereby adopted brothers and sisters to Jesus Christ. Let me tell you, that is a pretty good family to be in!

Second, as bad as things are in the world right now it doesn't have to be as difficult as we make it. Stand in unison with those around you: your family, friends and neighbors - be there for one another; do life together with them and ease the burdens facing us all. This unity is how we were made to live.

In spite of spending the day feeling heavy hearted, I am pleased that I experienced the day that I had. I learned some very important things about myself. I am happy for William and Kate, I lift their union up to God for His blessing, and I humbly ask for their forgiveness. Forgiveness for my judgment of them for what I deemed as extravagance. I see now that it was not only about two people trying to enjoy their life to the fullest; it was also about an entire nation coming together in a joyous celebration for one day.

I will end my day smiling because I know in my heart that a change is coming, it has to - would you like to be a part of it?

YIC,
Mykalus

The Bad Mood Cometh...

Do you ever find yourself in such a disagreeable mood that you don't want to be around anyone... even God? I'm sure someone out there is shaking their head in agreement. If you're unsure, here are some of the symptoms, though your personal experiences may vary:

* You are agitated and you aren't completely sure why

* You find yourself snapping at everyone around you, either verbally or mentally

* Though you normally love listening to worship music, you "aren't in the mood" right now

* You convince yourself that you don't need to pray or reach out to a brother or sister in Christ because there isn't anything that can be said or done to cheer you up.

In short, you allow yourself to fully embrace the bad mood, at least for a little while.

That was me one morning early last week. I can not fully get into what triggered it right now, but at the time I initially wrote this (last Tuesday), I figured it had something to do with being irritated at the kids for not listening. Usually I can deal with mornings and still maintain a semblance of joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart... not that morning. As I finalize this and look back on the week that was, I know now what the trigger was and how better to control it.

I remember being frustrated with myself - why was I feeling this way? Why couldn't I shake the incredibly cranky mood I was in? How could I fix it? Of course, I knew perfectly well how I could fix it - I could have taken it to God. I could have cried out to Him and rebuked the feelings of unjustifiable anger and irritation. I could have put on my favorite Christian radio station here in Jacksonville, 88.1 THE PROMISE, and allowed the songs of Christ's love wash over me. I could have texted one of Godly men in my life for help. I could have done any one of those things, but I didn't. At least, not right away.

So, now that we've figured out that, although I am a Christian, saved only by the grace of the Lord God, I still screw up, get angry, think mean thoughts, etc. I am still, in a word, human. Just like you. What I want to tell you next, the enemy doesn't want you to know. Yes - there is an enemy that is trying to ruin your life. See 1 Peter, chapter 5, verse 8:

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 NIV

That isn't the secret but I want you to focus on that part for now. As you go through the next few days, be on the lookout for the roaring lion in your life. Try to recognize the signs of the enemy trying to devour you. Pray this week that God would open your eyes to see, your ears to hear, and your heart to feel all of the attacks of the enemy and that through the awesome power of His grace, you are strengthened to stand firm against the evil one. I'll be praying the same thing, so we can stand in agreement with one another.

Yours In Christ

Mykalus

Seeking Him?...

So, you want to start a relationship with the most high God? Or you already have a relationship and you want it to grow? That is wonderful news! Let me ask you this - "Why do you seek a strong relationship with God?"

Do you seek Him because He is the Lord and savior of your life and you want to get to know him better? I truly hope so.

Do you seek Him because you are searching for some sense of fulfillment or purpose in your life and you thought, "Who better to ask than God?" Definitely a good place to start!

Whatever your reasons are, I know one thing for certain. You are seeking God because God was seeking you first! He put it on your heart to search for Him. He wants a deep, personal relationship with you and He is very pleased that you are listening and reaching out to Him.

I have been a Christian for roughly 9 years. I have been fervently seeking God through Christ for about 3 full months now! I know - it took me a while to figure things out. My prayer is that as I blog about my experiences and share some of the insights I gain through reading God's word and fellowship with other brothers and sisters in Christ, that I can somehow be an encouragement and a blessing to you.

Whoever, wherever you are - we are in this together. I will stand in agreement with your pleas and praises to God and I ask that you would stand in agreement with mine. May the Father smile down upon all those that actively seek His heart and may He pour out His blessings upon them.

Yours In Christ,

Mykalus